Reflections
March 13, 2011
In his spiritual anthology, I Asked For Wonder, the late Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel shared his insight on what it means to be a person of faith. In a passage titled, "What We Owe" he writes, "The world was not made by man. The earth is the Lord's, not a derelict. What we own, we owe." Then the Rabbi closes with a quote from Psalm 116, "How shall I ever repay to the Lord all his bounties to me?"
It would be easy to think that Rabbi Heschel and the Psalm he quotes as well are referring to things monetary, but it would be a mistake. Though a monetary system was in place the Psalmist was interested in spiritual currency. In his writing Rabbi Heschel issues a call for spiritual not fiscal responsibility.
In Psalm 27, the author seeks to live in the house of the Lord forever. A wise noble, and holy thing to seek; most if not all would agree. For in a place of sanctuary there is safety, security, and in God's house holy things can and do happen. However, there is a cost and it has less to do with the state of our checkbooks than with the state of our souls.
When we gather in the house of the Lord, the rent has been paid. Paid by countless saints who have come before us serving God in selflessness. They gave generously of what they had both spiritually and financially, that we might have a place for our spiritual home. They did this knowing that others before them had done the same. Our continuing responsibility is to invite others into what we have come to call home.
In Lent, more than any other time or season of faith, we are called to remember the cost o faith. At times in our busy existence the spiritual aspects of prayer and self-denial of the season seem antiquated and burdensome. Yet, in our hearts we know there is a cost. If we forget there is always the cross to remind us. I agree with Heschel, "What we own, we own." However, since the rent's paid, all we have to do is the upkeep.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
