Friday, 21 March, 2003

From the last section of Thomas Oden's book The Justification Reader.



Faith in the general religious sense is the faculty of accepting the unseen as true, and listening beyond the senses. Such a general faith knows what it knows without the empirical evidence ordinarily expected of knowledge of the material, physical world (Luther, Large Catechism).

Saving faith does not require a new faculty of the self. Rather, the preparatory work of grace moves within human knowing, feeling, and willing to draw the person toward the saving faith which knows, feels and wills in relation to God's own personal coming.



We often refer to faith by tying it to seeing and the ability to accept "the unseen as true." I am particularly drawn by the phrase "listening beyond the senses." It is like that voice that is heard by the prophet...under the sounds of the storms and the thunder and the wind...a voice. "Did you hear that!?!" In these days when the voices and sounds of war are all around us, we must remember that the voice of the Prince of Peace continues to speak. It is a voice that comes in all languages and it is a voice that does not settle for warfare but inspires us to press for the things that make for peace. This is not an easy voice to hear. One must keep going to scripture and spending time in prayer...walk with the prophets of old whose words seem to have a fresh ring to them even though they are so...so old. You see, hearing beyond the senses is a gift given to us by our God so that we will be stirred up to new life even when the old ways of our world thrash around with sabers in hand.



Connection: Pray always. Be connected to the One who promises that justice and peace will kiss...and what a union of love it will be. Always ask, are there any other voices anyone else is hearing...and then, have a blessed conversation over what is being heard around the table of God's children.



Creator of all that is, bring together the children of your creation that your will may come into view and we may begin to hear that new song of your gracious reign. We come again to you as those who find life only in you. Praise to you this day, O Lord. Amen.