The opening text will come from a book by Abraham Joshua Heschel (God in Search of Man - A Philosophy of Judaism). As you are able to see by the title, the language may be a bit dated and therefore, I will, when able, make the language inclusive.
(Humanity’s) physical and mental reality is beyond dispute; (humanity’s) meaning, (humanity’s) spiritual relevance, is a question that cries for an answer. And worship is the answer. For worship is an act of (humanity) relating (humanity) to ultimate meaning. Unless (humanity) is capable of entering a relation to ultimate meaning, worship is an illusion. And if worship is meaningless, human existence is an absurdity.
In worship we are drawn out…we go beyond what we can conquer and touch and see…we take a journey that is both inward and outward. We are invited to look at ourselves and investigate what is at the very center, the core, of our individual life…what is ultimately leading and guiding us. Also, we are invited to see our part in the grand scheme of all that is…society…the world…the human race…that order and creativity of all that is. Practically speaking, we may have other things within our lives that could take the place of worship. But, in worship, we do not stay within the lines of practicality…we are invited to soar…we are invited to trust in the God about whom the psalmist and prophets write. And there…in the mix of worship…new life is always a possibility.
Connection: Individual devotions go one step in our journey of finding the fullness of our self. Small gatherings of people who share a common faith journey also can do that. And yet, Heschel is holding up worship – a gathering of strangers made friends and companions through nothing more than the fact that we share words of praise and prayer and singing together…lifting ourselves beyond ourselves. Think about worship in the place of your life.
Lord God, you lift up the horizon of what is to be and you call us forward to enter into its many possibilities. Within that journey, continue to set us on fire with the vision of your reign and move us to leap into your promise for life. Amen.
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