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.
Faith in the living God is, we repeat, not easily attained. Had it been possible to prove (God’s) existence beyond dispute, atheism would have been refuted as an error long ago. Had it been possible to awaken in every (person) the power to answer (God’s) ultimate question, the great prophets would have achieved it long ago. Tragic is the embarrassment of the (person) of faith. “My tears have been my food day and night, while they say unto me all the day, where is they God?” (Psalm 42:4).
It seems like having faith includes being taken to the edge of what is and therefore it can be a place far away from the experience of everyday life. Therefore, it is often an “odd” position or place to be. The prophets called the people into a life of justice, mercy and care for one another. It was a far cry from the ways of society and how society turns in on itself and become self-consumed and self-centered. It is much easier to follow the flow and ways of society than to enter into lives of faithfulness to our God – it is not as though the life of faith brings one rewards and success that would serve to draw people into having faith in God promises. The person of faith is often standing alone on a ledge and ready to be pushed off of it because s/he cannot offer concrete proof in God’s very existence let alone the vision of God’s reign.
Connection: We live within a promise. That means we live with a sense of integrity that is based on and draws from that promise. Therefore, we may be called into actions within this day that may seem to be quite contrary to what our world is teaching us to be.
Lord God, encourage our faithfulness so that in our moments of doubt we may continue to find peace within your promises and see life in new and joy filled ways. Amen.
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