This past weekend was not a good one for many teams. Michigan State lost to the Buckeyes on Saturday. The Lions were unable to score any points against the Patriots on Sunday. And as I write this post, the Cleveland Guardians are losing to the Yankees, once again.
For me, the most painful game on Sunday was the contest (or lack thereof) between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo scored quickly and often and never looked back. Midway through the fourth quarter, the network which aired the game switched to one that was more competitive. In a way, I was disappointed. Because as painful as the game was to watch, I was willing to support the Steelers until the very end of the contest.
My dedication to my favorite teams has not waivered over the years. Rarely has Cleveland won a championship, and it’s been a while since the Steelers have lifted any trophy. Yet, my home still contains several souvenirs from each team. Even though I can recount far too many stories of the way my teams have been able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, I still have hope that one day they will make it to the next level, and possibly raise a trophy.
The world is changing around us. Being a Christian does not have the same meaning and importance that it used to. Even before COVID hit, regular attendance in our faith communities was declining. Many churches have not seen the recovery they hoped for, now that the pandemic has waned.
We are on a new journey of faith, being shaped by God to bring the Good News to people who are unchurched or de-churched. There are more people outside our faith communities than in. Some see the cup we have as half full, at best. Others are not as optimistic and believe the cup is more than half empty.
I can’t help but remember the words of the 23rd Psalm. Our cup overflows. Now and always. We are living through a time between what was and what will be. God is preparing the way forward, cultivating the soil in order to plant new seeds which will take root in the future. We are called to share our witness and testimony of how the Lord is with us, guiding and guarding our lives, supporting and comforting us, inspiring and moving us to share the Good News of God’s love in and for the world. My faith endures. It has not waivered, even though we find ourselves in a difficult place. I know that God is not going anywhere.
I have been to the Holy Land twice. In so many ways it is a very moving and affirming journey. Over 10 days, I listened to tour guides tell stories of our religious ancestors as if the women and men of the Bible were alive and with us today. The recounting of King David’s success and struggles are shared as one travels through Jerusalem. As I sat on the Temple steps, listening to a person in our group read one of Jesus’ parables, it was easy to imagine how the disciples and others gathered around Jesus in that very same place over 2000 years ago. God is present with us each and every day.
We have a story to tell the nations (Matthew 24:14) about one who loved and loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son so that we might have life eternal (John 3:16). Our Lord’s promises for our lives have yet to be fulfilled. May we share what it means to know God in ways that inspire people to join us on our journey with God. Faith is truly like a mustard seed (Matthew 13: 31-32). Let it grow in you. And Amen.