November 23, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

2 Timothy 2:8-14

United Methodist Bishop Oliveto wrote this week about the hymn, "Now Thank We All Our God."  The Bishop reflected that the hymn was written by Martin Rinkard during the 30 Years' War, which was fought between 1618 and 1648.  Rinkard was the only clergy left in his town and officiated 50 funerals in a day due to injury and illness.  Can you imagine?

Maybe the only way we are able to do what seems overwhelming, and to continue on when grief and life seem impossible, is the faith that is named in 2 Timothy.  "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.  The saying is sure:  If we have died with him, we will also live with him."

Consider this hymn once more in the context in which it was written.  Reflect upon it this week of Thanksgiving, and in this time of so much suffering.  

Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom his world rejoices;
who from our mothers' arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us,
to keep us in his grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
of this world in the next.

All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son and Spirit blest,
who reign in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom heaven and earth adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore. 

Peace,
Dean