3 Lent 2024
Channel: St. Bartholomew's, Livermore
Date: 2024-03-03

Collect: Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Scripture: God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

Reflection: Perhaps the place in life where we get most confused and off course is in what impresses us.  This is nothing new.  In the time of St. Paul Jews were most impressed by displays of power-healings, exorcisms and the like-and Gentiles were equally mesmerized by displays of esoteric wisdom.  But Paul blows straight past that.  He says that by these standards the revelation of God in Christ is completely unimpressive.  It looks weak and foolish.  But he warns us: don't be fooled.  The Cross and Resurrection is the only place where real power and real wisdom are to be found.  Everything else, no matter how impressive it seems, will disappoint us.  Christ, and Christ alone, is the source of the power and wisdom we crave.