First Sunday in Lent

Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13

I was struck by the reading from Deuteronomy this time around. Note how the giving of the Israelites takes place, with a full and recognized sense of history and a deep and abiding faith in the One who led them home. Finally, a bow is to be used after the offering has been presented and celebration should take place then.

Do we give our gifts to the Lord out of a sense of the history of God’s saving actions in our lives? When you write the check or seal the envelope or place it in the offering plate or recall it is being electronically sent to church; is it from a perspective of all that God has done for you, for us, in Christ Jesus?

I write thank you notes fairly frequently for gifts given to the parish, kindnesses done and offerings shared. I do so with the history in mind but I’m not so sure I do the same with me offering envelope. Next time you fill yours or bring it or send it, think of it as a Thank You note to God for all that God has done for you and for this world. Then go and celebrate!