Mark's Remarks 3/1/09

One of my favorite passages of prose is from Garrison Keillor, who writes: "To know and to serve God, of course, is why we're here, a clear truth that, like the nose on your face, is near at hand and easily discernible but can make you dizzy if you try to focus on it hard. But a little faith will see you through. ... When the country goes temporarily to the dogs, cats must learn to be circumspect, walk on fences, sleep in trees, and have faith that all this woofing is not the last word. What is the last word then? Gentleness is everywhere in daily life, a sign that faith rules through ordinary things: through cooking and small talk, through storytelling, making love, fishing, tending animals and sweet corn and flowers, through sports, music and books, raising kids-- all the places where the gravy soaks in and grace shines through.**

In the midst of all of the national and local news, the stock market, the school board issues, isn’t it good to know that all the “woofing is not the last word,” patience wins. The beginning of Lent is a reminder that spring is on the way, the flowers are going to bloom, and, yes, God is still in heaven.

Lent is a time for renewal. It’s a time to think about the Lord and what your faith means to you. It’s good. “Gentleness is everywhere in daily life, a sign that faith rules through ordinary things.”** Try a time for introspection at church. It’s called “Cross-Examination,” taking a look at your life from the perspective of Our Lord.


** Garrison Keillor, "On the Meaning of Life," in We Are Still Married (New York: Viking, 1989), as quoted in Tim Dearborn, Taste & See: Awakening Our Spiritual Senses (Downers Grove: Ill.: Intervarsity Press, 1996), 71.