From the Desk of the Interim Senior Pastor

I am thinking today of arguably the most influential Catholic theologian of the Twentieth century, Karl Rahner. Rahner liked to use the image of the “horizon” to describe the experience of faith. Think about it: the horizon appears to be the boundary between the earth and sky. The horizon may appear to be reachable in that we can point to it and move toward it, yet, somehow the horizon constantly eludes us and seems to always open before us into infinity. Rahner points out the similarities between the horizon and our experience of the mystery of God. For sure, this mystery is always with us and available to us, and yet the divine is always beyond us, constantly opening new vistas for us. 

A wonderful time is had when the sovereign God of the cosmos, the immanent and yet transcendent Deity, encounters us in worship. There we experience our Lord’s love, grace, forgiveness, and guidance for us. True, worship does not answer all our questions. Yes, it does not “black and white” God to the point that divine mystery is removed; and it is a good thing that it does not and cannot do that. Also know that, while we do not have all the answers, we do have the wonderful gospel (good news) that God has revealed to us. God works with us, ever bringing us to greater understanding and purpose in life. 

Historically, worship has always been a central and integral part of the believer’s relationship with God and living out of the faith. Hear the words of the psalmist in Psalm 5:7: “But as for me, through the abundance of your steadfast love I will go into your house; I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.” This awe is part of our faith life. The psalmist acknowledges God’s loving presence that moves this psalmist to go into worship and assume a humble posture in amazement of the God of all life. 

As Christians today, we are constantly invited into the house of God to, in awe, worship the God that so richly blesses us with saving faith. God meets us in church in a very special way in the word and sacraments. Here we sing our praises pray, listen to the scriptures and a meditation, and offer ourselves to God in the creeds and offering. 

I urge us to reflect with the psalmist and Karl Rahner on the mystery of God and the faith with which we have been blessed. As the summer winds down, I encourage you to be encountered by our Awesome God on a regular basis in our worship services. And if you are unable to be with us in person, then be encountered through our online services. Worship is a premier way that we live in the wondrous faith with which we have been blessed. Come and worship our Lord and note the fruits that are borne in your life.

Pastor Dan