SATURDAY IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Moses speaks of the covenant between the Lord and his disciples.  The covenant is a striking contract that reaches important terms of agreement.  The Lord will bestow renown and glory upon those who faithfully observe his commandments.

When I reflect on this scripture, I think about what building a community demands and offers.  Perhaps above all, a community demands agreement, commitment and trust.  That is, we must agree on the values that govern our community, be committed to perserving those values, and trust each other to give our best and do what is required.  In the scripture, not even the Lord is above agreement, commitment and trust! This is a powerful lesson in these times.  Our differences seem to imperil our larger commitments, and agreement seems elusive.  Might we place more faith in each other's good intentions?  Todays scripture challenges us to strengthen our covenant.  Can we honor our agreements, priortize the values that govern our community, and invest fully in each other?  And we do so with our whole hearts and beings--not just with reason, for gain, or when it is convenient.  If we can all agree, commit, and trust, we can achieve a glorious, renowned, and praiseworthy community above all others.

The promise of what our community can be fills me with great hope.