Encountering God in Worship (a summary)
1. Worship is a Dangerous Act
God may not like our worship and sacrifices - religion itself is not a guarantee of right relationship with God. As the Prophet proclaims, God may find us unacceptable.
2. Worship is a Cleansing Act
The Prophetic Call to Repentance: "Wash yourself; make yourselves clean; ... seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow". Yet, God promises forgiveness and redemption: "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
3. Worship is a Reflective/Affirming Act
In worship, God shows us what God sees in us -- his own image -- the image of God reflected in you and me! God sees something better in you and me through a Mirror of Love, affirming that we are the special and beloved children of God.
4. Worship is a Faithful Act
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Max Lucado (When God whispers your name) "Faith is trusting what the eye cannot see":
"Eyes see the prowling lions. Faith sees Daniel's angel. Eyes see storms. Faith sees Noah's rainbow... Eyes see giants. Faith sees Canaan."
In Abraham's story: Eyes see old age and barrenness. Faith sees as numerous descendants as the stars in the sky.
5. Worship is an Inspiring Act
As your priest and leader, I am supposed to inspire you and lift up your spirits to worship God -- that's my job! If we get inspired by the act of worship, God will inspire us to act.
6. Worship is a Living Act
"Be dressed for action!" Jesus speaks of readiness in the Gospel lesson. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Worship requires us to check our priorities in life...
Conclusion:
Do you still think coming to worship is not a dangerous act? For it may be a life changing experience, requiring us to seek justice and minister to the disadvantaged and the needy. Worship demands us to be faithful, asks us to be reflective, and requires us to live out what we claim to believe. But through worship, at the same time, God has cleansed us, forgiven us, loved and affirmed us, empowered and inspired us to do all that! Thanks be to God.
May God bless you wherever you are!
Fr. Victor +
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