When things may look dim for the future of God’s people

Over the last few weeks, we have observed lessons in worship that emphasize the “End Times.” This is the emphasis on the times just before Jesus returns in glory. They have been a sobering read, have they not? Let me share some glosses from EWTN on the writings of G. K. Chesterton in his work, The Everlasting Man.

Yet, on more than one occasion, in the history of Christendom, the soul, said Chesterton, seemed to have gone out of Christianity. The world looked on expecting to witness its end, seeing the Church as wedded to whatever political or social system that was then imploding. As Chesterton states, if the Church was so wedded then it has been widowed many times, and yet, remains “a strangely immortal sort of widow.”

Chesterton was adamant: “The Faith is not a survival.” The Faith has not “survived.” Instead, miraculously, it has died and returned afresh, again and again, whilst all around other institutions perpetually perish. An example of this is found in the last century, when things really did look like the end, and then, that incredible thing happened: yet again the Faith was born, with, by the end of the 20th century, seemingly a greater following among the young than the old.

As Chesterton points out, those attacking the Faith should take care:

At least five times … with the Arian and the Albigensian, with the Humanist sceptic, after Voltaire and after Darwin, the Faith has to all appearance gone to the dogs. In each of these five cases it was the dog that died.

“Christendom has had a series of revolutions and in each one of them, Christianity has died. Christianity has died many times and risen again; for it had a God who knew the way out of the grave.”

This is a good reminder as I heard on the news, earlier today, that there is a resurgence in the purchase of the Scriptures. More people are buying and reading God’s Word.

Take heart, brothers and sisters: John 16: 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

A New Word

I came across a new word the other day. I was reading the forward to a book, and the editor closed by writing, “22 April, 1973 Easter Day: The Festival of Great Eucatastrophe.” Is eucatastrophe new to you, too?

I learned that it was a word coined by J. R. R. Tolkien to describe his Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Literally, in Greek it is “eu” = good and “katastrophy” = sudden turn. It is a massive turn in fortune from a seemingly unconquerable situation to an unforeseen victory, usually brought by grace rather than heroic effort. A great evil or misfortune has been averted.

Using it to describe Easter? Well done, John Warwick Montgomery! Well done!

Taking it for granted…

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

This passage is about filling one’s mind with those things that are worth considering. In other words, avoiding the “garbage in, garbage out” routine. But it came to mind on a bit of a different tangent this morning.

I too often take for granted the gifts of God, and I’m thinking I’m not alone in that. Certainly, the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus which has forgiven me and promised me eternal life is frequently on my mind and always in my prayers. I’m thankful for my family as I pray for them, too.

But this past weekend, while I did thank God for safe travel to Nebraska and back, there was abundantly much more for which to be thankful. The friendships renewed, ones which have lasted four decades and more. Comfortable accommodations. Good food. The list could go on much, much further.

This morning, however, brought a new gift to light. My health. It comes to mind because I had to get a prescription filled. Okay, so the health is not flawless, but hear me out.

I gave the pharmacist tech my name and birthday. She asked for my address. When I gave it, she frowned. She asked for my phone number. Again, with the frown. She said none of it matched and showed me what they had on their records. It was our address and home phone number from Norfolk, Nebraska. We moved from there to Peoria over six years ago. I had not had a prescription filled in six years…

Thank you, Lord, for my health and well-being, and for all the other blessings You have graciously shared with me and are so worthy of Your praise. Amen.