Christian Reflection and Prayer

We say we live in a free world, but no one can deny
that mass media has a hold on our minds. Society
has a set of values that are not always our own –
and we are bombarded by them every single day.
The question for each one of us is: will we let the
world change us, or will we change the world?

We can associate with those who bring us down,
or – like the prophet Daniel – we can influence
everyone around us and raise them up. By sticking
to a moral code dictated by biblical values instead
of the latest magazines, we set an example and
encourage others.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

Scripture:

"By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion.
...our captors required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!'

"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?"
(Ps. 137:1, 3-4).

Reflection:

Homesickness is something most of us can identify
with. Most of us have experienced the deep longing
-- the physical ache -- that comes with homesickness.
In the blockbuster Broadway musical, "Les Miserables,
" the most poignant solo -- the song which moves
audiences to tears -- is called "Bring Him Home!"
It touches something in us.

We have been created by a Gracious God with a
built-in homesickness. The experience of emptiness
is part of what makes us human. It is the sense of
incompleteness -- until we find home. It is the sense
of powerlessness -- until we find home. It is the sense
of hopelessness -- until we find our home in God. The
experience of emptiness, while it has to be dealt with
for what it is, nevertheless is more than just a passing
experience. It is a call to come home -- to God!

(Sunday Sermons Online)

One rainy Sunday afternoon, a young couple were
on their way to their Church to get married. On the
way there, their car lost control and slammed into
a telephone pole – killing them both instantly.The
couple soon found themselves standing in front of
St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, welcoming them to
Heaven. The young woman asks Peter if they
could get married in Heaven, since their time on
Earth was cut short. He replies that he’ll get back
with them on that request. A month later, St. Peter
finds them and announces that they can – in fact –
get married in Heaven. To his suprise, the woman
asks “Just wondering, if things don’t work out will
we be able to get a divorce?” With a stern look in
his eye, Peter blurts out “Look lady, it took me a
month to find a preacher up here… you really think
I’m gonna find a lawyer?”