Monday, November 2, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Hebrews 12:1–2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (NRSV)

Reflection
The film Places in the Heart ends with a scene that reminds me of the words from Hebrews: “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . .”

In that film, the husband of a poor Texas woman is accidentally shot by a young black man, who is subsequently lynched. Against all odds, it is another black man and a blind white man, along with the widow (played by Sally Field), who struggle together to save the farm. They are an unlikely group. In my words, groups like these are “groups only God could put together.”

The final scene is a communion scene in the local church. One by one, those who have already died appear in the pews along with those who are still living—the slain husband together with the boy who accidentally shot him together with the lynchers. It is a vision of redemption and reconciliation that helps me also imagine a cloud of witnesses: “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely.” All of the past challenges and sins seem to fade away. The last spoken line is “The peace of God” as communion is passed.

We are pilgrims on this journey of faith who, by the hand of God, find ourselves in this group that “only God could put together.” We encounter great challenges, terrific disappointments and loss, and a fair amount of joy during our journeys. Sometimes the challenges threaten to outweigh the joys. The remembrance of both the cloud of witnesses and Jesus, all of whom have gone before us, has the power to make the journey more bearable—and sometimes gives us a glimpse of heaven right here on earth.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for hope that comes from glimpses of heaven, from the great cloud of witnesses and from Jesus. Amen.

Written by Judith L. Watt, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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