Sunday, November 22, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  John 18:33–37  
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (NRSV)

Reflection
On this day a new pipe organ will be dedicated in the Sanctuary of Fourth Presbyterian Church, a pipe organ with more than 8,000 pipes, making it the largest musical instrument in Chicago. The fruition of ten years of planning and work, it is a reality thanks to the gifts of hundreds of people.

On this day this organ will be dedicated to doing God’s work, to inspire and uplift, to soothe those in moments of difficulty and bring needed comfort. It will connect with people in moments of joy and thanksgiving, of sorrow and lament, and it will support them in their singing of praises and prayers to God. With sounds low and high, with incredible waves of sound and just a tiny whisper it will create beauty and truth.

In today’s scripture passage, Pilate asks Jesus whether he is a king, to which Jesus responds, “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” The pipe organ is only an instrument, but as it helps us share the love of God it testifies to the truth—as do we whenever we use our gifts to share that love and do God’s work.

Prayer
Creator of all that is beautiful, all that is true, may all that we are and all that we do always be used for your glory, and with joy and gladness may we serve you with thanksgiving. Amen.

Written by John W. W. Sherer, Organist and Director of Music

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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