January 10, 2022

Of course, I’m not superstitious, being a man of the cloth, but I am convinced that every time I watch the UVA basketball team on TV they do poorly and every time I switch it off, they do well. Because I’m so emotionally invested in the outcome, I have to occupy myself in some other way during the game, and check the score every 3 minutes or so. Obviously, my viewing habits control the destiny of the Wahoos. I really believe this.

To think that we can control the rest of life with our actions is just as ridiculous as this example. I’ll grant that there is some cause and effect, but in a much more limited capacity than we imagine. 

God, however, causes what He effects and effects what He causes. “For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27)

Good thing for us that He stretches out His hand for healing and salvation.

“Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Third Sunday after the Epiphany – BCP)