For the record, during Holy Week we did not meditate on a part of the Small Catechism. Then last week I gave a little sermon on the Sixth Petition. That brings us to the Seventh Petition, about which I have said and written much over the past year. In this final petition we look ahead to the close of this short life, the leaving behind of all sin and sorrow, and the going to be with Christ in Heaven - with Jesus in Paradise. Until then let us live our lives in the following manner.
"...faith, hope, and love" (1 Cor. 13:13).
As a Christian, you believe, hope, and love at the same time and all of the time.
Yet one idea would be to place a special emphasis on faith in the evening, on hope in the morning, and then on love throughout the day.
Faith in the evening - Another word for "faith" is "rest." As you rest your body after a day's work, learn to rest your soul and mind in God especially in the evening. Enjoy a time of devotion and prayer, quiet and peace. Remember the Cross especially in the evening. Turn all matters over to God. Luther had the habit of going to the window in the evening and asking God, "Is it my world or Yours? Is it my church or Yours? If they are Yours, please take care of them. I'm tired and going to bed. Good night, my God."
Hope in the morning - At the rising of the sun remember the rising of the Son. "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead" (2 Tim. 2:8) - especially in the morning. Remember your Baptism. Sing in your heart Psalm 118:24: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" You may have a lot to do. You may have a test at school. You may be undergoing surgery. But the risen Lord will help you. He will use you. For His blessing is both upon the day and upon you!
Love throughout the day - You are rested. You are hopeful. You are ready to love, serve, and encourage others throughout the day. It could be your spouse, children, friend, client, stranger, etc. Strive not to be recognized but to recognize the needs of others. Work your way through the day in love with help from above, knowing that the evening will bring you rest.
Amen.
