THANKS

Revelation 15:1-4; Ps 98 Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God! Luke 21:12-19

Here are a few words from St Paul: For although they knew God they did not accord Him glory as God or give Him thanks.  Instead they became vain in their reasoning.  Their senseless minds were darkened. While claiming to be wise, they became fools..." Romans 1:21ff

What was the result of this thanklessness?

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever...." Romans 1:25ff


If we pay attention to St Paul, Thanksgiving to God empowers the intellect to truly grow in wisdom where as thanklessness undermines the process and leads us in the path of foolishness.

We are told in the psalm for this evening, "to sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds."  The song may be new in so far as we now recognize the wondrous deeds of God but in reality it is a very very old melody.  For this new song we sing is the old song of thanks that as echoed forth from the dawn of creation.  Since the first moment of light that scattered the darkness and the first sound of wind rushing upon the waters, thanksgiving as resounded as the only response creation has to the one who gives so freely.

Is there any other more fitting song than "Thanks be to God."

As we are told by the psalmist, "Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and the who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout for joy."

This is the old song that becomes new for us daily in our journey.


Jesus tells us in todays gospel, "They will seize you and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.  It will lead to your giving testimony.  Remember you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute..."

What will be this testimony?  What will be this wisdom of tongue that will leave all powerless to refute or resist?

What if it is simply put the word of thanks to God pressed upon our lips regardless of circumstances.  What if the song of thanks is the only defense worthy of the gift we have received from Him, God almighty.

Pax et Bonum