Solid Ground

Returning last night from the ocean, I was reminded of the old hymn, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand." There is a real difference between solid ground and shifting sand. I love the ocean. My parents brought us up by the ocean and I learned to swim as a child of two in the sea. It is as familiar to me as anything, and yet it can be dangerous and treacherous, many hidden dangers amidst the pleasures of warm summer sands. Jesus tells a story about a man who builds his house on the sand and one who builds his house on the rock. One lasts, one doesn't. Shifting, sinking and blown sand can be hot in the summer, frozen in the winter and gone with one strong gale. I have been pondering these last days the things that last and the things that perish, and how important it is to cling to and plant on solid ground.

I am thinking today of the bishops at the Lambeth Conference, who will continue to struggle with where God is leading them and the Church. The reports come back about who is in and who is out. But I know that no one can shut another out of the love of God. The solid Rock of Christ, unchangeable and firm, is solid ground of love and inclusion. Christ is not a shifting ground of some in, some out, a season of inclusion and dismissal. May we all be planted on solid ground, building on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, who went to the cross that everyone might be embedded in the rock solid love of God.

Morning Prayer
Dear God,
This day give us all a sense of you solid and unchanging love for all. Help the Bishops remember that the loving God who created them, created those who they shun and fear. Help us all to remember that human traditions can be washed away in one gale but that you are ever constant, ever loving and firm in your faithfulness to all of us. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Evening Prayer
Blessed Redeemer,
We rest our heads because we can take our rest in you. Whatever has happened today, you will redeem and whatever is broken this day you will mend. Help us not to be agents of the undoing of others. Help our Bishops cling to your solid rock, Jesus Christ, who is solidly for each and every one. In his precious Name we pray, Amen.