Let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust,
with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience
and our bodies washed in pure water.
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope,
for he who made the promise is trustworthy.
We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
We should not stay away from our assembly,
as is the custom of some, but encourage one another,
and this all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25 NABRE)
Many people think religion is an invention of men designed to control or console us. However, when you consider what the writer to the Hebrews calls us to do in today's verses, you can see the error in such a line of thinking. (Dare I even call it a clever misdirection of the evil one?)
Today's verses call us to do four things which are neither controlling nor consoling. They are individualistic, risky, and troubling, so consider each one carefully:
- We should approach God with sincerity and trust
- We should hold onto our faith without wavering
- We should excite one another into loving and helping others
- We should assemble together and encourage one another with the urgency of Jesus' return
Today, I will evaluate my own experience of religion to see if it is a weak and human thing controlling me, or if it is something that pushes me outside my comfort zone to approach God with sincerity and trust and to engage with others in love and compassion no matter the cost.
Servant of God Brother Juniper, remembered for your humility, patience, and generosity, pray for us.
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