Faithful Conversations #128

Introduction to Readers

“Things are in the saddle and ride mankind.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Emerson’s line from his 1846 Ode to William H. Channing, voicing his unease with the coming war with Mexico, has been on my mind over the past few days. It was eighty years ago this week, that the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9), bringing World War II to a close. The bombs, ironically born of a desperate race among scientists fleeing Nazi tyranny, marked a split screen in human history: the unleashing of the most devastating weapon ever conceived, and the liberation of millions from the grip of totalitarianism. As Christians living in a dangerous world, we are called to wrestle with such paradoxes. We live between the towers of Babel and the cross of Christ—between the pride of human power and the humility of divine love. The events of August 1945 remind us that history is not merely a sequence of dates and decisions, but a moral terrain where faith must find its footing. In a world where “things” of our own making often seem to ride us, how do we remain grounded in the gospel? How do we discern the difference between necessary action and moral compromise? These questions challenge me every day.

As the world turns, important things happened this week impacting our denomination. Among many actions taken by the Churchwide Assembly, Reverand Yehiel Curry (b. 1972) was elected as the fifth presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)—the first Black leader to serve in this role. He received 562 of the 799 votes cast on the fifth ballot, marking a significant moment in the church’s history.** Like Martin Luther, Curry’s spiritual journey began in the Roman Catholic tradition. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, he attended Lewis University, a Catholic institution, and earned his B.A. in 1995. His path shifted in the 1990s when he accepted an invitation to worship at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. That experience opened the door to Lutheran theology and community life, eventually leading him to join the ELCA. Before entering ministry, Curry worked as a public-school teacher and social worker—roles that shaped his deep commitment to urban communities. He was ordained in 2010, served as pastor of Shekinah Chapel, and later became bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Curry brings a strong voice for multicultural engagement and urban ministry to his new role. Here’s a good article from Living Lutheran, if you want more background. Bishop Curry is the fifth since the ELCA was established in 1987 and his term will begin in October. Others who held the position: Herbert Chilstrom (1987-1995), H. George Anderson (1995-2001), Mark S. Hanson (2001-2013), and Elizabeth A. Eaton (2013-2025).

**Note: The presiding bishop is chosen through a prayerful process called the ecclesiastical ballot. Any eligible minister can be nominated anonymously by voting members on the first ballot, which serves as both nomination and potential election. If no one receives the required majority, the top candidates move forward through successive ballots until one is elected. This method emphasizes discernment, transparency, and communal decision-making.

We have reached the 9th of 23 Sundays in Ordinary Time. The second lessons for the remaining August Sundays feature passages from the last three chapters of Hebrews, and my plan is to feature those in the next four blog postings. We should note at the outset that in his German Bible, Luther grouped Hebrews with James, Jude, and Revelation at the end of the New Testament, signaling his reservations about the book. He considered these books “disputed” and less central to the gospel message than others like Romans or Galatians (if you want more information regarding his position, here is a good link). Anyway, let’s take on these readings and learn more about this book!

Thanks for returning to this space this week! I deeply appreciate your continued interest in the Lectionary! Saint Dominic de Guzmán, founder of The Order of Preachers (Dominican), who died on 8 August in 1221, is commemorated within the ELCA this week. I have included a painting of him by the Flemish artist Gaspar de Crayer (c. 1655).

** Note 1: Links to outside references are bolded and italicized and are meant for further reading or research on your part. While the text I am including in the blog is my own, I am pulling from a multitude of sites for ideas and connections.

** Note 2: In my increasing use of A.I. (Copilot), I will cite sourcing of how I am using the tool, if necessary. I don’t want that to be overly cumbersome, but I am gradually incorporating more tools. I am exploring the A.I. world this summer prior to my next teaching semester. As you can imagine, it is a great challenge right now and will forever change the face of education!

** Note 3: The images I include in the blog are drawn from Wikimedia Commons to the fullest extent possible.

Common Themes Among the Readings

Reflection: “Strangers on the Way”

In his excellent introduction to Hebrews in the Lutheran Study Bible (second edition), Erik M. Heen, professor of New Testament at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, points out that the book is a “sophisticated document written in elegant Greek around 70 CE” and was penned as an “extended sermon” for a “community of second-generation Greek-speaking Christians” that had experienced a variety of trials causing many to “drift away” from their faith in the Gospel. Heen asserts the following overarching statement about the message of Hebrews: “Lutherans believe that the word of God, in Hebrew Scriptures and in the New Testament, meets us as both law (judgement) and gospel (promise). Hebrews follows that pattern, often moving back and forth between severe warning and strong encouragement . . .” He also reminds us that tradition claimed that Paul wrote the letter, but that Luther thought the author was Apollos (see Acts 18:24), a companion of Paul and intriguing figure in his own right. The author clearly had a profound understanding of Jewish scriptures and Christian theology. As a sidenote, the book is beautifully written and provides an eloquent summary of the Jewish story and where Christ comes into that story.

Here is a summary of this week’s passage and its connection to the Old Testament reading. Faith begins not with certainty, but with trust—trust in a promise we cannot yet see. Abraham’s journey, as told in Hebrews 11, was marked by obedience to a call that offered no map, only the assurance of God’s presence. He lived as a stranger, yet hoped for a city built by God, a home beyond what this world could offer. In Genesis 15, Abram questioned his future, but when he believed God’s word, it was counted to him as righteousness (sidebar: Luther viewed Genesis 15:6 as a foundational text for the doctrine of justification by faith, not works. Also, note that the Hebrews passage includes Sarah’s involvement in all this!). What lessons should we draw from these texts?

Two things stand out to me. First, faith, as described in Hebrews 11, calls us to live with forward-looking trust rather than backward-facing certainty — note that poetic and familiar phrasing, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1). Abraham models this posture by stepping into the unknown, not because he had a map, but because he trusted the One who called him; his journey reminds us that faith begins when we move, not when we understand. Second, the passage also urges us to embrace our identity as strangers and foreigners on the earth, people who seek a better homeland shaped not by comfort or permanence but by God’s promise. Rather than returning to what was familiar, the faithful pressed on toward a city whose architect and builder is God, showing us that true faith resists settling and instead leans into sacred anticipation. In a world that tempts us to anchor ourselves in possessions, status, or certainty, Hebrews reminds us that faith is not a possession but a pilgrimage—a daily turning toward the promise, a restlessness that refuses to settle for anything less than God’s future. It’s up to us — guided by the Spirit — to share this good news with others!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Prayer Reflection: The Jesus Prayer (Henri Nouwen)

“One simple way to practice solitude is to take a simple prayer like, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” Sit down, light a candle, look at an icon, be in front of the blessed sacrament or the Bible, depending on your tradition. Simply be there and repeat the prayer for five minutes. Let each word sink from your mind into your heart and then carry all of them through the day.“

A Musical Offering: “People Get Ready” (Curtis Mayfield)

People Get Ready, written by Curtis Mayfield in 1965, is a soul song rooted in gospel tradition and the hope of the Civil Rights Movement. Its image of a train bound for glory calls people to faith and trust, much like the message in Hebrews 11, where believers are praised for following God’s call without knowing where it would lead. Mayfield, shaped by his church upbringing, wrote the song during a time of racial struggle, and it became a source of comfort and strength for many, including Martin Luther King Jr. The song has been covered by many artists. The version I’m sharing by Kenny Rankin captures its spirit beautifully—I hope it resonates with you.

Faithful Conversations: Looking Ahead

Our regular gatherings for discussing the weekly lectionary are on a pause. Summer worship at ELC is at 8:30 in town and 10:15 at Hatfield by the lake. The 8:30 service will be streamed. Please stay in touch! Note: We will resume our “after-worship” dialogues on 14 September.

📖 Ready to read the Bible in a year?
Starting this September, join our Bible 365 Challenge—a yearlong journey through Scripture for individuals, families, and groups. As Lutherans, we know God’s Word shapes our lives and deepens our faith. Luther once said, “The Bible is alive… it lays hold of me.” Whether you choose the print path or go digital, we’ll grow together—with daily readings, mutual support, and spiritual connection. Details are coming soon. Let’s dive in, walk together, and let the Word come alive in us!