Faithful Conversations #127

Introduction to Readers

Teacher: Life is fleeting, like a passing mist. It is like trying to catch hold of a breath; All vanishes like a vapor; everything is a great vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1:2, The Voice translation)

This week’s haunting passage from Ecclesiastes brought back a memory that still lingers. A few years ago, I spoke with a former colleague—a thoughtful educator and friend—whose unexpectedly bleak outlook left me deeply unsettled. His tone was heavy with resignation, almost sorrowful, as if despair itself had been granted voice. That word, despair, from the Latin desperare—de, meaning “down from,” and sperare, “to hope”—captures what I heard: a jarring erosion of hope. The moment stayed with me because it reflected a quiet cynicism that seems to have settled into many lives in 2025. It’s a heaviness people carry just beneath the surface—rarely spoken, but always close at hand. Politically, culturally, and spiritually, we do seem to be drifting. The daily headlines point to conflict, division, and uncertainty. Even in our churches, fewer people attend, and the familiar communal patterns that once grounded generations now feel fractured. Is our despair new—or merely newly felt? The ancient text of Ecclesiastes, likely composed around 935 BCE, reminds us that seasons of sorrow, perplexity, and drift are not singular to our time. There is nothing new under the sun, declares the Teacher. The language, though distant, remains remarkably relevant, and it is perhaps comforting to realize we are not alone among the generations. And yet, what troubles me most isn’t just the state of the world—it’s the spiritual malaise — or disconnection — among our rising generations. Maybe that’s the teacher in me speaking. They grow up surrounded by noise—so many voices vying for their attention, so many versions of truth—yet few guiding anchors. Without a steady framework, philosophical or spiritual, they wander. Like the Teacher said, All is vanity. They face life’s questions with no compass, no inheritance of wisdom passed down through scripture or sacred tradition. A tough challenge we all need to consider.

Thanks for checking in again this week! The scripture readings for Pentecost 8 speak to each other in striking ways, and I’ll focus on Ecclesiastes in my reflection, drawing a connection with Psalm 49. Ecclesiastes, by the way, rarely shows up in the RCL, so I feel compelled to dive into it (I heartily recommend viewing the short video I posted at the bottom of the reading). I also am including a prayer reflection for countering anxiety, a familiar and fitting musical offering, and some updates regarding Faithful Conversations at ELC.

Our church calendar marks several commemorations this week: on July 28th, we remember Johann Sebastian Bach, Heinrich Schutz, and George Frederick Handel. On July 29th, we honor Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany—and Saint Olaf, a figure especially meaningful to me given my Nordic roots and his tie to one of the ELCA’s premier colleges in the Upper Midwest. Some quick background: Olaf II Haraldsson of Norway, later Saint Olaf, was born around 995. He began as a Viking warrior, but after converting to Christianity in Normandy, he returned home and became king in 1015. He worked to unify Norway through church-building, legal reform, and spreading the Christian faith, despite resistance from pagan leaders. Olaf died in 1030 at the Battle of Stiklestad while trying to regain his throne after exile. His death came to be seen as martyrdom, and miracles reported at his grave led to his recognition as Norway’s patron saint. The accompanying image is a painting from 1893 by Pius Adamowitsch Welonsky (1849-1939), now housed on an altar in the San Carlo al Corso Basilica in Rome.

** 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: ““Chasing the Wind, Trusting the Spirit”

In her introduction to Ecclesiastes in the Lutheran Study Bible (Updated Edition, 2025), Dr. Diane Jacobson of Luther Seminary, includes the following quote from Martin Luther: Ecclesiastes is a . . . “very beautiful and useful book . . . which on many counts deserves to be in everyone’s hands and to be familiar to everyone.” Luther, it seems, viewed the book as a profound reflection on human failings and divine grace (he lectured on it in 1526 and published his commentary in 1532). For Luther, the Preacher’s voice in Ecclesiastes (his interpretation of the Hebrew word Qoheleth) was honest about the futility of human striving when disconnected from God.

Here’s a quick summary of the passages in front of us this week (traditionally attributed to King Solomon, but there are debates about that): The Teacher in Ecclesiastes opens with a striking claim: Vanity of vanities! All is vanity, suggesting that life is as fleeting as smoke. (Sidebar: The word “vanity” appears roughly 38 times in the book of Ecclesiastes, making it one of the most defining terms of the text. It translates the Hebrew word hevel, which means breath, vapor, or mist—a metaphor for life’s fleeting, elusive nature). He surveys human activity and finds it to be mostly a meaningless pursuit—like chasing the wind—with no lasting impact. Though he labors with wisdom and skill, he’s troubled that all he’s worked for will pass to someone else after his death, who will not value it. The emotional toll of his work weighs heavily on him: restless nights, sorrow, and lingering anxiety. In the end, even the most diligent work offers no lasting satisfaction—only more evidence that this too is vanity.

Although I didn’t initially share Luther’s enthusiasm for Ecclesiastes, its message has begun to resonate—especially when read alongside Psalm 49. What should we take away from these passages? First, we live in a world enamored with achievement, intellect, and legacy — these things are rooted in our culture. This voice from two thousand years ago bristles with countercultural wisdom: life’s deepest truths are found not in permanence, but in impermanence. The Teacher’s sadness over fleeting labor, the limits of wisdom, and the futility of legacy (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12–14; 2:18–23) echoes the psalmist’s sober reminder that wealth cannot redeem a soul, and that all—rich or poor, wise or foolish—are united in mortality (Psalm 49:1–12). Yes, death is the great equalizer. (Sidebar: both these passages are echoed by Jesus in this week’s Gospel). And second, these texts remind us to walk humbly, to accept the mystery woven into each moment, and to invest in people rather than possessions. They urge us to entrust our days to God—days often filled with striving and distraction—and seek the kind of wisdom that endures beyond our fleeting plans. In a world clouded by cynicism and despair, these words come as a quiet and piercing light. They speak into August 2025 with clarity and challenge: turn from noise, lean into relationship, and let grace guide us. And for those of us who carry God’s Kingdom in our hearts, this is not a passive calling. We are called to share it—freely, boldly, and with those in our midst!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Prayer Reflection: Hannah Whitall Smith

Hannah Whitall Smith (1832–1911) was a Quaker-born American evangelist, author, and reformer who became a leading voice in the Holiness and Higher Life movements. She gained international recognition for her spiritual classic The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life (1875), which emphasized joyful surrender and practical sanctification. Active in the women’s suffrage and temperance movements, she helped found the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and advocated for women’s education and leadership. Below is a favorite excerpt of mine from the book mentioned. Her words remind us that taking action is the great antidote to the sense of helplessness we may experience in our lives!

“Describe the life and background of Hannah Whitall Smith” Copilot, 26 July 2025, Copilot website.

“We are the agents of the Creative Spirit in this world. Real advance in the spiritual life, then, means accepting the vocation with all it involves. Not merely turning over the pages of an engineering magazine and enjoying the pictures but putting on overalls and getting on with the job. The real spiritual life must be horizontal as well as vertical; spread more and more as well as aspire more and more.“

A Musical Offering: “Turn, Turn, Turn” (Pete Seeger)

In the category of “songs that made it seem cool to be a Christian” from my formative years, this one stands out. Folk icon Pete Seeger supposedly came up with the tune in fifteen minutes and off it went. I have included an interview with Pete, if you want some further background. There are many great versions of the song out there — the one posted features The Byrds.

Faithful Conversations: Three Updates

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will convene July 28–August 2 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona, gathering voting members from across the country for worship, discernment, and decision-making. This occurs once every three years and this year will include the election of a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary, as well as votes on key issues such as civic engagement, Indigenous justice, and church structure. Pastor Jen will be attending as a representative of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin and let’s pray for everyone involved this week!

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!

📖 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!