Be Renewed in Christ!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
There is a certain scriptural refrain that instills in me a deep sense of hope; it is from Psalm 104, “Lord, send out your Spirit, and you shall renew the face of the earth.” This heartens me because, like many other people, I see a deep need for renewal in our world. I am encouraged that this Scripture assures us that God not only has the power to renew the world, but also desires and works for its renewal.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
There is a certain scriptural refrain that instills in me a deep sense of hope; it is from Psalm 104, “Lord, send out your Spirit, and you shall renew the face of the earth.” This heartens me because, like many other people, I see a deep need for renewal in our world. I am encouraged that this Scripture assures us that God not only has the power to renew the world, but also desires and works for its renewal.
I have a morning routine: I read the newspapers; after doing so, I usually feel a deep need to pray, and so I do – I spend time in prayer, before continuing with my daily appointments and duties. I pray for clarity to see God’s view of the world – one imbued with hope, one in which Christ already redeemed the world.
Reading the news each day is not usually encouraging. I realize that news outlets have a propensity to report on bad news rather than the good. Even so, I realize each day how much the world is in need of renewal. And I pray for renewal: first for my own renewal (in attitude and in spirit), then the renewal of our diocese as we approach our 50th anniversary, and finally, the renewal of the world – that we choose peace instead of conflict, dialogue instead of demonization, hope instead of pessimism.
The bible is a story of constant renewal initiated by God. God expressed his desire to renew the earth through Noah. Through the covenant with the Israelites, God expressed his desire to renew the world through the Israelites, “a light to the nations.” In the time of the Judges of the Old Testament, we discern a pattern: while God’s people were faithful to him, all went well; when they fell away from the Lord’s commandments, their situation reverted to chaos, thus prompting their call out to the Lord, who would respond, calling for the renewal of their commitment and adherence to the covenant. Order was restored. This pattern is emblematic of our relationship to the Lord, as well.
Our relationships often have their ebbs and flows, times of stronger commitment and times of distraction. Even our biology is structured to require renewal nightly, as sleep restores our bodies, our psyches, and even our spirits.
I hope the summer has been a time of renewal for you, as you spend time with loved ones and family. Spending time strengthening these relationships is essential to our general well-being. We all need renewal in mind, body, and spirit. St. Paul says, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom. 12:2).
Even as we are renewed, we must be mindful of those who have little or no opportunity to enjoy renewal. We pray in a special way for those who live under the agony of war, their anxiety constantly elevated under the threat of violence and destruction. We pray for the renewal and the protection of those who live under the unrelenting threat of harassment, arrest, or deportation because of their skin color or accent; for those who suffer the ravages of poverty, not having the privacy, property, or opportunity for education commensurate with their human dignity; those who live without hope — because of traumatic personal experiences, mental illness, or lack of experiencing human kindness.
Jesus Christ declares: “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). God renews the world, ourselves included. When we are renewed, let us work for the renewal of those around us!
Bishop Oscar Cantú
