Scripture Reflection, October 7: Singing the Same Song

Scripture Readings:
Habakkuk 1: 1-2; 2:2-4
Psalm 95
2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14
Luke 17: 5-10

My sister is one of those people who likes to forward those kind-hearted, what many would call “sappy,” messages to all of us siblings. Inevitably, someone will reply with a funny response. This morning she forwarded some unavoidably catchy song lyrics from the 70s, “Put your hand in the hand of the Man who stilled the water…” (Performed by Ocean). The response from another sister was priceless. She is worried about subconsciously blurting out the lyrics during the math test she is giving. I find myself reluctantly grateful for the song running through my mind. As I read and reflect on this Sunday’s scriptures, it is very appropriate.

This Sunday’s scriptures talk about faith, the kind of faith that requires a trust in God and that doesn’t always come easily. In the first reading, we learn that the prophet, Habakkuk, is questioning God on the reasons why he is seeing so much misery and destruction. Of course, the response he gets fails to satisfy his immediate concerns but provocatively tests him, and us, to search for deeper meaning. The Lord answers him: “Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.” The response prods and pushes us to see the bigger vision of the reign of God and teaches one tough lesson of patience. Immediate needs are not always satisfied.

When I read these scriptures, I cannot help but think of the patience parents and other caregivers naturally develop over the years. My siblings and I have caused our parents their fair share of grief, and joy and happiness, too, of course. But it is the pain and suffering we experience that wears on them the most. They see our despair or maybe even subconsciously sense it, but they are virtually powerless to make it go way. Many times I have heard the laments of my parents who wish to make a situation for me or one of my siblings better, but they always concede they cannot do it. Their faith in God remains steady, but their anger and frustration, voiced much like that of Habakkuk, is clear at times. After six children, four grandchildren (and many family cats), they have grown in patience and have gained the wisdom of knowing what they can and cannot do to help. In many ways, they have held the vision, or the promise, of God in their hearts and have a faith that things will just work themselves out. We Windau children have been blessed with two good role models for when our own faith in God is tested. Thanks in large part to them, we are able to sing the same song: “…Put your hand in the hand of the Man who calmed the sea…”

Like it or not.

Question for discussion: Who are your role models in faith?

JoEllen Windau