by The Rev. Rich Heinz
“All good things must come to an end,” the expression goes. Yet it is not entirely true.
The best thing, that your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born, suffered, rose, and lives for you, can never end! “Tetelestai!” — “It is finished!” — “Amen!” Pastor Borghardt reminded us on Tuesday. The saving work of Jesus stands completed and cannot be undone!
The week in Saint Louis (and the week in Scranton) is complete. The catechesis of those particular youth and adults by those particular catechists, in that particular place, is finished. Yet our ongoing catechesis is not. We simply have walked down from that mountaintop and rejoined our families and friends in what they call “real life.”
Many in our Higher Things “community” will gather next week for Amen in Irvine, California. For them, it is nowhere near finished. But even for the Poconos and Saint Louis crowds, Christ would remind us that our catechesis is ongoing. Our learning never stops. Until we fall asleep in Jesus, the Holy Spirit’s daily work to convert us from our unbelief continues.
What a joy and privilege to gather around your own pastor for the next twelve months, receiving the gifts Christ freely gives, until you join hundreds of others at Sola! How amazingly cool to add your “Amen” to the Church’s song and prayers, responding to our Savior’s Holy Word and Blessed Sacrament! How comforting is the privilege to utter your “Amen” when you remember your Baptism, and when you confess to your pastor that Christ may bless you with Holy Absolution!
Not all good things must come to an end. The things that are truly good are these very Gifts of God that we call the Means of Grace. And these will endure. We have His promise! “The Word of our God [both proclaimed and enfleshed] stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV.) No ending here! Our dear Lord just gives those Good Things to you in different places, at the hands and mouths of different pastors!
“Woof. Woof.” For those who were not in attendance, look for Pastor Buetow’s sermon to be posted as a Higher Homily. His translation will be provided.
Amen.
