Grocery shopping today, someone in a Denver Bronco's sweatsuit stopped me and asked me to bless the Broncos in their game against the Patriots. (I was wearing a clerical collar, having just come from a hospital visit; he called me "Father.") He went on to explain that Tim Tebow is a good Christian man and that, for the Pats, "pride comes before a fall." I said I would bless the Broncos. At halftime, they are tailing 35-7. So much for my blessing!
What many people want is magic, not faith. Magic is using spiritual means for a physical end. If I could do magic, I'd pick a few winning lottery numbers (giving all my winnings to the church, of course). Work is using physical means for a physical end. That "works" in the world as we know it. Using physical means for a spiritual end might be called service or ascetics. Religion, or faith, is using spiritual means for a spiritual end. What do you want, magic or faith? Are you hoping for a jackpot, or waiting on salvation?
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