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Good morning, Saints,
Greetings, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In my experience of many years as a Marriage and Family Therapist and administrator, as well as working with youth and families, it is human nature to long to be known. To be known and to be loved. It’s difficult to be known without a genuine and long-term relationship. This is especially true for our students; it is important to be known.
Paradoxically, our students growing into adulthood today have many ways to connect with each other and the world through social media, yet they may not feel truly known. Much of the current research points out that adolescents are more connected through social media and chat apps than ever before in the history of the world, yet lonelier than ever. Being known is essential.
Perhaps the people who know us most are our family and friends. Moms particularly know their children, (sorry dads); there is a reason behind the saying, “Mother knows best.” But parents know their children, and their children are known by them. In many cases, friends are known by friends, best friends. Being known is important; thank God for family and friends who know us.
By God’s grace, we are known by God. We read in Psalms, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways… For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb” (Psalm 139:1-3, 13). What a blessing to be known by our Creator!
It is a blessing to be known, and an even greater blessing is knowing. Knowing the mystery of Christ. In Ephesians, we are reminded, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:7-9).
Beyond the need to be known and the peace and comfort of being known by our Creator, we are blessed and obligated to make Him known to others, too. Specifically, for others to know His love and grace through the gift and work of Jesus Christ. Our mission at Crean Lutheran High, you’ve heard me say many times, is Proclaiming Jesus Christ Through Excellence in Education - a mission to make Christ known.
We do that through studying God’s Word and sharing His Word and the love of Christ with each other daily in the classroom, chapel, hallways, fields, courts, parking lots, and in prayer. As we work, study, play, communicate, and live in community, let us receive hope in being known by our Creator and known by others.
In closing, let me share a recent quote I read that I think applies to being known and knowing, “To study the Bible at all in isolation from other branches of human knowledge, such as history and science, is like studying a plant apart from its environment … and so to miss the cosmic significance of Christianity.” - Sister Penelope of the Convent of the Community of St Mary the Virgin. Saints, being known by our Creator is significant, and being known by others is important to our human condition. May we together strive to be known and make known the love of Christ in our community and beyond. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen. Have a peaceful weekend.
In Christ’s love and mine,
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