Be Careful - And Give Thanks!
Today's section from Paul's letter to the Ephesians:

Ephesians 5:15-20
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here's how the Rev. Dr. Rick Dietrich explained it on Day One several years ago:

Pay attention, the writer of the letter tells his friends in Ephesus. Pay attention, pay close attention. Pay attention closely and pay attention to things close by. Pay attention to the important things and, indeed, to all things. Pay attention now. Keep paying attention.

Did you get the message? He's right on target, of course. In order to be careful, that means- take care- you have to be aware of what is happening around you. You have to pay attention... close attention. Not for your protection, says Paul, but in order to take advantage of every opportunity to live and show the Good News. Don't go down the paths that will get in the way of your witness as a community.

Yes, this is about the community, not the individual (although I'm sure some of that applies, too.) This is about how the world sees the community of believers. In Ephesus it appears that their life had become one that looked a lot like the world around them- too much wine at the weekly meal (this was probably before the full ritual of the Eucharist) leads to doing things that you shouldn't do.

So what is it that we should do when we get together?

Pay attention. In particular, pay attention about these things:

• Be filled with the Spirit;
• Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs;
• Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord;
• Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything;
• In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be careful, in other words. Make sure you are doing the will of God and when you are...

Give thanks! Give praise! Give service. They go together.

Canticle of the Sun

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility. Amen.