Perception

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It has often been said that "perception is reality." Basically, how I perceive things to be is how they really are. If I think someone is a jerk, so be it. He is a jerk. It does not matter what else he does in life. It does not matter what anyone else says. My perception is my reality. Of course, we know this is not always true. Perception is not always reality. I perceive the world to be flat, therefore the world is flat. I perceive that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, therefore the sun must surely revolve around the earth. You can certainly argue with me and tell me that the world is round and that we orbit the sun and so on, but my perception is my reality. I think you are wrong! Nowadays, we would just have to "agree to disagree." Truly, perception is not always reality.

God Gathers the Increase

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Restrain, O Lord, the human pride

That seeks to thrust Your truth aside

Or with some man-made thoughts or things

Would dim the words Your Spirit sings (LSB 585:5).

The kingdom of heaven is like a man preparing to go on a journey to a distant land. He calls three of his servants and gives them money – five, two, and one talent, each according to his ability. Then he goes off for a long sojourn. Finally, the master returns, and he calls the servants to present an account of what had been entrusted to them. Those with five and two both return them having doubled their money. However, the servant with one has nothing to show for his stewardship, because he simply hid it in a hole and did nothing with that which was entrusted to him. Therefore, the master welcomes the first two servants into bliss, but takes the talent away from the last, and has him thrown into the outer darkness.