Excerpt from Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

"Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is eternal! Repeat these words in praise to the Lord." (Good News Bible)

Reflection by William C. Green

Reggie Jackson, the great hitter, said, "A baseball swing is a very finely tuned instrument. It is repetition, and more repetition, then a little more after that."

Repetition can be dull habit or the best preparation for excellence in any area of life, including faith. Churchgoers sometimes don't think this way. Sunday worship can be repetitious. The sermon and choir may be engaging sometimes, but, really, isn't once a month enough? Expectations of pretty much the same thing happening all the time, interrupted by special services now and again, can send one straight to the Sunday paper and the nearest Starbucks.

But that, too, is repetition. So is much of life, including ways we try to escape it. But what are we repeating? How we answer that speaks volumes about what we believe and care about. Those are the things that acquire a hold on us and in large measure define who we are.

So the psalmist calls us to repeat, and repeat again, aloud or silently, words of thanks and praise to God, our never-ending source of strength and guidance. That's what produces excellence in faith.

If we have a spouse or partner who is not thrilled upon being told by us that they are already loved so why say it again, surely we know that our attitude is not helpful. So with good faith. Giving thanks and praise strengthens belief. It can become as natural as breathing—and just as vital. Church is a good place to practice. Lent is a good time to rehearse Easter's promise of new life and lasting love.

Prayer

May I practice my faith by repeating what I believe, God. You are good! Your love is eternal. Amen.

About the Author William C. Green is Vice-President for Strategy and Development, Moral Courage Project, NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and the author of 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving.

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