Let us hear the words of the Bible for this holy day of Pentecost: ”And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezekiel 36:27, NIV)
What is it exactly that sustains a country? In the history of independent Finland, this question has time and again requested our prompt reply whether it involve promoting work, national defence, or national unity. Although relevant and applicable, these forms of reply fail to deliver alone. Rather, it is the spiritual backbone that sustains a country. Sound values sustain life and give meaning to life.
We seem to be surrounded by an endless number of desirable things deemed worth pursuing with promises of enhancing the good in life. However, not all the promises made end up becoming fulfilled and respected. Therefore it is worth posing the question of which types of things sustain shared life and take us to a good future.
Today commemorates the 150th anniversary of Marshal Mannerheim’s birthday. With remarkable achievements also in peace time in, for instance, advocating child welfare, Mannerheim operated in accordance with his motto "With pure arms on behalf of pure goals".
Soldiers: Each and every one of us benefits from pursuing good things honestly and with respect for each other. This is how we overcome difficulties and obstacles.
The guiding principles of the war veteran generation included working hard, being honest and looking after one’s mate. These principles guide also us well when we navigate in life in the direction of the future.
But is our life course solely dependent on our own actions? Doesn’t it often seem that ideal principles somehow turn into pure selfishness and what looked like a direct track ends up becoming a winding road that turns into a dead end? A familiar hymn reminds us about the Spirit of God with its wording "Spirit of Truth, guide us when we seek for the paths of light". On this day of Pentecost, we pray for the Spirit of God to guide us so that this country equals a good place for everyone to lead their life.
At the end of the day it is not the set of good values that carries us through, but rather the mercy of God alone. Over the course of difficult years this was the experience of people, and on this foundation our shared life will rest in the future as well.
Let us pray: "Lord, God, we thank You for this good country and its freedom. Thank you for Your mercy and providence in life. Give us the wisdom to build a shared future together. Amen."
