On the Dec. 14 Maine Sunday Telegram Comics page, “Big Nate” was more than cute and amusing. Its creator, Lincoln Peirce, conveyed a profound theological truth, simply and concisely (just what we want in a good comic strip).

I often get some of my sermon materials from the comic strips, but this particular strip was a 15-second sermon in and of itself. In case anyone missed it, the cartoon was titled “Test-Prep Strategies,” and it featured seven successive cartoon panels, each featuring students engaged in specific tasks, including : 1) “Chapter Review”; 2) “Class Notes”; 3) “Flash Cards”; 4) “Study Group”; 5) “Tutoring”; 6) “Cramming”; and 7) “Prayer.”

Sixteen hundred years ago, the philosopher and theologian Saint Augustine said: “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you,” in describing the intricate interplay between faith and action. This is an important lesson not only for students of all ages, but for all of us who struggle to put our faith into action.

Thank you “Big Nate,” Lincoln Peirce, and Saint Augustine.

Rev. Louis Phillips
Windham