I looked up just in time to see her reach up and grab the cloth from the edge of the table. The ceramic pot came crashing down. It broke open into many pieces and the strong, beautiful, and in full bloom, Anthrumim (Red Peace Lily), lay on the floor in a pile of dirt. I was in the middle of a zoom meeting. Thankful that my mic was muted so no one heard my: “NO!!!!!!!” although I’m sure from my expressions they could fill in the blanks: it’s the puppy!
The crash!
She already has a significant portion of my heart, so my response is tempered by my commitment to live through the puppy stage (how long does this last?) and enjoy the companionship of a well-trained dog. I can rethink this plant. It has a history and it’s the best plant I have; the only one that persistently blooms to let me know it’s happy here. I had already moved it once to “higher ground” when I saw her eyeing it on the plant stand last week. I underestimated her agility and strategy to find a different way to get it down to her level. It was the attraction of those beautiful green leaves! Which are toxic, of course.
So…I made the unexpected decision. Get a dog. Get it now. Get a puppy. Influenced by the generosity of my mother and sister, I took the risk and embraced the adventure. It seemed better than winter without a dog. Better than working too much, which is easy for us adults to do. Perhaps having a puppy also prevents one from not being silly as often as is needed for good health. Whatever the reasons or excuses…she is here, and we are living through this stage called “puppy”. Want to meet her? This is TRINITY.
She was already named when she came to me, and she knew her name well. Not to mention the quandary it might bring up if I determined “Trinity” was not a good enough name. It is not lost on me that a couple of weeks before she came, I was hanging an icon in my office; an icon with a title on the back: “Trinity”. So, she is here. My serene life before “puppy” is interrupted by indoor soccer, bones galore, chew toys for every hour, and a lot of night collapses where neither she nor I can move. I’ve met every neighbor that walks, strolls their babies, or has a dog. Word has traveled about her sharp puppy teeth – and – how much she absolutely loves people and other doggies. Our communal joy has increased with a puppy among us. She has some great service work ahead of her! But today…we are living through “puppy stage” together.
The plant I have enjoyed so much was a welcome gift when I started an appointment as Chaplain for the YMCA in 2016. It has thrived and always reminds me of the joyful three years serving with my YMCA friends and family. I’ve repotted it a couple of times over the past few years but had not noticed how much it was expressing its thriving now. When I scooped up the strong, green stems and placed the dirt into new containers, I discovered something. I had three plants, each with blooms on their stems and actually roots that were begging to be given more space to grow! It just wasn’t visible from the small container I’d been watering every week. It had become so familiar I didn’t notice the growth. And now…it’s all so much more!
Is it time to play?Because I’mready to playAnd I’m certain YOU need to play!
A puppy makes you play again, in case it’s been a while. Like a good friend who loves you just because you’re you, the puppy is sure a crash here and there will always be followed by a renewed sense of all that is good and right in life: JOY!
One crash; three beautiful discoveries!
I have been blessed by dogs that helped me grow in the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Hopefully the lessons learned in this new “puppy stage” will make me a better human along the way. More to come!
And may we always be mindful that sometimes a crash will break open something that was waiting for your discovery. Thank you, Lord, for that gift!
“FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD” – the angel Gabriel in the Gospel of Luke 1:37
It’s not just a story for Christmas. It’s not just a story about unexpected pregnancies. It is a story that reminds us clearly that God can and does do anything with people, creatures, and all of creation. (Luke 1 is the reading)
Elizabeth and Zechariah, along with Mary and Joseph are two couples having an unbelievable experience with the holy. Mysterious. Outside of cultural norms. Breaking with traditional expectations, and even physical capabilities. It is miraculous and yes…unbelievable. It just does not make sense.
And yet, something inside Elizabeth trusts in this impossible message. Perhaps because the dream of having a child was so deeply embedded in her that the message aroused her hope. Or maybe all hope was gone, and she simply waited for the message to become realized in her body. Something inside Mary embraced what Gabriel had to say even though she could not comprehend it all; she accepted it as real and worthy of her full embrace. And so, these two women just kept going. They kept their eyes and ears on a faithful focus and let the “impossible” unfold.
Their husbands had a different experience and in their own time and own way, they also moved forward. Much is left unsaid about this. What is communicated is clear: nothing hindered the work of God in Mary and Elizabeth. It was never about Mary or Elizabeth. It was – and is – about what God was doing and whomever and however God chose to engage people in that holy adventure.
My grandfather was a farmer who often did things differently than his peers. He had a spiritual gift of faith and spent a lot of tractor time in the fields talking and listening for God. He took risks while others judged him crazy. He made decisions that others could not understand. He simply kept his eyes and heart focused on the next faithful step. The life of my grandparents, over time, yielded a miracle. A family spread all over the world with the deep unconditional love of God embedded in our DNA. Generations later, the miracle is still unfolding; it is not finished.
I really struggle when I lose my confidence. My work and life often require me to face difficult things. Depending on the Holy Spirit to help and trusting God to guide me is a critical part of the journey for me. Mary and Elizabeth faced a lot of obstacles and challenges. And yet, at each turn God provided a way for the miracle to persist…for birth to happen…for journeys to land in just the right place at just the right time. And here we are, thousands of years later, still marveling in awe and wonder and thanksgiving and praise for the ways God ushered forth the kingdom of heaven.
Doubt and fear are common enemies that creep up on us. Questions enter the mind: Is it too late? Am I too old or too young? Not enough education or experience? Look too different or think outside what is considered “normal”? Did I miss a critical piece that cannot be redeemed or restored? I could have, should have, would have, ….etc. Fill in your own blanks. Doubt and fear are not creative, and the patterns can be detected.
That is not how God works in our lives. Nothing is impossible with God. Trust the whispers of God in your life. Hold them in your heart and remain humble for how God walks with you. Say “yes” if you are given an invitation by God! Embrace the gift if God presents one into your life. However God comes to you…let it unfold one moment at a time as you simply do the next faithful step. Including sitting still when silence and stillness is the posture you’re invited to take.
With God all things are possible. THAT is the message that persists as we see God at work in the world fulfilling all that is promised. Trust it. Embrace it. Put your hope in it.
Prayer
Lord, we struggle with so many things. You see it. You know our deepest doubts and fears. You also know what we are capable of when you are the one acting in our lives. Please help us to hear you in whatever way you reveal yourself to us. Guide our steps and make straight on our paths. Remind us, Lord, that nothing will hinder your work from being fulfilled. Redirect our ponderings to that which you have planted deep within us. Thank you for restoring our confidence and hope in YOU. Thank you for all the generations that keep sharing the story of your faithfulness. We have so much joy in your presence! Amen.
An encounter with grace overwhelms the soul. It sets the mind at ease with unbelief, as gratitude and awe rush in to fill the gap. You are seen. You are loved. You have not been judged without mercy. Rather, you are being redirected and restored into right relationship that brings blessing and peace.
Undeserved? Yes, and yet still offered. Unsolicited? Yes, and yet still offered. Uncontrollable? Yes, and yet still offered.
I am struck by the risk of giving grace. Jesus gave freely, even knowing that Peter would deny him at a pivotal moment on the journey. Jesus washed the feet of Judas even though those feet would soon be making a strategic exit to carry out his betrayal. Jesus shared friendship and fellowship with Mary Magdalene even though others would criticize him and still be analyzing the relationship thousands of years later, as if it could not just be received as good because God gave it.
The Scriptures are full of stories where our weaknesses and darkest struggles rise to the surface and war for a place at the table. Dysfunction, greed, malice, slander, vengeance, lust, and taking on the role of judge. God’s story with the ancients and with us reminds us of how fully we are seen by God, and how graciously we are also loved. Yes, even in full view.
Ezekiel is an ancient prophet who was given the work of speaking judgement against Israel. Because the nation had used the blessings and gifts of God with disregard for their sacredness, and had exchanged their loyalty for temporary pleasures of counterfeit gods, judgement has come. Upon them and upon the land. Judgement with required consequences. Judgement with promised redemption. A verse in this story jumps out at me. It comes after several verses explaining the offense and pending judgement:
62 So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. 63 Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” – Ezekiel 16:62-63
A promised atonement is coming. “when I make atonement..” and silence follows because the act of the Lord is so great and overwhelming. Paul speaks of a similar silence when he writes to the church in Rome, over 500 years later.
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:19-24
I have been silenced by this grace. In a moment or season of realizing the Lord has literally reached out the hand of Christ and pulled me from the miry clay! Setting my feet on the rock that is higher than I can ever be. Showing me again where the landing place is, where I am safe from my own devices. (Psalm 40; Psalm 61)
So perhaps we can say that there is also risk in receiving grace. Because receiving grace means we are stepping into a holy adventure with our Creator. It means beautiful things will happen that we didn’t anticipate and we can’t manufacture. Our hearts will grow in ways we never imagined could be possible. Receiving the grace of God slowly reframes how we walk through life…one moment at a time. That is a journey of faith.
It’s easy to look in a lot of other places for something that only God can give. It can become exhausting and confusing when those attempts don’t yield the promises we hoped they would bring. AND it is life-giving when the grace of God shows up in our lives and restores us. Whether it comes upon us unexpectedly, or we intentionally turn to the one who created us and is so ready to give…we are often left with silence. Gratitude that is beyond words.
The Psalms hold many prayers that lend words to assist. I offer these brief verses:
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. – Psalm 40:7-9
And as a thanksgiving:
1Praise awaitsyou, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. 2 You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. 3 When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgaveour transgressions. 4 Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. – Psalm 65:1-4
Prayer God, we are grateful for your grace! Thank you for revealing yourself in ways that take our breath away. Thank you for allowing us to be silenced by your acts of mercy in our lives. You understand the struggle and you keep picking us up and setting us in safe places. And by your grace, we stand. We stand because of your great love and mercy. Please take our hands and help us to keep moving forward with you. We trust you completely, Lord, and we love you. Amen.
Where do you need God’s grace in your life right now? How is God inviting you to offer grace to someone else?
So many beginnings! Walking into new classrooms Establishing “home” wherever we’re landing Sometimes for a while Sometimes for what may seem as if it could be forever Like a plant that grows in the forest revealing more beauty with each passing season. God is watching over us.
When the tears of grief arrive inconveniently where no one knows your loss Or The memory of love brings an unexpected smile that cannot be concealed And When dreams persist and insist on not being forgotten even when you tuck them away or send them down the river with peace… God is watching over you.
While setting up a new office Learning how to navigate a road you didn’t know you would need to take Accepting a diagnosis that asks your routine to adjust; doesn’t that seem rude? Discovering what we didn’t know about each other, and now we can’t forget. Grace stands near, ready to assist. More deep breaths We will all be OK. Creator, God, is here. Pause and receive.
Lord, thank you for creating us with capacity to experience the fullness of this life. For endings and beginnings For sorrow and deep joy For love in its many forms Bringing forth beauty and blessing As if you knew all along, we’d be turning around to ask for help. Thank you. Help us to be aware of your presence among us today. Amen.
We left the church last night in silence, after watching the purple vestments of the Lenten season carefully removed from the altar. Each pastor lifted the stole from the neck of their robes and handed them over, expressing the surrender and darkness of what is unfolding. It was all taken away…the bread and cup, the vestments, the vessels, and the crucifer.
I had a deep sense of pending loss. Of persecution or injury, perhaps, to the church that we know. A time when our practice is rejected. A season in which we are called to face the reality of what we have allowed, or not allowed. Maybe complacency. Or perhaps enjoying the comfort and security of a religion that has largely moved us along in a direction we could all embrace. It didn’t require more than we were willing to give.
But what is this? What is this cross that keeps showing up in the middle of our beautiful practice? What is this pain that keeps emerging? Some discomfort that says something is not quite right. What are these signs that say, “no more”? The cross is part of the redemptive story; we can’t remove it. If it is the way of redemption, why do we treat sacrifice as if it doesn’t belong in the story we are living every day?
Is that our denial? Like Peter, “we don’t know him”, because it doesn’t match anything we expected out of life. What a disappointment it must have been for Peter. He thought he was part of God’s kingdom coming to fulfillment. Instead, the one he has known as Messiah is under arrest and all signs point to crucifixion. It’s messy. It’s awkward. There’s too much mercy in all the wrong places. Peter took such a risk to go down this path, and it’s falling apart. “I don’t know him”.
It feels better when we can point to someone else’s failure or sin as the cause of our disruption. It makes it easier to not see the cross in my own house if I’m peering out at my neighbor’s unkept lawn. I can forget that I may be contributing to the injustice in our world if I keep my eyes focused on the way my colleague, or family, or friend, or enemy is doing life so imperfectly. Ughh…. So many voices were there on what we call “Good Friday”.
Pilate in his role of leadership and order. High priests in their role of religious expertise and upholding the righteousness of God. Disillusioned and disappointed disciples that can’t understand why Jesus is letting this all happen. Crowds that love the drama and the chance to express their anger onto a helpless man whose sheer physical suffering makes them feel powerful. Shouts of cruelty. Physical injury. The sport of condemnation and humiliation. Women who refuse to leave and can’t hold back their tears for what the men are doing to one another and to the one they know is Christ; observers of those in charge. Others who are ready to take advantage of the moment and get what they want out of the situation; making sure their seat in eternity is secure.
So many voices were there. Enough that I can find myself somewhere in the scene, although it would feel much better to imagine I’d be walking through those hours more faithfully than they did.
Sitting with the text of Good Friday, I do wonder, in what ways am I ignoring the part of the gospel that teaches us that sacrifice is included in the way of redemption? The kingdom of God is fulfilled on earth, not by my comfort, but by through sacrificial suffering and living with Christ’s death and resurrection. The invitation Jesus makes is to let our selfishness die, allowing God’s spirit in us to become fully alive.
It really does mean, “not my will, but thine”. It does mean setting aside my pride and desire for success and taking up obedience in whatever way God asks me to be obedient in any season. Like Jonah appointed to Nineveh or Peter being instructed to eat what was once “unclean”, it means Jesus becomes Lord of my life, and I follow him.
It means I need to stop telling myself a story that makes me feel better about the cross I’m refusing to take up to follow Jesus.
So many voices were there at his arrest, while the humiliation and trials take place; the condemnation is secured, as the crucifixion is planned and executed.
Lingering on Good Friday, I am struck silent in realizing how many voices are present right now, doing the same: hurling insults, inflicting injury, making fun, condemning, discounting, and shouting, “crucify!”.
I remember echoes of Jesus teaching something like: “whatever you did for the least of these you also did for me.” And “whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me.” – Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)
Is it a misinterpretation to say, whatever I do to someone else, I am also doing to Christ?
I hear a voice speaking through my pondering. It is clear. There is a way we are to live in all seasons. Seasons of war and peace. Seasons of plenty and seasons of famine. Jesus gave the disciples a new command. It has not changed over time. There is no “revised” version. It contains no trademark, logo, denomination, flag or label:
Love one another as I have loved you. This is how they will know you are my disciples.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Lord, on this Good Friday when we tell your story, help us to tell it humbly and truthfully. Lord, on this Good Friday, when we hear the story, help us to receive it fully. Lord, through this Triduum, help us to see the places in our lives where we are denying you and refusing to carry the cross that will lead us into the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We have no good apart from you, Lord, and we are quite helpless to save ourselves. Come quickly Lord Christ to assist. Thank you for not giving up on us. Amen.
Need a little heaven on earth as you walk into the week? Wisdom given by Jesus is an invitation into the kingdom of God on earth. It is experienced as we put it into practice. This might be a good week to check your foundation.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mind and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on rock. – Matthew 7:24-25
No one wants their house to fall. We don’t want our families to fall apart either. And we don’t want our lives to be meaningless. Quite the opposite! We want a place to be safe and well cared for. We want love and community that brings encouragement and joy into our daily lives. We need to know our lives are with purpose and meaning.
Jesus is offering a powerful teaching about life as God wants us to live it, (Matthew 5-7) https://bit.ly/46rnHq6 that culminates with this statement:
“…everyone who hears these words of mine and put them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
And then he mentions the storms of life. Because there are storms. Whether they come toward us like the rain above, or something that rises and surrounds us like a river, or a wind that blows from a direction we least expected – there will be storms. Life is full of them.
Even though I’m familiar with this teaching in Matthew, I never cease to be amazed and sometimes even shocked at this way Jesus encourages us to be in the world. It’s not “normal” at all. This is a very different way of doing life.
This way of being in the world directs attitudes, actions, relationships, business, discernment, spiritual practices, economy, and even prayer. The teaching is packed full of wisdom for life. No wonder he says, “enter through the narrow gate”; this is a special road to walk. It is even hard to find, which is why we are unable to do it on our own.
We often find ourselves asking for divine assistance. We especially seek God’s guidance to navigate the context of our lives right now. There is a lot of disruption and upheaval. People are grabbing news or priorities from a one-line social media post or the most recent AI suggestion. We all want to “do the right thing” but seem to be struggling with finding what that “right thing” is in a world where our context changes so quickly.
Our mental health is more vulnerable than it has ever been, and spiritual places of rest have, in many cases, become full of the tension in our world. We need God’s help. We need wisdom that is beyond us. We need sacred, ancient teaching that doesn’t fade with changing contexts.
The teaching in Matthew 5-7 offers us that depth. It is humbling and invites us into a space of surrender. Jesus spells out some very practical wisdom. He reorders priorities and clarifies what may have been misunderstood. The way he brings this to a close tells us how important it is: we are not going to withstand the storms of this life without this wisdom. It is not there to burden us or harm us. This is way to live into the abundant life even during the storms and wind and rising waters. There is a way to stay on solid ground.
If we want to create a checklist, we can make one from Matthew 5-7. There is a caution with that, however, because the Holy Spirit doesn’t abide by our checklists. The practice of surrender and seeking divine guidance undergirds everything. Still, if I go through these chapters and make some notes for my journey through life, I’m going to be fully engaged in the simple obedience of practicing these teachings.
It does give me guidance for how I do my work today. It does help me prioritize how I step into this week of Thanksgiving celebrations. It offers a reset and a realignment to what is important in the kingdom of God. This teaching actually invites us to step into the kingdom of God.
As we practice what is here, we experience glimpses of God’s kingdom coming to earth as it is in heaven. Coming into our hearts and into our lives. If you’re feeling as though you’re in need of a bit more of heaven in your life, perhaps finding just a verse or two from Matthew 5-7 will usher that blessing into your heart. What better foundation to hold you up as you begin a new week? You can read the whole text here: https://bit.ly/46rnHq6
Holy God, we are grateful for your teaching. We know you can see us and you already know there are many days we feel overwhelmed by life. It’s easy for us to get distracted, and in instances we may even feel disillusioned. We set up new rules and guardrails, they eventually fail. We grasp for help in so many places and sometimes forget that you have already provided a way for us. You teach us a different way to live. We trust you and we want to walk in a way that leads to life. Help us to let go and ask for your help. We need a little heaven to come to earth. We welcome you in whatever way you reveal yourself to us this week. We love you and we trust you completely. Thank you for giving your wisdom. Thank you for creating us with capacity to experience the fullness of your grace. We are watching for a little heaven on earth today. We know you are already here. Amen.
Silence. Illusive. Revealing. Vulnerable. Real. I remember the silence in the house after my brothers death many years ago. It was deafening. We shuffled across the floor one moment at a time trying to figure out how to live. Just through the next hour. I was young. Life hurt. And it was so silent.
Recently at a Jesuit retreat house I enjoyed 48 hours of a silent retreat. The birds and scurrying of animals unseen offered sound. The wind blew through the trees and sang a melody every morning and again late at night. Occasionally I noticed the sound of my breath when I encountered something of beauty unexpected. It was restoring and offered much peace.
Surprisingly what lingers is the sound of dishes and silverware in the communal dining room. Sounds I have come to love. Signs of my neighbors (and mine) presence. Sounds of the basic need of food. The notes of music that say, “morning has come, let’s gather and eat, embrace the day.” Sacred.
Getting up from the table in my home I hear it again. Rinsing dishes. Dropping silverware in the sink. The clanging, tinkering, loud sound of life. I remember when that sound spoke of our grief and loneliness. There were many days we could not speak, the weight was too much. Today the clanging of dishes speaks of life. I couldn’t hear it until I stepped away and the silence revealed the blessing. A grace unexpected. A gift of silence redeemed.
May the peace of God bring blessing into the silent places of life. Providing, revealing, assisting, and offering to make something ordinary brand new.
This song was a favorite of my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Tom. It was often a sound in our home – on the piano or the stereo. We never spoke about it except to know that after Uncle Tom’s death, it was a song we couldn’t play it in her presence.
Do you ever feel like your mouth needs to be guarded? Do you ever feel the pull to be drawn into something that you know is destructive, but you are drawn to it anyway? Does the luxury of comfort, money, or even an unhealthy relationship beg for your attention and commitment?
Welcome to the life of being human! We often speak without thinking. We are lured into situations that bring trouble into our lives. We want to be safe, comfortable, and loved however that may be offered; even when it’s not good. Paul describes our situation well when he acknowledges our fragility even though we are a miracle of God; it is the “clay jar” of our human vessel.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. – II Corinthians 4:7
Psalm 141 lands on my ears and mind as a balm. It is a helpful grace. It is a prayer that not only calls upon the Lord for assistance, it offers wisdom for the journey as we navigate through life. There is so much beautiful and amazing about this world that God created! There is so much broken and breaking in our world! “Breaking News” is perhaps the headline that tells us that we are breaking. We need divine help and repair.
Psalm 141
I call to you,Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. 2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a guard over my mouth,Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. 4 Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.
5 Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.
6 Their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. 7 They will say, “As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave.”
8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. 9 Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.
In environments where “evil” is lurking, we see things like the enticement of luxuries or “delicacies”. We hear words and stories that are falsely represented; sometimes even by our own minds! We experience temptation without regard for others; no concern for the impact one action has upon another person. Often all of this looks “good” while we are being drawn into it.
And in those same environments or moments, there is an invitation to tap into something more powerful. It is a higher offer; a gift God offers. Something miraculous is possible when the Spirit of the Lord intervenes. This prayer that we know as Psalm 141 calls it forth.
While we allow the Lord to “set a guard over our mouths”, we are giving space for others to speak. This venting will often reveal its own motivation. Listen for what is behind the words you hear. In another setting it may allow someone to empty themselves of something that is binding and hindering them from healing. Allow it. Let the Lord guard our mouths, not rushing to defend or correct. Give space to see what is really happening. Maybe we have nothing that needs to be said. Whatever this “guarding” may be; silence can be a grace.
The practice of listening before I speak always takes intentional effort for me. I have to practice it. Not jumping to what “I” want to say, but to wait and listen.
The “draw to evil” that the Psalmist mentions might be the lure of argument, judgement, or assumption. It can be the easy path of drawing lines that can keep others out and elevates us to a higher place, where our own temptations or weaknesses are disguised. It may be, surprisingly, jumping in to “fix” something that is not ours to fix; a “rescue” of another person’s needed journey.
The variations and ways “traps and snares” are presented are numerous. But most often they come in the way that we are uniquely enticed or lured. We all have our triggers and inspirations! It may be money, lust, power, excitement, fight, managing someone else’s life; take your pick! In these moments we need people of wisdom who have our best interests at heart to meet us… offering grace, correction, and wisdom.
Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.
There is a time to speak. Words of honesty are helpful and even freeing. Words of caution spoken in love are the words of a true friend. Wisdom is given when we wait for it and listen. When Jesus was preparing the disciples for their first experience of “being sent”, he knew they were going out into a world that was not “safe”. Jesus offered them exactly what they needed:
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. – Matthew 10:16-20
God did not make their circumstances all safe and without challenge. The Lord provided access to divine help to offer everyone a different experience, an encounter with the resurrected Christ. …the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. (Psalm 141:6b)
Even when we are not aware, the Lord is intervening to bring forth the kingdom. This is our trust; it is our faith.
Our human experience is a profound grace, a miracle. And we are all broken just the same. We journey with the hope and confidence that the Lord is walking with us; guiding, protecting, correcting, and assisting. Every day. All the time. In every way we can receive. God’s love for us is steadfast and true.
Lord, thank you for the ancient prayers of those who have gone before us. Thank you for the ways you invite us to depend upon and trust you to assist us on the journey. We say and do so many things that we regret! But you, Lord, make it clear that your help and full equipping is accessible and ready to launch. You are amazing! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! We give you the praise! Amen.
Psalm 15 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken. (NIV)
At a time when it often feels like everything is being “shaken”, the words of this ancient prayer land differently for me. I’m reading it silently and then out loud. My pen is underlining words to sear the wisdom a little deeper.
No slander. No slur. No wrong to a neighbor. Speaking truth from the heart. Keeping an oath even when it hurts. What a different experience we would all have if we intentionally practice what is contained in the five verses of this prayer! But not just a “different experience” …
The Scripture says there will be dwelling in the holy space.
The result is not that challenges and difficulty cease. The result is not being shaken by the difficulties that are part of this life. “Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”
Jesus urged his disciples to “abide” in him. Stay connected. Let’s dwell together. “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) That is the way that leads us into the holy space.
A practice that may assist when we feel the desire to say or do what we know is harmful, is simply to name that with the Lord, and ask for help to not act in destructive ways. If the slurs and slander of another are not acted upon, the harm is not spread. Speaking to God or a trusted spiritual friend about our feelings allows us a holy space of confession. A space where Christ meets us and works on our hearts. We work it together. We clear what doesn’t need to set up dwelling; we let go so we can receive what is good.
The blessing in the holy space of confession is found in another prayer, Psalm 32. Read it here: https://bit.ly/holyspace
Keeping an oath may hurt, breaking covenant destroys. The LORD is the one who redeems. If life is shaking you right now, reach out for the one whose hand is already reaching for you. Your Creator can be trusted.
Lord, as we pray this prayer together with the words of Psalm 15, give us grace to live with you and in you. Thank you for receiving us as we are and restoring us to the wholeness you gave your life for us to have. We love you, Lord, and we trust you completely. Amen.
Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher”, he said. Luke 7:40
There is nothing quite like Jesus knocking us off our high horse. Sometimes I get tickled at how quickly we humans (me at the front of the line) place ourselves in the role of God. Yes…God. Jesus serves at the will and direction of God. He walks the earth and embodies what it looks like and feels like to walk with and follow God. He doesn’t create his own plan and agenda. He seeks, listens, and follows. Hour by hour. Day by day.
His anguish is evident in his sorrow. His deep pain and courage take him into that quiet place of prayer and seeking again and again. The hope and delight of Christ show up when he proclaims God’s justice and love. Jesus sees the potential. Jesus desires to show people the kingdom God is fulfilling on earth. He wants it for everyone. He connects the dots of how God works over long periods of history. Some receive it. Some reject it. Some wait to see what happens next. Many are unaware at all; no one is living it in front of them. How could they know?
I am struck by the encounters Jesus has in Luke 7, particularly with two people. First, the Centurion whose son is ill and at risk of dying; read his story here in Luke 7: https://bit.ly/centurionstory And secondly, the “sinful woman” who shows up unwanted nor invited. Perhaps she comes spiritually ill and at risk of dying. It’s not precisely clear; she just comes. Read her story here in Luke 7: https://bit.ly/unexpectedmercy
Two totally different people. One is highly respected by many people. The other evokes feelings of disgust and words of condemnation simply by her presence. Jesus notices something about both, and he responds.
The Centurion and the sinful woman have two things in common: 1. Something in their lives is happening that they cannot fix. 2. They believe that God can fix it. (Jesus calls this faith)
With the Centurion, all his great work and reputation are not enough to cure his son’s illness. He can command many things in this life, but he cannot control this. Although he is not Jewish, nor is he known by others as a “follower” of Jesus in this context, he recognizes who Jesus is and the reverence he is to be given. He knows that at the command of Jesus, his son will be restored.
There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” – Luke 7:2-8
Unlike the Centurion who has a stellar and well-earned reputation, the sinful woman’s life must be a complete mess. Even so, she still knows exactly how to approach Jesus. She comes with the hospitality that is due this important guest. The hospitality that is part of being human – extending true care and love. The same grace and hospitality Abraham offered the “visitors” who came to his tent at Mamre. Genesis 18:1-5 read it here: https://bit.ly/holyhospitality
The woman also comes with great emotion and love; she is completely humble before him. Are her tears the tears of shame and sorrow or are they, rather, expressions of deep gratitude for what she has already received? Either way, she comes vulnerable and trusting of the one for whom her hands and heart reach.
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Luke 7:36-39
Simon, the Pharisee who has invited Jesus over for supper, is confident about the woman’s sin. He knows from his lifelong study that sin doesn’t belong. His inner voice is questioning the credibility of Jesus simply because Jesus allows her to be this close to him. Simon is concentrating on assessment and right judgement, something he is expected to do. Jesus must love Simon so much. He offers to teach him something he doesn’t yet know about God.
Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher”, he said.
I never get tired of the spiritual lessons that are offered us in the midst of ordinary life. Whether reminding, sharpening, or revealing something we’ve not seen before…the Spirit of God is faithful to teach us.
Both of these stories end with something that leaves the people (and us) pondering the response of Jesus. He never goes to the Centurion’s house to heal his son, but his son is healed. He never points out the sin of the woman, but he announces that it is her faith that saves her, and she departs with peace.
And what about Simon? Jesus meets him where he is: a faithful religious leader exercising wisdom and judgment, yet missing something critical. Jesus tells him a story where he can think and discern. And then Simon receives a teaching from Jesus that will assist him in his work and ministry should he choose to use it:
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon,“Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet,but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.You did not give me a kiss,but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.You did not put oil on my head,but she has poured perfume on my feet.Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:44-47
Jesus responds to Simon’s inner thoughts…Simon never actually speaks them out loud. But Jesus hears his inner voice. The woman never blurts out the sin that is still being held against her, but her devotion and love speak all that Jesus wants to hear. She needs to express these acts of love and devotion to Christ. Her forgiveness is maturing into love.
What mattered for the Centurion was not how good he was or how respected he was by his community. Reputation and personal integrity are wonderful things to have, but they couldn’t heal his son. What made his encounter so profound was his deep reverence for who Jesus is, God in the flesh. He believed Jesus could do what he could not, and he reached out in faith.
We don’t need the details of the “sinful woman’s” story because her actions to and with Jesus are where he encourages us to focus. She loves him with gracious hospitality. She loves him without restraint. She loves him completely. While Simon is not able to see it, even with his educated and devoted life, Jesus teaches him to look for something different: the way she loves. When he sees the way she loves, he will see she is forgiven and accepted by God.
I do wonder about this.
With what reverence and humility do we approach God? Have we left space for God to teach us as we are going about our lives?
How do we approach the one who, in the beginning, created every living creature and thing on earth and called it good? How do we come to the one who literally gives us our breath and will hold us when our breath on earth is no longer?
Do we come to Jesus ready to learn and see something more than we’ve known?
What are we looking for in ourselves or in others?
Step 2 from The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous[1] echoes in my ear: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
Both the Centurion and the “sinful woman” believe that God is the power that restores what is broken. It is Jesus, who just happens to be in the neighborhood. Perhaps Simon is coming to believe as well. Powerless to see anything but sin, he opens himself to be taught by the Christ who dines at his table. “Tell me, Teacher”, he said.
Holy God, please tell us too. We need to learn from Jesus too. We need a power greater than ourselves to restore us to sanity. We need you. Amen.
[1]Alcoholics anonymous big book (4th ed.). (2002). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.
Life in the Deep End 