You can find anything on Amazon. or pretty close. I found the picture with this blog when I searched for intertwined hearts. Apparently there’s even a person who will create heart shaped horseshoes for a price. Kind of cool. But that’s not what I was thinking of. I am thinking of the narrative in Luke often called the prodigal son. The story is well known, and you may think you ‘get it’. But maybe not. Because the narrative of the Prodigal son found in Luke 15 is layered with love. It is a story of a family, like so many. Continue reading “Our hearts – connected”
Isaiah 55:1 Hey, all who are thirsty, come to the water!
You who have no money, come!
Buy and eat!
Come! Buy wine and milk without money
and without cost!
God’s story with the people of Israel is a complex one. He saves them, he loves them, he allows pretty awful things to happen to them. But, Isaiah 55 is a chapter to remember when you personally need to be reminded that God’s love is available for you. Hey, all who are thirsty, come to the water. Continue reading “Come to the waters”
We gather for worship today. Just like our brothers and sisters in Christchurch New Zealand did on Friday. The last words one of the faithful said that day was, “Peace, brother.” Just before the gunman ended his life.
We will pray this morning at church for all those who suffer from this recent killing, and for all who worship in fear of the hatred of another. We must put an end to the hate speech and vitriol which ignites these killings. It is up to us. Continue reading “Peace be upon you”
The narrative in the Gospel of Luke, the 24th chapter, is a post resurrection story. Yet, here we are in the church, in the season of Lent, where we consciously choose to follow the path of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Pain, or the Way of Sorrow, as he goes to his death on the cross. I find great significance in my own life by connecting with the hard story of Jesus’ death – I don’t do it daily, my friends, but I try to do so every Lent, to remind me that the story of God’s love for me involved hard choices, painful ones. And Jesus chose me everytime, out of His great love for me. But I am a stubborn creature, and if you talk to me about pain and suffering too many times, I will begin to tune you out! Continue reading “Taking a walk with Jesus”
Take the 5 minutes to watch this video, with the artwork of Si Smith, from the UK. I am touched by his representation of what Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness might have been like. Here, on the first week in Lent, our Gospel reading tends to be the temptation in the wilderness story – Jesus has been 40 days in the wilderness with out food. And the devil (in Greek the translation would be the Slanderer) comes to tempt him – offering food, power, and safety. Jesus rebukes him. But, those 40 days in the wilderness slide off the screen of our lives so quickly. Why was he there? What was it like? What did he learn?
The video containing Mr. Smith’s images is evocative. The scriptures say Jesus was ‘driven into the wilderness by the Spirit’ – he was compelled, he needed to do it. Have you ever been compelled in a likewise manner? Compelled to seek out a retreat for your soul? or for your body? Mundane it may be, but I have heard myself mutter, “I’ve got to make time to get a pedicure” It’s not just that my toes look awful, but the time spent – 30 minutes to an hour – where I cannot run around and do other things – is a gift. We need to give ourseles the gift of time, of respite, of focus.
In the pictures in the video, Jesus is enthralled by the world around him, as he begins his 40 days without distractions. He finds beauty in small things, and rests. But, before his 40 days are through, he begins to tire. He hungers. He thirsts. The angels must keep watch – he is in a fragile state. And that’s when the devil comes to offer him power, food, and safety. But the spirit remains and Jesus resists. The angels carry him back to safety, back to life at the end of the 40 days.
So, how does this translate for you and for me? Get away. Get away from your distractions, from the constant nagging at you that comes from your job, your house, your family. As much as you love and appreciate your job, your house, your family, they are wearing you out. Be filled with the spirit, and step away. Recharge. Give yourself the space to think, to feel, to remember that you belong to God.
How, you ask? well, you know best about your life, but I offer you the idea of starting small – how about with prayer? Do you pray every day? Most of us would like to do this, but actually don’t. Pray when you put on your shoes. 30 seconds. As your day begins. Pray. Here’s one way to start –
A Prayer of Shoes
Lord, as I put on these shoes today, be with me. As I get ready to enter the journey of my day, walk with me. Bless these shoes with compassion for others, patience for the day’s frustrations, and a spirit of wonder for the opportunities you will offer me today. Take away from me the concerns and worries of my life, God, I give them to you today. Fill these shoes with friendship, and reaching out. Take away all my complaining and sour outlook. Let every step I take in these shoes today remind me of who I am and whose I am – Yours, Loving Father. Amen.
