Psalm 23 (in a version other than KJV)
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 4-C
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 NIV)
Oh, so you have looked at the Scriptures this morning and said, “I know this by heart. I’ll just glance over the words and move on.” Think again. More often than not, we have memorized the King James Version of Psalm 23. The words found there are beautiful to be sure. But there are no “Thou’s” in the version above. The words don’t “floweth” in quite the same way, do they? That is why I chose another version of David’s beautiful testimony of faith. There are times when the familiar is too familiar and we forget to listen to the words that are offered to us. So, this morning, I ask that you reread Psalm 23 in a different light. Sit on your porch, in a garden or in a quiet room. Read the words slowly, as if you are reading them for the first time. Perhaps choose several versions to read. Allow the words to take shape not just as David’s walk of faith but that of yours as well. These words are for the living! They are for each of us in our own days.
When I turned to my Bible this morning, I first read “Psalm 23 … a psalm of David”. These words are David’s testimony to the everyday relationship with the LORD in and of his life. TESTIMONY. The words in the wonderful book of Psalms, whether they be words of joy and thanksgiving, words of lament, or words of praise and worship, are all testimonies to God’s involvement in the life of an individual or community. TESTIMONY. That word stops us in our comfortable tracks, doesn’t it? It asks more of us than we are often willing to give. TESTIMONY. If you had pen in hand, what would you write as your own Psalm 23 words of faith? What would you share?
I daresay that the words of faith that find themselves flowing from us would still be those of a consistent, unchangeable, ever-present, loving LORD. David’s shepherd is our shepherd! His LORD is our LORD! Just think for a moment … the LORD, the very One who created all is our shepherd. Imagine that! The One who caused the floods and dried the land is our shepherd. We are God’s priceless possessions for sure, loved both in our “bleating” times and in our times of rest.
How precious to me are the verbs of my shepherd. God MAKES me to lie down, LEADS me to quietness, RESTORES my soul, GUIDES me in paths of righteousness, COMFORTS me in dark places, PREPARES a table before me even in the presence of my enemies, ANOINTS my head with oil. Yes, I am LED by the shepherd and FOLLOWED by goodness and love. These verbs are not only the promises and testimonies of David and not only mine that I claim, but be assured that they are yours as well.
The LORD is David’s shepherd. The LORD is my shepherd. The LORD is your shepherd. We are part of a wonderful flock. How sweet it is to hear the voice of our shepherd. How powerful it is to testify to his care for us and presence with us. Just as David’s words are to us, so might our words be for others.
Holy Shepherd of our lives … This day, we pray that we might stop “bleating” long enough to hear your voice. Place within each of us a testimony to your ever-presence and to your loving care. Pour out of us words that can no longer be kept to ourselves. Open hearts of wayward sheep so that they might hear you calling for them and live into their days being loved and cared for and led by you. Amen.
anna
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"Gone Fishing"
Please read John 21:1-19
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 3-C
This week has been a strange one for me. This is the first time since I began to write weekly devotions in 2001 that a Scripture has weighed so heavily on me that it became impossible to choose other verses, yet at the same time, the words would not flow from heart to page. I was so tempted to simply e-mail you with the words “GONE FISHING" or "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK SOON" or maybe even "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK AFTER BREAKFAST" and leave it at that.
I had read the Scriptures over and over again. What I have wanted to share was trying its best to flow in poetry form and yet didn't. I tried to write in prose, and couldn't. Each time I read "Feed my sheep", tears welled up in my eyes. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday came and went. So what am I to do? This morning I realized that I am to share the best that I can even if it is Thursday evening.
It seems that this quietness of mine had a lot to do with the glow of a charcoal bonfire, the smell of the smoke and the eye contact between a disciple and Jesus. Not along a lakeshore as in these Scriptures, but in a courtyard. Surely the bonfire, the smell, the eye contact made with Jesus along the lakeshore transported Peter back to his three denials. I felt for him and quite possibly even for me.
In this moment when Jesus sought Peter out and invited the disciples to breakfast, I have seen myself this week with bread in one hand and reaching out to receive a piece of fish from Jesus. Sitting with the disciples, with the warmth of the bonfire on my own face, I have remembered my own goof-ups and misspoken words and suddenly realize that Jesus loved me through them, time and time again. I have remembered denials and omissions, and have sensed this breakfast prepared on the edge of what is comfortable and familiar and safe to me (as it was to Peter) is Jesus' way of pursuing us in spite of such things. I have heard, "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep" and "Do you love me?” and the tears have flowed. This is what has slowed my words for the week. After Jesus loving Peter (and me) through goof-ups, after pursuing Peter (and me) through omissions, after raising a shamed head at a sunrise breakfast invitation and at the very place where Peter (and I) find it easy to climb back into a comfortable, safe and familiar box (or boat), Jesus gives great affirmation to what Peter is called to do as a disciple on earth.
And what about me? What about you? What about others? This would be the most "delicious" breakfast ever, for any one of us, when all of the puzzle pieces fall into place and we recognize what Jesus is doing. Jesus LOVES us even in our Peter-like responses. He PURSUES us even after omissions. He gives AFFIRMATION in our calling (whatever shape that puzzle piece might be).
Listen to the words spoken at this breakfast. Listen as if Jesus speaks them directly to you. “Do you love me? Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Follow me.” We are made whole once more and sent out to feed and tend in Jesus’ name.
God of mercy and grace … When we put up a “Gone Fishing” sign, you meet us at the lakeshore and point to the school of fish. When we can only see a bonfire that flickers with shameful memories, you invite us to breakfast around a new bonfire. You raise our heads so that our faces might reflect your Light. When our last memories of eye contact were that of omission and denial, you ask us to look into your eyes once more … and we now see love and forgiveness. When we hunger to be the disciples you have called us to be, you hand us bread and fish and affirm our callings. And when we struggle with words of love for you, you help us form the words. O God, thank you for this great breakfast. Amen
anna
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 3-C
This week has been a strange one for me. This is the first time since I began to write weekly devotions in 2001 that a Scripture has weighed so heavily on me that it became impossible to choose other verses, yet at the same time, the words would not flow from heart to page. I was so tempted to simply e-mail you with the words “GONE FISHING" or "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK SOON" or maybe even "GONE FISHING. WILL BE BACK AFTER BREAKFAST" and leave it at that.
I had read the Scriptures over and over again. What I have wanted to share was trying its best to flow in poetry form and yet didn't. I tried to write in prose, and couldn't. Each time I read "Feed my sheep", tears welled up in my eyes. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday came and went. So what am I to do? This morning I realized that I am to share the best that I can even if it is Thursday evening.
It seems that this quietness of mine had a lot to do with the glow of a charcoal bonfire, the smell of the smoke and the eye contact between a disciple and Jesus. Not along a lakeshore as in these Scriptures, but in a courtyard. Surely the bonfire, the smell, the eye contact made with Jesus along the lakeshore transported Peter back to his three denials. I felt for him and quite possibly even for me.
In this moment when Jesus sought Peter out and invited the disciples to breakfast, I have seen myself this week with bread in one hand and reaching out to receive a piece of fish from Jesus. Sitting with the disciples, with the warmth of the bonfire on my own face, I have remembered my own goof-ups and misspoken words and suddenly realize that Jesus loved me through them, time and time again. I have remembered denials and omissions, and have sensed this breakfast prepared on the edge of what is comfortable and familiar and safe to me (as it was to Peter) is Jesus' way of pursuing us in spite of such things. I have heard, "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep" and "Do you love me?” and the tears have flowed. This is what has slowed my words for the week. After Jesus loving Peter (and me) through goof-ups, after pursuing Peter (and me) through omissions, after raising a shamed head at a sunrise breakfast invitation and at the very place where Peter (and I) find it easy to climb back into a comfortable, safe and familiar box (or boat), Jesus gives great affirmation to what Peter is called to do as a disciple on earth.
And what about me? What about you? What about others? This would be the most "delicious" breakfast ever, for any one of us, when all of the puzzle pieces fall into place and we recognize what Jesus is doing. Jesus LOVES us even in our Peter-like responses. He PURSUES us even after omissions. He gives AFFIRMATION in our calling (whatever shape that puzzle piece might be).
Listen to the words spoken at this breakfast. Listen as if Jesus speaks them directly to you. “Do you love me? Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Follow me.” We are made whole once more and sent out to feed and tend in Jesus’ name.
God of mercy and grace … When we put up a “Gone Fishing” sign, you meet us at the lakeshore and point to the school of fish. When we can only see a bonfire that flickers with shameful memories, you invite us to breakfast around a new bonfire. You raise our heads so that our faces might reflect your Light. When our last memories of eye contact were that of omission and denial, you ask us to look into your eyes once more … and we now see love and forgiveness. When we hunger to be the disciples you have called us to be, you hand us bread and fish and affirm our callings. And when we struggle with words of love for you, you help us form the words. O God, thank you for this great breakfast. Amen
anna
Monday, April 5, 2010
"Without A Doubt!"
Please read John 20:24-31
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 2-C
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John’s words … an eyewitness to the risen Christ and to Thomas’ hurting hopes transformed into unwavering belief and faith … without a doubt!).
I’m afraid that, over the centuries, a huge “D” has been sewn onto Thomas’ robe. The word has been branded across his forehead. And fingers point as whispers are said. “Doubter". Oh my. For us “Johnny-Come-Lately’s” to the faith, we know deep within our hearts that this is a misnomer. The word “doubter” becomes such an obstacle that we often turn a deaf ear to probably the greatest affirmations of faith in all of the Scriptures. “MY LORD and MY GOD!” There is not a shred of doubt in the words that spill out from the lips of Thomas. Not one.
Of course, we do wonder why Thomas wasn’t with the others at Jesus’ first appearance in the room. That’s our nature to wonder about such things. There is no indication as to the why’s in the Scriptures. Perhaps it hurt too much for Thomas to hope. Just maybe it was that same hurting hope that brought him back into the house to be with the disciples and the others. Yes, Thomas grew up with the words of Isaiah telling of the coming of the Messiah. So have we. Yes, he walked with Jesus, listened to his teachings and witnessed miracles. And yes, he was a disciple among disciples. An eyewitness to Jesus’ crucifixion. He should have believed without any other proof. So, why should Thomas have had such a need to see Jesus, the risen Christ for himself?
Thomas heard the words “We have seen the risen Lord” from the other disciples and yet didn’t believe. Neither did the disciples when Mary exclaimed the same. Haven't we heard the very same words from those who have shared their own faith with us? … “I have seen the risen Lord.” The witness of others opens our hearts to believe but there is a need within each of us for a personal encounter with our risen Lord.
There is such beauty in these verses. Thomas voiced what he truly needed. Jesus offered only what Thomas’ heart required. To see the nail marks in Jesus’ hands. To place his hand there as well as in Jesus’ sword-pierced side. There was no mention of nail-pierced feet from Thomas nor did Jesus offer to show him those marks as further proof. The risen Lord was (and is) the Good Shepherd seeking to save the lost lamb. Jesus loved this one person enough to address Thomas’ hesitations and hurting hopes. He said, “See my hands. Put your hand in my side.” Thomas found that he had no need to do that. His affirmation of faith was immediate and it has echoed throughout the ages. “MY Lord and MY God!”
Thomas’ proclamation, without a doubt, is the clearest profession of faith, allegiance and loyalty in the Gospels. Without a doubt! “MY Lord and MY God!” Let’s remove all doubt. Jesus says that those of us who believe without seeing will be blessed. John ends this account, underlining what is most important and that is our ultimate response to Jesus Christ. When Jesus presents himself to any of us, will we fall on our knees and proclaim, without a doubt, “MY Lord and MY God”?
Prayer: God-among-us … You find us everywhere, don’t you? Behind closed doors, waiting, but not knowing what we are waiting for. Wandering among other wanderers, hoping beyond hope that we might see you for the first time or see you with greater clarity. Ready to share with another that we have indeed seen you. Praying that just one might say “My Lord and My God”. Remembering when we once said those same words. O God, make your Presence known wherever we are and in whatever way is needed to place “My Lord and My God” on our lips and no doubt within our hearts. Amen.
anna
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 2-C
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John’s words … an eyewitness to the risen Christ and to Thomas’ hurting hopes transformed into unwavering belief and faith … without a doubt!).
I’m afraid that, over the centuries, a huge “D” has been sewn onto Thomas’ robe. The word has been branded across his forehead. And fingers point as whispers are said. “Doubter". Oh my. For us “Johnny-Come-Lately’s” to the faith, we know deep within our hearts that this is a misnomer. The word “doubter” becomes such an obstacle that we often turn a deaf ear to probably the greatest affirmations of faith in all of the Scriptures. “MY LORD and MY GOD!” There is not a shred of doubt in the words that spill out from the lips of Thomas. Not one.
Of course, we do wonder why Thomas wasn’t with the others at Jesus’ first appearance in the room. That’s our nature to wonder about such things. There is no indication as to the why’s in the Scriptures. Perhaps it hurt too much for Thomas to hope. Just maybe it was that same hurting hope that brought him back into the house to be with the disciples and the others. Yes, Thomas grew up with the words of Isaiah telling of the coming of the Messiah. So have we. Yes, he walked with Jesus, listened to his teachings and witnessed miracles. And yes, he was a disciple among disciples. An eyewitness to Jesus’ crucifixion. He should have believed without any other proof. So, why should Thomas have had such a need to see Jesus, the risen Christ for himself?
Thomas heard the words “We have seen the risen Lord” from the other disciples and yet didn’t believe. Neither did the disciples when Mary exclaimed the same. Haven't we heard the very same words from those who have shared their own faith with us? … “I have seen the risen Lord.” The witness of others opens our hearts to believe but there is a need within each of us for a personal encounter with our risen Lord.
There is such beauty in these verses. Thomas voiced what he truly needed. Jesus offered only what Thomas’ heart required. To see the nail marks in Jesus’ hands. To place his hand there as well as in Jesus’ sword-pierced side. There was no mention of nail-pierced feet from Thomas nor did Jesus offer to show him those marks as further proof. The risen Lord was (and is) the Good Shepherd seeking to save the lost lamb. Jesus loved this one person enough to address Thomas’ hesitations and hurting hopes. He said, “See my hands. Put your hand in my side.” Thomas found that he had no need to do that. His affirmation of faith was immediate and it has echoed throughout the ages. “MY Lord and MY God!”
Thomas’ proclamation, without a doubt, is the clearest profession of faith, allegiance and loyalty in the Gospels. Without a doubt! “MY Lord and MY God!” Let’s remove all doubt. Jesus says that those of us who believe without seeing will be blessed. John ends this account, underlining what is most important and that is our ultimate response to Jesus Christ. When Jesus presents himself to any of us, will we fall on our knees and proclaim, without a doubt, “MY Lord and MY God”?
Prayer: God-among-us … You find us everywhere, don’t you? Behind closed doors, waiting, but not knowing what we are waiting for. Wandering among other wanderers, hoping beyond hope that we might see you for the first time or see you with greater clarity. Ready to share with another that we have indeed seen you. Praying that just one might say “My Lord and My God”. Remembering when we once said those same words. O God, make your Presence known wherever we are and in whatever way is needed to place “My Lord and My God” on our lips and no doubt within our hearts. Amen.
anna
Saturday, April 3, 2010
"Father, into your hands ... "
Meditations and prayers on the last words of Christ
This is Holy Saturday – Our seventh step into Holy Week
There is a quietness in this day and a vigil to keep
You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.
“FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT”
Darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon (the sixth hour), while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)
The Scriptures say that Jesus’ last words came in a loud voice. What great effort must have been found in his last breath to produce words that were heard above a whisper. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Jesus says, “Father”, and the Father-Son relationship is restored. He affirms his trust in his Father. There is no longer what seemed to be separation and silence when the sins of the world slammed hard upon the shoulders of Jesus. Certainly, his Father had not turned away from him. Through it all, Jesus decides where to put his trust. And at the time of his very choosing, when ALL has been said and done, Jesus breathes his last breath. The crucifixion comes to an end with the total oneness of Son and Father. “Father, take what I have offered … my suffering and sacrifice. Into your hands I commend my spirit.”
Reflection: What burdens, what things that hurt and pierce your soul do you need to leave at the foot of the cross today? “Father, into your hands I place these things.”
Prayer: Holy Sacrifice …. You have suffered so much for me. Your words have flowed down from the cross in puddles of forgiveness and love and hope and promise. My gratitude can only be adequately shown if I offer the same to others. Make my heart tender toward others, O Lord, and give me the strength and endurance to do what you have called me to do. Into your hands … into your hands. Amen.
anna
This is Holy Saturday – Our seventh step into Holy Week
There is a quietness in this day and a vigil to keep
You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.
“FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT”
Darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon (the sixth hour), while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)
The Scriptures say that Jesus’ last words came in a loud voice. What great effort must have been found in his last breath to produce words that were heard above a whisper. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Jesus says, “Father”, and the Father-Son relationship is restored. He affirms his trust in his Father. There is no longer what seemed to be separation and silence when the sins of the world slammed hard upon the shoulders of Jesus. Certainly, his Father had not turned away from him. Through it all, Jesus decides where to put his trust. And at the time of his very choosing, when ALL has been said and done, Jesus breathes his last breath. The crucifixion comes to an end with the total oneness of Son and Father. “Father, take what I have offered … my suffering and sacrifice. Into your hands I commend my spirit.”
Reflection: What burdens, what things that hurt and pierce your soul do you need to leave at the foot of the cross today? “Father, into your hands I place these things.”
Prayer: Holy Sacrifice …. You have suffered so much for me. Your words have flowed down from the cross in puddles of forgiveness and love and hope and promise. My gratitude can only be adequately shown if I offer the same to others. Make my heart tender toward others, O Lord, and give me the strength and endurance to do what you have called me to do. Into your hands … into your hands. Amen.
anna
Friday, April 2, 2010
"It is finished!"
Meditations and prayers on the last words of Christ
This is Good Friday – Our sixth step into Holy Week
You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.
"IT IS FINISHED!”
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
From the cross, words of forgiveness, hope and love had been softly and painfully spoken. From the cross, came a cry of anguish as the Sinless One had taken on the sins of all mankind and as he had felt an alienation that he had never once experienced from his Father. The journey to the cross began with an angelic birth announcement illuminated by the glory of the Lord. “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord,” the angels shouted from the heavens. The journey seemed to have ended in the darkness of this very moment with the words “It is finished.” All stood in the darkness of their questionings and doubts. “It is finished” sounded much more like resignation than it did a victory cry from the one the disciples had called Lord. We need to experience this darkness of Good Friday, to reflect on the One whom we too have followed and to wonder about the words “It is finished” before we can translate these words to “Paid in Full.” IT IS FINISHED. Satan knows full well the meaning and impact of the words, for he no longer has a stronghold on mankind. The eternal destiny of humankind hangs on the cross. IT IS FINISHED. The sacrifice has been made on our behalf. The gap between sinful man and holy God has been bridged. Sins have been forgiven. We have been reconciled to God. Our debt has been paid in full. IT IS FINISHED. In just a few days, we will understand. “It is finished” is a victory cry! The tomb will be empty!
Reflection: Jesus gave his life, his love, his all for me. How completely have I given my life, my love, my all to him?
Prayer: Holy Finisher of our faith …Your work is done. You have painfully and lovingly brought me into a “forever” relationship with God. I have stood at the foot of your cross and cried tears of sorrow, wanting to bring you down and yet at the same time I have whispered, “But I need you to do this for me.” Your grace and mercy and love fills my heart with gratitude and love. Place in me a desire to be your hands and feet and heart in this world so that others might feel your undying love for them. Amen.
anna
This is Good Friday – Our sixth step into Holy Week
You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.
"IT IS FINISHED!”
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
From the cross, words of forgiveness, hope and love had been softly and painfully spoken. From the cross, came a cry of anguish as the Sinless One had taken on the sins of all mankind and as he had felt an alienation that he had never once experienced from his Father. The journey to the cross began with an angelic birth announcement illuminated by the glory of the Lord. “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord,” the angels shouted from the heavens. The journey seemed to have ended in the darkness of this very moment with the words “It is finished.” All stood in the darkness of their questionings and doubts. “It is finished” sounded much more like resignation than it did a victory cry from the one the disciples had called Lord. We need to experience this darkness of Good Friday, to reflect on the One whom we too have followed and to wonder about the words “It is finished” before we can translate these words to “Paid in Full.” IT IS FINISHED. Satan knows full well the meaning and impact of the words, for he no longer has a stronghold on mankind. The eternal destiny of humankind hangs on the cross. IT IS FINISHED. The sacrifice has been made on our behalf. The gap between sinful man and holy God has been bridged. Sins have been forgiven. We have been reconciled to God. Our debt has been paid in full. IT IS FINISHED. In just a few days, we will understand. “It is finished” is a victory cry! The tomb will be empty!
Reflection: Jesus gave his life, his love, his all for me. How completely have I given my life, my love, my all to him?
Prayer: Holy Finisher of our faith …Your work is done. You have painfully and lovingly brought me into a “forever” relationship with God. I have stood at the foot of your cross and cried tears of sorrow, wanting to bring you down and yet at the same time I have whispered, “But I need you to do this for me.” Your grace and mercy and love fills my heart with gratitude and love. Place in me a desire to be your hands and feet and heart in this world so that others might feel your undying love for them. Amen.
anna
Thursday, April 1, 2010
"I am thirsty"
Meditations and prayers on the last words of Christ
This is Holy Thursday – Our fifth step into Holy Week
You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.
“I AM THIRSTY”
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. (John 19:28-29)
Immanuel. God with us. The Creator of rivers and seas, the One who washes the lands with rains, THIRSTS. Never have we understood the words “fully human” in terms of Jesus any more than we do when we look into Jesus’ eyes as he hangs on the cross and hear his whispers, “I am thirsty”. And yet, we cannot possibly understand these three words completely for it is this Holy Thirst that has brought him to this place. The One who says, “I am thirsty” IS the Living Water. His “thirst” is what holds him on the cross for a little longer. His “thirst” is not only human, but it is the “thirst” of God who has an unfathomable love for us. He “thirsts” for us to live as children of faith, children forgiven and forgiving, children of new life. “For God so loves YOU (and the world), that he gave his only begotten son, that if YOU believe in him, You will have everlasting life.” Thirsts are quenched in your faith … God’s thirst for abundant life for you and your thirst for the love of God in your life.
Reflection: There is such longing in God’s thirst. Have I fully allowed the depth of his longings to sink into my heart? When will I recognize the thirst of God’s love for me and respond with my life and my love?
Prayer: Holy Living Water … you wash over me to cleanse me. Your cries of “I am thirsty” have my name attached to it. My love for you and my life given to you quenches your thirst and mine, doesn’t it? Open my heart so that I might hear your cries of thirst from the cross today. Give me a longing to be found by your love and a heart that wants nothing more than to carry your thirst-quenching love to others. Amen.
anna
This is Holy Thursday – Our fifth step into Holy Week
You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.
“I AM THIRSTY”
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. (John 19:28-29)
Immanuel. God with us. The Creator of rivers and seas, the One who washes the lands with rains, THIRSTS. Never have we understood the words “fully human” in terms of Jesus any more than we do when we look into Jesus’ eyes as he hangs on the cross and hear his whispers, “I am thirsty”. And yet, we cannot possibly understand these three words completely for it is this Holy Thirst that has brought him to this place. The One who says, “I am thirsty” IS the Living Water. His “thirst” is what holds him on the cross for a little longer. His “thirst” is not only human, but it is the “thirst” of God who has an unfathomable love for us. He “thirsts” for us to live as children of faith, children forgiven and forgiving, children of new life. “For God so loves YOU (and the world), that he gave his only begotten son, that if YOU believe in him, You will have everlasting life.” Thirsts are quenched in your faith … God’s thirst for abundant life for you and your thirst for the love of God in your life.
Reflection: There is such longing in God’s thirst. Have I fully allowed the depth of his longings to sink into my heart? When will I recognize the thirst of God’s love for me and respond with my life and my love?
Prayer: Holy Living Water … you wash over me to cleanse me. Your cries of “I am thirsty” have my name attached to it. My love for you and my life given to you quenches your thirst and mine, doesn’t it? Open my heart so that I might hear your cries of thirst from the cross today. Give me a longing to be found by your love and a heart that wants nothing more than to carry your thirst-quenching love to others. Amen.
anna
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