LONGING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE, DAY ONE

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Ash Wednesday, March 5th

Lent is a season in which we seek more of God’s presence in our lives, a time when we often choose spiritual practices to enhance our awareness of this holy presence. I find a precious, sacred gift in understanding that God not only initiates our longings but also answers these longings and guides us to fulfill them. Through Jesus’ life, we come to know that God’s presence is with us, and God’s presence is within us and all of creation as well.

The next day John (the Baptist) again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. ~ JOHN 1:35-39 (NRSVUE)

If Jesus asked you today, “What are you looking for?” what would be your answer? What would be your holy longing?

When I envisioned Jesus asking me the question, I became inspired to write this poem.

A special sense about this man
drew me to walk behind,
though I’m not one who changes course
without a plan in mind.

We walked in silence for some time,
and then he asked of me,
“What is it you are looking for?
What do you want to see?”

But my response was tears, no words;
I could not speak at all,
both overwhelmed by my great need,
made mute by sacred awe.

And so he waited patiently
for me to understand
that I just need him close to me…

“Will you please hold my hand?”

Prayer:
Holy God, Infinite Love, as we begin this Lenten journey, we thank you for the holy longings you place within us—sacred gifts to draw us closer to you. Guide our reflections this season, that we may follow Christ more closely, be more attentive to your presence, and deepen in our love for you and one another.

(Photo by Karen)