Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
19. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: FORGIVE
GOOD FRIDAY, March 29th
Read Luke 23:32-34 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus is slowly, painfully, dying on the cross. He has been placed between two criminals, left naked and abandoned by many, and is taunted by the ones who remain. And yet he prays, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
to be the best version of myself…
This is truly an incredible moment. In the worst hour of his life, close to death, as he endures excruciating pain and is barely able to breathe, he still utters these words. “Father, forgive them…” He asks God to forgive the people of their fear, hatred, and violence that arose from their misguided expectations and lack of understanding. His compassionate, selfless words now extend to all of us.
Today holds deep sadness as I remember Jesus’ suffering and death, as well as my own misguided expectations, my misunderstandings of his will and my purpose.
Today holds great relief, for I am forgiven, I am understood, I am loved beyond all knowing.
So today also holds a challenge, for I am called to forgive others, to understand others, to love others as Jesus has loved me. May it be so.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
I am sorry for the ways I have sinned against you and others in my life. I am sad that Jesus suffered and died as he did. Thank you for Jesus–who is your presence, your forgiveness, and your love, here with us, now and always. Keep guiding me to follow his example, to be his compassionate, forgiving presence in our world.
Our reading for tomorrow (Holy Saturday) is Matthew 12:40.
Photo by Karen. Hope is on the horizon.
Luke 23:32-34 (NRSVUE)
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
18. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: SERVE
MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 28th
Read John 13:3-17 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
After dinner with his disciples on that evening we now call Maundy Thursday, Jesus sets an example for all of us. He ties a towel around himself, pours water into a basin, then washes their feet. He even washes the feet of the one who was to betray him. Jesus then tells his disciples (and us), “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
to be the best version of myself…
Two thoughts come to my mind today. Jesus chose to serve by washing dirty feet, a most unpleasant task. And Jesus chose to serve Judas (who would soon betray him), a most difficult person. “I have set you an example,” he tells me.
But I would rather serve with the tasks I enjoy, for the people I love. Yes, I will readily make soup for an ailing family member, send a note of encouragement to a dear friend, care for my sweet grandchildren. I am also willing to volunteer for community service, speak up for social justice issues, donate to relief agencies…
“As long as I can serve cleanly, conveniently, and happily, I am your servant, Jesus.”
Then I think of those whose servant hearts take them deeper into compassionate service. The caregivers who tend the toileting needs of the ill or elderly. The teachers and aides who deal with troubled and volatile students. The supporters who stand before fire hoses or tear gas in solidarity with demonstrators. The firefighters, police officers, emergency medical teams, and other brave souls who put their lives in danger to rescue complete strangers. The peacemakers who return merciful kindness to those who have caused them harm.
They serve as Jesus has instructed us to serve, and I am humbled and convicted.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Thank you for the loving life of Jesus and the example he has set for us. Thank you for the selfless, compassionate, caring people who serve as he has taught us to do. Open my heart to truly serve–in the ways that I am needed, for the ones who need me–no matter who, no matter what I may be called to do.
Our reading for tomorrow, Good Friday, is Luke 22:32-34.
Photo by Karen.
John 13:3-17 (NRSVUE)
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from supper, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
17. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: RESIST
Sunday, March 24th
PALM SUNDAY
Read Matthew 21:6-13 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
As Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, exemplifying humility and peace, the adoring crowds gather to praise and adore him. But after this joyful and hopeful entrance, Jesus then creates havoc in the temple, overturning the tables of the money changers and sellers. His surprising actions are seemingly contradictory–as he quickly moves from peacemaker to troublemaker!
to be the best version of myself…
This story is one of resistance. On the lowly donkey, Jesus resists the crowd’s expectations for a new ruler-king by refraining from any show of regal power. At the temple, he resists the greedy injustices of the marketplace by reacting with angry indignation.
The crowd expected Jesus to be more than he was–but he was more than they could imagine.
Today I ask myself… What should I resist by refraining? What should I resist by reacting?
To become my best, I can try to resist by refraining from my ways of living and being that are not of God. Following the humble example of Jesus in this particular passage, I can repent when I feel superior or righteous, release my need for attention or recognition, and refrain from seeking any privilege or advantage that others cannot have.
I can try to resist by reacting like Jesus against greed and injustice. Following the passionate example of Jesus in this passage, I can respond visibly, courageously, and at times, angrily against harmful and oppressive systems, rally with others for equality, fairness, and justice, and react by writing, speaking, defending, and standing for those who have not been seen or heard.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Guide me to refrain from any inner tendencies that are not of you.
Give me the awareness to truly see what needs to be changed,
the humility to surrender to your good work within,
and the quiet peace of your presence,
that my resistance may witness to your love.
Inspire me to react to any outer situations that are not of you.
Give me the courage to speak when I feel timid,
the inspiration to act when I feel unconcerned,
and the determined power of your presence,
that my resistance may witness to your love.
Our reading for Maundy Thursday (28th) will be John 13:3-17.
Photo by Karen; grasses seem to be waving their praises.
~~~~~
Matthew 21:6-13 (NRSVUE)
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written,
‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’
but you are making it a den of robbers.”
16. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: ENCOURAGE
Thursday, March 21st
Read John 14:1-3, 27; 15:9-11; 16:33 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Earlier in the book of John, Jesus warns his disciples, “I am with you only a little longer…” (vs. 13:33). Then, beginning with his new commandment to love one another, he continues with words of encouragement to sustain and inspire them after his death. “Do not let your hearts be troubled… Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you… I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete… I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace…”
His words are for all of us. Jesus loves us, calls us to love one another, and then assures us of his peace, joy, and abiding presence as we carry on his work in the world.
to be the best version of myself…
I am surprised that Jesus (well aware that his life was threatened) could continue to prepare his disciples by instructing and encouraging them for the days ahead. Perhaps as he speaks, Jesus is also encouraging himself; affirming aloud that his presence will remain, that the eternal kingdom is ready for him, that love will surely reign. In his every word, there is the assurance of God’s presence, power, and purpose–beyond our daily experiences and sufferings, beyond our fears and sorrows, beyond our human understanding.
This encouragement is what helps us to love well. Love can come more readily and generously when I am peaceful, joyful, trusting in Christ. Love can withstand hurt and hardship when I sense God’s comforting presence offering so much more. Love can remain and strengthen when I abide in Christ and know Christ abides in me. Love can expand when I assure others of this incredible goodness of God in Christ.
Love remains, love abides, love lasts eternally. There is no greater encouragement than this.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Thank you for these encouraging words of Jesus. May I trust his promises, feel your presence, and live in your love. May I become a source of encouragement for someone who needs to know they are beloved, too. Thank you that Jesus’ words are true–for him, and for all of us.
Our reading for Sunday (24th) is Matthew 21:6-13.
Photo of the dawn by Karen.
~~~~~
John 14:1-3, 27
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
John 15:9-11
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 16:33
I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
15. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: SIMPLIFY
Tuesday, March 19th
Read Matthew 6:19-21 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus teaches the disciples and the gathered crowd the wisdom of storing eternal treasures over earthly ones. Yes, it’s true that one day we will not have any of these temporary treasures (“we can’t take it with us”) and even now, we could lose them to any number of calamities. But better still, when our heart’s treasure is found in the gifts of God, we experience new freedom, joy, generosity, and peace–treasures of heaven, here and now.
to be the best version of myself…
Christine Valters-Paintner writes about simplicity and ascetism in her book, The Artist’s Rule. She writes, “Simplicity calls us to live more intentionally… to recognize life’s essentials and what should be abandoned because of the unproductive energy it requires. We might discard thoughts, habits, or tangible objects that drain energy from our hearts’ truest desires.”1
I was struck by this idea of simplifying more than our belongings; to extend this practice to our ways of living and being, to pursue “our hearts’ truest desires”–those eternal ones of God. I need to ask more often, Is this the best use of our finances, our God-given resources? Is this the best use of my time, of my bonus and finite days of life? Where am I spending unproductive energy? Is there something I can eliminate to replace with something better–or simply to leave space? At the end of my life, will I be glad to have done this, or purchased this, or kept this, or worried about this?
Where might I create more space for God in my soul?
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Thank you for the wise teachings of Jesus. Make me aware of any earthly treasures that keep me from you and your better gifts, where I find my heart’s true treasure. May I use the resources you have given us for your better good, and may I simplify my life to create more space–for relationships, for creativity, for reflection, and for presence with you.
Our reading for Thursday (21), will be John 14:1-3, 27; 15:9-11; 16:33
1Valters-Painter, Christine. The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom. 2011, Sorin Books.
Photo by Karen, the beauty of simplicity.
~~~~~
Matthew 6:19-21 (NRSVUE)
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
14. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: SHARE
Sunday, March 17th
Read Matthew 25:35-40 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus teaches that when we kindly share with others–especially those in need–we are sharing with Jesus himself. He names the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the unclothed, the sick, and the imprisoned in his list of people we are to serve.
to be the best version of myself…
Our friends, Kurt and Judy, generously and graciously follow this teaching of Jesus. A few years ago, Kurt saw a news story about the number of impoverished people in his community, and he was immediately inspired to help. He now packs a number of lunches each morning and drives through the city to distribute them to any who would like one. He and Judy have also provided clothing, transportation, help for housing, and part-time employment for people in need. They have experienced times of discouragement and frustration, but their passion and purpose endure. They truly live to serve others as Jesus has taught.
Too often, I can become skeptical, intimidated, or selfish about sharing with others. I tend to overlook my privilege, make excuses, or question whether others will use my donation for what I intend. I forget that Jesus loves “the least of these”–that Jesus is even included as “the least of these.” I am grateful for people like our friends, who steadfastly model what it means to love our neighbor.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Open my eyes to first see you in others,
Open my ears to hear your call to love and serve,
Open my spirit to receive your strength and courage,
Open my heart to serve you–and the least of these–well.
(Photo by Judy; Jim and I are helping Kurt assemble lunches.)
Our reading for Tuesday (19th) is Matthew 6:19-21.
Top photo by Karen; Grampy Jim is sharing a cupcake with our granddaughter.
~~~~~
Matthew 25:35-40 (NRSVUE)
…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’
13. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: REST
Thursday, March 14th
Read Mark 4:35-41 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus sleeps in the stern as he and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee. When a storm begins to ravage the boat, the frightened disciples awaken him. Jesus tells the storm to “Be still!” and the storm immediately subsides. He then questions his friends, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
His act of calming the storm is quite remarkable, but his sleeping IN the storm is, too.
There is wind.
There are waves.
There is water in the boat.
And yet Jesus sleeps.
to be the best version of myself…
As I marvel about Jesus sleeping through the storm, I think about my own storms that keep me awake at night. I am initially frustrated by the worry, sadness, or pain that awaken me, then become increasingly frustrated when I cannot settle myself back to sleep. There have been a few times when I was able to fully entrust myself into God’s good care and then–finally–peacefully rest. But I find that I cannot just pray, “I am placing myself into your good care, God.” I have to desperately mean it, to be so outdone that I have no other choice.
I imagine that during his time in the wilderness, Jesus prayed a similar desperate prayer of surrender–entrusting his whole life to God, not just one sleepless night. Perhaps right from the beginning, he placed himself completely and preemptively into God’s good care, knowing that his life would be filled with storms. So, when this storm rocked the boat, he could sleep peacefully and securely. He had already surrendered and settled into God’s compassionate, ever-present care–with the trust that endures whatever life brings.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
May I surrender myself, my whole life, into your tender care every day–not just during storms or sleepless nights. As I entrust myself, my dear ones, and our world into your compassion and comfort, help me find the same peace that Jesus knew. Thank you for your all-embracing, ever-present love that is holding me, holding us, now and always. Keep guiding me to abide in your love, to live in your peace, and to serve as your calming presence for others.
Our reading for Sunday, March 17th is Matthew 25:35-40.
Photo by Karen, Bar Harbor, ME. Sailboats on a calmer sea.
~~~~~
Mark 4:35-41 (NRSVUE)
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
12. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: BLESS
Tuesday, March 12th
Read Mark 10:13-16 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
As Jesus is teaching and healing crowds of people, children are also being brought to him for a blessing. The disciples sternly speak against this, but Jesus then says, “Let them come…” He goes on to say that the kingdom of heaven “belongs to such as these” and takes the children into his arms and blesses them. One can only imagine how these children must have felt dearly loved and valued.
to be the best version of myself…
This story offers yet another assurance that the love of God in Christ is not based on our merit, knowledge, or usefulness to God. Jesus asserts that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children, who are innocent, helpless, naive, dependent, and at times unreasonable. This is a grace for me, that I do not need to prove myself or perfect myself for God to love me. In fact, it seems as if Jesus especially draws near to the helpless, imperfect, and unaware.
And as he blesses the children, so should I. Whether it’s working to ensure that crying children are heard, hungry children are fed, learning students are safe, refugee children are welcome, frightened children are secure, and marginalized youth are included, I must not sit idly by. The kingdom belongs to them–and I am called to help them experience it.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
As Jesus welcomed and blessed the children, help me to do the same. Open my eyes to see the needs of your children, then give me the courage to keep speaking, the resources to keep helping, the insight to keep guiding, the gentleness to keep comforting, and the love to keep encouraging. Thank you for loving us all, for offering us your kingdom despite our imperfections and shortcomings. May your kingdom come. For everyone.
Our reading for Thursday (14th) is Mark 4:35-41.
Photo by our daughter of Jim and me, walking with our beloved grandson.
~~~~~
Mark 10:13-16 (NRSVUE)
People were bringing children to him in order that he might touch them, and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
11. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: THANK
Sunday, March 10th
Read Matthew 15:32-38 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus takes a meager portion of fish and bread, thanks God, and then generously feeds the crowd of people. This story, considered one of the miracle stories, is shared several times throughout the gospels and certainly holds important lessons for us. The story encourages us to be willing to share what we have, even if our contribution seems small. The story demonstrates the compassion of Jesus, shown in his concern for the people who came to listen. Today I also notice how Jesus thanks God for the small gifts of bread and fish, and in doing so, finds he has plenty to share.
To be the best version of myself…
In her book, Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach quotes Melody Beattie:
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more… It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.1
The act of thanking God serves much more than being gracious and polite; our lives also are enriched. I find that when I thank God for Jim and other dear ones, I see and cherish them as precious and holy blessings. When I thank God for each new morning, the ordinary day becomes a fresh bonus gift of life to embrace with joy. When I can muster up gratitude for my trials, they can become holy opportunities to deepen in trust or gain new insights. When I thank God for anything–food, health, sunshine, laughter, home–I more readily see my life as a miracle story, too.
For the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Thank you for this world–all of it. Thank you for everything. Deepen my appreciation for every good gift and expand my generosity to share what I can. This life and this world are holy, valuable, and wondrous. May I always regard and treat them as the miracles they are. Thank you.
Our reading for Tuesday (12th) is Mark 10:13-16.
1Breathnach, Sarah Ban. Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. Warner Books, 1995.
Photo by Karen, watercolor painting by my dear and talented (late) father. The window scene brings memories of abundance at my grandmother’s house, memories for which I am thankful.
~~~~~
Matthew 15:32-38 (NRSVUE)
Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat, and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?” Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled, and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children.
10. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: HELP
Thursday, March 7th
Read Mark 12:41-44 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
While Jesus is teaching in the temple, he notices this poor widow placing two small coins into the treasury. The widow’s mite will not make much of a difference for the treasury, but Jesus finds her offering significant, for she has given all that she had. This becomes another teaching opportunity for Jesus to share with his disciples. Jesus values her heart, her intention, her humble generosity, more than any difference she can make.
to be the best version of myself…
This lesson encourages me to not be intimidated by the immensity of a problem or the smallness of me. I alone cannot resolve global issues such as hunger, poverty, injustice, oppression, or depletion of our earth. But I can feed my neighbor, help someone in need, speak up for others, tend our local environment, and support organizations that work for the greater good in our world. Like the widow, I can contribute the resources I do have–all gifts from God–with a generous spirit and genuine compassion.
In his book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gratitude, and Getting Old, Parker Palmer encourages us to “take on big jobs worth doing, jobs like the spread of love, peace, and justice.” We may never be fully successful with undertakings such as these, but he adds:
“Our heroes take on impossible jobs and stay with them for the long haul because they live by a standard that supersedes effectiveness. The name of that standard is faithfulness—faithfulness to your gifts, to the needs of the world, and to offering your gifts to whatever needs are within your reach.” 1
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Help me to live in faithfulness, always doing what I can with the gifts and resources you have generously given me. Let my love join with others, rippling out into the world in wider circles of compassion and care. May I never shrug my shoulders because “there is nothing I can do,” but offer my hands to your loving service, to do all that I can do with your help and guidance.
The reading for Sunday (10th) is Matthew 15:32-38.
1 Palmer, Parker. On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gratitude, and Getting Old. ReadHowYouWant, 2019.
This photo (taken my Karen in Peak, SC) inspired an image of smalls acts of kindness winding their way to join with others.
~~~~~
Mark 12:41-44 (NRSVUE)
He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Simply Soul Searching 