A darkness to be felt - April 4

Today’s Readings: Exod. 10:21–11:8; 2 Cor. 4:13–18; Mark 10:46–52

So Moses stretches out his hand and darkness over the land of Egypt falls. The author of Exodus says, “a darkness to be felt.” And then we hear that for three days people did not see one another nor did any rise from their place. I am probably drawn to these words because it seems to be the same experience that we are now living only much longer than three days! I suspect, we are all yearning to see in the flesh other human beings, and we are eager to rise from our place and leave our homes. I am struck that what we are experiencing, really isn’t new. It might be the same reason or experience, but there is something reassuring in knowing that life has cycles and patterns, even what we are experiencing today is a part of that.

When we read Exodus in dialogue with Paul’s writing to the Corinthians in this chapter, we find remarkable hope. “So. We do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Is Paul writing to us this very moment!

If you are reading this, you are doing some small part to nurture your faith and soul. Maybe you have been drawn to participate in Morning Prayer daily on Facebook, or spending more time with your children or step-children, or parents, or talking to old friends on Skype or Zoom. If we have faith and nurture that faith, then our inner nature is being renewed! What a hopeful image in this cycle of isolation and darkness. May the darkness be necessary for our growth.

- John+

Questions for Reflection

  • In what way am I being renewed in the midst of the chaos of our present day?

  • How does my faith play a part in this renewal?

Challenge

  • Find an activity that helps in your renewal and let go of something that is distracting.

John Burruss