Life & Spirit - February 3

Today’s Readings: AM [Psalm 70], 71; PM Psalm 74; Gen. 23:1-20; Heb. 11:32-12:2; John 6:60-71

Two tender and sacred moments for me this week were inspired by God’s word -  one spoken in sermon form and the other read in Scripture.  Sunday night, at our Celtic Service, I needed I hear God’s love proclaimed as a power we offer, not in what is received from that power.  It was a reminder to me that all I can do is love, regardless of the outcome and that it won’t always be received the way I want it to be received.  The second was in mediation on Holy Scripture as I prepare for Sunday’s sermon.  Reading Simon calling Jesus ‘Master’ in Luke 5:5 before he fully comprehends who Jesus is and before he abandons his identity to follow Jesus fully was a grace filled moment.  It reminded me that I (and the rest of us) don’t have to have it all fully figured out but to see our lives as a trajectory of deepening our call to discipleship.  I received grace and hope (and life) from God’s word. 

 In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his friends that the words he has spoken to them are “spirit and life.”  I am reminded of God’s word through preaching and through Holy Scripture that has the ability to give us life and guide US through the work of the Spirit.   As Episcopalians, it seems easy to default to reason and tradition to find meaning and purpose.  But God’s Word has other avenues as well, and Scripture has the power to give us life, meaning, hope, grace, and purpose.

If you are still reading these reflections nearly two years after we begin, maybe you have found the same.  If you are new to reading the reflections, then I hope you will find that reading the daily Scripture within is a helpful practice in your life that gives life and Spirit.  And hopefully from time to time, one of us through God’s inspiration provides an insight that brings comfort, hope, and maybe even a challenge to live into God’s call for each of us.

God’s word gives life and spirit.  May we search it out and find it.

John+
Questions for Daily Reflection:  Are there Scriptures that you have read recently that have impacted your life or changed your approach to life?  What about something you have heard in a sermon?

Daily Challenge:  Intentionally read the Scriptures appointed for today.  The links are embedded in this email.