...all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
- Ps. 139:16b
A Cry for Mercy
O Lord, this holy season of Lent is passing quickly. I entered into it with fear, but also with great expectations. I hoped for a great breakthrough, a powerful conversion, a real change of heart; I wanted Easter to be a day so full of light that not even a trace of darkness would be left in my soul.
But I know that you do not come to your people with thunder and lightning. Even St. Paul and St. Francis journeyed through much darkness before they could see your light. Let me be thankful for your gentle way. I know you are at work. I know you will not leave me alone. I know you are quickening me for Easter - but in a way fitting to my own history and my own temperament.
I pray that these last three weeks, in which you invite me to enter more fully into the mystery of your passion, will bring me a greater desire to follow you on the way that you create for me and to accept the cross that you give to me. Let me die to the desire to choose my own way and select my own desire. You do not want to make me a hero but a servant who loves you.
Be with me tomorrow and in the days to come, and let me experience your gentle presence. Amen.
Lent Online Book Discussion
There is still time to join in our online book discussion. This Lent we are reading and discussing insights gleaned from Henri Nouwen's Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of His Final Year. Facilitated by Ray Glennon, you are welcome to participate in any way that is spiritually nourishing for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment