Now past the second Sunday in Lent, we try to keep moving with Jesus as he continues his journey toward Jerusalem. We, of course, know the story of what happens next, but the disciples didn’t. Looking back in hindsight is always easier than going forward without knowing what’s to come.
No question that it’s difficult to imagine times so long ago, but it’s also just as difficult to imagine our own time. We make plans and try to arrange our days accordingly but then life has a way of interfering with our plans. And the cute quotes like making lemonade when life gives you lemons really don’t work.
We really want certainty in our lives, but so often uncertainty takes over and we find ourselves feeling adrift, like boats without anchors. We find ourselves tempted to grasp at answers, any answer, to relieve the desperate feeling of uncertainty. Reaching deep within the core of our being, we search for God to hold us fast in such times.
Prayer for the Day
The world swirls about us, O God, as we cry out to you,
“Hold us, embrace us! Do not be silent.”
Tempted by pronouncements we know are facile,
We struggle for answers to questions we have not even framed.
But you, O Holy One, are with us as you have always been,
Even though at times we do not recognize your presence.
In the name of the One who shares your presence with us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
In these times I don't, in a manner of speaking, know what I want; perhaps I don't want what I know and want what I don't know.”
-Marsilio Ficino, Italian humanist philosopher, from Letters (1433-1499)
Only I wasn’t steering anything, not even myself.
-Sylvia Plath, British poet, from The Bell Jar (1932-1963)
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart?
How long shall my enemy exalt over me?
Consider and answer me, O Lord, my God!
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death.
Psalm 13: 1-2