You can find the readings for this week here.
The readings this week are all extracts from longer texts – stories, songs, letters and teachings, so more than ever it’s important to remember context as you read them…there is a big picture each of these fits into and the big picture is made up of many interlocking pieces.
With that in mind, which reading do you find yourself zeroing in on this week? Paul’s sermon to the Athenians and their openness to the God who is mystery?
The psalmist who bears witness to God’s goodness?
Peter’s words of comfort and encouragement to live well and kindly, to be open and sincere?
Jesus’ words of preparation to the disciples and promise of comfort in the Holy Spirit?
Questions for reflection
Whichever text is calling for your attention, dwell with that one for the week and return to these questions: how have I experienced this is my life? Where am I experiencing this now? How would I express in my own words what I think this passage is saying? What is the text asking of me? And how do I respond? Where am I at with this?
On the witness of kindness…
I have sought how to make souls love God better. How to bring them to him, persuade them that he is above any good, how to illuminate for them this sweetness, this wondrous peace, this mystery, this all which reveals itself to the soul without the soul being able to say how; how to obey the Holy Spirit, this fire that I feel in my soul and which wishes to give of itself, to extend itself. How to communicate this to all those souls that touch my soul; and I have found no other means more powerful than kindness.
-Mathilde Boutle (“Lucie Christine”) 1844-1908
On the advocate
I will ask God, who will give you another Advocate,
to be with you forever.
—John 14.16
Not a judge or prosecutor,
but a defense attorney.
I believe in you.
I see your beauty, your glory even,
better than you.
I will advocate for you
against those who accuse,
against every obstacle,
against the voice in your head
that says you’re not good enough.
I will counsel you
in every challenge and disappointment.
You don’t have to call for me;
I am here. Forever.
I will advocate for you
against your uncertainty,
your fear and shame,
for the sake of that person
that even to this day
is still hidden.
I am the Yes of God
within you.
~ Steve Garnaas-Holmes
On the mystery of God
Blessings as you journey through this week and into the relative freedoms of level 2.
Although we are not able to meet for Sunday worship yet, we’ll continue with our zoom gatherings.
Stay safe and well, looking after each other and taking care to be kind as we wait to gather again in the next level.
