On the Spiritual Journey
 The daily Scripture readings this week are difficult ones, beset with cruelty, death, and war. They juxtapose those who chose to follow the mandates of kings and worldly pleasures against those who were faithful to the commandments of God; the latter to the point of torture and even death.
In the midst of these stories is Luke’s startling Gospel narrative about Jesus entering Jerusalem. Luke tells us that Jesus “saw the city and wept over it,” saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace” (Luke 19:41).
As in Old and New Testament times, today, there is much anger, debauchery and dissent in the world, our communities and even our families. Christians, we still struggle to do what makes for peace and, surely, Jesus, who gave us the answer, continues to weep at our failures.
We know what is expected of us as followers of Christ. Tend to the least among us, clothe the naked, feed the poor, and visit those in prison. Give up the tight grip we have on material goods and turn our thoughts and actions to serving others. Reconcile with the hard to love.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, Christ’s message is a timely one for me. Organized, I am prepared to bake the rolls to share at the family’s Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve started my Christmas gift list and considered our cash flow to stay within budget. Hosts of this year’s Christmas gathering of our extended families, David and I have begun discussing the menu. We are proud of the fact that no one ever leaves our home hungry. Later that week, we will drive to Jake and Sarah’s to spend the holidays with them in Colorado Springs.
While I have my lists and menus and plans for the next several weeks, what am I doing to prepare for the coming of Christ? Am I serving the least of those by feeding my family and choosing the gifts I think they will like? Is loving those who love me the best I can do? What am I doing to reconcile with those I find tough to love or who treat me as an enemy?
I am great at promising that next year will be different. Next year, when I have more time and money, I will serve meals at a shelter, give more to the Church, and seek peace with those who offend me. At what point will I give up the lure of tinsel and comfort of a full stomach to wholeheartedly respond to Christ? Next year may be too late.
Tomorrow will I find Him weeping at my doorstep because I have turned down His gift of eternal inheritance?
Awaken now, Spirit of service! Let me take the gold coin He has freely offered and multiply it tenfold. Loosen the ties that bind me so I may follow Christ unfettered. Rush headlong into my heart and fill me with the peace that Christ gives in love.
And so I pray: As we enter this Holy Season, give us the vision to see beyond ourselves to serve in Your name. Help us be the agents of change in Jerusalem, so You may enter the city gates and find peace.
©2011, E. Jane Rutter |
