He must increase, but I must decrease

Morning: Psalm 72; I Samuel 1:1-20; Hebrews 3:1-6

Evening: Psalms 146, 147; Zechariah 2:10-13; John 3:25-30

Here, I have sought daily to speak about Jesus in 100 words or less and in non-religious language. Where I have managed to do that, I give thanks! As I let go the reins of the community which I have done my best to serve, I will also let go of these daily reflections. These things are always fraught with the problems of ego, to which I am not immune! So, it is fitting that this final reflection end with John’s remark about Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Friends, I will see you on the path. Onward!

 

The embodied, life-giving Word that holds the Cosmos

 

Morning: Psalms 146, 147; Sirach 43:1-12; Ephesians 4:1-16

Evening: Psalms 111, 112, 113; John 1:1-18

I love words - crosswords, puns, how foreign languages sound, poetry, pithy sayings, the way one word can contain a universe of meaning, and that Jesus is The Word. Have you noticed, I am quite taken with Jesus and with finding words that adequately distil this One Word? Jesus is the embodied, life-giving Word. He challenges me to choose, out of the profusion of possibilities, words not heavily weighed down with sickly piety or spiritual baggage. Which words will I use to speak of Jesus so that you will hear what this Word means, this Word that holds the Cosmos?

We do not lose heart ... Love surpasses knowledge

Morning: Psalms 30, 32; Deuteronomy 5:22-33; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

Evening: Psalm 104; Sirach 42:15-25; Ephesians 3:14-21

In youth, it is not unusual to have high hopes for all you will accomplish during the seemingly long life ahead. Then, in elder years, even if you have pursued a great calling, you may wonder whether you have accomplished anything at all. Thomas Aquinas, the great medieval theologian, not long before his death wrote: ‘Everything I have written is straw.’ St. Paul, though, is full of encouragement for every step on life’s path ... he says we can rely on a Love that surpasses our capacity to understand it, therefore we do not lose heart.

 

Does what you prize fit your soul?

Morning: Psalm 31; Deuteronomy 5:1-22; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

Evening: Psalm 35; Luke 16:10-18

On Monday, I’m retiring. As I do, I think about this daily practice of reflecting on the Scriptures; I hope it has stretched and challenged you, as it has me. Now I am looking forward and opening myself up to new possibilities. A couple of questions hold my attention: Does what you prize fit your soul? Does it make your heart glad? ... There are many commendable ways of living, but no-one can live them all. Find a life that fits, then live it with all your heart.

 

Cut one another some slack

Morning: Psalm 37:1-18; Deuteronomy 4:32-40; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Evening: Psalm 37:19-42; Luke 16:1-9

Zealous to be diligent stewards of all they have received, people of faith can sometimes get pretty rigid about who is worthy of grace and who is not. They are often first hardest on themselves, but this can easily spill over into being judgmental of others’ failings. Jesus encourages us all to go lightly with whatever expectations we have of one another. In this often fraught and angry world, we need friends. Maybe Jesus is saying: Cut one another some slack. Trust one another. Win friends by being humble about your own failings and by forgiving others for theirs.

 

Lost ... and Found

Morning: Psalm 38; Deuteronomy 4:25-31; 2 Corinthians 1;23 – 2:17

Evening: Psalm 119:25-48; Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

I looked for my flip-flops in the Lost and Found at the ‘Y’, which was just a plastic barrel full of indescribably gross stuff. I gave up the search! I did not want the lost flip-flops that badly!! Imagine, though, that your son is Lost. You will gladly endure indescribable torment to find him. And then, if you remember a time when you yourself were Lost and feeling unworthy, when Love reached out and welcomed you home, you may also remember how dear you are to the One who Found you and how glad you both are that they did.

 

What is heaven like? ... like joy in the Cosmos!

Morning: Psalms 26, 28; Deuteronomy 4:15-24; 2 Corinthians 1:12-22

Evening: Psalms 36, 39; Luke 15:1-10

I do not know what heaven is, but I imagine it is like the way you feel after being lost in grief or regret, shame, or remorse, because of something you did or didn’t do ... and then you suddenly realize there is a way forward into reconciliation and a fresh start. You know what you must do. When you find your way like this, you are back in tune with everything, full of joy. You and the Cosmos are saying ‘Yes!’ to one another, and this joy lifts you up. This is what heaven is like, I am sure.