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Three French hens (Faith, Hope and Love)Wednesday, December 27, 2000
John 20:2-8 In birth he inhabited a stable, at his death he stayed for a very short time in the tomb. Neither these earthly constraints nor our human definitions can hold him. And as his brothers and sisters (Romans 8:29), he challenges us to follow him out of the credits, into the true stories of real people. His deep calls to my deep, he asks me to look with him into my own truest self. What price glory? Jesus received his glory in heaven, and he wants me to do the same (Matt 5:12). How much is too much to give? Jesus shared all he had, and I am to go and do likewise (Matt 6:19). Jesus' faith and confidence in his Father was complete, and he promises me my confidence too will not be misplaced (Matt 7:8). In Jesus' life, and in ours, when the burning up of the chaff is complete, when the wheat is stored safely in the barn, "these three remain: faith, hope and love" (1 Cor 13:13). Lord, make me the missionary of your peace, the peace that surpasses understanding. Where there is hatred, sow love through my actions. Where there is despair, bring hope through my words. In the anger and nihilism of cynical disbelief in ourselves, Lord, show through my life your faith in the One who made us. |
Of course, this is part of an historical moment in the Bible, but I also think of how we strive mightily, much of the time, to keep Jesus in the small, less than spacious spot we've kept free for him.