08-01-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 1, 2020
Scripture: John 4:23
But the time is coming—and is here!—when true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth. The Father looks for those who worship him this way.

Thought for the Day: Has anyone else noticed that today is August 1? I might say, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” but this hasn’t been a lot of fun. Two days ago, I read these words for my own morning reflection, and I heard Jesus offering a contrast between what is and what is. I know that sound strange, but so often we defer Jesus to some other time or realm, placing him on the shelf until that other moment makes an appearance. Yet for Jesus, the time has come. Maybe not in its full manifestation, but those who know Jesus recognize what has come and are choosing to live as if it has fully arrived. We are all living in a pandemic, but it is not the only reality. Jesus does not wish his followers to be oblivious to the world and what is happening, but we can live fully present in the world while also being fully present to God, the One we encounter in spirit and truth. It is not escapism or some unhealthy denial. It is choosing to embrace the abundant life God desires for all, and using our lives as a way of bringing this God-life into the current reality where fear and scarcity appear to have a vigorous hold.

Prayer: Once I have seen and experienced the abundant life of love and mercy, O Giver of these gifts, invite me to be a conduit by which your dream is made real in the world today. Amen.

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