10-10-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 10, 2023
I’ve been thinking a lot about my Etching from yesterday, a prayer about the holy affirmation we find, among other places, in the poetry, songs, and stories of scripture. Sadly, in the prayer, I had a slight spelling mishap. As I was preparing to open all four of the social media platforms that I use, I erased a section of the prayer. It was gone, and so I quickly retyped it and got it ready to post. The line that I am sure some of you noticed read: “Holy Mystery, Scared Voice, give us strength…” Of all the adjectives to use in a description of the Divine, I’m sort of thinking that ‘scared” is not a good one. God is a lot of things, but I tend to believe God leans more on the side of strength, courage, resolve, and even gritty. I do not find a Psalm that says, “In my fear, I turned and found God cowering behind a large rock.” Instead, God IS the Rock, and our “refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1).

When the mistakes we make really undermine our intent, we are immensely thankful for your love that claims us and redeems the moment. Help us in our faith as we seek to trust the strength and power of your unconditional love. Amen.