Every Moment

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. Jn.21:25

 Saint John finishes his unfinishable account of Jesus’ time walking the earth in Palestine. He admits Jesus did much more than he could possibly record. Much of Jesus’ life is unrecorded, yet he would have lived those moments with no lesser mission, passion, love and joy. His life wasn’t a performance to be written in a play. He was authentically alive every moment of every day, whether people were watching or not

 Sometimes I catch myself looking sideways at my reflection in a window. I did this the other day, checking to see how I looked in my new hat. Honestly, nobody cares how I look. However, Jesus does care how I act, whether others are looking or not. He is watching me today, cheering me on to be authentically alive.

Jesus, I confess my vanity to you. Send me your Spirit to help me be alive for you every moment today. Saint Ambrose, please pray for me.

Witness of Joy

For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins. Ps.102:11,12 

 The supreme love and enfolding forgiveness of God for those who seek him is laid out plainly for all to see.

 Psalm 102 is a beautiful self portrait of God. He is revealed as a God who forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, renews and loves. This is the God who our world denies. Why? Why run from such love, hope and peace? Maybe I don’t witness for him clearly enough for the world to see.

Yesterday, outside the Firenze Duomo of all places, a loud group of Harikrishnas danced and sang through the crowd of tourists. They had euphoric smiles over their faces as they approached to hand out their literature. As I declined and explained I was Christian, I felt the joy of what that actually means well up inside and broke out in laughter. It stopped him in his tracks. We both said namaste to each other and he moved on.

 The best confrontation of counterfeit joy is authentic Christian joy. Let this be my hallmark today.

 Jesus, you are the source of my hope, my peace, my love and my joy. Let me be your witness today. Saint Ambrose, pray for me.