MEDITATION:
Written by Dallas Willard (1935-2013) an American philosopher known for his writings on Christian spiritual formation. This is an excerpt from his book “Hearing God Through the Year.”
On the evening before his crucifixion, Jesus assured his little band of followers that although he was leaving them, he would continue to show himself to all who loved him. Judas Thaddaeus then asked just the right question: How would this manifesting take place (John 14:22)? Jesus replied that he and his Father would “come to them and make our home with them.” The abiding of the Son and the Father in the faithful heart involves more than communication or conversation, but it surely does involve these too, in a manner and measure our Lord considers to be appropriate. It is simply beyond belief that two persons so intimately related as indicated in Jesus’ answer would not speak explicitly to one another. The Spirit who inhabits us is not mute, restricting himself to an occasional nudge, a brilliant image, or a case of goosebumps.
PRAYER:
Written by Etty Hillesum (1914-1943), the author of confessional letters and diaries that describe her religious awakening amid the persecutions of Jewish people in Amsterdam during the German occupation.
The jasmine behind my house has been completely ruined by the rains and storms of the last few days, its white blossoms are floating about in the muddy black pools on the low garage roof. But somewhere inside me the jasmine continues to blossom undisturbed, just as profusely and delicately as ever it did. And it spreads its scent round the House in which you dwell, O God. You can see, I look after you, I bring you not only my tears and my forebodings on this stormy, grey morning, I even bring you scented jasmine. And I shall bring you all the flowers I shall meet on my way, and truly there are many of those. I shall try to make you at home always. Even if I should be locked up in a narrow cell and a cloud should drift past my small barred window, then I shall bring you that cloud, O God, while there is still the strength in me to do so. I cannot promise you anything for tomorrow, but my intentions are good, you can see.
Pathways Press.com 