Author: Lowell Grisham

Abide.

A good word for right now, this morning time of waiting — reading, praying, reflecting. A good word also for the active time of the day.

I love the picture Isaiah paints of God’s gracious presence. “When you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” It really does happen like that.

Monday, April 1, 2013 — Monday in Easter Week [Go to http://www.missionstclare.com/english/index.html for an online version of the Daily Office including today’s scripture readings.] Today’s

“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)

How these words have come true.

When the worst happens. That’s today…

All of today’s Daily Office readings speak to us when troubles abound.

Alienated and resented, Jeremiah has borne the weight of resentment. That’s what happens to whistleblowers and to those who reveal unpopular and uncomfortable truths. Dry and brittle, Jeremiah speaks to God of his discontent, accusing God with these honest words, “Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail.”

The people wave palm branches, symbols of national triumph and military victory. They cry out with messianic expectation. Jesus rides a young donkey recalling Zechariah’s image of the coming king. People have heard the word — Jesus raised Lazarus from the tomb. It seems as though the whole “world has gone after him.”

But looks can be deceiving.

He says that God’s light shines in his heart. It is “the light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” It’s all about God. Everything! That realization makes him bulletproof. He is totally hopeful, no matter what.

I imagine that at each moment, God’s Spirit is working, speaking, yearning, drawing my mind and intention toward the good.