Week of 4 Epiphany, Year Two
[Go to Mission St Clare for an online version of the Daily Office including today’s scripture readings.]
Today’s Readings for the Daily Office:
Psalms 56, 57, (58) (morning) // 64, 68 (evening)
Genesis 19:1-17(18-23)24-29
Hebrews 11:1-12
John 6:27-40
Today’s gospel concludes with some of the most encouraging words of Jesus. First, Jesus promises that “anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.” Second, Jesus says that it is his Father’s will “that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” With these words, Jesus asks for our deepest trust.
Do we trust Jesus enough to approach him without fear that we will be pushed away? Do we trust Jesus enough to believe that he will hold us forever? So many people, communities, and institutions may have proven unworthy of our trust. We move toward them, and they drive us away. We turn ourselves over to them, and they lose track of us, and let us slip away.
Jesus wants to accept us in this life and to hold onto us forever. What step, or what risk, can we venture today as we entrust ourselves more fully to him . . . even when so much else in this world has let us down?
Lora Walsh blogs about taking risks and seeking grace at A Daily Scandal. She serves as curate of Grace Episcopal Church in Siloam Springs and assists with education, young adult ministry, and campus ministry at St. Paul’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas.