When I was in Indiana this weekend I had the opportunity to listen to my uncle preach. A retired pastor and now 80 years old, he does not get around as easily as he once did. His body may be slowing down but his mind is sharp and clear. His ability to illuminate God’s word is penetrating.
He preached on the Sunday gospel reading, when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. He told us that Jesus broke all kinds of societal rules by conversing with the woman. He persisted in interacting with her. He did not care about her past; he desired a personal relationship with her. My uncle then looked at his small congregation and said that Jesus wants the same type of relationship with each of us. He is interested in knowing and loving us. We have all been chosen.
I have been thinking of those words since my uncle said them, his eyes shining and his voice raised slightly. I have some work to do on my part to make this relationship happen.
The psalm (25) for today is a wonderful prayer for seeking to know God, “Your ways O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.”
I need to be reminded daily to turn my heart toward the Lord, to get to know his ways by spending some extra time with him. How can he teach me if I neglect to slow my life down?
In this third week of lent let us re-evaluate. Have we been faithful in making time for prayer?
Dear Lord, let us believe that you have chosen us for your own. Help us to quiet ourselves and invest some time in our relationship with you. Bring us the knowledge of your ever present love for us.
Amen
The Last Lap (and what comes next) 