Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Today’s text

Luke 17:7-10

[Jesus said,] “Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table?’ Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink?’ Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves, we have done only what we ought to have done!’”

Prayer

The words of slaves fill me: “we have done only what we ought to have done.” I sink into the space they create, and peace floods my being. Why, Jesus?

I know; it’s simple: I crave their freedom.

In graced moments, I taste the sweet liberty of expecting nothing, no thanks or praise, no special recognition or reward. It matters not if any one notices or speaks words of respect or appreciation.

None are needed, for I have you. And it is sufficient to know you in the invisible graces of daily duty, even if all that comes is criticism.

This is a strange freedom, one that you alone grant, Jesus. It is the liberty of the flowers that bloom whether or not anyone stops to notice. They do what you fashioned them to do, content to strew your prodigal beauty along the way, unbothered by human passions for significance.

They reveal a way beyond the frustrated cravings of human souls for recognition or affirmation. I long to dwell in this land always, not just make occasional visits.

For there the rare clarity of air fresh and free fills my lungs, even as you fill my heart.

Pr. David L. Miller