Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Today’s text

Luke 15:25-31

'Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. The servant told him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the calf we had been fattening because he has got him back safe and sound." He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out and began to urge him to come in; but he retorted to his father, "All these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed any orders of yours, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property -- he and his loose women -- you kill the calf we had been fattening." 'The father said, "My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours."

Reflection

All the years. All the wasted years. All the time he knew neither himself nor his father, missing the place of privilege that was always his.

The whole time he thought life was about him, about his faithfulness and hard work, about toeing the line, obeying the rules, keeping his nose clean and making sure the old man was happy.

He missed what was always there. What made his life possible had nothing to do with his work or being a good citizen.

He failed to notice that life is not about the brownie points he piled up, building credits he could cash in on a rainy day.

He thought life was about keeping score. He was wrong.

Life is about knowing its Source, the Giver of Life---and recognizing that all we ever are is receivers. No matter who we are or what we do we remain receivers from the Infinite Fountain who is always there, always willing, always sharing the gift that life always is.

“All that I have is yours. Always was. Always will be.

“The same way it is always there for the ones who wander off, finally to slink home at 3 a.m., smelling of stale beer and cheap perfume and offering apologies in which I have no interest.

“Didn’t you know this? Didn’t you see that you could take from my completeness at any time and know life in abundance, love without measure and joy beyond expectation?

“It was there for you all the time. Still is.

“Don’t waste another moment.”

Pr. David L. Miller

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Today’s text

Luke 15:17-22

Then he came to his senses and said, "How many of my father's hired men have all the food they want and more, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired men." So he left the place and went back to his father. 'While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him. Then his son said, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'

Reflection

No speeches. Please no speeches. I have heard enough words, and all of them are tin and clatter on the ear.

I want no apologies, no explanations, no pious confessions, no wallowing in guilt or shame. I have no desire to listen to your attempts to name your sins or work up sorrow for your offenses. Keep it far from me

To offer me such is to misunderstand … everything.

I am not moved by your words. I am not changed by your sorrow or repenting. My plans are not altered by the pain you suffer when you wander far from me by rebellion or hardness of heart.

I remain what I always am, what I always have been, what I always will be. And that is love beyond all comprehension. I am abundance of heart beyond all knowing, immensity of compassion whose end you will never know.

I do not change when you come to your senses and decide you need to come home.

I simply am. I am the seeking love that haunts your heart and tells you that you are meant for more than some kind of half life. I am the hungry heart discontent until all that I love---all whom I love---are home in me.

I am the eager energy of every real love you will ever know. I am desire of the welcoming father who longs not for words or apologies, pieties, guilt or shame. I want none of it.

I want only that my beloved should know that they are just that … beloved--and that the abundance of my heart is theirs.

So, no speeches please; no words, no apologies, no explanations. Just come and receive the welcome I offer … and always will.

That’s all I want from you.

Pr. David L. Miller