Monday, May 12, 2008

Today’s text

Matthew 28:16-20

Meanwhile the eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.'

Prayer

You spoke to them all, Jesus, those who believed and those who hesitated. Why did they hesitate to fall at your feet?

Did some doubt that it was you, crucified yet alive again? Maybe they wondered if they could believe their eyes. Perhaps, proud, they resisted such humility.

Or they were afraid. If you could come back from the dead, what might you do to those who disappointed and displeased you? And your friends did just that.

They look like the group that circles you on Sunday morning: believing and doubting, fearing and hoping, beaten down and proud, cynical yet with hungry hearts wanting.

But my eyes fix not on them but on you, Jesus. You stand there alive, receiving them all. You send no one away. There is no retribution in your soul, no anger in your bearing, no condemnation in your words.

You speak, your risen voice rising and falling, a gracious music of resurrected welcome embracing the bodies of the all-too-human. Your beloved voice envelops them as beloved and sends them forth as the never forsaken.

All of them, without distinction.

And I know: The voice that speaks with all authority embraces me in my full humanity, loving, wanting and sending me with all my unpredictable quirks and flaws, fears and faith.

All that matters is that voice that receives us all.

Pr. David L. Miller