Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Today’s text

Matthew 11:16-19

'What comparison can I find for this generation? It is like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place: We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn't dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn't be mourners. 'For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He is possessed." The Son of man came, eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners." Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.'

Prayer

And just what is wisdom, Jesus? You turn much of our wisdom on its ear.

You forgive the unforgivable. You drink and celebrate in a world of need. You turn from everyday pursuits to surrender to a shadowy reality we can barely see or believe is real. And you ask us to repent and believe a new age even now edges out the old.

You heal and give, bless … and argue, fighting especially with those who make hard distinctions between beloved and benighted.

For, your new age lights up the night. It is a kingdom of constant compassion that invites all to turn from the lies they believe to the truth of a Love who constantly draws near. This is reality. This is truth. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Can you not see it? It appears in places you least expect.

And wisdom? It is that Love who shines on the good and evil alike. It is receiving that seeking Love of whom you are the face, my Jesus. It is surrendering to the mystery of what that Love will make of us.

I have no idea what that is though I know it is well beyond my control. But I look at you, and I know. It is a depth of grace I have yet to know. So in peace, I go.

Pr. David L. Miller