Monday, April 10, 2006
From AscensionNYC
Monday in Holy Week
Psalm 36:5-10
Isaiah 42:1-9
Hebrews 11:39 - 12:3
John 12:1-11
The Head Start Web site states that "continuity of care provides the time and intimacy babies need to learn about themselves and form meaningful relationships." We may not wish to consider ourselves infants, but all of us truly are children of God. No matter how sophisticated we become in our own estimation, the continuity of the love God provides gives our existence true definition and meaning. It is the primary relationship of our lives, superceding all of our family ties and friendships, and even the great loves that we may sometimes experience. "How priceless is your unfailing love!" the Psalmist declares. That constant, irreplaceable love of God must inform how we know ourselves and live our lives.
Our reaction to that loving influence is variable, from moment to moment, throughout our lives. In the raising of her brother, Lazarus, Mary experienced the full abundance of Christ's continuing love, in this instance literally reaching to the heavens. She is extravagant in returning that love toward Christ, throwing caution and decorum to the wind. Her love is sensual and sacrificial, an uneasy mixture for those witnessing it firsthand and for modern day readers alike. Her example shines with the reflected light of Christ's risen and redeeming visage, and too often we look away rather than view and comprehend such manifestations.
The continuity of God's love helps us deepen this most meaningful relationship of our lives, and we live as one of the great cloud of witnesses to the world of humanity around us. Our response may never reach the heights evidenced by Mary, but despite the quantity or quality of our efforts, God is ever with us. It often is through our acts of simple service and fellowship that Christ is most in evidence, spreading God's kingdom through the gentle breeze rather than the windstorm.
My mother called recently to tell me that the last of the three grande dames of my childhood church choir had died. I remember listening to Ida, Laverne and Rosalie boldly holding forth on the soprano line. There was no greater thrill than when my boy soprano joined with their voices on festival Sundays. It was sad personal news for me but also a gentle reminder of my own mortality. Days later, I happened upon a recording of the Westminster Choir performing Peter Lutkin's "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," and I was instantly transported back to my childhood, laying quietly on a pew and listening to that same choir close with this beautiful choral benediction, as they did every rehearsal. It was another gentle reminder that God always has and ever will "make his face to shine upon" me, even to that day when my voice will join the chorus of angels in an eternal hymn of praise and thanksgiving.
Isaiah 42:1-9
Hebrews 11:39 - 12:3
John 12:1-11
The Head Start Web site states that "continuity of care provides the time and intimacy babies need to learn about themselves and form meaningful relationships." We may not wish to consider ourselves infants, but all of us truly are children of God. No matter how sophisticated we become in our own estimation, the continuity of the love God provides gives our existence true definition and meaning. It is the primary relationship of our lives, superceding all of our family ties and friendships, and even the great loves that we may sometimes experience. "How priceless is your unfailing love!" the Psalmist declares. That constant, irreplaceable love of God must inform how we know ourselves and live our lives.
Our reaction to that loving influence is variable, from moment to moment, throughout our lives. In the raising of her brother, Lazarus, Mary experienced the full abundance of Christ's continuing love, in this instance literally reaching to the heavens. She is extravagant in returning that love toward Christ, throwing caution and decorum to the wind. Her love is sensual and sacrificial, an uneasy mixture for those witnessing it firsthand and for modern day readers alike. Her example shines with the reflected light of Christ's risen and redeeming visage, and too often we look away rather than view and comprehend such manifestations.
The continuity of God's love helps us deepen this most meaningful relationship of our lives, and we live as one of the great cloud of witnesses to the world of humanity around us. Our response may never reach the heights evidenced by Mary, but despite the quantity or quality of our efforts, God is ever with us. It often is through our acts of simple service and fellowship that Christ is most in evidence, spreading God's kingdom through the gentle breeze rather than the windstorm.
My mother called recently to tell me that the last of the three grande dames of my childhood church choir had died. I remember listening to Ida, Laverne and Rosalie boldly holding forth on the soprano line. There was no greater thrill than when my boy soprano joined with their voices on festival Sundays. It was sad personal news for me but also a gentle reminder of my own mortality. Days later, I happened upon a recording of the Westminster Choir performing Peter Lutkin's "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," and I was instantly transported back to my childhood, laying quietly on a pew and listening to that same choir close with this beautiful choral benediction, as they did every rehearsal. It was another gentle reminder that God always has and ever will "make his face to shine upon" me, even to that day when my voice will join the chorus of angels in an eternal hymn of praise and thanksgiving.
David Cholcher
