|
|
|
|
|
|
From Rev. Phil --March Epistle
When [the Geresene demoniac] saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.
Luke 8: 28-29
These verses from Luke stay with me, especially as we walk the path of Lent toward Jerusalem -- and the Cross and Empty Tomb. Luke's words surface from time to time over the days -- bringing reflections of my journeys -- and some sense of wonder. Am I any different than that demented man? Why would this Jesus have anything to do with me? Why does he want me? What have I that makes me worthy of hope and the promise of new life?
The wonder of God's grace is that just as we are -- each of us -- possessed by sins that distort our lives, so God is continually at work, exorcizing the demons, confronting us with ourselves, challenging us to be whole, and drawing us into the welcoming embrace of our Lord's love.
That's not always an easy concept for us to comprehend, much less accept, for our failings always weigh more heavily on us than the joys of our triumphs can overcome.
When I look in a mirror, I see the thinning hair, the chin that's not as firm as it once was, the extra five pounds (well -- 15 pounds!) I wish I didn't carry, and all the warts & blemishes. I'm sure those who love me are aware of those things, but it doesn't matter! THAT is what Christ said to the Geresene -- and says to us. We are loved -- and accepted -- as we are.
There is probably nothing in all creation as humbling and awe-inspiring as that knowledge.
Phil
|
|
|
|
|
|