Authority

Dear Abbey Members and Friends: Some thoughts for Tuesday in Holy Week…

A portion of Mark’s Gospel reading for today follows: Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’

We know by what authority Jesus is doing the marvelous things that have led to this moment. His authority is from and shared with the Father. We share in that authority as believers in Jesus. We have spent the days of Lent so far attempting to mold our wills more towards God’s and less toward our own. Some have been much more focused and diligent in their preparation. Others, perhaps like me, have tried but have been sidetracked by work, children, grandchildren, etc. But we all can have confidence in our God that we have His authority behind all our endeavors. I believe it is critical that we acknowledge God as our source and strength to be able to tap into this authority. Second, I believe it is important to want (or have the intention) to align ourselves with God’s will. Having done these two things on our part, God opens a floodgate of grace and love to each one of us.

Spending these last few days before Easter to focus on God’s will and His authority in our lives will enable us to be more deeply joys as we receive once again the Easter news that Christ is risen and brought new life to us all.

Shalom and many blessings, George

Our Sacrifice - A Meditation for Monday In Holy Week 2010

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 51:17 (NRSV)

During Lent and now during Holy Week we walk with Jesus, remembering his forty days of temptation. Yesterday we read of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, followed by arrest, interrogation, torture and crucifixion. We heard about every day people in extraordinary times and situations. Some failed when God called, some responded above and beyond expectation, and many, many more didn't even realize God was calling. All were human, all were imperfect... Just like you and me.

So if we are just as human, just as broken (and, yes, just as saved) what are we to do? We offer a sacrifice, just as the psalmist says: the sacrifice of our broken spirit. Our broken and contrite hearts are not despised. No. They are taken by God and mended, made whole, forgiven!

This Holy Week take your heart, your broken spirit and hold it, ready it, bring it to God. And on Easter Sunday bring yourself, and your heart, mends, tears, and all the rest of it, to celebrate Christ's resurrection!