Sunday-Ps 106 recalls the Golden Calf episode. It blends into , perhaps, the struggle with holding on to the faith, in the midst of other religious beliefs and practices. Our reformed tradition maintains, at least partially, a concern for trying to make a standard image of god, and it certainly sees any substitute for God as the path toward idolatry. What Is your understanding of that fundamental sin?
Monday-Phil 4-the Lord is near-does this mean time or in proximity? Perhaps, it means both? Look at how Paul tells us to live in light of the proximity of god. What image of God seems to undergird his advice? What are the higher, noble, excellent people, places, things, and ideas toward which you aspire?
Tuesday- Brian Wren-When all is ended, time and troubles past,shall all be mended, sin and death out-cast?In hope we sing, and hope to sing at last:Alleluia!- As in the night, when lightning flickers free,-and gives a glimpse of distant hill and tree, each flash of good discloses what will be:-Alleluia!--Against all hope, our weary times have known-wars ended, peace declared, compassion shown,great days of freedom, tyrants overthrown:-Alleluia!-Then do not cheat the poor, who long for bread,with dream-worlds in the sky or in the head,but sing of slaves set free, and children fed:Alleluia!
Wednesday-We may need to listen deeply to hear (Bible verses) anew. Sometimes reading different translations helps spark the imagination, or even just reading the words slowly and intentionally can prove to be inspiring. Additionally, looking at art inspired by the psalm can bring deeper insight. Lord, be our comfort and our guide through this life and into the next. May we take comfort in your Word and rest in your peace. Amen.James Hendricksen
Thursday-Many more dreams longing to be birthed, this is the season of harvest in the northern hemisphere, as well as the season of releasing and stripping away. These are not just physical items (although that can be very freeing as well) but also thoughts and beliefs that keep us confined... Autumn's call (is) to simplicity. What is autumn calling you to release to make room for something bigger? (And for our southern hemisphere dancing monks, what is spring calling forth from you in this season?) Abbey of the Arts
Friday-Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God, your functional savior.― Martin Luther-A business language approach would be-what are your priorities and how do you set them? Do we look at the time of confession as confiding in God? when can we speak of clinging to God?
Saturday-“I inquired what wickedness is, and I didn't find a substance, but a perversity of will twisted away from the highest substance – You oh God – towards inferior things, rejecting its own inner life and swelling with external matter.” ― Augustine of Hippo, Confessions How do we substitute external mapping for the journey inward?
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