"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

12.23.2009

Refiner's fire

This is from Kathleen Norris - God with us

"It helps to ask ourselves the question Jesus so often asks the disciples: "Why are you afraid?" It helps to recall the burning bush God set before Moses, for God's fire did not destroy it. If we truly trust in God, we find more assurance than terror in the thought that God wants to purify us, so that everything false in us turns to ash, and only the good and true remains. To suffer is not a gentle thing, but the end result is pure beauty."

This is what Kathleen Norris says about today's Malachi reading. "This child was named by God, and it does not go easy for those who are touched by God's hand. "What, then," the people wondered, "will this child become?" I hear, in that questions a restating of Malachi's truth. The Lord we desire may indeed be close at hand, but it will not be easy for us to accept his call. If we continue reading in the Gospel, we find the song that Zechariah sings in praise of God, called the "Benedictus" in church tradition, and commonly recited at Morning Prayer. In this song, we find that it is not merely John the Baptist, but we ourselves who are addressed: "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins."

"This was John's calling, and it is our own, a truth both consoling and terrifying. We are enslaved, by selfishness and addiction and all the wreckage that sin can wreck on the world, but are we willing to risk being freed? Do we dare to enter that dangerous new country, leaving sure comforts behind? Perhaps it is time to surrender, open our hearts, and accept the wonder of Christmas by saying, with Karl Rahner, "We have no choice. God is with us."

Advent reading for Wednesday: Psalm 25:1-14; Malachi 3:1-5; Luke 1:57-66


Come Lord, set us free! Amen. Let it be.

6 comments:

Martha Lever said...

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Have a wonderful Christmas, my dear friend.
oxoxoxoxo

Nikki (Sarah) said...

good post Mary. I want to wish you the best holiday ever. Have a ton of fun and stay safe. Sarah

S. Etole said...

God with us ... the hope of glory.

Just Be Real said...

Great post and reminder! I certainly look forward to the day of Christ's return. Blessings to you and yours dear one at this special time of year!

Teri Leigh said...

Mary, it is so weird but our pastor talked about this very thing. God is with us so we don't have to be afraid. Just in the Nativity story he says it 3 times and in the bible 365 times. One for every day of the year. Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Yes I too await the return of Jesus...what a glorious day that will be...(((Hugs)))