Never lose an opportunity of seeing
anything that is beautiful,
for beauty is God's handwriting
-- a wayside sacrament.
Welcome it in every fair face,
in every fair sky, in every flower,
and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is very difficult to discern the voice of God in our own time. It seems impossible to know what a meaningful and relevant ministry is today, since technology and globalization make everything much more complex. However, the memory of It suffering is there in los pueblos (in the peoples of every corner of this earth that suffer), and it interrupts history. These interruptions can help us claim our humanity as people of God–again listening to the voice of God and recognizing the accompaniment of God as we walk with those who suffer–in our own suffering or our memory of suffering.
Creator God, help me reflect upon my own reality and the suffering around me. Empower me to walk in your reality as I remember the suffering of others. Amen.
- Cristian de la Rosa
From “Walking with el Pueblo”, in The Upper Room Disciplines 2010
A new year symbolizes another chance for seeing our lives through the lens of gratitude. Thank you, O God, for all you have given us. And thank you most of all for the newness of mind and soul that you offer to us always!
Into our world, where we usually stay busy and frequently feel tired, God comes. God comes to us where we are, somewhere between darkness and light. God comes to us as we are, anxious and worried, hopeful and blessed. God comes to us as wonderful and surprising as angels singing to shepherds on a hill. God comes to us now as a small baby in a manger.
Let us marvel at the Holy Child, worship on bended knee, and sing with the angels. Let us be blessed by the gaze of the Christ child. God looks at us with love and great joy that spreads to all people.
- Larry James Peacock
Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer
