The opening text will come from a book by Abraham Joshua Heschel (God in Search of Man - A Philosophy of Judaism). As you are able to see by the title, the language may be a bit dated and therefore, I will, when able, make the language inclusive.
The glory is the presence, not the essence of God; an act rather than a quality; a process not a substance. Mainly the glory manifests itself as a power overwhelming the world. Demanding homage, it is a power that descends to guide, to remind. The glory reflects abundance of good and truth, the power that acts in nature and history.
“The whole earth is full of (God’s) glory.” It does not mean that the glory fills the earth in the way in which the ether fills space or water fills the ocean. It means that the whole earth is full of (God’s) presence.
When Jesus says “I will be with you always,” he is talking about presence and about the glory of God’s Reign being available in every time and place and among all people. When he continues and says, “Even to the end of the age,” shows the never ending promise of such glory abounding throughout our lives. Daily we are invited by our God and nurtured by the Spirit to be aware of the power of God’s ways among us. In a violent world, nonviolence is a contrary power that carries a strong yearning for wholeness and peace which I think reflects the glory of God as it breaks into our day. In an unjust world the voices calling for justice and the unconditional love extended to those in need are ways the glory of God bubbles up as a reminder of the vastness of God will and eternal presence.
Connection: May the Glory of the Lord, God, abundantly shine within this day and may we each be aware of some small piece of its wonder and grace.
Be for us Lord God, the power of life that brings new things into being and enables us to sense the presence of your Holy Reign within the mundane aspects of this day. As your glory shines inspire us to give you praise through the lives we live today. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment