Ordinary Time

Pause

Look! I am doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don't you recognize it? I'm making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.

God (Isaiah 43:19)

Pause. Breathe. Let go. Make space. Behold. God is about to do a new thing. Can you see it?

Listen

Some people were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and ornaments dedicated to God. Jesus said, “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”

They asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What sign will show that these things are about to happen?”

Jesus said, “Watch out that you aren’t deceived. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ and ‘It’s time!’ Don’t follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end won’t happen immediately.”

Luke 21:5-9

Think

One night, not too long ago, the tornado sirens went off. I wrangled my kids and dog into our laundry room. Our older child was in full-on panic mode. Head buried under a pillow. Terrified. I wanted to help him feel better. I tried reasoning. I tried distracting. But nothing I said seemed to comfort him.

His younger brother, age four, knew just what to do. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small stone. He held it up to his big brother and encouraged him to whisper his prayers to the stone, just like they had learned in children’s church.

My youngest son has learned that God is our only source of comfort. When the going gets tough we will try so many things to help ourselves feel better. But the true foundation is God. The one who brings us to new life again and again. I’m so glad he reminded us in that moment. It was just what we needed.

Caela Simmons Wood

Pray

Holy One who dreamed new dreams into Jesus’s time, help me to remember that you are my strength, my source, my center. When I can’t figure out what the next step is, help me to remember that you are the one who never fails. You are my foundation. The one who leads me into new life again and again. Amen.

Go

We make space for newness, and God does not disappoint. Our cup is filled to overflowing with new life, new hope, new love. God is doing a new thing in our midst.

Let us go forth to share what we have received this day.