Ordinary Time

Pause

Come to the throne of grace,

Embraced by God’s everlasting love,

Led by Jesus’ abundant mercy,

Filled with the Spirit’s holy power.

Come boldly, with your heart wide open.

Listen

The Lord rules! He is robed in majesty— the Lord is robed, clothed with strength. Yes, he set the world firmly in place; it won’t be shaken. Your throne is set firm for a very long time. You are eternal!

Psalm 93:1-2

Think

Luxurious velvet extending in a long train. Glittering jewels catching the light with their brilliance. Golden thread fastening intricate details. When we picture a royal robe, I bet many of us see these images. Robes that rest on the shoulders of a royal figure are lavish. Their opulent beauty conveys power and wealth. Royal robes say something about those who wear them.

The psalmist tells us God doesn’t wear robes dripping with diamonds or gleaming with gold. God wears majesty and strength. Unlike a garment that comes on and off, God’s majesty and strength are woven into God’s very being. Unlike a garment that wears out with time, God’s majesty and strength last forever. We can trust these characteristics of God won’t change.

Take a look at the clothes you’re wearing. Eventually, these clothes will wear out or go out of style; they’ll change. In a world of constant change, God’s majesty and strength are something we can cling to. When we’re confused or scared, we can hold onto these core characteristics of God.

Jennie Barber

Pray

Strength of my life,

When I’m unsteady and swirling,

You are faithful and present.

When change turns me upside down, let me find my center in your love.

Amen.

Go

Go from the throne of grace,

Share God’s extravagant love,

Reveal Jesus’ breathtaking mercy,

Witness the Spirit’s transforming power,

Go boldly, with your heart wide open.