Ordinary Time

Pause

Take a deep breath right now.

Notice one thing you see,

one thing you hear,

one thing your body is touching.

You are here in this place. God is here with you, too.

Listen

Let heaven celebrate! Let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it roar! Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate! Then all the trees of the forest too will shout out joyfully before the Lord because he is coming! He is coming to establish justice on the earth! He will establish justice in the world rightly. He will establish justice among all people fairly.

Psalm 96:11-13

Think

So many hard things are going on right now: a worldwide pandemic, racial tensions in the U.S. that have led to protests and even some riots, divisive politics that delay needed support for those unemployed, wildfires in many countries, hurricanes – and yet. And YET – God is still with us. God is still working!

God is not only present, but God is also WORKING! Doesn’t this make you want to shout for joy?

YES! THANK YOU, GOD! We need you here!

Thank you, God, that you are present!

Thank you, God, that you that you are on the move right now!

Thank you, God, for not leaving us in our sickness, worry, fear, grief, and dismay!

Thank you, God, for working for justice!

MAY IT BE SO!

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

God, things are a hot mess right now and we are so glad you are at work! The trees, earth, sea, and even heaven itself are all celebrating your presence! We are relieved and hopeful when we remember you are here and working. May your justice reign and roll down like rushing water. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Go

As you go, remember that God is with you and with those who do justice.

Dare to be with God, too.