Listen

We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:7-8

Think

Sometimes I find talk of Jesus’ blood at the crucifixion too hard to bear and process. Rather than lean into the cross, I want to run away from it. But theologian Monica Coleman helps me not run away so quickly. Coleman notes, “The real life crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus created a ‘field of force’ that [we] can enter. Jesus is present through this field of force and as we participate in the field, we are conformed, to some degree, to him.”

That’s really what the writer of Ephesians has been talking about all along! Jesus’ love, as understood through his life, death, and resurrection, creates a freeing, loving field of force. And we’re all invited to be a part of it. It surrounds us and holds us. Christ’s field of force reminds us that it’s not about keeping track of our failures or shortcomings, but instead, within that field of force we can be completely ourselves, just as we are, right now, and that is enough!

Molly Brummett Wudel

Pray

God, help me not be afraid of the field of force that continually invites me into your love and reminds me that I am enough. I am loved. I am in Christ. Amen.

Go

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

A prayer from St. Patrick