Devotional/Discussion thought of the day….

I woke up this morning, with this dreaded feeling…

I thought it was Monday – and I had a longgggg trek ahead of me until Sunday, the day that makes sense of it all.As I get to my office, and look at the preparations for my trip to China – I find myself doing the same work I would do on a Monday… It’s eerie… and even a little scary..

Especially given yesterday… I don’t want to relive that day again. Ever… and if it is only Monday… I will have to.

Oh God, why does it feel like Monday… again!

I got through it, only by the grace of God, only by a remembering what the sermon passage is for this week – Romans 6:1-11 – the incredible discussion of what it means to be baptized. to be one who has died completely with Christ, that we may find our resurrection with Him.  It is there we find our strength – in realizing what God HAS done to us, is doing in us, because He claimed and washed us in baptism, and the most precious part of that gift – He has given us His Holy Spirit – to dwell in us,  to strengthen us, to comfort us….to help us live in His peace.

It is no wonder that a pastor/priest could write:
“You want to be strong? Then first realise that you are very weak. After that, trust in Christ, your Father, your Brother, your Teacher. He makes us strong, entrusting to us the means with which to conquer—the sacraments. Live them! (1)

Ultimately, these sacraments, these means of grace do make us strong!  Not because of who we are, for we do not deserve them, we do not deserve the blessings.  But He gives us His grace, our life in Him, the peace, the mercy, the love and comfort, in ways that go beyond our comprehension, beyond our understanding.  That is the work He is doing… in us.  It is the means by which we realize and know we are living in the presence of God – the One who would have us call him Abba… Daddy.  The God who revealed to us His work, that we would come with boldness and confidence into His presence.

Rejoice!  The Lord has had mercy on us!  Even on Mondays… or the days that seem like it!

(1)  Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 2375-2377). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.