Devotional and Discussion thought of the Day:

 ¹⁴  I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. ¹⁵  I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. ¹⁶  They do not belong to this world any more than I do. ¹⁷  Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. ¹⁸  Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. ¹⁹  And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. ²⁰  “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. ²¹  I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.   John 17:14-21 (NLT)

You’re afraid of becoming distant and cold with everyone—you want so much to be detached! Get rid of that fear. If you belong to Christ—completely to Christ—he will give you fire, light and warmth for all men.  (1)

Maybe it’s because yesterday was such and emotional roller coaster…incredible highs, and some devastating lows…. but I am starting today very… drained.

There is a part of me that wishes for detachment, that I could simply find a monk’s cave and withdraw from the world.  Just study God’s word, write, play guitar and occasionally Candy Crush Saga (yeah sure… occasionally… uhm…yup_

A mundane life apart from the trauma, apart from the despair, apart from the days when you don’t have the answers… but can “only” point to God’s compassionate nature…

It sounds nice…

but naively empty.

This ministry we share, as pastors/priests and people, doesn’t avoid suffering ( maybe that why we like Candy Crush Saga?) but embraces it, because we do have hope.  Because we have that which sustains us, even on the darkest Mondays… during our times of weakness and exhaustion.  When we remember that we are involved in ministry because of God’s call, when we look to Him for sustenance than our own personal strength. We need to rely on His compassion, His love, His presence.

That is the key – and one I need to remember today…

He is our strength, He is our peace…

And when we cry out Kyrie Eleison!  Lord Have Mercy!  …. we begin to realize this!

Kyrie Eleison Abbey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Escriva, Josemaria (2010-11-02). The Way (Kindle Locations 492-493). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.

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