Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 79; Isaiah 9:8-17; Matthew 18:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 13-17; Psalm 96
Let’s face it. We live in a world that values complexity above all else. Whether we’re constructing relationships dependent upon cell phones and e-mail; building our daily routines around our blackberries; or relaxing to the sounds on our iPods; our lives are increasingly built around the newest innovations. And yet today’s scripture from Matthew reminds us that complexity isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. “I’m telling you, once and for all” Matthew quotes Jesus as saying, “that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.” And if that’s not enough, Jesus concludes, “Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like a child, will rank high in God’s kingdom” (Matthew 18:3-4 from The Message). The Gospel reading is especially appropriate during this Advent season, for this is a season when we celebrate the awe-inspiring gift of the Christ-child. Today, in the midst of the complexity of your life, I invite you to find time to reconnect with those simple and elemental pieces of yourself that you’ve locked away – pieces that you thought were no longer relevant in the world. Take time to explore those dimensions within yourself. Before you know it, you might just find yourself connecting with God in new and exciting ways! Til next time…
Let’s face it. We live in a world that values complexity above all else. Whether we’re constructing relationships dependent upon cell phones and e-mail; building our daily routines around our blackberries; or relaxing to the sounds on our iPods; our lives are increasingly built around the newest innovations. And yet today’s scripture from Matthew reminds us that complexity isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. “I’m telling you, once and for all” Matthew quotes Jesus as saying, “that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.” And if that’s not enough, Jesus concludes, “Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like a child, will rank high in God’s kingdom” (Matthew 18:3-4 from The Message). The Gospel reading is especially appropriate during this Advent season, for this is a season when we celebrate the awe-inspiring gift of the Christ-child. Today, in the midst of the complexity of your life, I invite you to find time to reconnect with those simple and elemental pieces of yourself that you’ve locked away – pieces that you thought were no longer relevant in the world. Take time to explore those dimensions within yourself. Before you know it, you might just find yourself connecting with God in new and exciting ways! Til next time…
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