23 February 2016 - whiter than snow

[ Today's Readings ]

Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD

This is not a heavy burden which is hard to carry.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (see Matthew 11:30).

You do more than lift a finger to help.

Although you say to us, "let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (see Matthew 16:24) we can only carry the cross because you carry it first. Apart from you we aren't strong enough.

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (see John 15:5).

Your "divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (see Second Peter 1:3).

On our own the best we can manage is works that are performed to be seen. We want to look like good people. We want people to think we're nice and loving. We feel happy to be regarded this way by others. But when it comes down to it, this is not enough. We may be called to make hard choices about which no one else ever learns. We can't rely on external motivations but only the motivation that comes from having hearts joined to your heart, Jesus.

It is for this reason that we, truly, have one teacher, one master, and one Father. There is only one source of the help we need. There is only one who is good, God alone (see Mark 10:18). Other teachers, masters, and fathers are only such to the degree that they partake of the source and help others to share in the source.

So Jesus, help us to bow our knees "before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named" (see Ephesians 3:14-15).

You don't call us to bow because of pride. You call us to genuine humility before you because in it we find the fulfillment of all that we are meant to be.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Fulfillment in humility? Jesus, it runs counter to our expectations. Our pride rebels. Calm our spirits, LORD, and show us the beauty of your plans for us.

Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;

Show us, Jesus, the saving power of God. Teach us to love the discipline you give us, not just to profess it with our mouths. Teach us to love it because it is a gift of love from you for us. Wash us clean, O LORD!