Thursday, May 8, 2025
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Of course
When I appealed to God in words, praise was on the tip of my tongue. Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer, or his kindness.
Another Clarence poem reminded me today of how to love, and pray, and be, with my friends and everyone.
I could write their names,
the ones I love who need healing,
but to what point – you love them more than me?
I could wish them well, praying a stream of blessing,
yet they already live in the goodness that is you.
But I could also open myself to you,
mindful of them, to let love move me to action,
to make a call, send a note,
invite for coffee, or to wait in earnest…
in solidarity with them…
in hope and trust with them…
for your unfolding life in us. – Clarence Heller
 I think this is how our friend Susan prays for others:
But I could also open myself to you,
mindful of them, to let love move me to action.
And I wonder what that unfolding looks like for me … waking at 3 am with someone on my mind, often Margaret, sometimes one of our kids, a friend who I haven’t seen lately or a friend recovering from a fall, or an illness, or an unhappy surprise … or my family in Illinois … maybe my mom or dad or aunt or grandpa, who have all passed on. Can I pray for them, be “mindful of them?” Become aware in a deeper way of God’s “unfolding life in us?”
Of course.
Often in my culture that’s what people say when I thank them for a favor, thanks for what they do every day every hour for every person they encounter. Of course. Sometimes I sense there hasn’t been a lot of gratitude expressed by people as the day wears on for them, but rarely is there any subtle sarcasm, or resignation in the words. They really mean it. Of course. I am getting used to using the words myself, slowly grasping the sweetness of the single syllable words which have the power to increase relationship, at least sometimes.
Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. We shall all be taught by God. He has given life to our souls and has not let our feet slip.
The disciples of Jesus heard him say this and believed him. Philip, for example, rallied the new Christ-followers after Stephen’s murder, and in his wake “there was great joy in the city.” Then Philip leaves Jerusalem, headed south at the angel’s direction, and he encounters an Ethiopian. Philip’s story of friendship with the Ethiopian eunuch brings that “of course!” into full view.
The Spirit said to Philip, “Go and join up with that chariot.”
Why not? Of course! The eunuch invited Philip to ride with him, and Philip showed the eunuch how his scriptures pointed toward Jesus. In no time the eunuch asked to be baptized.
When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing.
Philip kept on keeping on, proclaiming the good news to all the towns.
Why not?
Of course!
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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