Reflection on Matt 20:24
Lord, you incubated me well in my youth. I was happy, free, and knew no limits. I got a treasured best friend and sweetheart who would become my lover, my husband. I did not long for food nor shelter, and it pleased me to serve you and find joy in my community.
Now that the waters are deeper and faster and there are more sorrows and I am more weary, let me be vigilant and remain joyful. Let me be the seed that, well planted, has deep roots and bears much fruit. Let me, like you Jesus, come to serve and give my life to others.
Let my home be like my own monastery. A refuge in the world and from the world. Where my trade is to perfect myself, my handiwork, my life’s art, Your trusted treasure which I will offer back to You on your return, and hopefully it has grown manifold and is pleasing to you. And let me serve others whom you have placed right here. For they are placed here by You, and that is enough for You.
While reelecting on Luke 4:1 ‘Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness’, I wondered why the Holy Spirit would lead one into wilderness. The Holy Spirit not only gives us ‘mountain top experiences’ but also guides in hard times. But reflecting back on the hard time, it has brought me and others stronger than would have expected. Except for the hard time persons might not be where they are today. Looking back I can see that but during that time just prayed for help. And the Holy Spirit leads us through the desert. When we are weary, He carries us in His arms – one set of footprints.