We wrestled this week with the story of the rich man who wanted to know what he needed to do to gain eternal life. Jesus first told him to follow the commandments, which he replied that he has done all his life. Then, Jesus told him lovingly that what he lacked was to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus. The rich man walked away dejected. Jesus’ disciples balked at this teaching, and Jesus replied that for any mortal, the requirement of full surrender is impossible, but “for God all things are possible.” We considered together what it means to first learn and follow the good rules of life, and then to move beyond even those and to allow God’s grace to guide us. Here’s a prayer for this week. Blessings!
— Rev. Rachel
God, who follows us with promises of grace even when we try to hide, come and lay that grace upon us today. Guide us in our ways, our decisions, our practices. Teach us the love behind the rules, and let that love – your love – be our guide. In those places torn to pieces by war, let your creative spirit inspire new solutions that welcome everyone into the tent of peace. In those families whose bottom seems to have fallen out, let your compassionate love and uncanny timing surprise them with new solutions, new ways to live together. In those hearts that grieve and cry, or lash out in anger, or sit stonily and unmoving, let your warmth be a comforting, reviving flame that burns away the pain and leaves a stronger love. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ, who knew when to break the rules for the sake of love. Amen.
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