Devotion
Wonder and Awe
Frances Taylor
Moses stood in awe and wonder when he saw a bush burning yet not being destroyed. When have you stood in wonder and awe? From the power and beauty of God's creation, to profound experiences of life and death, we have so many opportunities. For myself, I remember watching the waves pound the sea wall during a blizzard. I watched shingles flying by my window in another blizzard and felt as though I was in the Wizard of Oz, little knowing that they were my shingles! I have seen the beauty of a rose and the majesty of Mt. McKinley. I have also had the privilege of being awake when my own children were born and also to be present at my daughter's side when my grandson was born. I was also able to be with my sister as she took her last breath. I have seen the faces of the newly baptized glow with the joy as they emerged from the pool and the light in the eyes of children on a Christmas morning. Wonder and Awe in God's presence is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, it is a gift that even the youngest among us seem to have even if they do not recognize that it is from God. Watch a child walking in a yard stopping at the wonder of an ant, or a dandelion. It's no wonder that Jesus tells us that we need to be more like children! The reality is, once we become aware of this world that God has created for us and the mysteries it holds, the more we stand in awe and wonder of God. Let us take the time today to appreciate and give thanks for all of God's gifts.
Prayer
Good and gracious Lord, soon we will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. You have already gifted us with this precious gift at our Baptism. We stand in awe of your majesty and power. Help us to remember that you alone are God. Give us the grace to always do your will. Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
