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The Wisdom of the Body
The Word became flesh and made his home among us. —John 1:14, CEB This month the Read More
Juan Carlos Huertas | Read Luke 10:38-42
My brain has a tough time shutting off. I try hard at night to slow down and relax. If I do not, my insomnia emerges with a vengeance. My brain will not stop making connections and coming up with ideas for making the world a better place.
I am sure that I am not alone.
We live in a culture that values productivity. We love stories of hard workers who have become wealthy from their work. We place a high value on being busy, staying busy, and being seen as someone who is always busy.
I get it! I am a recovering workaholic. But it is odd that we have such trouble resting, since the story of our faith begins with a God who, after busily creating the world, takes a break. Still, even as I get ready to go to sleep I find myself having to give myself permission to slow down and let my body rest.
Much work is needed in the world. Much work is needed in our homes, neighborhoods, and cities. The list is truly endless. And that list is important; it does matter! Martha’s tasks must be done. And yet . . . those tasks are not to become our gods, the center of attention in our waking and in our sleeping.
Seeing God requires sabbath, slowing down, connecting with our deeper selves and those we love. It requires us to get out of the machine of production and into the space of a God who comes and visits us, sits with us, and wants to heal us. Put down the towel and sit. Jesus is waiting!
God, forgive me for my busyness that keeps me from relaxing in your presence. Slow me down and hold me close. Amen.
This reading from Amos provides more indication of the reasons for God’s coming judgment. Too many in Israel have been oppressing the poor. They cannot wait for religious festivals to end so that they can make more money through corrupt trade, including what we now call human trafficking. If we understand the psalmist to be David, the warning he issues in this passage concerns Saul. Because Saul has turned to evil, God will not allow him to remain in power. While God is love, God also sometimes brings judgment. The author of Colossians extols the elevated status of Christ, who has reconciled us to himself through his death. In Luke, Mary prioritizes spending time with Jesus, while Martha focuses on working for Jesus. It is Mary who receives Jesus’ praise.
Read Amos 8:1-12. Who in your community has been left behind? How can you care for them?
Read Psalm 52. How do you remain rooted in God’s steadfast love when you cry out against injustice?
Read Colossians 1:15-28. What do you need to let fall away to reveal the mystery of Christ in you?
Read Luke 10:38-42. How do you focus on Christ even as you attend to the necessary tasks of daily life?
Respond by posting a prayer.
