Sitting with the Sacred

A note before I dive in:

Yes, this post responds to more readings than my posts usually do. I won’t have much time for the blog in the next couple of weeks. That’s the reason for this change. So I’m going to handle this reality by reflecting on two weeks’ passages in one post. What will it be like to look at two weeks’ worth of passages in one week? Let’s see.

Readings for September 29 and October 6:

1. Numbers 11:25–29
2. Psalm 19:8, 10, 12–13, 14
3. James 5:1–6
4. Mark 9:38–43, 45, 47–48

1. Genesis 2:18–24
2. Psalm 128:1–2, 3, 4–5, 6
3. Hebrews 2:9–11
4. Mark 10:2–16

What this post’s readings say to me:

The action of the Spirit defies human categories and divisions. It brings us breath and clarity of vision that we don’t have without it. It makes us brothers and sisters of Christ who can speak and act as He does. It allows us to recognize one another as children of God. It allows us to recognize that we all need one another’s gifts. It allows us to recognize that we need the gifts of nature, and the grace of God’s love and mercy. The movement of the Spirit unites us to God and to one another. At the same time, it gives different gifts to each of us.

What I’m saying (to the readings and beyond) this week:

I’m saying to the readings, “I feel left out of your message. It’s not obvious how to find a way to apply your message to my life.” The readings for October 6^th have a lot to say about marriage. I’ve never been married, so it doesn’t seem helpful for me to reflect on what the passages say about marriage. I encourage reading the passages for both weeks and reflecting on what they say to you and about marriage.

What someone else is sharing about this week’s readings:

1. Click here to read what Veronique Dorsey says about the readings for September 29th.
2. Click here to read Mary M. Doyle Roche has to say about the readings for October 6th.

This week’s prayer:

Lord, help us to honor the commitments that are not harmful to us. Help us to be loyal and compassionate in the relationships that are not harmful to us and those around us. Help us to celebrate each other’s differences and to remember that unity and equality don’t mean sameness. Grant us the grace to care for the resources around us and to use them wisely. Thank you for your providence, Lord, and for making us for relationship and communion. Amen.

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