The old Jewish proverb hit the mark this month. The carefully planned gentle month of recalibrating disintegrated before my eyes, and I laughed along with God. A gentle reminder that all things are not of my doing but carefully administered by my friend, redeemer, and rock Himself, Jesus.
Consequently things have changed. For the good, as Georgina is coming home to start a new job in London and save for the wedding next July. Plus my day job as a tutor steps up a pace with two new courses for Art History Part 3 and Art and Roman Archeology part 2. Who knew that a pandemic would give me the tutoring break for the subjects I love. The drawback is that I am teaching a lot more and time is not my own, balance is required and space is needed to keep that balance from toppling over. Having had some time to think, pray and talk over with a couple of good friends compromise is a solution. For that end it is proposed that Celtic Morning Prayers happens on a different day which is to be confirmed (just awaiting confirmation) but at the same 9-9.30 slot, this will start in September.
Psalm 146: 5-9
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – he remains faithful for ever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, 8 the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. 9 The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
I was listening to Lectio 365 this morning and following the continuing thoughts on Shalom. Today's text is Luke 24:30-36 The supper at Emmaus; immediately the Carravaggio image came to mind and I began to think.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/michelangelo-merisi-da-caravaggio-the-supper-at-emmaus for more information on this incredible image.
The image captures the moment of recognition. The followers of Jesus awake and we reflect as one of them is depicted emmulating the Crucifixtion with arms stretched wide. One is named Celopas not one of the twelve but a close follower nevertheless. Perhaps this is a message for us, you don't have to be one of the twelve disciples to have a close encounter with God...a thought I find rather comforting. When we listen, really listen we are being given a gift. In this narrative of the road to Emmaus, the two are listening to recent events as accounted by to them at that point a stranger. They were fully listening and when it eventually dawns on them that Jesus was with them, they couldn't wait to relate their experience to those in the place they had fleed from.
Perhaps it is the same for us, we can be dejected, frightened, fearful and not at peace but when we listen to the Word we realise Jesus is sharing the Good News with all of us, in thought and word and deed. When we really, fully listen to each other we are blessed to be invited to share and sit in quiet companionship with God and our friend who is sharing. Shalom in one translation/meaning is "may you be full of well-being'. Shalom is also restoration; the recalibration of our relationship with God and also how we interact with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Further it is an opportunity for us to be silent and hear what is being shared. Sadly the concept of 'may you be full of well-being' in Afganastan appears to have been wreaked. Prayer for the restoration of peace here and the bringing of calm and the willingness of those in power to listen is much needed.
Although this summer didn't turn out as planned and work got in the way, Gina wonderfully is coming home and weekends have gone a bit topsey-turvey. But there have been beautiful, blessing full days of fellowship and friendship and the chance to listen to each other. You will note I tend to close these posts with "Peace be with you", another translation of Shalom. I wonder how your peace will be restored today?
https://youtu.be/oKl2D35fyw4 Wake Up Jesus
https://youtu.be/m6P0YkzWuNM Love will never fail
Couldn't help but post these great songs again!
Peace be with you friends <><
Caroline :)
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