It is often said that ours is a world that is starved for
love. I have come more and more to understand that our God’s deepest desire is
that we answer His call to serve. Serve
without discrimination, without judgement, to serve with open expectations, and
to not simply be a spectator. It is often much safer to be a spectator. Yet Simon of Cyrene and Veronica were not spectators. Whether commanded or compelled, they took a
risk. Yet the God of my understanding
has always been a risk taker – his Son, a risk taker – why not me?
In that service his and our blood mingles. There is fear that comes with this kind of
vulnerability. My heart understands
Jesus, in the garden asking God to remove his cup of suffering, yet I’ve
learned that courage is fear that has said its prayers. Continue to show us the way on this road of
service Lord. It will be unpredictable and sprinkled with pot holes. The possibility of betrayal lies at every
turn in the road, yet I place my trust in the one who calls me forward to stoop
and wash the feet of those who walk the road of life with me.
And having knelt before your people Lord, I now stand with
them as they come forward to adore your cross.
And I see in their eyes the light of discipleship, the pains and crosses
that they bear, yet also the hope of your love, a hope in a new tomorrow.
In our service, may our God heal our woundedness so that His
light may shine just a little bit more – always just a little bit more. – Amen.
