Lent: Day 9

Scripture: “...the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these...” – John14:12a

I love the way that writer Richard Ford (winner of the Pulitzer prize for Independence Day) resisted the suggestions of critics that he impose upon his characters thoughts and experiences that he felt they wouldn’t likely be able to think or talk about. “Eloquence or penetrating understanding can visit anybody,” he countered. Apparently Ford thought a lot like Jesus did about the value of everyday people.

Yet we often look to others to do the heavy spiritual lifting for us. “My wife is the religious one in the family,” a man said to me. “I wonder what the bishop says about this issue,” I asked during a spirited discussion with colleagues. “I don’t know much about the bible,” a parishioner offered.

Into this mentality of seeking the expert, Jesus validates and elevates our own role in helping to realize the new heaven and new earth he envisioned.

Prayer: Gracious God, calm my fears and fill me with your Spirit as I boldly seek to embody your good news of grace, peace, joy and justice. Amen.