Taste and See: Peace and wholeness

The Psalm on Sunday last, the First Sunday of Advent, gives expression to the personal relationship between the Lord and psalmist, a relationship that is extended to those who stray, who are humble, who are poor.

To our need the Lord responds. He offers friendship and wholeness, and when we accept these gifts we are at one with him, united in the covenant of love, the family of God.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, teach me your paths.
Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:
for you are God my saviour.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

The Lord is good and upright.
He shows the path to those who stray,
He guides the humble in the right path,
He teaches his way to the poor.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

His ways are faithfulness and love
for those who keep his covenant and law.
The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him;
to them he reveals his covenant.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Psalm 24:4-5,8-9,10,14

In Advent we are called deeper into that relationship. It is not that we start from nowhere, but every new beginning does have us on the brink of what we do not know yet.

In Advent, but also in any time, on any day, and in every situation, we are provided with the opportunity of knowing more of the Lord’s compassion and love, his steadfastness. That which gives life and is love surrounds us is for us. These precious days of Advent give a fresh chance of entering the newness of God.

• Pray for the journey
• Pray for peace

 

I.I. Levitan, Eternal Peace. Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. (c) 2015, Allen Morris.