Thursday, July 10, 2014

Reflection and Renewal: Grief That Leads To Repentance (based on Matthew 5:4)

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn ... for they shall be comforted."

But we often flee the grief that leads to repentance. Instead, we seek comfort in possessions, prestige and power for ourselves only. Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others, as though we are not all interconnected and interdependent.

Help us, Lord, to be among those who mourn what is unfair and unjust. May we join you in your sadness for all that's wrong and broken in this world. When others are in mourning, may they find our comfort as an answer to their prayers. When we are in mourning, makes us aware of and open to your comfort through others.

What a blessing it is to give and receive grace. Thank you for that endless source of mercy, God. We give you thanks.

Amen.