SUNDAY, June 27 5 Pentecost

Luke 9:51-62. [Jesus] set his face to go to Jerusalem.

The phrase "set his face" is a powerful image. It speaks of determination and courage. There are times when it is clear what we must do. We have to grit our teeth (maybe that's what causes the face to set) and do it. We admire people who have that clarity and sometimes envy them because we do not feel that clearly about what we are to do.

The paradox is that we must be confused for a time before we can be clear. We have to dip our bucket into the depths of doubt and confusion before we pull it up to the surface light of clear decision. It's much like inhaling and exhaling. Those who try to be clear all the time without dipping into the courage of their uncertainties can become shallow. No one can, or should, be clear all the time. It is like baking a cake--in the beginning there is only a mess of ingredients. It's supposed to be that way.

For Jesus to have been so clear about what he had to do in Jerusalem, he must have had many agonizing days in prayer and uncertainty about what God wanted him to do. He must have had to dip deeply into that well. (1995)

PRAY for The Church of North India (United) and the Diocese of North East India

Ps 77:1-2, 11-20 and 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 –OR– Ps 16 and 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-25

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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