Sunday, September 16th:
The spiritual knowledge that we belong to God and are safe with God even as we live in a very destructive world allows us to see in the midst of all the turmoil, fear, and agony of history “the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). Even though Jesus speaks about this as about a final event, it is not just one more thing that is going to happen after all the terrible things are over. Just as the end-time is already here, so too is the coming of the Son of Man. It is an event in the realm of the Spirit and thus not subject to the boundaries of time.
Those who live in communion with Jesus have the eyes to see and the ears to hear the second coming of Jesus among them in the here and now. Jesus says: “Before this generation has passed away all will have taken place” (Luke 21:32). And this is true for each faithful generation.
Henri Nouwen
For further reflection…
I have been reading a book by Amos Smith, “Be Still and Listen.” There is a section that deals with our need for refuge during the chaotic journey of life. Smith highlights four ways to find refuge through our faith: 1) in a person of great faith; 2) in a place that brings peace and safety; 3) in a community where you are accepted and protected; and 4) in prayer guided by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, which can be assisted by the arts of music, painting, etc.
May you find refuge right now, if you, like many of us in NC, are facing raging storms.