Day 9/November 2 Devotion

Reflection by the Rev. Angela Shannon,
Pastor at All Saints Lutheran in Bowie, MD

Instead of singing Auld Lang Syne to welcome in 2020, perhaps a better song choice would have been Sweet Honey in the Rock’s, “Can’t no one know at sunrise, how the day is going to end.” Who could have predicted a global pandemic? COVID-19 has taken the lives of at least 220,000 people as of this writing. It has exposed the pernicious nature of the “isms” that many of us live with and strain against on the daily. This pandemic has coaxed racial animus out of hiding. Climate change has precipitated catastrophic weather events at an alarming rate. The political climate is odious. It has created chasms of divisiveness that feels too wide to cross. Added to this mix, are our personal fears, pains and griefs.

The Call of Wisdom

Who, Lord can stand? How can we find our equilibrium in the midst of so much?  Me? I spend lots of time in walking meditations.  Every step is a prayer. I fill my lungs with breath of life and exhale slowly.  Deep breathing reminds me of the breath of God. The Holy Spirit reminds me that Christ is our center. My brain is bathed in oxygen which positions me to RSVP Holy Wisdom’s gracious invitation.  I listen, as I have been taught as a Benedictine oblate, with the ear of my heart.  Wisdom comes bearing gifts of presence, stillness, discernment and more.  Holy Wisdom is still calling to us. Let us listen and attend.

Proverbs 8:1-9

Does not wisdom call,
 and does not understanding raise her voice?
 On the heights, beside the way,
 at the crossroads she takes her stand;
 beside the gates in front of the town,
 at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
 “To you, O people, I call,
 and my cry is to all that live.
 O simple ones, learn prudence;
 acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
 and from my lips will come what is right;
 for my mouth will utter truth;
 wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
 there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
 They are all straight to one who understands
 and right to those who find knowledge.

Questions to Ponder

1. How will you listen for Holy Wisdom’s gracious invitation above the din and noise of the upcoming election?
2. Wisdom has invited us and gifts us with good things.  What do you need from Wisdom for the days ahead?

Silence for Reflection

Prayer

Holy God, gracious creator of all there is, help us hear and receive your Holy Wisdom for the living of these days.  Please help us to trust in your mercy and abiding presence. For the sake of your Son, our sibling and savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.