Daily Bread February 25

“Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?”
Karin Peter, president of seventy


As for me, I would seek God,
and to God I would commit my cause.
He does great things and unsearchable,
marvellous things without number.
He gives rain on the earth
and sends waters on the fields;
he sets on high those who are lowly,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
So the poor have hope,
and injustice shuts its mouth.  -Job 5:8-11, 16

I was participating in a spiritual formation meditation as part of a women’s online retreat. During the meditation, my imagination took me to aboard a ship. The old-mast-and-sails-and-rigging kind of ship. As I descended into the dark cargo hold in the belly of the ship, I experienced a sense of awareness of this phrase: “Carry your own cargo.” As I sat with that phrase for a while, I began to think of how often I have carried the cargo of others. Someone else’s expectation of what I should do or be, criticisms or grievances that are hard to release, societal norms for women “my age.”

When I reflect on moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One, it is easy to point toward ministries and practices in which I engage that lead to more peaceful, reconciled relationships with others. But more significantly, this past year moving towards Jesus, the peaceful One, has meant looking inward to reconcile my own self more fully in restoring, life-giving ways, to carry my own cargo. It’s an interesting metaphor, this sailing ship. One I continue to reflect upon as I journey with Jesus this Lenten Season.

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Spiritual Practice

Gospel Contemplation (Mark 1:9-11)

Each week during Lent, you are invited to pray with a different gospel story from the life of Christ. Use your senses and imagination to enter the text. Allow it to come to life in you, observing details, noticing interactions, even engaging in dialogue. Notice where you find yourself in the story and how you feel about what is happening. Notice what it evokes in you or invites of you. Take time to journal or enter silent prayer to reflect on your experience and to sense where the Spirit may be leading you through this scriptural encounter.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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