Discerning Our True Capacity
Janne Grover, Council of Twelve Apostles
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. -Colossians 1:19-20
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
I confess it is easy for me to be lulled into a comfortable idea of moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One. It takes little or no courage or conviction for me to claim the guiding question, post it on social media, and uphold it in teaching and preaching. The idea of a peaceful Jesus offers me a comfortable place to dwell.
In a Lenten context of journeying with Jesus toward the cross, the guiding question becomes disruptive. In his journey to the cross Jesus was fully self-giving as he challenged unjust religious and political systems and responded to a cruel death with forgiveness. That Jesus calls us to a just peace, a self-giving peace that offers ALL a peaceful place to dwell.
So, what does it mean for me…for us…to journey with Jesus, the peaceful One, toward the cross today? How much self-giving is required? To what extent do I challenge unjust systems…the very systems that privilege me while oppressing others? Amid the challenges of racial injustice, climate crisis, and unequal wealth distribution in my context and calling, I don’t know if I am even capable of making the journey. Isn’t it sufficient for me to be authentically compassionate toward others, to recycle and reduce single-use plastics, to be a non-racist, and to be generous? When I ask these questions and listen deeply, the Spirit seems to whisper, “Find your true capacity.”
Discerning true capacity is an ongoing practice that invites self-reflection of where I am overextended, where I have allowed myself to get comfortable or complacent, and where there is room for greater response. Even when my journey with Jesus toward the cross seems feeble, and I feel paralyzed by fear and guilt and overwhelm, I remain assured of God’s delight in each faithful step.
Lent provides space to consider what the Holy Spirit is inviting us to give, give up, or forgive in our journey toward Jesus, the peaceful One. It will disrupt, challenge, and require courage of conviction in our response; but the reward is nothing short of new life…a peaceful place for ALL to dwell.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Gospel Contemplation (John 13:1-15)
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.
