10th Week in Ordinary Time
Whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed. (2 Corinthians 3:16)
Every spring, fresh, green leaves sprout on bare limbs. Flowering plants poke through the ground, and dry brown grass begins to come back to life. Winters cold, dark veil is pushed back by the light and warmth of the sun. This beautiful image is one way to understand what can happen in us every time we turn to the Lord. Its as if a veil is lifted, and the darkness of fear, sin, or confusion is dispelled. Our cold hearts are warmed by Gods love and compassion, and the light of Christ shines in all its brightness.
Do you know what else happens? Scripture comes alive. Words, phrases, and entire verses stand out; its as if they were bold-faced or highlighted. You think, Those words were written just for me! You begin to see some connection between the words you read and your situation. God does have a plan for my life, you say, or I know God will take care of me. Hope, comfort, and even excitement rise up in you. Sometimes you become convinced of a truth of the faith: I am being changed into Christs likeness. Other times, you feel the need to change: That veil of resentment Ive been carrying against my son-in-law needs to be lifted from my heart.
When this happens, hold on to that verse or that phrase or that word. Ask the Holy Spirit to plant it deep within you. Thats his purpose anyway: to take what comes from Jesus and make it your own (John 16:14). Or to use Pauls words from todays reading, the Spirit is in you to make the light of Christ shine in your heart.
All Scripture bears Gods inspiration. It pulsates with the power to sustain you, change you, and energize you. If you lack understanding or humility or expectancy or anything at all, take up and read! Ask the Holy Spirit to enliven it for you. Jot down or underline passages that stand out to you, and reread them frequently. Read in joyful expectation that as you keep turning to the Lord, he will continue to remove the veils in your life.
Come, Lord, and speak your word to me. Let your light shine so that I can be filled with your new life.
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 5:20-26
Daily Marriage Tip for June 15, 2017:
(Readers Tip) I look at my husbands body language and can tell whether hes tense or feeling beat up after a long day at work. I usually give him a neck and head massage. How can you be responsive to the needs of your spouse today?