Matthew 10:26-33 So much here Lord. Where can I begin? Concealed to revealed. Secrets to be made known. Heard in the darkness, speak in the light. Whispered, proclaim. Afraid, fear not. Knowing every hair on your head; you are worth more than the little sparrows created. Acknowledge me before others, then I will acknowledge you before the Father. Denying the Lord will deny me into the kingdom.

These words in the Gospel echo the past to me; conceal, secret, darkness, whisper, fear, deny – all these things you have seen transpire in my life. You knew the assault to my soul when you watched me living a life turned away from you. You know the sorrow I hold for those days passed. But now my heart and soul sings because your grace carried me and today I praise and glorify you with all I am able. Yes, your grace opened my eyes to see how much I was hurting you fourteen years ago. I had no idea I was so far away; but you knew. You knew – know – everything about me; you will always know my every action, reaction, thought and reflection. The beauty and depth of your love strikes my heart and reflects with great love back to you.

I still struggle with acknowledging you Lord. I want to love my neighbor, but they are so hard to love at times! I try to keep criticism, judgement and my own selfishness out of my thoughts when I am faced with what does not agree with me – but it is a constant battle. I want better for the world but I have to remember you want it even more than I do.

You gave me today in this Gospel all I need to know and do: to remember that your grace flows to every single person and it is you who moves them along in your timing and plan. But as one in your body, how I interact with them, I do before you. It is in revealing the truth, holding nothing secret, speaking light in the darkness, proclaiming you to the housetops and being courageous when facing those who want to kill me – body and soul – that I can give back to you. For it all comes from you.

Thank you for this message of hope which is so needed. As I live in what I am calling your “great pause” in the world, may I lift my eyes to you. Help me to be a conduit of your great love to all I encounter today.