January 22, 2012

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.  And immediately they left their nets and followed him.”
Mark 1: 17-18 NRSV

Mark’s narrative of calling the four fishermen, Simon Peter, Andrew, and later James and John, wastes no time on the past or what else Jesus said that day.  It doesn’t tell me if one or more of them were a boyhood friend, had followed John the Baptist, seen a blind man healed or not met Jesus previously. Potential counted more than credentials.

Jesus offered a different life for these fishers of fish.  They believed Jesus could do what he promised and went with him.  Whatever their original expectations, daily association with their Lord changed their hearts and minds in ways they couldn’t have imagined.

When I read the gospel accounts of miracles, I see instantaneous healings and mighty acts and I realize that the transformation of these four men was every bit as miraculous.  Fortunately, miracles work on God’s timetable—sometimes immediately obvious and sometimes slowly. I don’t catch on until I look back, surprised to discover I have acted with faith on a change I didn’t know I’d made.

The Gospel of Mark records many examples of times when Peter, Andrew, James, John and the other followers of Jesus didn’t catch on.  I wonder if they also were surprised when they looked back.

Prayer:
Jesus, help us to catch on to the transforming power at work in us as we follow you. Amen

Question:
What surprises me when I consider how I am different today than I was yesterday?

Written by Nancy Alice Morton

The Bridge is a collaborative ministry by four Downtown Des Moines churches. The Bridge Meditations are part of the ministry of The Bridge which is working to enrich the lives of those working, living and visiting downtown Des Moines. Programs developed by The Bridge offer spiritual formation and development, professional counseling, holistic health and family support. The Connection Cafe is a Bridge ministry which provides a free mid-day meal five days per week. The Connection Cafe is located next to the YWCA on Grand Avenue and is supported by many churches and civic organizations in its ministry. For more information, or to volunteer to help with The Bridge, The Connection Cafe or other Downtown Des Moines ministries contact Rob Hoover at 515-771-1481 or by email at theconnectioncafe@hotmail.com

January 15, 2012

“Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread . . . the lamp of God had not yet gone out.”
1 Samuel 3:1, 3a (NRSV)

“Get out of the way of the light!” My daughter-in-law joked as my hands blocked the laser light–again! The plumb-bob laser shot a line that was true, a perfect parallel to the ceiling.  All volunteers, including me, were eager to paint purple, green, and periwinkle stripes in the Sunday school room.

Since I was closest to the laser, my hand sometimes blocked the red line of light.  All work came to a halt. My friends needed the laser to tape straight lines.

We all need clear access to the Light.

In this passage, God graciously cleared a new path for his Light. God revealed himself to young Samuel and asked him to deliver tough news to his dear mentor Eli. The old priest’s disobedience caused Eli and his sons to lose sight of God. Under their leadership, the people of God had also lost their way.

In the stillness of the night, however, God called to Samuel, and he had ears to hear. He answered, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

Prayer:
Holy One, shine your light of healing and wholeness among us. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. Amen

Question:
How are my distortions getting in the way of the Light?

Written by Deborah Jansen

The Bridge is a collaborative ministry by four Downtown Des Moines churches. The Bridge Meditations are part of the ministry of The Bridge which is working to enrich the lives of those working, living and visiting downtown Des Moines. Programs developed by The Bridge offer spiritual formation and development, professional counseling, holistic health and family support. The Connection Cafe is a Bridge ministry which provides a free mid-day meal five days per week. The Connection Cafe is located next to the YWCA on Grand Avenue and is supported by many churches and civic organizations in its ministry. For more information, or to volunteer to help with The Bridge, The Connection Cafe or other Downtown Des Moines ministries contact Rob Hoover at 515-771-1481 or by email at theconnectioncafe@hotmail.com

January 8, 2012

“Then God said. “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
Genesis 1:3 (NRSV)

This is the season when I stomp my feet and clap, “Let there be light.” NOW!

I pore over garden catalogs. Scrawl a plan for my plot of dirt. I imagine the musky smell of damp earth, the airy brush of mayflies, and purple phlox carpeting the woods.

But when I cling to ONLY spring days, I expose myself to a winter of discontent. I miss a cardinal who lights on a bird feeder. I overlook a squirrel’s wit when it jumps from one roof to another. I fail to see the gold fingers of a bare willow.

Our Creator, on the other hand, says everything belongs. He opens a universe to darkness and light, night and day, winter and spring, dying and rising. His fiat embraces rhythm, and the cosmos thrives.

I return to my eastern window, resting in a God who holds it all. Darkness is too much for me, as it often is, but our Wise One embraces it all—and me.

Prayer:
Creator, open my eyes to see the wide and wise rhythm of life. Amen

Question:
How can I open myself to gifts offered in darkness and light?

Written by Deborah Jansen

The Bridge is a collaborative ministry by four Downtown Des Moines churches. The Bridge Meditations are part of the ministry of The Bridge which is working to enrich the lives of those working, living and visiting downtown Des Moines. Programs developed by The Bridge offer spiritual formation and development, professional counseling, holistic health and family support. The Connection Cafe is a Bridge ministry which provides a free mid-day meal five days per week. The Connection Cafe is located next to the YWCA on Grand Avenue and is supported by many churches and civic organizations in its ministry. For more information, or to volunteer to help with The Bridge, The Connection Cafe or other Downtown Des Moines ministries contact Rob Hoover at 515-771-1481 or by email at theconnectioncafe@hotmail.com