Christ Jesus, help me recognize you for who you are...

John 10:31-42
                     
Just as the Pharisees and the council of high priests shunned, mistrusted, mistreated Christ Jesus, so any one of us can pass through life similarly unrecognized and discounted.  Although through baptism each of us bears the stamp of the Father’s love on our souls, I too often react to others out of envy, rather than acceptance, out of judgement rather than nurture.  When I, too, greet others with a closed and calculating heart rather than the subjective openness of spirit with which God treats me, I, too, am guilty of stoning Christ.  But as much as I acknowledge the sacred heart of Jesus in the souls around me, I receive Christ for who he really is, and allow my soul to be healed and restored to abundant Life.  As I meet Jesus and behold Jesus in others, no matter how strange they appear, do I recognize him for who he really is –my Redeemer?   Christ Jesus, help me recognize you for who you are in each person I meet.
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O Lord, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind.   (Jeremiah 20)
 
Many will be confused and many will be deceived.  But Jesus says, you must stand ready, stay awake, stay tuned to the word of God, so that you will survive all that is going to happen and be able to stand confidently (con-fide, with trust) in the presence of God together in community.
Henri Nouwen, Finding My Way Home: Pathways to Life and Spirit

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Soli ad gloriam Dei