Lord God, rescue me from other’s expectations ...

Acts 12:1-11 & II Timothy 4:6-18

Herod and the people of Jerusalem, expecting that they would watch Peter’s final trial and torture, were no doubt disappointed when they awoke to the fact that a deeper agenda – that of the Holy Spirit of God-  had whisked away their prize catch.  When I, like Herod and his compatriots, think of another in a negative way, I project my own judgements and (lack of) expectations onto our relationship, without regard for the powerful workings of the Holy Spirit. This can be very destructive not only of relationships but also of individuals. Jesus calls me to a set of different expectations, those that are rooted and grounded in the vision God as our Creator has of each one of us. Am I willing to let God set my expectations –and my hopes- for others I meet along my life’s journey?  Lord God, rescue me from others’ expectations so that I can live into your view of each one of us. 
    
I prayed to the Lord and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)


Community is not an ideal; it is people. It is you and I. In community we are called to love people just as they are with their wounds and their gifts, not as we want them to be.
Jean Vanier   
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.