From time to time I find myself carrying an internal load of concerns, worries, needs, etc. It’s that committee in my head that likes to take over and dominate my thoughts. You probably know what that is like. The little committee accuses, complains, nags and tries to take control. Recently when all that flared up again, after several days of meetings, I just told the Lord I cannot carry all that weight. I give it to you, Lord. You can carry it like you carried the cross. There was a letting  go that is not a one time affair but a need for constant cleansing. In the silence, I felt a release and a freedom.

At the same time there was an important self examination going on. What was the disposition of my heart towards God and the world? What did I need to do to repent? I often read the “Litany of Humility”, a set of prayers that resets my focus and calls me to account. Speaking about this to a parishioner who prays this prayer, she said it made her realize her oversized desire for affirmation and on the flip side, her fear of rejection. I identify with that.

This Sunday’s readings from Habakkuk and Luke 17 will be a launch pad for teaching about the need for humility to be honest with ourselves. It’s a little brutal if we are always looking for butterflies and rainbows. Yet, it is so much of what makes us more fully human. The teaching will end with us going through the “Litany of Humility” together and letting God bring about His healing and love.

Also, this Sunday you will hear testimonies from people who have taken the Alpha course as we prepare to offer it this coming Wednesday here at ASD. If you haven’t done Alpha we strongly recommend you take this 6 week course. Invite friends, enemies, neighbors, family, etc. More information can be found HERE.

Come and See.

+Philip