Our readings today challenge us to seek justice, open our hearts to wisdom and, above all, have faith. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom clearly delineates that wisdom does not dwell where there is deceit, evil and injustice.  This reading creates an image of Wisdom in my mind and heart – kindness and forgiveness.  This passage also leaves me with the image of the door – we are on one side – God is on the other.  We choose by not only our actions but also by what is in our heart and whether or not we open the door.

This is a difficult time in my family – my sister is distraught with her husband’s illness and uncomfortable with his acceptance of a terminal illness.  I’ve tried to support with presence and prayer, yet anger fills her heart and leaves little room for anything else, even comfort.  When I speak of prayer, the retort is, God never listens to me.  When I speak of faith, the answer is, I don’t have the faith you do.  It would seem that the perception is that faith is a commodity – some are able to “procure” much of it and others can’t get any. I’m not sure how one builds up faith except by having an open heart and allowing God in.  For some, the prayer is very specific – this is what I want, and if I don’t get it, God does not listen.  A wise friend of mine once said in response to complains that God does not answer, “no” is an answer.  When my sister talked of not having her prayers answered, she asked me – well, what do YOU pray for.  My honest answer was that I pray for strength, I pray for peace and comfort for those suffering, I pray for wisdom and words to offer that will support those in pain. 

It does take much emotional energy to support the ones we love as they grieve especially when they are enveloped in angry.  I didn’t realize how much until the day after I returned home.  God did provide me strength and the ability to stay calm and focused on the needs of others during my trip.  However, the wave hit me that morning – I was so weepy, so weary.  I parked the car and was rushing into a meeting when a song came on the radio Weary Traveler – a coincidence? I think not, another God wink!  Two more minutes would not make a difference and I sat listening to the song.

As I entered the building and different people cheerfully greeted me, I found I had a trigger that morning.  A simple “How are you?” was all it took for the tears to well and my voice to crack.  As I was walking to my office at some point in the morning, I went down a hall I never take (it is rather a maze of hallways and offices) and someone that I know slightly was coming toward me.  With a kind, sincere look on her face, she asked me how I was – a genuine seeking to know how I was doing – the tears flowed, and she was comforting beyond words – her warm hug and concern touched me and brought relief – as though Jesus Himself was there to remind me, we do not walk this journey alone. She reminded me that I am loved. My day was changed in a way I would not have imagined.  Later, I was able to send her a note acknowledging the impact of her presence and my gratitude of how God randomly puts people in our path (literally and figuratively) with purpose and to remind us of His love for us.  The angels on earth with human faces . . . .

For those of you, who are weary and worn . . .
Worn by Tenth Avenue North