Scripture:
Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14
Mark 3:20-21
Reflection:
"He entered once for all into the sanctuary." Hebrews 9:11
Jesus made a way for us to enter into the very throne room of God! I wonder how often we realize that God invites us into the sanctuary, into His very presence whenever we please. Do you think that if I showed up at the White House, I would be ushered into President Obama’s oval office just because I said I wanted to see him??? Of course not!!! And yet the King of kings and the Lord of lords allows us access to His presence every day, 24 hrs a day! You don’t even have to make an appointment!
We get so busy each day, maybe we should write "appointment with God" into our day planners. If we set a time, and pick a place without distractions, and unplug the phone if we have to, maybe we will actually slow down enough to enter in. The benefits are amazing: peace beyond understanding; strength for the day; joy for the journey; the knowledge that we are loved unconditionally and the assurance of a forever home in heaven. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Take time each day to enter into God’s awesome presence, and worship the living God who is always available to you. Thank Him for all of your blessings, and like Mary, "ponder these things in your heart." Let Him love you and guide you and forgive you and teach you and comfort you and give you everything you could possibly need. What are we waiting for?
Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. Janice also leads women’s retreats. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 4. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.jcarleton.com/ or email her at janice@frcedric/org