January 25, 2021

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B

Genesis 12:1-9 tells the story of the Call of Abram.  This is the beginning of the covenant making between God and God's people.  God calls, and Abram answers.  God promises, “To your offspring I will give this land.” and Abram worships.  Abram builds altars of praise and thanksgiving to God in the places that he travels.  Verse 9 notes that Abram "journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb."  

That seems to be a meaningful description of our life with God in these pandemic months.  We are journeying on by stages.  We are taking it a little at a time.  We have been moving in small steps along the way, learning how to buy groceries, or how to get our hair cut or letting it grow, or how to work or go to school, or how to connect with family and friends, or how to worship and pray.  God has been with us each step along the way.  

Where have you built an altar of praise and thanksgiving to God who has journeyed along with us?  Do you light a candle, or touch the water of baptism, when you pray each day?  Perhaps you have a special chair that feels like your quiet place, away from the noise of the TV, where you can sit with God.  Or, maybe there is a table where you write notes to others, encouraging them and reminding them of your friendship and care.

It's taking us a while, but we're getting there.  Wherever "there" is.  God knows.  Step by step, little by little, we journey on.  And so we continue to wear our masks, practice social distancing, wash our hands, pray for others, and thank God for every moment.  Today might be a good day to call someone and share with each other the stages of this journey.

--
Peace,
Dean