My Soul is Troubled

Jesus said, “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. John 12:27-36

It is Wednesday in Holy Week, a quieter day before all the intensity begins, a day to stop and quiet our souls. We had two wonderful services of clergy vow renewal and blessing of the oils. And looking around the gatherings, I saw folks full of responsibility and worry, with so much left to do. I am reminded today that Jesus hid himself from his disciples when he was worn and troubled. And this might be the best we can do today, to rest and quiet ourselves, away from the maddening crowd of responsibility.

Loving Creator who suffered as we do

who was troubled and overwhelmed

teach us to find small moments today

where we can find you in the quiet.

We ache to help and to serve others

yet in truth they wear us down

our strength and compassion are gone

and we need to be revived today.

Walk a while with us dear Jesus

help us to sing songs of great hope

give us new energy for the days ahead

and showers us with your love today. Amen.