Stumbling

‘I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. ‘I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:1-15

In fifth grade, my whole class went on a wonderful field trip to New York City which included a visit to the New York City Public Library. We were having a great time at the library when it was announced it was time to go for lunch. We headed outside, gathering on the front steps. As I started to make my way down, I took a tumble and fell down all the steps of that grand building. I was mortified but not hurt badly. My mother, seeing my pain and who was one of the chaperones, put me in a cab and took us to lunch. I survived but have this memory etched in my brain. We all stumble, whether we are seen or not, and know how easy it is to stumble, physically, personally or faithfully. Jesus tells us he is there with us in our stumbling and understands our humanity.

Gracious Creator, you are with us in our humanity

you see our stumbling and our frivolous behavior

and love us despite the many time we run away

you surround us with your peace despite it all.

We often blame the stumbles and missteps on you

not willing to admit our part in all the disasters

we want everything simple and comfortable

and we refuse to mend those things we have broken.

Help us today to be open our hearts to you

let your humility and love flow through us

so we might be those who mend the sacred hoop

and bring all into relation with your loving heart. Amen.