Way Of Love: Spiritual Practices For Disciplesનમૂનો

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In the early hours of August 26, 2017, my family was hunkered down in our home near Houston, Texas, and petrified with fear. Hurricane Harvey had exploded from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in about forty hours, and we were experiencing some of the worst of the storm, with one tornado warning after another. My wife was in the hall bathroom with our daughter, Riley, and Scout, the cockapoo. I was in the hall closet. Through a crack in the door, I could see that the storm was raging—wicked and angry.

Both my wife and I were calling out words from prayers we knew by heart, Bible verses that brought us consolation and eased our fear. Other than a few branches and a shingle or two, the storm passed over our home causing little physical damage. That being said, it was the longest and most frightening night of our lives.

Our world is experiencing a different kind of storm. It is a time of grave and wicked darkness. Relationships are strained and broken. Hatred is spewed forth from all sides. We find it hard to love—not to mention, trust—our neighbors. We are on a small boat, and the storm is raging all around us. We toss and turn and are fearful that the boat might sink.

And then...we call out the name of the one who is Love. We read the stories and sing the hymns that glorify God’s name. We meditate on these words day and night. We gather in community, and little by little, darkness turns to light. The winds begin to settle. The fear begins to ease. Love has overcome wickedness.

• Do you read the scriptures on a daily basis or do you turn to them only in times of need, when you are fearful or anxious?
• Reflect on a time when, gathered in community, you felt the presence of God’s love.

Roger Hutchison, Director of Christian Formation and Parish Life Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, Houston, TX