I began with John 13. While I was trying to live this scene, I ran into what seemed to be a silly problem. I couldn’t imagine how Jesus would tie the towel around Himself and still have it be useful to Him. It seemed so terribly awkward. Why did He tie it, rather than just drape it over His shoulder? Then He showed me that it was symbolic. He had “tied” His human nature to His divine nature. Just as the towel was part of the cleansing He was to give (He couldn’t tie the water to Himself!), so He would use His human nature (body) to cleanse them spiritually.

From there, He taught me of how no service was too lowly for Him to render, and so I must not think myself above any task He would give me. He showed me this through this passage, Luke 22: 27, and Mark 10: 45. This had special meaning for me today. There are two humble tasks He has given me - crocheting warm clothing and afghans for the poor at Mother Theresa House here, and mending the altar boy’s robes. I’ve given Sat. and Sun. of each week to these. This week, however, I was tempted to postpone these in favor of newsletter editing, a more intellectual pursuit. Now, I know I should spend the weekend in more humble service. If I start making excuses, I’ll find others in the future.

I was led on to 1 Corinthians 4: 1, Psalms 8, Luke 19: 17 - 27, and Matthew 25: 4. These spoke to me of how God has entrusted certain skills and talents to me. It is my responsibility to develop them all, and use them in His service, even the more humble ones, the ones no one seems to notice, or even to know about. My Father seems to be saying that He does want me to do the editing and writing, but they will make me proud if I don’t watch out. (They will!) The anonymous service to the poor will help keep me in balance. If I obey Him, He will smooth the way for me through the pressures of the editing and deadlines.

A thought I want to add, before I forget. Sometimes my Father seems to take me off in different directions through the prayer texts than those suggested. While the very personal lessons may seem to predominate, at times, the suggested lessons are getting through to me, indirectly. (1)

(1) Spiritual director: That’s fine. I’m glad you’re not so legalistic that you can be free with God. Continue, though to pray for the grace or bring the grace to God and tell Him you’re open to receiving it.