Gratitude and Humility

10Feb
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven.He said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart,

‘But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built!
-I Kings 8:22-23, 27

How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! 
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
-Psalm 84:1


Last week I watched the compline service presented by the Bishop’s office. During the service, Bishop-elect Antonio Gallardo of Los Angeles spoke of a time of great loss and disorientation in his community, due to threats to the immigrant community. He spoke of how the people of his church are learning to trust God in how best to assist their neighbors and searching every day for “our next faithful step.” Staying aware of what is happening in our world today matters, and caring about our neighbors matters, but sometimes it is easy to fall into despair and wonder - “Where are you, God? Are you paying attention?”


In today’s readings, I find great encouragement in God's presence, even and especially when the world around us feels overwhelming. In 1 Kings 8, the ark of the covenant is brought into the Temple. A dark cloud fills the temple so dark that the priests cannot minister to the people. King Solomon says, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness…but will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built.” Even when the world feels dark and heavy, God is all around us and working in many small, slow, quiet, and seemingly hidden ways. 


The psalm for today is a beautiful “pilgrimage hymn” expressing deep emotional longing for God's presence. “How lovely is your dwelling place…my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God…for one day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Even the swallows and sparrows find a home at God’s altars. 


In her book, An Altar in the World, Barbara Brown Taylor writes: “Earth is so thick with divine possibility that it is a wonder we can walk anywhere without cracking our shins on altars.” Our world is filled with signs of God’s glory, so many that we’re constantly tripping over them, according to Taylor. In a world that feels heavy, I am comforted to know that God is here with me and guiding me towards my next faithful step. 

Cantique de Jean Racine - Gabriel Fauré, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia


Gracious God, help us remember that your glory cannot be owned or contained by humankind. Give us gratitude and humility to enjoy and share your grace and mercy. Amen.

Gratitude

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