The Light of Grace

This Fourth Sunday of Lent, Paul reminds us that we have received a “ministry of reconciliation.” He implores us to “be reconciled to God.” And we hear the beautiful, if familiar retelling of the Prodigal Son, the ultimate story of reconciliation.

I know in my heart that God is merciful, that He is the loving Father who runs to greet me with open arms when I turn to Him. But sometimes, I choose to grope along in the darkness of my failings, my shortcomings, my perceived “unworthiness.” Only when I reach that point of realizing the need for

reconciliation does the light of God’s grace shine through. I remember that in both the highs and lows of my feelings, God is calling me to himself in a most unique and intimate way.

During Lent, I’ve made a concerted effort to pray the Ignatian “Examen” daily. Reviewing my day by first seeking God’s light; His grace to view my day through His eyes, helps me to look honestly at my feelings, thoughts, words, and actions realistically, but also in the light of God’s mercy, and then to move forward

with hope. Poet Chris Anderson describes the Examen this way: “The light of grace is always shining, it’s always pouring down, though its refracted and scattered and easy to miss, and so one way to pray is to look back on the moments of our day and recall when we saw the light breaking through.”

Looking back at the big and small encounters of my day with that perspective, I give thanks for the opportunities God has given me to see the face of Christ and be the face of Christ, to recall the many “little s” sacraments I’ve experienced. Conversely, I recall if there were situations in which I was ungrateful, discontented, frustrated.

As I review the day, I ponder my feelings and emotions at various times, not judging whether they were good or bad, but simply the highs and lows. When was I happy, sad, frustrated, hurt? This helps me discern those times when I was in tune with God’s will, as well as when I was not. In so doing, I may identify something for which I need to ask forgiveness or the grace to handle an encounter or situation differently the next time. In those moments, reconciliation with God who knows my heart and intention, offers healing and freedom.

Finally, I think about the day ahead. What graces do I need to face any challenges or concerns that might occur? What lessons has the Holy Spirit taught me today (even or mostly by my failures) that I can use tomorrow?

I love this simple prayer because unlike an “examination of conscience,” the focus is not on what I’ve done wrong, but rather, on God’s presence in my life through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and His desire to draw me to himself. God is present in my world and active in my life. All I need to do is to ask for the light – the grace - to recognize that fact. It is a sacred space in which I can express gratitude for His presence and seek forgiveness with the confidence that my God looks for me to return and welcomes me home with open arms.

De Colores - Sue

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness."

LAMENTATIONS 3:21-23 (NIV)

Link to Meditation Music "I will rest in You" - ValLimar Jansen