Defended

If I had to testify in my own defense, I would want to be prepared.

This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. - Luke 21:13-15

The question in today's reading of the Gospel is stark.  Can I trust God to guide me?

Jesus tells his disciples they will have to deal with harshness and persecution, but they should not worry about preparing for the trials.  He will tell them what to say when the time comes.

But we know that he won't be there when the time comes, at least not in person.  So, what must it have been like for them when he left?

Without the experience of the Resurrection, how would they maintain their faith?

We take it for granted that Christ can be with us in our times of trial because we know he is divine.  He is capable of being with us always, and he has given us the Spirit to live within us.

So, we should have more faith than the disciples, right?

And yet, who wouldn't prepare a defense?

The idea that we can put all our trust in God is both assuring and frightening.  We want to hand over our lives to Him, but aren't we supposed to be able to stand on our own as well?

I think the best preparation we can make is to put ourselves in a mindful state, where we become aware of God's presence and know He is in charge.

It means we have to be still and know.

Just imagine how liberating that can be?  To know we have nothing to worry about is a great relief.

So, what will do differently today, to show that we know?

Perhaps we can just take each moment as it comes and not try to control as much.

That will not be easy, will it?

More to come...