Within the contemplative tradition in various forms is the invitation to pause, breathe, and reflect. It is a simple way in the flow of your day to seek an awareness of God’s constant and abiding presence. Another way to ponder the invitation to pause, breathe, and reflect is in the challenge to “be where your feet are.” The source of that challenge is hard to pin down; some say it is ancient indigenous wisdom, and others point to Zen Buddhism. The point is the ancient teachers knew something about paying attention and taking a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect.
In the gospel lesson for this weekend, Jesus closes out his instruction for the disciples who are being sent out as apostles. Jesus’ final words in chapter 10 are grounded in welcome. There is the welcome for you, a prophet, a righteous person, and the hospitality shared by a cold cup of water for a little one. In each welcome, large and small, there is an awareness of what is needed.
When have you experienced a life-sustaining welcome? How was that welcome deeply connected to someone who paused, breathed, reflected, and was aware of you and your need at that moment? How might we pay attention to where our feet are and so embody the presence of God’s welcome for others?
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Peter