Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 18

Meditation for Saturday 27 February
... from the readings of the day:

Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; 

Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, 

And will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt? 

Micah 7:18-19

So great is God's love for us that we are forgiven 
each mistake, forgiven each moment of pride when 
we trust in our own strength, stumbling without God,
forgiven even as we see our error and ask.

   All the water in all the oceans pouring
   over a single waterfall is a trickle compared 
   to God's love for his creation.

So great is God's pride in our tiny steps that,
like a new parent, God treasures each one,  
taking delight in every footfall and wobble
towards the potential God made in each of us.

   All the things of beauty in all of Creation
   marvelled over a hundred lifetimes: a mere 
   inkling of God's vision for his creation.

So great is God's trust in each of us! God made me 
able to shoot at the wrong targets, free to choose 
captivity, my mind evolved for survival and defence 
always resisting my heart yearning for Home. 

   All the joy and all the love and all the tears
   shed and shared since the beginning,
   only whisper of God's trust in his creation.

Suggestions for meditation
Always begin by offering your time to God and asking for the grace to grow closer: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time as I reach out to you, and ask that you guide me now, and each day, closer to you".

The exact words of the prayer are not important but you do need a firm intention to open yourself to God's input.

Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.

Listen for the personal message for you. There will always be one word or phrase that will reach into your heart. Think of it as the personal meaning God has for you alone!

If you would prefer a more authoritative reading to focus your meditation, try this from one of today's readings, Luke 15:20-24

While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’
Then the celebration began.

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

Is there a word of phrase that jumps out to speak to you?

Why? Try to put yourself into those words. Maybe imagine Jesus speaking, and reply.

Then spend 5, or 10, or 15 minutes with your word from Jesus, or the word GOD or LOVE.

You need a clear intention to empty your mind of random thoughts (you won't be entirely successful but you need the intention).

You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds.

After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen.

Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).

You may need a countdown clock.

At the end thank God, and return to your day.