The Dance of Giving & Receiving

After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” Luke 3:21-22

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. - 2 Cor. 12:14

Yesterday we looked at understanding God's triune nature as Divine Dance - a never-ending movement of mutual relationship, a fullness of both individuality and community.  Today let's imagine it also a ceaseless flow of love within God's self and pouring out toward us -  love constantly given, constantly received.

It's often even harder for us to receive love than to pass it on - hard to admit we're needy or to believe we're worthy.  But that's what Jesus models for us.  Before his public ministry begins, before he's done anything to "earn" it, he literally soaks in the love of God - it flows over him in words, water, and movement of the Spirit during his baptism.  2 Cor. 12 reminds us that we're invited to experience this same drenching through our three-in-one God.

Could I suggest a simple prayer for you today?  Find a quiet spot to close your eyes and ask God, as many times as feels helpful to you: "Jesus, would your love pour over me like water?" Then just sit and quietly wait.  You don't need to do anything, and there's no right way to feel or experience God in this moment.  Just wait and be - you are loved.