We each need to be attentive and responsible, open to God, and true to ourselves. If we discern well, we’ll know whether life circumstances call for generosity or for setting a boundary. So, be wise virgins, everyone. Strengthen your back and soften your heart and be attentive to the presence of God.

Who are the holy ones, both living and deceased, who can mentor us through our time of suffering? And who needs us to reach out and carry them a little as they struggle?

The term “neighbor” implies a mutuality in our relationship. It’s not me-and-them, but us, loving each other.

In the moment, I might not see how God is present, but I can look back on events and make meaning from what happened, and this meaning-making is as much the work of God as the circumstances themselves.

What would it be like to unveil ourselves, to free ourselves from assumptions and suspicions so that we see and love each other as we are? What would it be like to lay down our defenses and create a safe space for each other?

God doesn’t ask us to deny our heartbreaks, but God does want to protect us from the further harm that comes from ruminating on negativity. Equally real are the things that are of God, things which are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Words are just words, but doing God’s will means saying yes when you mean yes and following that with the kinds of actions that also mean yes.

If God is within me but also grander than me, than all of us, than the universe, then I have somewhere outside of myself to find God. I have somewhere to seek when I’m in need and feeling the limits of my very insufficient humanity.

Which kind of anger am I embracing, nourishing, and putting out to the universe? Once I’m able to name the anger, how is God calling me to respond?

When I see care and compassion expressed in my communities of really unique people, I see how community is not about perfection but about love. I am incomplete on my own; I need to be in relationship to see God manifested. Even though communities are imperfect, God is present in them.

God’s call is not to conform ourselves to everything happening around us but to allow the vision of God’s kingdom of justice, peace, and love of neighbor to give us hope. God’s will is for us to work to make this vision a lived reality that’s good and pleasing and perfect for everyone.

To be seen and known by those we care about is a human need. How can we truly be loved if we’re not also known? This can be really scary, but when we can share at this intimate, heart-to-heart level, it’s a beautiful, holy, human thing.

I want to be able to trust God when the wind kicks up and the waves get big. I don’t know about you, but I want to stay in the boat and allow Jesus to come to me across the water or in whatever way Jesus wants to get to me.

In all things deep and superficial, momentous and irrelevant, joyous and painful, peaceful and annoying, numinous and mundane, God is there. In all ways and at all times, God is present in my life working within and without for my good.

I weed out the unknown or that which is uncomfortable or difficult, I might throw out something beautiful. On the other hand, even if I do mistakenly weed out something good, God can still help me grow. God can do something with anything in my life. God’s providence is in this garden somewhere; I just can’t always tell how or where until things grow a little.

Yes, we’re suffering. The glory of God has not yet been revealed. That doesn’t mean it won’t be, though; it just hasn’t happened yet.

Pandemic fatigue is a real burden. Each of us may have different struggles and ways of shouldering this burden, but we’re all carrying it. Maybe turning to God can bring some comfort from this burden and restore us.

There are many wise and experienced voices who can speak to fear and all that’s happening in our country right now. Part of my call in all of this is to listen to them, listen deeply and openly and without judgement, listen with love, listen with empathy, listen with humility, knowing that I don’t really know much and don’t face these same experiences. If you are a white person who feels like I do and you feel called to incline your ear for a bit, here are some helpful voices to listen to.

Is what I’m eating the lift-giving bread of Christ, the bread of faith and hope? Am I feasting on contemplation, fruitful prayer, and honest self-examination? Am I eating the bread of the life of the world that puts me in touch with reality and people’s needs?

In moments of grace when we sense God, as well as times of distress when we don’t, God is there. God is there in the quiet stillness of our hearts as well as our cries against injustice. As we accompany each other on the march toward freedom, God accompanies us. As we are Providence to each other, the world changes.