Weekly Inspiration (10/31/24)

“To be intentional about how we are using the gift of speech, we must first recognize the place we are in when speaking: Am I hungry, angry, lonely, or tired? Do I feel defensive? It might be wise to attend to some self-care, spend some quiet time processing how you feel, what has made you feel triggered. Then you will be able to speak from a place that will enable freedom for yourself and others.”

Br. Jim Woodrum
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

by Steve Garnass-Holmes

   “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood
            abide in me, and I in them.”
                        —John 6.56

God is not a god of hearsay,
a virtual god, an outsourced god.
No remote, second hand, copy-of-a-copy god.
This religion isn't about what you believe,
that paper religion, an idea you can think about.
This religion isn't a recipe; it's the meal.
Real food. You digest it.

Jesus is not explaining God. He's feeding us God.
He is the bread of God.
You have to eat it.
It surrenders itself inside you,
becomes part of you.
Don't just think about it;
don't merely believe. Eat it.

Take him in, this Jesus bread.
Savor the aroma of his love, his grace,
the flavor of his trust in God and in you.
Wrap the mouth of your soul around him and eat.
See how he tastes on the tongue of your heart.
Bite off a chunk of that forgiveness,
chew it gratefully, and swallow it all.
Drink in that presence with you in every Gethsemane,
every Golgotha, drink it in and let it fill you.
Take all of who Jesus is into yourself.
Stuff yourself with him.

You are what you eat.