The Hour of Illumination (noon)

“At midday, we honor the hour Jesus embraced the cross…Like Him, we recommit to giving our lives away…

We self-inspect our hearts for violence we harbor – toward ourselves, family members, coworkers, community, those who are different.  We offer our hands and words as agents of justice.

(By all means, enjoy this pause outside with your face turned toward the sun.)”

A few weeks back, our pastor talked about laying our Isaac down.  He said for him, it is more than a one-time thing.  Rather, all day long, if he looks down and sees his hands clenched, he opens them.  Over and over.

That’s a great explanation for giving our lives away.  Releasing control.  Letting go of violence.  Offering the short puff of air that our lives are to Him for His purposes.

“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?

Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

Who does not lift up his soul to an idol

Or swear by what is false…

Who is this King of glory?

The LORD strong and mighty,

The LORD mighty in battle.”

Psalm 24:3-4, 8