Lenten Meditations: April 12

“We have all of us been told that grace is to be found in the universe. But in our human foolishness and shortsightedness we imagine divine grace to be finite. For this reason we tremble…before making our choice in life, and after having made it again tremble in fear of having chosen wrong. But the moment comes when our eyes are opened, and we see and realize that grace is infinite. Grace, my friends, demands nothing from us but that we shall await it with confidence and acknowledge it in gratitude…grace takes us all to its bosom and proclaims general amnesty. See! That which we have chosen is given us, and that which we have refused is, also and at the same time, granted us…for mercy and truth have met together and righteousness and bliss have kissed one another.”

– General Loewenheim’s toast in Babette’s Feast by Isak Dinesen

Reflection

There’s nothing like a Covid pandemic to twist one’s heart and mind with “What if?” What if my family or I get sick? What if the avocado supply runs out? I can spin in circles trying to decide what to do and how to feel.

Worry happens. Breath quickens.

Then I read again this bit from “Babette’s Feast” and I can feel my soul quietly melting away the ice of worry. My heart lifts in joy.

Prayer

Blessed one, keep my heart and mind melted and open to mercy and grace. And thanks. Amen.