Reflections on Gospeling Your Life

 

As we reflect on the fifty-ish days of reading all 89 chapters of the four gospels, did you find yourself with a favorite narrative of God’s love incarnate?  Maybe you like Mark’s just the facts, no-nonsense approach.  Maybe you appreciated Matthew’s intensity, that what we do matters and makes a difference, that something is at stake which is why Matthew can feel a bit rough around the edges (I mean some poor chap getting thrown into the outer darkness at a wedding for not putting on the right robe – Matthew 22:1-14, seems a bit extreme).  Maybe you liked Luke’s version of service, caring for the least, lost, lonely, crossing over borders and boundaries with God’s prodigal love.  Maybe you prefer the mystery of John where Jesus seems to talk in puzzles and riddles (it is like trying to understand some of the desert mothers and fathers!).  Or maybe it is like trying to pick your favorite child, you liked a bit of each.  I invite you today to write down what warmed your heart in each gospel and what tasted like stale day-old coffee?  Where did you sense God’s presence and where did you think, “Clearly God didn’t write that!”  You may do this Gospel by Gospel, or maybe make a list of five gospel stories that you found meaningful and why.  The “why” is always important even when it feels like your words don’t quite capture the fullness of what is in your heart.  Then, please share your top five Gospels and why with me.  I would love to talk to you more about how these gospel stories right now are good news to your life and how you are venerating and emulating the truths of God’s wisdom.   May the One who continues to infuse and inform and inspire our living go with you.  Amen.