Friday, April 29, 2011

Dearest God,

"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!" the Bishop of London said in his marriage sermon to William and Kate. "Become what God meant each one to become, their deepest and truest selves."

Who could sit and watch the royal wedding and not hear your call to become what we are not yet, our full selves designed not by Sarah Burton but by God's own self? Who was not challenged to change and be transformed like the scripture read by Kate's brother? "I appeal to you brothers and sisters by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect."

No scripture could mean more. None could be more helpful in living a meaningful life and fulfilling one's own marital and personal destiny than this text from Romans 12. Be transformed, St. Paul states, be transformed. Why? To enable one's self to discern the will of God.

What is life all about if not discerning your will to create a beautiful world and a people in it? Why be compassionate if one does not want to create a more perfect and loving world? Why be merciful if not wanting to participate in the full will of God to comfort, heal, help, and create a loving environment where people can grow into their deepest and truest selves?

I heard that call yesterday and I remembered once again my need to become my own deepest and truest self not because I want more for myself but rather because I want to fulfill your will for the world. And how can I do that without the capacity to discern your perfect will?

That scripture was heard by 2 billion people. Did it fall gently upon open hearts? Will we aspire more today than yesterday to be transformed so we can discern and become...yours?

O Lord,
use every avenue
to remind us
of who
you want us
to be
and why.
Open our minds
to your word
than transforms.
Teach us
to love you
and one another
so that
we will co-create
with you
in making
a marvelous world
filled with
so much beauty
that we
will hardly
be able
to look
upon it
for all
its dazzling glory,
I pray.

Love, Andrea