Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent

Psalm 128   •   Exodus 7:8-24   •   2 Corinthians 2:14 – 3:6   •   Mark 10:1-16

Today’s readings in Exodus and 2 Corinthians give examples of needing to find external validation and “proof” in order to act or believe in something. This is still commonplace today, whether it is seeking approval from a boss or mentor, a loved one or stranger, or looking for a sign that something is meant to be or not meant to be. We often look outside of ourselves for direction that informs our actions and beliefs.

In Mark’s passage we receive a reminder about how to escape that sometimes damaging and often exhausting quest for confirmation. We are instructed to receive the kingdom of God like a child. Imagine if we went through life with the lens we have as children: unbiased and open to all truth and possibility; an outlook of abundance rather than scarcity; and certainty rather than fear.

Today is my baptism birthday and I am reminded of the gift we are all given in baptism: the holy waters of baptism, the promise of God’s eternal presence among us. Stardust and Spirit that we can turn to inside of ourselves—what greater validation do we need?

Creator God,

You have blessed us with your love.

            You have brushed us with stardust.

            You have called us to live for others.

            You have given us the challenge of plenty,

                        resources beyond our needs.

Instruct us how to be a blessing,

            how to usher in a world of peace,

            how to craft from the stardust

                        a bright future for all of our children.

Thank you, God, for your blessing.

            Teach us to bless one another.

                        Joan Brown Campbell, “Prayers from Chautauqua”

— Erika Viccellio