Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020
A Celebration of Deliverance
Today we reflect on joyful celebration after deliverance from disaster, and we pause to consider the sudden and surprising gifts of discipleship.
The book of Judith is a wonderful story about a woman who puts aside her widow’s weeds to save her nation. Her ability is doubted by the elders of her own community, and her enemy underestimates her by a wide margin. Judith succeeds in accomplishing the impossible. We watch her follow a dangerously treacherous and narrow path, listening for and then obeying God’s voice. We see her unfold in beautiful discipleship. During this Eastertide we have re-discovered the gifts of discipleship that bloom in our lives when we see our vulnerability to God as privilege; and we watch Judith as she trusts in God alone to deliver her people and herself from a deadly enemy.
Judith’s meekness brings her humility . . . an ability to listen for God’s word and to heed it.
Judith’s broken–heartedness brings her vulnerability . . . an ability to petition God for help.
Judith’s constancy brings her fidelity . . . an ability to rely on God alone.
Judith’s honesty brings her truth . . . an ability to see reality as God sees it.
Judith’s willingness brings her integrity . . . an ability to perceive and respond to God’s call authentically.
Judith’s steadfastness brings her persistence . . . an ability to follow God without flagging.
These are the gifts of discipleship with which God graced Judith . . . and these are the same gifts of discipleship that God gives to each of us today.
As we near Pentecost, let us consider these gifts that God freely gives. And let us celebrate our own deliverance.
Image from: https://www.wikiart.org/en/sandro-botticelli/judith-leaving-the-tent-of-holofernes-1500
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Adapted from a Noontime reflection written on April 10, 2007.
The Noontimes 