"The world is running out of energy. It is a question of supply. How do we ensure sufficient energy supplies to sustain life? Where will we find this energy? Our own resources (oil, coal, gas, etc) are running out. We are searching anxiously for power ‘from above’ – trying to harness the almost limitless power of the sun.
Father Raniero Cantalamessa points out that there are parallels between what is happening on the spiritual level and what is happening in terms of the physical environment. The church is facing the same problem as the world as a whole, but on a different level. We stand before a choice: do we look for the energy we need in ourselves and the resources of our intelligence and our entrepreneurial spirit, or do we look for it ‘from above’, from the risen Christ, the Sun of Justice?
In the passages for today we see something about the extent of God’s energy, power and strength. Whereas on a physical level we struggle to harness even a fraction of the power of the sun, God has given us full access to his endless energy through Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 68:28-35
Where does it come from?
Power and strength come from God. Amazingly, God promises to give you his power and his strength. This psalm ends on a note of confidence as David proclaims that ‘the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!’ (v.35).
David prays, ‘Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before’ (v.28). This sums up the psalm. He prays, ‘Do what you have done before.’ David knows from his own experience that God’s power is more than enough for all his needs.
In contrast, he is dismissive of any attempt to seek power elsewhere. He talks of the worldly power of an evil regime, ‘Rapacious in her lust for silver, crushing peoples’ (v.30, MSG). Yet he knows that ultimately such power ‘will submit … to God’ (v.31).
1. I pray again to fill me with Your energy, power, and strength. Thank You for Your endless energy.Thank you, Lord, for the way that you have shown your power and strength to me so many times. Thank you that I can be confident that you will give ‘power and strength’ to your people. Fill me today with your energy, power and strength."
2. Thank You for the patience You teach and give me. Thank You for always showing Your grace to me.
3. Thank You for the differences in culture, there is so much to embrace and enjoy.
