© Jan Richardson
. . . in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
—Romans 4.17
From a lectionary reading for Lent 2: Romans 4.13-25
Reflection for Thursday, March 1 (Day 8 of Lent)
Who Quickens the Dead
Who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. —Romans 4.17, King James Version
As if
dealing with the living
were not enough.
As if
we were ready
for what we have
released
and grieved
to suddenly wake,
open its eyes,
and turn its face
toward us again.
As if
we believed
the hand that
wakes the dead
could wake us.
As if
the voice
that calls
into being
what does not exist
could call to us.
As if
we could let it.
—Jan Richardson
This reflection is part of the series “Teach Me Your Paths: A Pilgrimage into Lent.” If you’re new to the series, welcome! You can visit the first post, Teach Me Your Paths: Entering Lent, to pick it up from the beginning.
[To use the image “And Calls Into Existence the Things That Do Not Exist,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!]
March 1, 2012 at 11:43 AM |
This series has been so meaningful even in the first week. Thank you for your unique ministry.