"Keep Awake"

This week, at our Noonday Eucharist we read from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 24:42-47) which reminded us to “keep awake”. I found this to be a timely reminder as we now enter into our long and “Common Season” of Pentecost. After this past Sunday’s glorious and enlivening celebration I am  still burning with the fire of the Spirit, and encourage by the words of our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. But, without the intentionality of a season such as advent, with our call to live into waiting; or lent, where we turn and repent; I know it is up to me to pattern my life around our call to keep awake as we live into the Jesus movement. 

With this reminder I am finding myself looking ahead to our long, common season wondering what practices I might draw upon so that I can “stay awake”, and keep the fire from our Pentecost celebration a flame. Drawing on the words and message of Michael Curry I am encouraged to see how I might live into the Jesus Movement, and share this message of love, joy, peace, and hope with the world around me. In times of chaos and confusion in our world the practice of sharing this movement that speaks to inclusion and acceptance is certainly one that fans my own flame. When I connect with others and have the opportunity to invite them into this radical and wonderful movement the Spirit is enlivened within my soul, because I am reminded of what the Jesus movement means to me, and why it is important in my own life. 

As we enter into the season of Pentecost and “ordinary time”, I invite you to reflect on what spiritual practices enliven you and fan your own flame. There are many ways for us to commune with the Holy and “keep awake”, from Scripture studies to meditation, saying the daily offices (in your BCP) to spending time in nature, or even practicing evangelism. Whatever practice feeds your soul this is the perfect time to find it. So, experiment, dabble, and have fun finding your fan for the flame, your caffeine for your faith, and your white hot why for the Jesus Movement.