February 21, 2021
There is a tangental take on a Matthean scripture which always gives me pause. It goes as follows: “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45
Though the scripture pertains to the exorcism of spirits, I believe it could also pertain to Lenten housekeeping as well.
“Tidy up’ our spiritual houses, is not intended to be an exercise that leaves a void.
We are clearing space for more of God’s presence in our lives – a Presence we invite as we engage in Spiritual practices (or disciplines) such as prayer, meditation, worship, fasting, service in God’s name and the like.
I pray during this season of Lent that God will send forth the Spirit and we will be renewed and recreated. (based on Psalm 104:30)
Preacher Woman 