Jonah 2:8
“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”

Isaiah 30:15
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:  ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’”

Mark 10:17, 19a, 20-22
“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him.  ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’…Jesus answered, ‘…You know the commandments…’  ‘Teacher,’ he declared, ‘all these I have kept since I was a boy.’  Jesus looked at him and loved him.  ‘One thing you lack,’ he said.  ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.’  At this the man’s face fell.  He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

God of grace, you answer our restless questions with a quiet look of deep love.

Fear prevents us from yielding to your open arms as we seek to protect our unworthy attachments.  We spurn your compassion in the belief that we can control a less intimate saviour.

Give us the courage to relinquish our loyalties for a better love.  Lead us into peace as we permit you to tame our idols to your will.

We ask this for the sake of Christ, the embodiment of your divine passion who looks upon us and longs to give us rest.

Listen to ‘Loved with Everlasting Love’ by Mal Pope, Julie Costello and Esther Alexander