Taste his presence

Sunday 6 June 2021

Come away to a deserted place and get some rest. Mark 6.31

Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, such is my beloved by young men. I like to sit in its shadow. Song of Songs 2. 3

Taste his presence

O-hanami : this Japanese word designates the custom of meeting in spring to admire the cherry blossoms, with family or friends.

The Bible tells us about moments of rest and contemplation. The apple tree referred to in the second verse of the day represents the Beloved, our Lord. He invites us to come aside to rest with him, "under his shadow". In the text of Mark 6, Jesus sent his disciples to preach and they return tired and saddened by the recent death of John the Baptist. They then have the right reaction : they gather near Jesus and tell him everything. Let's learn to take time with our Lord. He is always available to listen to us.

"Let us therefore approach with confidence the throne of grace, in order to obtain compassion and to find grace in order to be helped at the opportune moment" (Hebrews 4:16). The Lord always hears us.

Moses, when leading the people of Israel through the wilderness, often spoke with God. It is even said that God spoke to him as a friend. It's another dimension ! We often pray to express our needs, but do we know how to listen to it ? For this we must be silent no longer being centered on ourselves and our concerns, but on God. We silence our thoughts, our agitation, in silence. We stand at Jesus' feet to taste his presence. Near him, fatigue and bitterness disappear. In the calm of his presence, as under a blossoming tree, we can forget everything and savor the peace that he gives us because he made on the cross.

Source (The Good Seed)