From the Desk of Deacon Judy

Better Days

From the Desk of Deacon Judy

A verse from this Sunday’s Psalm says: Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see better times!" Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord. (Psalm 4:6)

The verse reminded me of one of the many hopeful signs along the road we saw on our pilgrimage to Ghana. It said simply: “Better Days”.

We are now in Eastertide, a season of hope, hope in the Resurrection of Jesus, hope of new life in Him.

This weekend I am in DC for our AFEDJ Trustee meeting. The mission of the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is to transform lives of the vulnerable and displaced in the Middle East through support of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and its schools, hospitals, and centers for children with disabilities. These humanitarian ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem bring hope to the Holy Land, even now, in this most troubled time.

We all long for “Better Days”. This lovely prayer “For Change” gives me hope in the enduring love of our Lord:

Loving God,

You have made the whole of human life in your image;

Each one of us; shaped in love.

Your goodness is ever-present within us all.

But, there is so much evil and pain in our world;

it comes at us from every direction.

Teach us how to rediscover Your love within us,

to use that love as a force for good.

Help us to turn our hearts toward the world in hope,

Praying for each other, regarding each other as treasure.

Join us all together in prayer, that we might be the light

which darkness can never overcome. Amen

Easter Blessings, Judy Q+