Wednesday, February 27

Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection.” (Luke 20: 34-36)

This passage spoke to me, as I am one who has not yet been “given in marriage,” and have often felt myself unworthy, aided of course by the well-meaning but not-so-helpful pitying glances of my married friends, who ask if I’ve “found” someone yet and are met with my minimalist answer, “No.”

Prior to God’s new covenant with us through the resurrection of Jesus, one’s “worth” and “place” was defined by one’s relation to someone else – married, unmarried, widowed, childless, etc. In the “new age” of the resurrection through Christ, we are all worthy, as our most essential child-selves, being viewed first and foremost as God’s children. We are defined only by our relation to God.

I relish my role as a child of God, “... no less than the trees and the stars...” (Desiderata).

Thank you, Lord, for loving and accepting me as I am - and for guiding me on my way.

Jennifer Beckett