Week 1. Day 2 – The Power of Nod

One Body. Above all. Through all. In all.

“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

The Power of a Nod

Sister Michaela greets me at the door with a simple nod as she takes my hand in welcome, receiving me with kindness and respect.

It is the nod that holds my heart affirming something inside me of which I am not aware. It connects me with Sister Michaela beyond our hand shake and words of hello.

Her nod begins an enduring friendship in spiritual direction where I wonder aloud about God in my life, struggles with shame that keeps Divine love away and cry with deep grief, mourning the death of my husband.

Each time we meet, she greets me with her familiar simple nod and I experience the same inner oneness with her and within myself as I have since our first encounter 

In time I come to understand that as a Benedictine, Sister Michaela lives the spiritual practice of hospitality. She greets all as if we are Christ.

The Christ in her welcomes the Christ in me. She sees in me a glimpse of the holy, even in my brokenness. With the simple gentle nod of her head, she pours out Divine grace through her own words, her own presence, in a quiet still way. With just a nod, we know oneness, compassion and hope.  

Breathprayer:

              Breathing in:   Holy God…

              Breathing out: …uniting all.

Reflection:           Where has Christ come to you through the care of another?

(This was written for Online Lenten Reflections of the Southeast Synod of Iowa of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.)

www.seiasynod.org/lent