Chotard Doll

“Rejoice in the Lord always;…The Lord is near. [B]y prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4: 4-7

Dear Friends,

Today we remember Thomas `a Kempis, medieval Dutch monk and author of The Imitation of Christ. In that devotional work he articulates our mystical relationship with Jesus, and outlines how to live a Christ centered life.

I’m sure he would agree that Paul’s words quoted above are powerful. As we navigate devastation like Texas floods and the uncertainties of our political life, the words of Paul might be our daily prayer.

In such times of stress—personal and communal—rejoicing that the Lord is near might seem difficult, but it is the exactly the reassurance and hope that we need. It is the Way, the Truth, and the Life that underlies all things, and brings us through the difficult times.

Rejoicing and giving thanks reminds us of the blessings of life, and puts all else into perspective, enabling us to go forth to do the work that God has given us to do.

Faithfully,

—Chotard