Today’s first reading from Revelation 21 says that the holy city Jerusalem comes out of heaven from God, with the glory of God, and the radiance like a very rare jewel, like Jasper, clear as crystal.   I’ve said this before, but it is worth repeating: earth holds just a glimmer of heaven and all its glory.  We need eyes to see it but we also need to make the time to explore this glorious globe.  This week I am in Mexico, in part to the generosity of friends from church who gifted me a week at a resort. I could have said no  for all kinds of reasons, not the least that my health may have put some restrictions on my travel ability but I said yes and I am very grateful to my friends and for my own courage to take a leap of faith.

I am here with a friend, building memories that I hope will be precious pearls for the many years ahead.   We settled in today and spent some time in the heat, enjoying the sun and the sea.  Late this afternoon as I walked along the beach by myself, I loved how the water sparkled like diamonds, like a very rare jewel that sets my heart singing. I sometimes think that there is no other place that brings me such joy as a beach but I also know that I am happy in the mountains, in the forest, in a garden, and in so many other spectacular spots.  Of course, my mind always turns to the fact that whatever beauty I see here on earth is, as I say, just a glimmer of what glory awaits in heaven.

The Gospel reading today from John celebrates Nathanael who meets Jesus who knows that he is a man without deceit. I believe  that Jesus knows us two are very core. Christ knows our deepest essence. This week will help me to get back in touch with who I am as Jesus knows me. That will happen as a spend time with my dear friend and time alone.  I will recover the rare jewel that shines within me and that others will recognize as my beauty. It is  important for us to take risks and step out beyond our comfort zones so that we experience heave  on earth. I am grateful for that opportunity this week. I wish you time and space to do the same.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What rare jewel shines from you out into the world?

What would Jesus say is your deepest essence?

Prayer

Let me shine from my true self, Jesus, as a rare jewel for this world to see. Give me space to be in touch with who you wish me to be and then grant me the courage to embrace that  Amen.