Daily Pastoral #45

Today, may you be free
of having to defend the imaginary self
that the inner ego-accuser has constructed within you
to guard you against countless enemies and accusations
that seem to lurk in the depths of everyone
and everything
around you. 

For God has granted you the gift of humility.
Not a humility born of insecurity
but rather an immovable humility
born of an unmerited love that is seated
at the base of your soul.

You have been freed from the futile endeavor
of comparing your shadow
against the shadows you see around you.

In the forgiveness and love
that God has given you freely,
you are granted the desire and longing
to forgive and love others
and to live the life you have been given
in the joy of innocence
without shame or judgment.

For you have been freed.
Shame and insecurity have been taken out of circulation,
nailed to the cross,
and in its place
is life everlasting.

Amen.