GOD'S HERE

Rev. Mary McCue

Every year during Lent, I re-read a book of Lenten reflections and observations called, “Get Over Yourself: God’s Here!” Written by the Very Reverend Kate Moorehead, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s a look at how we can use Lent to not just repent, but to also draw closer to God. It’s composed of advice, Scriptural quotes, her reflections on the quotes as a long-time priest and rector, and questions for further study and reflection.

For today, the chapter title is “Take Time to Be Alone.” The quote from
Scripture is “Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’” (Mark 14: 32).

Rev. Moorehead muses on Jesus’ need to be both with people, and to withdraw by himself to pray. He prayed by himself and he also worshiped in synagogues. She writes that she believes that, like Jesus, we need to balance an inner life of prayer and thought with an outer life of communication and interaction. He balanced time alone with God and time serving God in the midst of people. She poses these questions for reflection:

• How balanced are our lives? 
• Do we give ourselves time alone and time with others? 
• Do we set aside time for God?
• What are some of the weeds that occupy your mind, the thoughts that recur and distract you from God?