“Remember the marvels the Lord has done.”
Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?'" - Mt 21:42
Today’s readings deal a lot with underdogs and rejects being at the center of God’s focus. God’s favor often falls upon those who most others find detestable or judge as unworthy. Jesus is always turning people’s expectations topsy-turvy, and preaching good news to those in the minority and on the margins.
I find this pretty encouraging today. As a neurodivergent, low-income, freelancing musician and artist, it’s easy to feel like an imposter and failure in the eyes of the world. I’ve struggled lately with feeling low self-worth because o my current economic status and even feeling tempted to believe that if I was really called to be doing what I’m doing as an artist, then I’d have had more “success” with it by now, marked by more income, more visibility, more notoriety, etc. Per usual, my eyes have drifted from God’s loving gaze, toward the eyes of others, and I feel caught on the hamster wheel of hustling for my worthiness.
I’m invited by the Psalmist today to “remember the marvels the Lord has done”. To me, this looks like remembering and celebrating the little accomplishments (which may look grand in the eyes of others): I released my song “Keep It Simple” 3 years ago today, which I wrote in remembrance of my Grandma Barbie’s birthday and feast day, inspired by her frequent reminder to me when I struggle with doubt. This year, I released a 4-track album of psalms for Lent on Ash Wednesday. While I’m tempted to compare my releases with other artists, I feel invited to acknowledge the effort and grace that went into these offerings of music coming to fruition.
Remembering the marvels of the Lord also looks like being present to the more simple, yet marvelous gifts God is giving me right now: breath in my lungs, a comfortable place to live, lots of pretty house plants, a loving partner, friends who are supportive and encourage me, good health, creative outlets.
In looking back at the places where God has shown up in the past, I can be encouraged that God will continue to show up for me. I feel invited to continue to trust in the slow unfolding of God’s work in my life, as well as God’s work in the world, through me and through my community.
What apparent contradictions is God inviting me to observe or notice today? What are some marvels the Lord has done that are wonderful in my eyes when I pause and remember them?
Jessica Gerhardt