ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 26, 2026
I have always loved the language from Exodus 13, where God is leading the people after the exodus experience, but does not take them by the easiest path. It says, “…God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness…” (vs.18). Does anyone else ever feel as if God was guiding you, but it sure didn’t appear as if God chose the straightest or easiest path? “Roundabout” feels, at times, like an accurate word. I believe strongly in free will, and when we speak of God leading or guiding, I cannot imagine God ever taking away our autonomy. Love always respects free will. If you were like me, when parents, particularly during your late teens and early 20s, attempted to guide you, you likely disregarded their advice because they were parents. It wasn’t until later that we realized how some of their guidance wasn’t as stupid as we thought. In fact, there might have been a nugget or two of wisdom to be found. Later in the chapter, we read, “The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night” (vs.21). There have been moments in my life when I felt guided by a pillar of fire or some other strong force, but quite often, I have been left with prayerful discernment that has me wondering if the “roundabout way” was God or just my own inability to perceive some of the helpful guides God was bringing to walk alongside me.
I seek to be faithful and to walk in your ways, O Pillar of Light and Sacred Guide. Help me to be attuned to the Spirit, available to the teachings of Jesus, and open to the wise saints whose voices are full of life and love. I won’t pretend my God-consciousness is always as available as it should be, but I trust you to be patient and gracious. Amen.
