Wednesday: The Gathering Crowd

John 12:9–11 – “A large crowd came… not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus.”

Sacred Invitation

The crowds are beginning to stir.
Not because they understand—
but because they’ve heard something worth watching.

Lazarus walks again.
Jesus is near.
And curiosity always draws a crowd.

But not all who gather come in reverence.
Not all who draw near are willing to stay.
Some come for answers. Others for drama.
And some—just to be seen.

Let this be the day you step away from the noise.
Let this be the day you lean closer—not to spectacle, but to the one worth following.

Daily Reflection

It’s easy to get swept up in what’s swirling.
To perform devotion instead of live it.
To chase the appearance of faith instead of the intimacy of presence.

But the moment will ask you to choose.
Will you be part of the crowd
or will you become like Mary,
who quietly waits until the room grows still enough
to offer what no one else will?

This is the day we notice what pulls at us—
the pressure, the noise, the need to prove.
And this is the day we turn toward quietness,
toward the one seated at the table,
toward what is about to be poured out.

Somatic Practice

Stand or sit in stillness.
Let your shoulders soften.
Imagine the swell of noise and movement around you—and then let it fade.

Press your hands gently over your heart.
Breathe in:
“Let me stay close.”
Breathe out:
“Let me choose quiet love.”

Let this be your way of stepping out of the crowd.

Evening Prayer

Jesus,
when the world grows loud with opinion and urgency,
teach me the way of stillness.
Lead me away from performance.
Draw me close to the holy hush
where love prepares to pour itself out.

Amen.