Breathe It In

Most time-honored, “inspired” works of art, literature and music did not just “happen” as the result of some frenzied experiment. An inspired performance rarely pops out of the blue or results from an artificially induced “high.” Instead, inspiration comes to those who are prepared to receive it.

Gary Player, the famous golfer, was once confronted with an unusually difficult recovery shot. After studying the situation with care, he addressed the ball confidently and, to everyone’s amazement, it hit the green and rolled straight into the cup. As the golfer walked past the cheering gallery, someone shouted, “That was a lucky shot.” Hearing this, Player turned to his caddy and said, “You know, it’s amazing! The more I practice the luckier I get.”

Scripture is sacred literature. That is to say it is inspired — Divinely inspired. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were not self-inspired. They drew their inspiration from a Source outside themselves. We must not forget that in transmitting the Good News…