FRIDAY, June 25

Matthew 20:29-34. Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.

Hatred is a weak vice. It distorts our view of the world, of our neighbor (or "enemy"), and of ourselves. The strength of forgiveness on the other hand is the true view it opens up. We begin to see things as they really are, in the sight of God. We begin to see our neighbor--even his weaknesses and failings--with the eyes of God. The things we hated about him fall into true perspective, and we begin to wonder at the way God is leading him to something better. Then we begin to want to help him. And ourselves we see for what we are--equally poor sinners in God's sight with the persons we once disliked.

It has been said that sorrow cleanses the eyes that they may more clearly see. That is even truer of forgiveness. Forgiveness is our most God-like quality, and the one that brings us nearest to the divine presence. As was said of the ancient Rabbi Hillel, "His loving-kindness brought men close under the wings of ‘Shekinah,'?"(that is, into the presence of God). Such grace, Paul tells us in Romans 5:21, will lead us to eternal life through Jesus Christ. (1938)

PRAY for the Diocese of Dunedin (New Zealand)

Ps 102 * 107:1-32; Numbers 20:1-13; Romans 5:12-21

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Forgiveness is our most God-like quality, and the one that brings us nearest to the divine presence

Jun 25, 2010 at 8:36 am

Written by Sam Dowding,

Driving to work this morning, doing 65 in a 55mph zone, and passed by several drivers, the last one of whom flipped me off for driving too slow! I am angered, because we're all sinners in the eyes of the law, and yet. Some words from today's reflection and readings calm and comfort me: "Forgiveness is our most God-like quality, and the one that brings us nearest to the divine presence" (today's reflection); "Lord, let our eyes be opened"(Matthew 20); and "Hear my prayer, O Lord, let my cry come to you"(Psalm 102.) Amen.

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Sin in the automobile culture

Jun 25, 2010 at 9:00 am

Written by Stephen,

It seems like driving is a common issue for even us believers. It seems trivial, but it is the activity that puts us in control. The car making industry has even hired a psychologist to help them market SUV's that cater to our "raptor brain". We all know what happened to the Raptors. Maybe the meek will inherit the Earth. For me my pride certainly comes out when I drive. I also get ticked when someone passes me without a turn signal nearly taking off my left bumper. Forgiveness has to come quickly in these situations or at least forbearance. Pridefulness for me is my downfall. Self respect and dignity and showing respect and dignity for others is the remedy. I cry out for all kinds of other things. Why not like the blind men don't I cry out for the grace to honor God's love.

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Jun 25, 2010 at 9:27 am

Written by Mary kier,

The car talk rings true to me. I used to get so angry with the "idiots" on the road --especially the weavers and impatient ones. Then I started saying little prAyers for them. Who knows what suffering they are going through. Or I pray that they find peace -- certainly not feeling peaceful with that kind of driving!

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Jun 25, 2010 at 9:34 am

Written by Pamela,

Today's meditation really changed my thinking about what forgiveness entails. I had always thought that creating things was the one ability that made humanity like God. But I see now that the ability to forgive is the most creative act; we make ourselves and the other new again. It is the most difficult of actions but the most beautiful.

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forgiveness is the greatest humility

Jun 25, 2010 at 11:33 am

Written by Barbara Goodson,

Forgive us as we forgive others. It is humbling to forgive because it is God-like. True forgiveness comes from the depths of being truly forgiven ourselves and that takes knowing our Savior.

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