Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
MONDAY, April 19 (Alphege)
Matthew (1:1-17); 3:1-6. In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
As an adolescent, I got it wrong. Repentance came to mean taking all the fun out of life. Life, I believed, was not something to be feared, but enjoyed.
In this respect, my mind has not changed. I still believe that God means for us to enjoy life. But as for repentance, my early impression has been sharply altered. I now believe the call to repent to be not a wet blanket, but an invitation to hope. Thus, when John the Baptist cries, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near," I think of how important is the knowledge that we don't have to be locked into old ways of doing things and old patterns of behavior. I think of God, who, in the words of an oft-prayed prayer, raises up things which have been cast down, and makes new things which have grown old. And I think of that yearning in the heart for the birth of something completely new.
The call to repent is a doorway to hope. By God's grace, yesterday's sins are matters for confession. And forgiveness. What God wants is that we should embrace the hope that Christ brings with each new day. (1996)
PRAY for the Diocese of Central Ecuador (Province IX, USA)
Ps 25 * 9, 15; Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-14
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
