MONDAY, May 2 Saint Mark (tr.)

Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-16. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

Someone once approached me and said, “Please don’t take this the wrong way. I am speaking the truth in love.” I knew immediately that what followed would contain a lot more truth (as defined by the speaker) than love (as felt by me).

What is truth, anyway? Pilate asked that question, and I don’t think he was being cute when he asked it. I think he really wanted to know. So do I. Truth and love are almost two words for the same thing. Both are closely identified with the person of Jesus, who said “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and then commanded his followers to love one another as he had loved them (John 15:12).

Perhaps love is the expression of truth. Perhaps the most truthful/loving thing is to let go of our need to correct what we dislike about other people and trust that God really is in charge and will do what needs doing if we will get out of the way. Perhaps the ultimate act of truth/love is to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).

PRAY for the Diocese of New Hampshire (Province I, USA)

Ps 2 or 2:7-10; Isaiah 52:7-10; Mark 1:1-15 or Mark 16:15-20

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Ain't that the truth

May 02, 2011 at 7:21 am

Written by Lois B,

That is one of the hardest things for me to do as a parent and a collegue. I really am trying to let go let God. Thank you.

April meditations

May 02, 2011 at 8:14 am

Written by Joy A. Smith-Briggs,

I so enjoyed the meditations of the April author. Throughout his writings it becomes obvious that we are all 'imprisioned' by our thinking, by our unwillingness to see ourselves as we really are, by our helplessness, etc. How good it is to see that we can become new creatures in Christ and be freed. I hope he will appear again soon. My best wishes for his continued growth and my thanks for his willingness to share. He is truly an inspiration to me.

Joy A. Smith-Briggs

april writer

May 02, 2011 at 8:31 am

Written by Cherry Whipple,

I have been reading FDBD since I became an Episcopalian 20 years ago. While I have enjoyed most all the writers and have found real inspiration from some, the one I most enjoy is the April, 2011 writer. His insight is so pure and real. Of course, it helps that I agree with everything he says, God bless him and his wife. Keep writing.

...

May 02, 2011 at 11:22 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

This meditation brought to mind John 8.32: "and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. "

This is not an abstract concept. I am imprisoned by my sins at the moment that I conceive them.

...

May 02, 2011 at 11:56 am

Written by Jennifer,

I laugh - there's a character, Ja'mie, in the Australian satire "Summer Heights High" [language warnings galore] who always prefaces her most egregiously critical and hurtful comments with the phrase "No offense, but..." Today's meditation is on the "Christian" equivalent of the same thing.

I do think it can be important to speak difficult truths sometimes, though, and the right thing to do isn't always just to let things slide. For example, aren't "interventions" about the speaking of necessary truths, and aren't they (ideally) done in an attempt to restore health and wholeness to the lives of all concerned?

Lots of food for thought in trying to discern what God's true will for a situation is and what my role in helping to manifest that may be. Sometimes "getting out of the way" is a valuable thought...

Episcopalian Laity

May 02, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Written by Walt,

Telling the truth all the time is a difficult or maybe an impossible task. As clearly pointed in another comment, some people use the word "truth" to mask their true intent, i.e., to hurt someone's feelings. I tell the truth every day, but concerning matters of no consequence, e.g., appearance, I will stray from the truth to avoid hurting someone's feelings.

Today

May 02, 2011 at 1:48 pm

Written by Dale Pinkham Cavananugh,

Wonderful meditation. Thank you.I also found guidance and inspiration from Psalm 2 which is the appointed reading for the day as I pray for our country and the world at war with terrorism.

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