MONDAY, November 1 All Saints’ Day

Luke 6:20-31. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.

Being wronged does not give license to retaliate with another wrong. Our Lord speaks strongly when he says that we shall not resist the evildoer and that whatever the wrong deed done against us, we must suffer the deed again and again. By refusing to retaliate, we teach the wrongdoer that we are not vindictive. If we were vindictive, we would be poisoned with the same evil spirit that governs the wrongdoer.

Christ tells us that revenge is not as satisfying and sweet as one would imagine. We can often bring about a mutual understanding by refraining from vengeance. This does not mark us as cowards. Rather, we become victorious because we do not allow ourselves to be lowered to the level of the offender. We also know that the offender may change his attitude and behavior with an example such as this before him.

One thing is certain: We can do ourselves more harm than anyone else can do to us if we let anger and hatred overcome us. (1960)

PRAY for the Diocese of Jalingo (Province of Jos, Nigeria)

Ps 149; Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Ephesians 1:11-23

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

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (4) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Bravery takes many forms

Nov 01, 2010 at 8:36 am

Written by Rebecca McKee,

I wonder how difficult that meditation was to write in 1960, with WWII and the Korean War just behind us, the Vietnam War heating up, and who-knows-what happening in the author's personal life. It was a brave thing to say and do then . . . and now. I try to follow that advice in my own life, and it isn't easy. Peace to all.

hard saying

Nov 01, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Written by Tom P,

How does one then rationalize "just" war? There are certainly times when justice calls for consequences. There are the "old" testament teachings of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth and such.

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

How do we reconcile the various sayings of Jesus which appear to be contradictory?

Just for today

Nov 01, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Written by Mark,

My daughter called me yesterday; "Daddy, come pick me up. I need you now. Mommy hit me in the face." I prayed the distance between my driveway and hers. Only God's grace could have provided safe travel. Only God's grace could have prevented me from reacting and retaliating.
In reading this morning's meditation, the irony and parallel process was painful. Today, I am guided by the sense of God's love and Grace. I am so grateful to believe that God's hand, a gentle, loving hand, is in today's victory. Thanks be to God.

Easier Said Than Done

Nov 01, 2010 at 4:32 pm

Written by Pamela,

This saying, like its close relative forgiveness, is extremely difficult to live out. But we have Christ always before us to show that if He could have gone through what He did, then we can as well.

Write comment

Show/hide comment form

The History of Forward Movement:

Weary and Divided Church | The First Publication | Church Moves Forward | Name Change | The First Editor

A Meditation for Pentecost

New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!

185662_201033913247091_122364231114060_862947_1284717_n 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!

Signup for e-news

10ways-to-pray 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.

Start a Subscription Prayer Chapel

Resources

Today's Meditation Podcast Día a Día (Spanish Version) Editor’s Notes Mobile Reading For Today A Morning Resolve How to Use Forward Day by Day Scripture Listings

Latest Meditations

Meditation Archives

May, 2012 April, 2012 March, 2012 February, 2012 January, 2012 December, 2011 November, 2011 October, 2011 September, 2011 August, 2011 July, 2011 June, 2011

Request a Catalog Make a Donation