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.
SATURDAY, April 9
John 6:60-71. When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?”
I know people in recovery from alcoholism and other addictions who will answer their phone in the middle of the night, drive hundreds of miles to help someone, and show up for meetings week after week to set up chairs and make coffee and listen and nod. When someone says that behavior is noble or worthy or impressive, the recovering person replies that the only reason he does it is because he’s already tried every other available route.
Some of these folks will even go so far as to tell you they still occasionally stray to that easier, softer path, looking to coast down life’s highway. But they are inevitably reminded that their path remains the same. Much like the author of today’s gospel reading reports, recovery is a “difficult teaching,” and the main reason people adhere to it is because it is their last available choice.
A man tells a story of bringing the book Alcoholics Anonymous home to his mom, who wanted to read it, seeing how it had helped her son. Her report was this: “I found it simple and redundant.” Difficult teachings usually are.
PRAY for the Diocese of Mytikyina (Myanmar)
Ps 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) * 33; Jeremiah 23:9-15; Romans 9:1-18
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.
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I think everyone has their shadows that can block us from God. It may be addiction, greed, fear, worry, but when we open that present of grace and let it into our lives wonderful chages can happen!