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, July 24 (Thomas à Kempis)
Matthew 27:11-23. The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas."
On television there was a special about the vault under the headquarters of Prohibition era gangster Al Capone, a man who made a vast fortune suborning, threatening, bribing, murdering, and generally thumbing his nose at laws and mores. As men and machines dug through walls for the hidden treasure, survivors of Capone's hey-day remembered him. Most looked back nostalgically, remembering the "good times" and how great they had felt in the presence of such an important man.
There is something in us that wants to make heroes of terrible people. Jesse James, Bonnie and Clyde--Robin Hoods? Hitler and Mussolini--geniuses, saviors? For a while, it may seem.
And so the crowd called for Pilate to let Barabbas go free and to crucify Jesus. However we explain it-- fallenness, original sin, animal nature--there is something awfully wrong with us, demonstrated by the company we seek.
Incidentally, Capone's vault turned out to be empty. But then, it always had been. (1987)
PRAY for the Diocese of El Camino Real (Province VIII, USA)
Ps 55 * 138,139:1-17(18-23); Joshua 23:1-16; Romans 15:25-33
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