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, June 13
Luke 20:1-8. "Tell us, by what authority you are doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?" He answered them, "I will also ask you a question."
How do you respond to questions? I always answer them. Jesus rarely does.
When asked a question, I often react with a knee-jerk response. The crossword question: What is an African antelope? I don't know (and I feel stupid). The personal question: What is your favorite color? I don't have a favorite color (does that make me defective?).
Questions control topic, manipulate, invade, draw out answers. Having answered them, I feel used, misunderstood, an inadequate child to the questioner's authority.
Jesus tells his disciples, "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16b). Jesus is shrewd. He does not allow himself to be manipulated by his questioners. He questions them in return. Why can't I learn to do that?
The nature of the questions we raise is as important as the answers to our questions.
-Henri Nouwen
PRAY for the Diocese of Sydney - South (New South Wales, Australia)
Ps 75, 76 * 23, 27; Ecclesiasticus 46:1-10; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14
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