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 18 Ember Saturday
Psalm 136. For his mercy endures for ever.
This is a strange refrain to hear in the midst of our other readings. In 1 Samuel, judgment against Israel is wrought because of apostate priests. Thousands die and the treasured relic of the ark of the covenant is taken by enemies. In Acts, two people fall dead because of greed and unscrupulous behavior. Jesus caps off all the readings by laying out dire apocalyptic scenes of his return.
Fear and anxiety are high in these readings. Yet we hear the refrain in the psalm: “his mercy endures for ever.” Yes, his mercy does endure, despite all tragedies that may befall us. Despite our unfaithfulness and even treachery, his mercy endures for ever.
There is great hope that in the midst of turmoil, grief, and penance we can rest in God’s everlasting mercy. As Saint Cyprian beautifully noted, “To him who still remains in this world, no repentance is too late. The approach to God’s mercy is open.”
His mercies in the current, through which they would pass, may be dried up, but at the head they never fail.
—Richard Hooker
PRAY for the Dioceses of Okigwe North and Okigwe South (Province of Owerri, Nigeria)
Ps 87, 90 * 136; 1 Samuel 4:1b-11; Acts 4:32—5:11; Luke 2:20-28
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his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23