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, May 8 (Julian of Norwich)
Matthew 7:13-21. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
We drivers all know a danger spot where the right road is a quick, narrow turn just where the wrong road stretches ahead broad and inviting. After we have gone down that easy wrong road a couple of times, we are on guard against it.
The road of penitence is like that. A companion's influence can draw us back into the old sin. Or in a company of associates, our resistance melts and we find ourselves joining in the very offenses we deplore.
The thing to do is to part company. This is not weakness; it is the avoidance of a known weakness. Nor need it be pride or lack of charity. We can remain humble and charitable while telling ourselves, "For my soul's sake, I must keep away."
The same is true of certain habits, certain situations, certain books. Do not toy with danger. Let us fill our time with something nobler which leaves no room for the temptation to enter. (1940)
PRAY for the Diocese of Christchurch (New Zealand)
Ps 75, 76 * 23, 27; Leviticus 23:23-44; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
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