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.
SUNDAY, June 21 3 Pentecost
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23)32-49. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
Fear threads through today's readings: the Israelites are afraid of Goliath, and the disciples of the storm. Paul, on the other hand, writes of having faced the most fearful situations with joy.
I was in my fifties when I witnessed my first death, the death of a dear friend. How I mourned her loss! But as my grief mellowed, a strange thing happened. I noticed a joy in my gut that had not been there before. And I realized that I was no longer afraid of death. My friend had died in peace, and with such grace as to make death become thinkable.
Paul too had an experience with death--he met the resurrected Jesus. Paul knows all fears are groundless, and with that knowledge comes joy.
PRAY for the Diocese of Niagara (Ontario, Canada)
Ps 9:9-20 and 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23)32-49 -OR- Ps 107:1-3, 23-32 and Job 38:1-11; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
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