SUNDAY, June 6 2 Pentecost

Luke 7:11-17. Do not weep.

Jesus said that. He was speaking to a widow whose only son had just died. Reading those three words of Jesus, I can almost feel his calm. I want that.

I'm not dead. I am, however, seemingly stuck in prison. About a month before I began writing these meditations, I received some hopeful news: I may get out. I'm guilty of first-degree manslaughter, but was convicted of and sentenced for murder. A recent court ruling may right this, maybe before I finish writing these meditations. I wasn't going to mention it because, well, I'm not sure what the outcome will be and if I tell you about it and then it doesn't happen, what kind of faith story is that? In all the gospel stories, it seems that once Jesus arrives on the scene, storms are calmed, sickness healed, and the dead raised. I want a happy ending for my story, too.

So, what happens if this judge sees things differently than I do? What happens if it turns out I am to stay in prison? What then? That's not a happy ending like we read in the gospels. But Jesus said, "Do not weep." I'm going to try that. (1998)

The author was paroled. He will be writing for Forward Day by Day again in 2011. --Editor's Note

PRAY for La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico and the Diocese of Mexico

Ps 146 and 1 Kings 17:8-16(17-24) –OR– Ps 30 and 1 Kings 17:17-24; Galatians 1:11-24

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (5) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Faith

Jun 06, 2010 at 7:44 am

Written by Jean Erwin,

My heart went out to the author of today's meditation, as his shining faith was keeping him alive in an almost impossible situation. Although fearing for his future, I knew he would be alright regardless of the outcome. Thanks to the editor's note, we know he is free. I'll be looking forward to his future meditations in 2111.

Free the Prisoners

Jun 06, 2010 at 8:08 am

Written by Stephen,

My own step son now sits in prison for the crime of addiction. This country jails more of it's people than any other. Jesus freedom is at least two fold. One, those in jail can be free though his Spirit and two, as believers in his justice we can work to right the wrongs of our system to free those who are over sentence or under-treated for there addictions and mental disorders.

...

Jun 06, 2010 at 8:36 am

Written by Sam Dowding,

A note of sincere appreciation to Richard and the editorial team for bringing back these reflections of over 75 years. They have been very insightful, both for when they were written and for today, and always challengng and inspirational. Special thanks to today's writer for his words over the years. He is a modern day illustration that God carefully chooses us as His instruments for the appropriate task, regardless of our weaknesses and doubts. I look forward to reading him next year.

Memories of Bo

Jun 06, 2010 at 10:43 am

Written by Catherine Stewart,

Thank you to the Editor for the footnote about the happy outcome. I had not been reading Forward for very long when Bo's first series of meditations came out; and they gripped me immediately: most of the meditation authors are people trained to express their thoughts in the form of homilies (that is, priests); Bo is a storyteller. To hear that he will be telling us more stories is wonderful news. Thanks be to God!

Being there

Jun 06, 2010 at 12:18 pm

Written by Valorie Sigurdson,

For our children as He is there for us. So long as I don't let go of my faith He never lets go of me and mine. I believe, if were not for my faith I would not have my son back. Ten long years of never giving up and over and over learning to let go and let God. Though I was alone on this long journey. I had my own counsel. The one who is there for anybody who asks. Thankyou Father for everything.

Write comment

Show/hide comment form

The History of Forward Movement:

Weary and Divided Church | The First Publication | Church Moves Forward | Name Change | The First Editor

A Meditation for Pentecost

New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!

185662_201033913247091_122364231114060_862947_1284717_n Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.

Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!

Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!

Signup for e-news

10ways-to-pray Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!

Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.

Start a Subscription Prayer Chapel

Resources

Today's Meditation Podcast Día a Día (Spanish Version) Editor’s Notes Mobile Reading For Today A Morning Resolve How to Use Forward Day by Day Scripture Listings

Latest Meditations

Meditation Archives

May, 2012 April, 2012 March, 2012 February, 2012 January, 2012 December, 2011 November, 2011 October, 2011 September, 2011 August, 2011 July, 2011 June, 2011

Request a Catalog Make a Donation