SUNDAY, March 21 Lent 5

Philippians 3:4b-14. One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

Memories constitute an important part of who we are. Relish the good ones and never forget them. Some memories we hold in common; some are unique just for us. For me, my wedding day; the power of the Holy Spirit and the pressure of all the hands on my head at my ordination to the priesthood; the joy and wonder of the births of my children (I was lucky to experience what many men formerly were not allowed to witness); watching the sun set into the ocean from a promontory in the Azores--in a perfectly cloudless sky so it appeared to be sinking directly into the Atlantic.

I am certain that in today's passage Paul is inviting us to dis-remember the bad things we have said and done and experienced. Notice how closely the words "forgive" and "forget" are intertwined in our language. If we fail to let go of a past that haunts us, allowing ourselves to be paralyzed by guilt or pain, we shall not be able to press on for the "heavenly call of God in Christ."

Repent and forget the bad stuff. Then move on, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. (2005)

PRAY for the Church of Ireland and the Diocese of Armagh

Ps 126; Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8

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

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Moving Forward

Mar 21, 2010 at 8:09 am

Written by Stephen,

Pressing on is something for us individually and as a community. Many things change. Our understanding of people certainly must if we are to share our faith with all and offer our homes, our churches and our forms of faith with all who are open to hospitality and the chance to turn our backs on evil and press on. I myself a staunch traditionalists now understand that we are all wired differently. I am left handed, once considered evil. Although we are all wired differently, we are all wired for God and need to share his acceptance with others.

Moving On

Mar 21, 2010 at 8:37 am

Written by Larry,

The text this morning strikes to my core as a reminder that I am forgiven for the unkind words spoken, harboring of resentment and not allowing myself to accept the blessings of forgiveness from the Almighty! The past is past and I need to move on and accept the promise that God is everpresent if I will 'be still', listen and accept His grace. Thanks be to God for this reminder.

...

Mar 21, 2010 at 9:29 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Stephen, I like that concept, "we are all wired for God." I'm going to hold that thought.

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