THURSDAY, February 18 (Martin Luther)

John 17:1-8. Jesus said to the Father, "I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed."

Two men were walking slowly along a city street, engaged in earnest conversation. Suddenly they came face to face with an elderly woman, poorly clad and somewhat stooped. The men were startled by her appearance--not by her poverty, nor her physical weakness, but by her face. "What a beautiful face," said one. "Yes," said the other, "behind that face there is a soul, there is an inner glory which shines through every line. This woman has suffered, and it is her suffering which has wrought in her that beauty which we see."

Suffering, rightly used, develops character as nothing else does. It brings to light the glory that is within and that glory touches and wins others. So it was with our Lord. The cross revealed his glory. It showed what he was. The way we face suffer¬ing will show what we are. May it always reveal an inner glory. (1940)

For life, with all it yields of joy or woe,

And hope and fear...

Is just our chance o' the prize of learning love,

How love might be, hath been indeed, and is.

--Robert Browning

PRAY for the Diocese of Barrackpore (North India)

Ps 37:1-18 * 37:19-42; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18; Philippians 3:12-21

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

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Feb 18, 2010 at 7:40 am

Written by jeff campbell,

This Forward reflection speaks to me at such an appropriate time. May my true self shine through my sufferingMay it shine through yours as well...Peace and blessings

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Feb 18, 2010 at 2:02 pm

Written by Jason VanBorssum,

The Psalm for today is particularly meaningful. How often we fret, and are consumed by anger and envy directed at those who have wronged us. Psalm 37 reminds me of Nelson Mandela's words (after his release from prison after 20+ years) about clinging to bitterness: "Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die."

Psalm 37 reminds us to trust in the Lord and not forget that He also sees and knows the actions of those who do evil; He loves justice and will mete it out.

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