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.
THURSDAY, May 20 (Alcuin)
Ephesians 4:17-32. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.
Christians are getting various kinds of labels these days. As people feel they are losing control, repression grows. There is less and less sympathy for those who are an embarrassment to us. And so those who still have compassion and understanding for the weak are labeled "bleeding hearts."
Christians are "bleeding hearts" because they are against the death penalty, try to rehabilitate drug abusers, want peace in the world, food for the hungry, and understanding for the alcoholic, the promiscuous, and the mentally ill. It should make us all feel better to realize that Jesus was a "bleeding heart." In the gospel for today he heals a paralytic. Saint Paul was also a "bleeding heart," and in our passage we see why. If your heart doesn't bleed for others, if you are not tenderhearted and forgiving and understanding, you cannot expect God to be tender with you. If you know how the Lord Christ bled for you, bleed for others. And wear the label "bleeding heart" with pride. (1971)
PRAY for the Diocese of Costa Rica (Central America)
Ps 105:1-22 * 105:23-45; Zechariah 4:1-14; Matthew 9:1-8
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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