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, October 28 Saint Simon and Saint Jude
John 15:17-27. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
Of all the words that we fling around, surely “love” is the most battered. We praise it. We identify it with the very essence of God—and then throw it away, usually with carefully explained reasons. Anger. Being misunderstood. Even being confused. All drive us from love. I’m not talking about accepting abuse. I’m talking about that love that heals the broken, comforts the afflicted, and also challenges the self-righteous and the complacent.
As Jesus’ followers—his friends, as he says—we are asked to love one another, holding together in a world that is not always friendly, that, in fact, crucified him. But instead we stop talking to our families, gossip, hoard our gifts—or deny them. “Oh,” you say, “I’m friendly with everyone.” Well, there are dangers. For instance, how is love shown in Christ’s community, the church? I know someone who left a parish because a cross wasn’t carried in the gospel procession. People who use incense complain about those who don’t. Some are drawn to penitence, others to celebration. Gospel music, plainsong, or traditional hymns? Catholic or protestant? Women’s roles? Men’s? Clergy? Lay? It can often seem like it is my interpretation vs. theirs.
What does this have to do with love? (1992)
PRAY for the Diocese of Isikwuato (Province of Niger Delta, Nigeria)
Ps 119:89-96; Deuteronomy 32:1-4; Ephesians 2:13-22
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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