TUESDAY, July 20 (Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Ross Tubman)

Matthew 26:47-56. "Friend, why are you here?" (RSV)

This line can be translated as a question (as above) or as a statement: "Friend, do what you came here to do." It is more haunting as a question. Jesus is talking to you, calling you "Friend." And he asks his friends questions:

Why are you here? Is the world better, more humane, more gracious because you are here? You can make life either better or worse. Does your presence enrich the life of others or demean it? Whatever you do and whoever you are, it is for better or for worse--which?

Why are you here? You are at home or at work, at rest or at play, with friends or in a crowd. What does your presence add here? Is this the best place for you to be? Is it a brighter place for your being here?

Why are you here now? Everyone has fine plans for the future and expects to do a better job tomorrow. But what are you doing with the present moment--the time in which you are actually living?

You have only one place, here where you are. And you have only one time, now. What are you doing here, now? (1958)

PRAY for the Dioceses of Ekiti (Province of Ondo, Nigeria) and Ekiti Kwara (Province of Ibadan, Nigeria)

Ps 45 * 47, 48; Joshua 8:1-22; Romans 14:1-12

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

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Why?

Jul 20, 2010 at 8:04 am

Written by Jean Erwin,

How many thousands of times have we asked ourselves "Why am I here?" In our youth we are here to learn; as adults we work, raise families, fight the daily battles of life to the best of our abilities - and in our golden years we strive to "seek Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly day by day". Praise be to God!

Editor, Forward Day by Day

Jul 20, 2010 at 9:40 am

Written by Richard H. Schmidt,

As a youngster I learned the Westminster Catechism in the Presbyterian Church. The "Why am I here?" question was posed as "What is the chief end of man?" The answer was: "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." That still works for me.

Mixed Bag

Jul 20, 2010 at 10:07 am

Written by Stephen,

Is the world better, more humane, more gracious because I am here? For me the answer to the writers searing question is a mixed bag. Because I am often selfish and interested only in my own needs and wants. I fall short. But when it comes to facing the challenges that are unpleasant, that call me to confront the forces of evil, I have often been blessed to respond. God has given me a sense of justice for those who are wronged and the grace to stand up to those who would abuse or mistreat others. I am appalled that I am also capable of misdeeds, and thankful that I can find forgiveness. The disciples were like us. So I guess I am here to serve others and try not to cut and run, but when I do, know that I am forgiven.

caught

Jul 20, 2010 at 10:17 am

Written by brook,

This reflections reminds me to ask the question- for me, ESPECIALLY when I am "doing things that ought not be done" OR "leaving things undone that ought to be done." When I opt to read the newspaper before The Word and then a distraction leads me down the day's path. When I opt for a poor food choice or pass on an opportunity to be Him to someone- but a glimpse though it may be. When I forget to smile. When I sadden Him. I can only hope this reflection is velcroed to me for more than a moment that I might hear Him echo "Why are you hear Friend?' that I may choose not neglect nor defiance but to Glorify Him- even when no one else is looking.

...

Jul 20, 2010 at 11:03 am

Written by Pamela,

We are all here for a reason, as I believe there are no true "accidents." That said, I choose to ponder over what I am to do with my presence in this world. The reason always comes down to this: "...to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."

Reciprocity

Jul 20, 2010 at 10:02 pm

Written by Sue,

What does God owe us?

...

Jul 20, 2010 at 10:43 pm

Written by Steve Doutt,

"How you gonna be?"

That expression from my youth came back to me while reading today's meditation. We would say it to each other to evoke awareness of personal responsibility in behavior when acting out.

instruments of God

Jul 20, 2010 at 11:14 pm

Written by stephen,

I am reminded of Mary, Mother of Our Lord who in the midst of her troubles and the mystery that she did not yet completely understand declared the she was the handmaiden of the Lord. IN a simple way with simple work, gestures and word are instruments of our Lord, we are I think often the only ministry of Christ and evidence of God to some or even many that we encounter with what we chose to do in the course of our day.

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