TUESDAY, May 11 Rogation Day

Psalm 78:1-39. But he was so merciful that he forgave their sins and did not destroy them.

It's been months since I have heard any new rock songs. This spring I gave up my favorite radio station. It wasn't easy, but when I heard the disc jockeys laughing one day about living in the state that leads the nation in executing people and then saying they were proud to live in "the death machine state," I had to take a stand.

Last week, on another radio station, the hosts were talking about Oklahoma leading the nation in incarcerating women and were making jokes about them. I could overlook their ignorance until they said, "On a more serious note, on Wall Street, stock prices continue to fall." That was too much. Prices more important than people?

I suppose taking potshots at people in prison is easy. I too make jokes when I am uncomfortable or scared. If our prison problem doesn't scare you or make you uncomfortable, then you're not paying attention.

I know firsthand that we and the people in our prisons are children of the very same God. And I know God wants prisoners to receive compassion, forgive- ness, and life, though they may not deserve it. I know it because that's how God has treated me. (2002)

PRAY for the Diocese of Clogher (Armagh, Ireland)

Ps 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; Leviticus 26:1-20; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; Matthew 13:18-23

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

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May 11, 2010 at 3:56 am

Written by marc,

Wow, that hit me square on, I remember coming out of military prison over 30 yrs ago, and they told me I could never step foot on a military installation, this after spending 6+ yrs in the military! Today I go on base to support the warfighter and have most proudly for 4+ yrs. Forgiveness is a great thing, I am my worst critic, but with God's help I can heal. Living in Oklahoma also is a blessing, and yes I must forgive others quickly!

Following His Word

May 11, 2010 at 7:48 am

Written by Lorrie Robinson,

One of the best parts of my life since my conversion some 26 years ago is knowing where to look for Truth. We know we are to forgive and offer compassion(even visiting the prisoner) because He told us to. It's not usually our first natural inclination. I increasingly see this world and our role in it as our training for Heaven if we choose it...don't have to...but the one who created us wants us to join Him and gives us every opportunity with His help to find the path...the way...to eternal life with Him...the real life. Praise God there's a better place than this where someone who knows what He's doing is in charge!

Editor, Forward Day by Day

May 11, 2010 at 9:12 am

Written by Richard H Schmidt,

I was once a volunteer chaplain at a state penitentiary in Alabama, and here at Forward Movement, we receive several appreciative letters each week from prison inmates who read "Forward Day by Day" (we send about 25,000 complimentary copies each quarter to prisons, overseas military bases, convalescent homes, etc.). Some of my most inspiring---and humbling---experiences have been inside prison walls. It's a daunting place to try to lead a faithful life, but those who do live faithfully while incarcerated are among the great saints of our time.

The Test

May 11, 2010 at 9:15 am

Written by Stephen,

The test of a just society is how it treats it's prisoners. Like many others our family is no stranger to the system. Also like many the offenses are due to addiction, mental disorder and lately the economy. We elect our politicians to be tough on crime. Instead we often incarcerate people who simply need treatment. In addition this "tough" attitude leads to prisons as a crime school. The majority get out. Our lack of compassion has unintended consequences. Maybe God judges our society by the natural consequences of the world order that lacks the balance that comes with pragmatic compassion. Let's show mercy for the sake of all just as through us he shows mercy to the prisoner.

In Company with Big Names

May 11, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Written by lynn,

Christ was a prisoner. Sts Peter and Paul were prisoners. We today are all prisoners of sin. Our Christian faith promises us forgiveness. Our Christian faith offers us the only true freedom.

...

May 11, 2010 at 2:43 pm

Written by Sheri Christi,

Thanks to Richard for mentioning the work of Foreward Movement. I once heard of a successful empathy rehabilitation prison program in Minnesota, but I believe that cognitive (psychological) training must be included. Once as a 14-15 year old a man threatened to kill me if I didn't cooperate with rape. I thought of Jesus and felt I could make a good death of it, so while he was strangling me I choked out, "I forgive you." He let me go and later found me on the street. He said that he just got out of prison and was filled with anger. God used me to transform his life, but it was circumstance.

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