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.
TUESDAY, May 24
Romans 12:1-21. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Although I tend to think of Paul as a mystic (snatched away in a vision to the third heaven and returning to tell the tale), as a priest and pastor I admire his realism about human affairs. One could hardly describe his times or his congregations as peaceful. All evidence points to the Corinthians as an exceedingly fractious lot, and one has to assume that this Roman congregation to whom he was writing had its share of factions as well, not to mention friction with Roman governors. Paul is realistic about human failings, about our penchant for contention and violence, and he is not afraid to speak his mind. He also insists that it’s our Christian duty to learn to live peacefully with everyone, with those who are far off and those who are near, whether they want peace or not.
What Paul knew was what many of us have learned the hard way in our own fractious times: that peace- making is an elusive process, and not usually in our control. But we must do what we can, when we can, as we can, and where we are, in the service of the Lord.
PRAY for the Diocese of Northern Indiana (Province V, USA)
Ps 61, 62 * 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Wisdom 10:1-4(5-12)13-21; Luke 8:1-15
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