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, November 16 (Margaret of Scotland)
Luke 17:1-10. When you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!”
The analogy that comes to mind is parenthood. Some parents live through their children. Hungry for applause themselves, they push their children into applause-producing situations.
But isn’t the essence of parenthood found in the 2 a.m. feeding? No applause there, just a duty that goes with the role. When the baby grows up and becomes an applause-producer, some parents may consider the acclaim their reward. But I wonder if the real reward wasn’t experienced years before at 2 a.m.
That reward was the wholeness that comes from living the moment fully and authentically.
Life brings duties. Our roles bring duties. Some are pleasant; some aren’t. We can’t pick only the pleasant and ignore the rest. Bedtime story-reading may feel cozy, but 2 a.m. feedings are just as necessary for life. Living as a Christian isn’t all 2 a.m. feedings, but it does have some of those no-applause moments. I think those no-applause moments give Christian living its flavor. When I give in order to get, my giving means little. But when I give selflessly, I live into my calling and thereby honor the one who called me. (1986)
PRAY for the Diocese of Katakwa (Kenya)
Ps 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18; James 3:1-12
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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