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.
WEDNESDAY, July 7
Matthew 23:27-39. How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
I grew up on a farm. As a child, I was assigned to feed the chickens. The chickens were not possessed of great intelligence. They ran hither and yon, especially the young chicks. The hens spent most of their time trying to round up their brood, one of whom would always head off in some contrary direction. The hen would try to keep the rest together while seeking the errant chick.
The chicks rebelled at being held close or led, until something was amiss. A loud noise, impending rain, or the sound of a coyote would send them scurrying to get under the hen's wings. Then, it seemed, the wings that were never large enough to encircle the entire brood when they were jostling about would expand and cover them all. Small, fearful, hunkered down, the chicks sat in the protection of those wings.
The portrait is not flattering to us, but having seen chicks and hens, I know it is accurate. I mostly keep trying to go my own way, until some event sends me scurrying for the right place, the place it is my nature to inhabit--the warmth and safety of God's expansive embrace. (2002)
PRAY for the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada, Canada)
Ps 119:1-24 * 12, 13, 14; Deuteronomy 1:1-18; Romans 9:1-18
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
