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, November 10 (Leo the Great)
Luke 15:1-10. This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.
Before we rush to condemn the Pharisees as disdainful snobs, let’s remember that their attitude, as far as the law is concerned, is the correct one.
The law-abider, the serious student of the scriptures, was obliged to separate himself from people, things, and experiences that would compromise his holiness. The Pharisees were understandably confused and upset by Jesus’ insistence on engaging the sinner rather than shunning the sinner.
Jesus no doubt would have argued that saving sinners was part of the tradition, too—but was it his reading of the scriptures, his religious tradition, that determined his actions? I doubt it. Jesus embraced the outcast simply because it is what perfect love does.
When we scorn the down-and-out, it isn’t respect for scripture and tradition that is working in our hearts—it’s fear. The Pharisees were afraid—of losing their sense of closeness with God and the sense of rightness and order that came along with it. A religious life based on finely screened sacred texts usually leads to fear. It stifles. Jesus, on the other hand, lived freely and joyfully. (1986)
PRAY for the Diocese of Kanyakumari (South India)
Ps 119:97-120 * 81, 82; Joel 2:12-19; Revelation 19:11-21
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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