WEDNESDAY, October 27

Luke 11:37-52. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner.

We know of a priest who spent a weekend visiting a parish, talking with the people and taking the Sunday services. Afterward a parishioner was asked what his impression was of the minister. “He must have fallen asleep after the sermon,” he replied, “because he didn’t even bow in front of the altar as he went back to his seat.”

Of that whole weekend during which this man had much contact with the priest, the only thing he commented on was a most insignificant point of ceremonial custom. There was no particular need to face the altar, God being in just about any direction. We are always in such danger of letting some little thing obscure what a person really is. And very often the more sincerely religious we are, the more insidious the habit of nit-picking.

Jesus denounced the Pharisees in some pretty strong language for doing this very thing. He would do the same to us if we concentrate only on the petty details that keep us from the important things. Like people. (1971)

PRAY for the Diocese of Isiala–Ngwa (Province of Niger Delta, Nigeria)

Ps 119:49-72 * 49, [53]; Ecclesiasticus 28:14-26; Revelation 12:1-6

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

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Oct 27, 2010 at 7:14 am

Written by CDL,

What a great meditation! I needed the reminder, especially since I find that as I get older, I get distracted sometimes and forget the little things - thank you.

Loie

Oct 27, 2010 at 9:03 am

Written by Lois,

There's a wonderful minister at the courthuse day in and day out for the families of victims and perpetrators, anyone to whom she can comfort and witness forgivness. Her son was murdered. She embodies the simplicity of love. I think sometimes of the well dressed Caucasan man I saw weeping on her shoulder. She is not sophisticated and her grammar is poor. How does she cross all those barriers? Race, gender, class? She wears a Roman collar, quietly reading her bible. No one asks for her credentials. They were hard won.

...

Oct 27, 2010 at 10:35 am

Written by Mary Kier,

Yes, nit picking should be left to the nits not people! (that phrase originated from the process of getting head lice eggs "nits" out of the hair!!

Lois thank you for that meditation. It exemplifies exactly what this meditation and verse are saying to me. This woman may not have all of the required papers and credentials and my not look the part, but she has what is required -- compassion. Although I like the rituals and liturgy of the church sometimes I think the rules and doctrines that make up different denominations can get in the way of the one thing Jesus wanted us to remeber- love and compassion for each other first. Details second!

well said

Oct 27, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Written by Lois,

Yes, that was the word I was searching for to describe this woman's ministry -- compassion. I often feel badly remembering the work-in-progress Lois years ago who explained to the little homeless boy at Christmastime that he couldn't have another toy even thugh he broke the first one...one to a customer. Thank you, God, the director of the Christmas dinner event came running over and saved me further regret...taught me also by example, not even a gentle rebuke.

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