Forward Today: The news we need

Dear friends in Christ,

I often urge people to pray daily, even when they don’t feel like it. Yesterday, I followed my own advice. I don’t always succeed, but yesterday when it was time for evening prayer, I said my prayers even though I wasn’t feeling it.

Having just read the news of the nation and the world, I was feeling weary. But I managed to find it within myself to sit down at the appointed time and say evening prayer. I am so glad I did!

The Gospel reading yesterday was St. Luke’s account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter joy illumined my weary soul. I felt anew a deep Gospel truth: sin, evil, and death never get the last word. In the end, grace, mercy, and life prevail.

In St. Luke’s account, the angel asks the women who faithfully arrived at the tomb to care for Jesus’ body: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” It’s a question we do well to ask ourselves as we read the news or confront the challenges of our nation and our world. Where do we seek the living? I mean, in what ways do we rise above our fears, our worries, our challenges to seek the living Christ?

Jesus Christ does not make our problems vanish. Quite the contrary, I think his teachings are pretty clear that we have a lot of responsibility to care for our neighbors and to bear fruit worthy of repentance. But I believe with every fiber of my being that Jesus is with us in whatever we face. And he is ready with open arms for all who will turn to him.

Just yesterday, the scriptures opened my heart once again. I wish that for you, too.

Yours faithfully,

Scott Gunn
Executive Director

More from our ministry:

Reflect on the Gospel: A Journey with Luke Bible Challenge

Pray on the go with Morning and Evening Prayer podcasts

New Advent devotional available: A Light Upon My Path