Today’s Reflection
What would it be like to stop regarding others through human eyes? To, instead, see each person as beloved of God, someone that we are called to love as we love ourselves? I must confess that I find it difficult to imagine myself sitting down with an enemy and knowing deeply that we are both beloved of God.
But Christ calls us to love rather than hate, to open hardened hearts to the fears and pain of other human beings, despite their personal belief system or political view.
—Beth A. Richardson, Walking in the Wilderness: Seeking God During Lent (Upper Room Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
Who can support you in practicing love for an enemy? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
[Jesus said,] “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
—Matthew 5:44 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Holy One, my body, soul, and spirit hunger and thirst for you. Here in this barren wilderness, fill me with your living water. Shape me into the one you would have me become. Amen.
—Beth A. Richardson, Walking in the Wilderness
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
While not an enemy, there certainly are times when it’s tough dealing with my son. Things are going according to the plan he’s developed and we agree on, but he’s nervous something will not go well. I’m doing my best to keep the plan. It is good, makes sense.
Snow flurries this morning, but should stop before the walk around the property here at the condo association.. Live and zoom worship tomorrow,.
Time to feed a hungry cat.
H is my enemy and no one in my life would try to disuade me otherwise. I have tried to do as the author says, but the memories of his abuse always thwart my attempts. I will persist in my attempts.
Had the quite the day with h yesterday. Everytime I lose my patience with him he looks at me and says “you are hurting my feelings.” I’m hurting his feeelings!?! He literally had making and I walking on eggshells for 25 years and he feels justified in telling me I hurt his feelings. Or another thing he says is I upset him. Does he not think he upset Megan and I when he slammed his fist on the counter and yelled at us because the butter was not in his designated correct spot !?!
Prayers for Ally and David, may their financial and health issues be relieved soon. Prayers for Jill as she tries to catch up on grading. and minister to Roger. Prayers for Robert as he continues to execute Erich’s plan, may this be a successful endeavor. Aren’t all kitties starving kitties? According to them.
The Spirit is the most capable at this – changing my heart towards my enemies. Today for our tennis match, we played what has become one of our rivals…they are a really strong team and until this season, we have battled it out for first place. They were tied for first place coming in to today’s match – and we beat them. On their second court was a player who has a reputation for using gamesmanship – head games. I warned our team – they had not played her before. Sure enough – comments were made early on. When my partner and I had finished on our court – it came down to the final match – on the court with the “gamer”. Our girls hung tough and won – and we knocked them out of first place. While we were watching, I said to my partner – if she [gamer] was on my team, I would have a hard time cheering for her. That is one thing about our team – we all respect the game, enjoy good competition and play fairly.
Sun was out today, but still coolish. But always good to see the sun.
Looking forward to cancer support group tomorrow morning.
Yes, starving kitties. Roger is my shadow when I enter the kitchen, even if it is only a few hours after he has eaten. I keep thinking he will figure it out. I just keep saying to him that he is the eternal optimist.
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