Paul believes that Christ will return before he dies. He urges Christ’s followers to remember “what time it is.” Two thousand years later, we are not so certain that Christ’s return is imminent. Nevertheless, Paul’s reminder calls us to live as if Christ were coming tomorrow. Paul tells us that...

A Guided Meditation: Get comfortable and relax. Take several deep breaths, and rest between each of these suggestions: Remember and give thanks for when you first believed. Remember how urgent the moment is. Ask yourself what obsessions you have. Ask for help in regaining control. Ask yourself if you are jealous and quarrelsome. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your love for yourself and your neighbor. Come, Lord Jesus, come and make us more holy. Amen.


0 Comments
Log In to leave a comment
Lectionary Week
August 31—September 6, 2020
Scripture Overview

We move forward in the story of Moses to the climax in Egypt, the tenth plague. God tells the Israelites to prepare for the terrible night to come and establishes the feast of Passover. It is to be an eternal reminder of what God has done for the people. The psalmist praises God for faithfulness and victory, including overthrowing those who would oppress them. Egypt is not mentioned specifically, yet the Passover represents just such a situation. Paul echoes Jesus in summarizing much of the Law in one simple commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus provides practical teaching on handling disagreements. Our first responsibility is to go to the other party privately and then include others only as necessary. Gossip and social media are not the ways to handle our disputes.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 12:1-14. How has the story of Passover shaped your faith?
Read Psalm 149. How has God called you to seek freedom from oppression for yourself or others through praise and through action?
Read Romans 13:8-14. What does it mean to consider love a driving force rather than a warm feeling? How does this understanding change the way you act toward yourself and your neighbors?
Read Matthew 18:15-20. When have you participated in or witnessed true reconciliation? How did you see compassion at work?

Respond by posting a prayer.