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February 22, 2023

The Practices of Hard Days

Tex Sample   |   Read Romans 5:12-19

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Lectionary Week
February 20–26, 2023
Scripture Overview

In this first week of Lent, we prepare our hearts for a period of reflection. We think about areas of our lives in which we might be falling short of God’s desires. The problem of sin enters the human story at the very beginning when Adam and Eve choose to follow their own wisdom rather than guidance from God. The psalmist highlights the importance of recognizing our sin and asking for forgiveness, which God is quick to give. In Romans, Paul argues that we all partake in the broken human condition because we all have sinned as Adam did. The teachings from the Sermon on the Mount warn us against misplaced desires and selfishness.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7. How might this story help you turn to humility throughout your Lenten journey?Read Psalm 32. What seeming dichotomies comprise the full picture of your life of faith?Read Romans 5:12-19. How do you sense the differences Paul draws between Adam and Christ prompting you to turn toward God?Read Matthew 6:1-6,16-21. How do you practice your piety? What is your treasure, and where is it?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Romans 5:12-19

12 Just as through one human being sin came into the world, and death came through sin, so death has come to everyone, since everyone has sinned. 13 Although sin was in the world, since there was no Law, it wasn’t taken into account until the Law came. 14 But death ruled from Adam until Moses, even over those who didn’t sin in the same way Adam did—Adam was a type of the one who was coming. 15 But the free gift of Christ isn’t like Adam’s failure. If many people died through what one person did wrong, God’s grace is multiplied even more for many people with the gift—of the one person Jesus Christ—that comes through grace. 16 The gift isn’t like the consequences of one person’s sin. The judgment that came from one person’s sin led to punishment, but the free gift that came out of many failures led to the verdict of acquittal. 17 If death ruled because of one person’s failure, those who receive the multiplied grace and the gift of righteousness will even more certainly rule in life through the one person Jesus Christ. 18 So now the righteous requirements necessary for life are met for everyone through the righteous act of one person, just as judgment fell on everyone through the failure of one person. 19 Many people were made righteous through the obedience of one person, just as many people were made sinners through the disobedience of one person.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

I  can remember times in my life when I have been wrong. In those times I had difficulty with guilt. What frustrated me was not the absence of forgiveness; I knew I was forgiven. But I was captive to guilt. My issue was not so much forgiveness as it was...

Dear God in Christ, set us free from the captivities that enslave us, and enable us to live in the freedom of your Spirit. May we be your people doing your work in the world. Amen.


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