Sunday and Monday

Sunday and Monday reflections

Sunday scripture: Matthew 9:2-10

“God has given us his only Son.  Listen to Jesus as he speaks the Word of God.”

Too often in our world, we hear so many competing voices in our lives.  I often wonder whether or not the voice I listen too comes from God.  I am concerned about what I see on television, read in the newspaper, or hear from others about our world that I am not sure what is Godly and what is worldly.  I also struggle with speaking what I believe about my God to others especially if they may hold a different view than mine.

As I reflect on what we read for Sunday, the voice I need to hear is that of Jesus.  For he is the word of God.  Focus on the gospels first to determine what he actually said rather than what I think he said.  There was an occasion in seminary where we were discussing a particular passage from the gospel.  One of the students in the group insisted that Jesus said to the paralyzed man whose friends let him down through the roof to go and sin no more.  He was convinced of this to the point that we read several translations including the King James and finally realized that Jesus did not say that.  How often we assume something that Jesus said that either he did not or it is taken out of context.  The challenge is to make sure to read the scriptures as they are printed and to not add or take away.

Monday scripture: Luke 6:36-38

“How can we show mercy and forgiveness to our enemies? To our loved ones?”

^37-38 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” (The Message)

The difficulty I face in forgiving others is an economic one at times.  I expect to receive back something for the effort I put into helping others or doing something for them.  At other times I want the other to be first in asking for forgiveness before I forgive them.  Then I realize that this is not God’s way.  It gets back to that judgment thing.  I need to “give away” first.  It is not what I receive that makes the difference but instead is about the mercy I show others will result in the mercy God shows me.