Focus
Take time to rest in the comfort of the Lord today.
Read
Of David.
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Reflect
Psalm 25:1-10; Psalm 32; Matthew 9:2-13
Lent is the story about evil forces that fragment our lives. In the forty days before Easter, we search our lives and confess our brokenness and sinfulness. Our world is experiencing pain and suffering in this time of pandemic. Lent is also the story of God’s strength made real in the Gentle Galilean glories of Jesus.
Our scripture readings for today offer healing and hope grounded in God’s merciful kindness. The Psalmist knows God to be kind and prays for God to shield us in times of despair and suffering (See especially Psalm 25:6-7 and 32:10). Matthew 9:2-13 shows how Jesus taught God’s kindness and showed compassion for a man who could not walk. The evangelist, Matthew, used this story as the springboard for calling disciples to be merciful to others (See especially, Matthew 9:13).
The kindness we show to ourselves, our families, to all persons, and our environment is the most healing force in the world.
Showing kindness is a healing activity. Consciously think kind thoughts throughout your daily activity and feel those energies flowing to others in courageous actions.
With this kindness growing in your life, every day is a dream
and every tomorrow a vision of hope. (For a kindness training exercise see my book, A Relational Hermeneutic of Kindness).
Pray
God of merciful kindness, be kind to us and teach us to be forgiving and kind to others that all may know the joy of salvation.
Go with God!
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