Wednesday, February 20, 2008
From AscensionNYC
Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent
by Frank Mackey
Psalm 31:9-16
Jeremiah 18:1-11, 18-20
Matthew 20:17-28
Isn't it human that on the way to Jerusalem when Jesus tells the disciples about his "capture" and death, the first thing that came to their minds is who gets the places of honor? That starts arguments between them, including racial (Gentile) matters. Jesus then takes this good opportunity to stress that whoever wishes to be great must first be the servant, and whoever wishes to be first must be their slave.
It is interesting to contemplate this in today's highly charged political election battles. Those wishing the places of honor stress how they have served the people (truthfully or not). Some who win the election don't become a slave, but then they do not get the prize — first place in the minds of the people.
The Jeremiah reading reminds us how God can at one moment declare, concerning a nation, that "I will pluck it up, break it down, and destroy it, but if that nation of which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it" (Jeremiah 18:7-10). How near are we to God's wrath?
As so frequently happens, the psalm is the healer that delivers the balm to the injured.
Bless us, Lord, and watch over us with your guiding hand during this time of our trial that we may remember your guidance.
Psalm 31:9-16
Jeremiah 18:1-11, 18-20
Matthew 20:17-28
Isn't it human that on the way to Jerusalem when Jesus tells the disciples about his "capture" and death, the first thing that came to their minds is who gets the places of honor? That starts arguments between them, including racial (Gentile) matters. Jesus then takes this good opportunity to stress that whoever wishes to be great must first be the servant, and whoever wishes to be first must be their slave.
It is interesting to contemplate this in today's highly charged political election battles. Those wishing the places of honor stress how they have served the people (truthfully or not). Some who win the election don't become a slave, but then they do not get the prize — first place in the minds of the people.
The Jeremiah reading reminds us how God can at one moment declare, concerning a nation, that "I will pluck it up, break it down, and destroy it, but if that nation of which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it" (Jeremiah 18:7-10). How near are we to God's wrath?
As so frequently happens, the psalm is the healer that delivers the balm to the injured.
Bless us, Lord, and watch over us with your guiding hand during this time of our trial that we may remember your guidance.
