ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 14, 2021Scripture: Psalm 34:34 (the Message)God met me more than halfway, and freed me from my anxious fears. Thought for the Day: I remember a cartoon strip depicting a mother holding a plunger in her hand, standing in ankle deep water, as she is gazing at an overflowing toilet. Her son sticks his head into the bathroom and says two words, “They’re here!” The memory of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 13, 2021Scripture: Galatians 5:14For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Thought for the Day: The Apostle Paul echoed the words of Jesus, while also embodying Jesus’ definition of neighbor that extended well beyond the person next door. Paul was looked upon with suspicion because he showed the love of Jesus to the Gentiles, and to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 12, 2021Prayer for the Week: How often have you forgiven me, O Eternal God? How often have you shown me mercy? I pause to count, only to realize my capacity to tally such a number falls short. How often have you forgiven me? Strangely, it is always one more time than my current requirement. How often have you shown me mercy? Enough for today, with plenty
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 11, 2021Scripture: Matthew 12:31Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Thought for the Day: I don’t believe I’m alone in saying this verse of scripture is a bit confusing. Jesus said “every sin and blasphemy” would be forgiven, but then there is an exception to the rule. How can Jesus use
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 10, 2021Scripture: Daniel 9:3-5Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 9, 2021Scripture: 1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thought for the Day: I am always a bit troubled by the word IF. I don’t believe the God I meet in Jesus to be much of If/Then kind of God. The word IF gives the impression of the proverbial
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 8, 2021Scripture: Matthew 18:21Then Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 7, 2021Scripture: Proverbs 18:13If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Thought for the Day: Catholic Priest and author, Henri Nouwen, wrote:The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not healing, not curing… that is a friend
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 6, 2021Scripture: Psalm 42:5-6Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Thought for the Day: The author, Solomon Bellow, once wrote: “Everyone needs
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 5, 2021Prayer for the Week: As the haze from the fireworks greets us this morning, Merciful Creator, we are mindful of all those who feel as if they live in a haze precipitated by oppressive and abusive powers. Let us never be naive about the complexity of the world in which we live and the many who suffer daily. Give us a voice that speaks on