May 24, 2013
PART 1
Piety the fifth of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure
Fifth, grant us piety, by which we may acquire compassionate hearts.
Scripture: Luke 14:27
Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Thought for the Day: The author and speaker, Dallas Willard (who died a few weeks ago), said that “the greatest challenge the church faces today is to be authentic disciples of Jesus.” I agree, but it is not simply our challenge today. In every moment of Christian history, this has been our greatest challenge. Whether Willard intended to do so or not, this statement allows for us to see the complexity of that challenge. To emphasize one of the three key words over the others, modifies the meaning of the statement. Try reading it, each time emphasizing either: authentic or disciples or Jesus. Depending on the day, how I need to hear the challenge changes.
Prayer: Creator God, Loving Lord, I desire to be an authentic disciples of Christ, and in doing so, I shall learn what it means to be more like you. Amen.
