friday of the fourth week in lent

Date: Friday, March 15, 2024
Contributor: Mary Rowe
Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/FridayFourthWeek.html
 
The texts for today create a seeming dilemma for us as Christians. On one hand we are called to make decisions and judgements in order to witness to the gospel. To call out evil when we see it.
Christians from the right and the left are hurling judgements at each other.
We don’t like to hear that we are wrong- not living a righteous life!
What does it mean to live a righteous life?
Which voices do we listen to?

In Wisdom they tortured the righteous man because they didn’t like what he was saying. He went against what they wanted or expected to hear.

In the Gospel of John, they didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah, when he was right in Front of them. He didn’t fit what they were expecting or wanted.

What resonated with me in the texts was the promise that God hears the brokenhearted. He is near to those who suffer. The way of love and compassion can help us navigate through the maze of people’s shouting out God’s will. We each have our own experiences of God’s loving presence in our lives.
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I believe it is our call to witness God’s presence in our lives the way we are aware of it; yet being cognizant that somebody may have had a very different experience that we may learn from.  None of us has all the answers, so it is important to listen and to be open to the Spirit and not be defensive but grounded in love.