Lent

March 31, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Philippians 2:5-11

Therefore God also highly exalted him
   and gave him the name
   that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
   every knee should bend,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
   that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father. –Philippians 2:9-11

This is a beautiful recognition of Jesus as the chosen Christ. He certainly is worthy of our praise, but I cannot help but think he takes greater pride in his work when he sees his followers following his example. That starts with loving God and spreads to loving all God’s creation, which is a whole lot easier to say than do. Jesus even got frustrated with leaders who get too caught up in amassing wealth and prestige rather than caring for the least of these. He chased the money changers out of the temple.

I like the definition that love is wanting the very best for another, which has nothing to do with what the other can do for us. We then must struggle with the idea that we do not get to define what is best for others. The hard part comes when we see the ones we love getting involved in behavior that is self-destructive. How do we love them? We need to seek professional help as needed. We must also invest more time and energy in sharing our concerns and seeking God’s support and help. I like the example of airline instructions when an emergency arises, and all passengers must use the oxygen tubes that drop down from above our seats. The steward always says if you are traveling with someone who will need help with using oxygen, put your oxygen on first so you will be able to help your companion.  Staying in sync with God is our best way of helping others.

Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference, living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; taking this world as it is and not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next.− Reinhold Niebuhr Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.