In a world where things are often seen as black or white, we are often confronted with gray areas, predicament with a blurry line between right and wrong. In studying today’s readings, I’ve taken away one overall theme: to be present in and aware of our thoughts, actions, and interactions. We must be responsible for how we live our life. The Psalms contrast complaint and praise, friend and foe, believers and skeptics. We learn to “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” Good advice, I believe, when you need not only courage but also faith and hope to get through a rough day or week. Our faith can be our refuge.
We are reminded in Ezekiel that we will be judged on our actions, that we must “repent and turn away from all [our] transgressions.” In Philippians we are instructed, “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in Me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” A daily practice of thoughtfulness will bring well-being.
Lastly, John relates how Jesus, praying for the disciples, called upon the Father “As You sent Me into this world, I also have sent them into this world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.” A heavy reminder of Judas’s betrayal, how Jesus’ fate was set into motion, and why our faith and our salvation through Him is such a blessing.
Ezekiel 18:1-4
Psalm 35
Philippians 4:1-9
John 17: 9-19
