Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 6th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 97, 99, [100]; Evening, Psalm 94;
Isaiah 63:7-14; 1 Timothy 1:18 to 2:8; Mark 11:12-26
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)
In the NRSV translation that I study there is no verse 26, but there is in other translations.
I don’t know if I have ever taken the time to dedicate a whole prayer to the forgiveness of others.
Most of the time it kind of just fits in, like in the Lord’s Prayer…”and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us.” Amidst elongated requests I stick in there a request for the forgiveness of some transgression I have committed and maybe (though rarely) to forgive someone who transgressed against me or others.
I am getting from this verse of Mark that it would probably be a good idea to stop and deliberately pray for the forgiveness of someone who has wronged me. That’s a tough call. I would have to ask myself “do I really want to forgive this person or persons?” And further, “Do I want God to forgive them?” “Are they asking for forgiveness?” So much to ponder about. I don’t think Jesus cares; He just says to forgive if you have anything against anyone. Come on Jesus, you are making this Christianity hard. Okay, Thank You Jesus.
Today we remember Martin Luther, Pastor and Reformer (February 18, 1546) and his information may be found at: Martin Luther.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: For Prisons and Correctional Institutions (BCP p.826)
Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for your mercy’s sake. Amen.
onewhoponders 