Meditations for Lent - #37
The suggested Gospel reading for today is John 10:31-42. Once again, on the surface, it seems as if what Jesus is reported to have said is a contradiction of what is elsewhere recorded. In this passage Jesus points to His good works as proof that he is acting on behalf of His father. Elsewhere in Ephesians and Romans one is reminded that one is saved by Grace and not by works. If we read more carefully, the concern is that someone will think that they can do good works as a way of proving their worth. We all know of individuals and companies who will use a small or even significant part of their profit to benefit some charitable cause or community treasure such as a symphony orchestra. Often these very same companies are overcharging customers for a product they must have for their health care or their small business. The purpose of their contribution is to make it seems as if they care about the community while they continue to take advantage of the essential needs of customers. They are not doing good works because they care about others in the community. No, bless their hearts, they are trapped in the belief or hope that the community or the God of their understanding will not notice the sleight of hand.
It is true that good people do good works They take care of the homeless, the hungry, the abused, the weary of heart, the one who has lost his or her way, the one who is an enemy, the sick, the one who has been bullied and the one who has bullied. They do so because they are grateful for the blessings or the Grace of the God of their understanding. They do not do so to earn Grace but out of a knowledge and appreciation of Grace. They, therefore, do so not needing or expecting anything in return but because they need to pass on what has so freely been given to them.
Jesus performed good works because it was the next right action to take. We are called or invited to do the same. When we allow ourselves to act on Grace and not as if we are earning Grace it is very powerful. This is the essence of the message of Jesus when he says that “ I have shown you many good works from the father.” The father needs nothing from his children except for them to pass on what has been freely given to them. Even if, however, they refuse to pass it on, the father continues to extend His hand. This is what we are called to do – to extend our hand not to win awards or praises but to show what Grace looks like – what good works without expectations or demands look like.
Written April 12, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
Meditations for Lent - #37
The suggested Gospel reading for today is John 10:31-42. Once again, on the surface, it seems as if what Jesus is reported to have said is a contradiction of what is elsewhere recorded. In this passage Jesus points to His good works as proof that he is acting on behalf of His father. Elsewhere in Ephesians and Romans one is reminded that one is saved by Grace and not by works. If we read more carefully, the concern is that someone will think that they can do good works as a way of proving their worth. We all know of individuals and companies who will use a small or even significant part of their profit to benefit some charitable cause or community treasure such as a symphony orchestra. Often these very same companies are overcharging customers for a product they must have for their health care or their small business. The purpose of their contribution is to make it seems as if they care about the community while they continue to take advantage of the essential needs of customers. They are not doing good works because they care about others in the community. No, bless their hearts, they are trapped in the belief or hope that the community or the God of their understanding will not notice the sleight of hand.
It is true that good people do good works They take care of the homeless, the hungry, the abused, the weary of heart, the one who has lost his or her way, the one who is an enemy, the sick, the one who has been bullied and the one who has bullied. They do so because they are grateful for the blessings or the Grace of the God of their understanding. They do not do so to earn Grace but out of a knowledge and appreciation of Grace. They, therefore, do so not needing or expecting anything in return but because they need to pass on what has so freely been given to them.
Jesus performed good works because it was the next right action to take. We are called or invited to do the same. When we allow ourselves to act on Grace and not as if we are earning Grace it is very powerful. This is the essence of the message of Jesus when he says that “ I have shown you many good works from the father.” The father needs nothing from his children except for them to pass on what has been freely given to them. Even if, however, they refuse to pass it on, the father continues to extend His hand. This is what we are called to do – to extend our hand not to win awards or praises but to show what Grace looks like – what good works without expectations or demands look like.
Written April 12, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
RSS Feed