Monday

“He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?’”—Luke 13:2

Despite our best intentions toward charity, it remains easy to presume that ill fortune befalls others as a result of their personal failings.  The closer to home the example, the harder I find it to resist this tendency.  Sure, those people in Ethiopia, or Cambodia, or Belarus are so desperately poor due to structural forces far beyond their control, but what about those who find life so hard here in the midst of such plenty?

Jesus’ words remind us that bad things happen to people no less (and quite possibly more) virtuous than ourselves.  Insert “Oregonian” or “Yamhill County resident” or “Newberger (?)” for “Galilean” and you’ll have the idea.  We all are in need of redemption.  We all are called to repent.  Thank the source of all Goodness that we have Jesus’ promise to call upon—regardless of our personal circumstances. -- LG

Lord, I need your help.  Rich or poor, healthy or sick, happy or sad I remain a person in need of your redeeming grace.  Today, yet again, I seek your forgiveness—and proclaim my thanksgiving for the sure knowledge you will grant it.  Amen.