Lenten Reflection for Day 10
Date: Saturday March 19, 2011
Author: Carol Brudnicki
Bible Passage:
Matthew 5:5 (NRSV)
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Reflection:
When we were in India last February, we visited Gandhi’s memorial. Gandhi freed his country not with war and violence but by being “meek.” His persistence in non-violence resistance actions changed the course of his country. Likewise here in the US – Martin Luther King advocated non-violence actions to bring about reform and equal rights for everyone.
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus admonishes his disciple “ Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matthew 26:52) Then Jesus heals the slave and goes with those who came to arrest him. In so doing he fulfills the scriptures and inherits the earth and heaven.
War and violence is not the means of attaining peace here on earth or in heaven. Seeking the good of others rather than doing what is good only for us will make us an “instrument of God’s.” Surrendering to God’s control and faithfulness to Jesus is more powerful than any other action. And so the Meek will inherit the earth.
Ponder:
When have you experienced helplessness and given your problem over to Jesus? Then has he guided you through the situation and created peace where there was conflict?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to renounce my own rights for your sake. Give me the gift of meekness and make me an “instrument of your peace.” Amen
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