One of my favorite 'preacher stories' is the tale of the older couple that came into the pastor's office in search of marital counseling. When asked to present the problem, the southern gentleman put it this way:
Well preacher, it's like this...whenever we get into a dispute, she gets all worked up and starts going historical on me.
"I believe you mean 'hysterical'" responded the pastor.
No sir, I mean historical!
How often do we interpret our memories through the lens of injustice and persecution? Believing ourselves to be 'in the right' at all times, we fail to see beyond our sense of entitlement to any value of our own suffering.
How bizarre it is then to see Jesus, who is genuinely innocent, drawing closer to the cross and to hear his invitation to "follow me."
How grateful I am for the wisdom of John Chrysostom, who declared that when we suffer something for Christ's sake, we should do so not only with courage, but even with joy. Too often I find myself reviewing the historical 'facts' of the day and believe that I have cause for complaint. I may even find others who agree with me (and tell me what I want to hear), but I must acknowledge that this is not the way of Christ.
Transform our memory, Lord...
For His Sake,
Darren
Welcome to the conversation! For as long as our own discipline will allow, I hope to use this resource as a forum for prayer and reflection for the community of Perdido Bay United Methodist Church. We'll be working through Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals as our daily devotional guide. Since we're beginning the journey on Ash Wednesday, the hope is that this will be an additional venue for us to pray together throughout this holy season.
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