Thursday, June 11, 2020
Scripture for the Day
John 14: 25-26
Jesus said, “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
A common conviction among the Roman Catholic families and friends I grew up with was that every household had a Bible but no one ever read it. We didn’t have to because the priest would tell us what it said and what we should believe about it. Everyone had a Bible but not one ever read it. Our Bibles sat on buffet tables or bookshelves or nightstands, never opened.
Of course, this is anecdotal and certainly not true in every case. My Roman Catholic parents, for example, actually did open up their Bible and studied and prayed the Scriptures as part of their regular habits of faith.
I was thinking about these things as I read the John passage set before us today. In this Pentecost season, we have a text that reminds us of the promise of the Holy Spirit. She will be the one to teach us and remind us of everything Jesus had said.
I don’t know about you, but in these times I need to be reminded over and over and over again of what Jesus taught. I need to be reminded over and over and over again what he actually said in forming would-be followers like me.
Today, I thought it might be a good exercise to actually open the Scriptures and read some of Jesus’ words that I am trying to remember for the moment we face. Perhaps you want to remember them, too.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-14)
You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. (Matthew 5:21-26)
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Matthew 6:24)
If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Luke 14:7-11)
