Today’s Reflection
The Gospels describe a variety of people whose encounters with Jesus result in challenge. In most instances, Jesus challenges those individuals themselves—and through them, us. Jesus encourages them, and us, to conceive of family and community beyond societal norms. Jesus confronts them, and us, to decide for ourselves whether Jesus’ ministries of compassion and justice embody God’s purposes for this world. Jesus calls them, and us, to a discipleship whose core is self-yielding service rather than self-serving privilege.
—John Indermark, Gospeled Lives: Encounters with Jesus, A Lenten Study (Upper Room Books, 2008)
Today’s Question
Today’s quote says Jesus “encourages,” “confronts,” and “calls” us. How are you being invited you to respond? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message.
—Mark 3:13-14 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Holy One, challenge me today to see the world as you see it. Challenge me to seek your way and to not settle for what might be the norm.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
At times, life seems like a jumble of loose ends, but God sees from another perspective—weaving a tapestry of life and redemption for the whole world, with each person’s story as part of that narrative. Discover God Was with Me All Along: A Guide for Capturing Your Memories and Telling Your Story, new from Upper Room Books.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
https://youtu.be/HYJYSuzrKBw
