April 1
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.
-Matthew 7:21-23
(please read through the passage 3 times using the practice of lectio divina)
Reflection
Jesus predicts that some people, rather than seeking God’s will above all, will use his name as an incantation to summon power. As we anticipate Holy Week, we remember Christ’s example of giving up power in order to do God’s will.
As we witness popular Christians who betray Christ’s cause by seeking power rather than God’s will, we can take comfort that Jesus predicted this would happen. At the same time, it challenges us with the question: What do we desire most? As pastor Jack Bernard used to say, “Never let your suspicion of others outstrip your suspicion of yourself.” Are we seeking God’s will above everything else?
Action (Commune)
Reach out to those doing these exercises with you. What are you giving up in order to care for creation? What positive action will you take to care for creation?
As you connect with these people, reflect on this tiny expression of a different politics—people talking together to encourage kingdom living. Give thanks for these connections however small they may be.
