Wednesday February 15th, 2017 James 2:1-13
My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? (verse 1)
Shortly after I was ordained, I heard this story that left a deep impression. One day, a scruffy looking man, unshaven and a little fragrant, entered into a beautiful sanctuary filled with well-dressed people who were listening intently to the pastor’s sermon. Not finding a seat immediately, the man walked up the aisle, then sat down on the floor near the front of the church. There was dead silence as each person wondered what to do next. In a few moments, a well-dressed usher approached him. Would he ask him to leave, each person wondered. But the elderly usher, without saying a word, simply smiled and sat down on the floor beside the visitor. The pastor concluded his sermon saying, “Friends, you won’t remember a thing I said today, but you will always remember what you saw.”
This story invites us to look deeply and honestly at what lives in our own hearts. Why does this story impact us? How might we become more generous of spirit?
God of all people, keep me ever mindful that you love us all. Grant me the grace to love as you love. Amen. — MKW
Contributed by No Favouritism!
Shortly after I was ordained, I heard this story that left a deep impression. One day, a scruffy looking man, unshaven and a little fragrant, entered into a beautiful sanctuary filled with well-dressed people who were listening intently to the pastor's sermon. Not finding a seat immediately, the man walked up the aisle, then sat down on the floor near the front of the church. There was dead silence as each person wondered what to do next. In a few moments, a well-dressed usher approached him. Would he ask him to leave, each person wondered. But the elderly usher, without saying a word, simply smiled and sat down on the floor beside the visitor. The pastor concluded his sermon saying, "Friends, you won't remember a thing I said today, but you will always remember what you saw."
This story invites us to look deeply and honestly at what lives in our own hearts. Why does this story impact us? How might we become more generous of spirit?
