Jesus, the man for sinners. 19–26 March 2006

The readings and thoughts in this series are adapted from the book ‘The Way of Love’ by Brother Ramon SSF, illustrated by Molly Dowell which is now out of print. You are invited to set aside a regular time during Lent to consider them. Begin with quietness, then read the passage slowly as many times as you find helpful, look at the thoughts here and spend time in openness before God. You may like to include the suggested intercession topics as well

INTERCESSIONS

This week you might like to focus your prayers on our wounded world.

Pray for

SUNDAY 19. Luke 19:1–10 Vertically challenged

Do you know anyone generally disliked, whom you also dislike? Have you wondered about the roots of the problem, of how much they long for love, for friendship, for warmth?

Fix upon them in prayer over a period of time and ask the Lord to soften your heart, give you discernment. Then if the way opens up, gently and sensitively make the right approach at the right time. All this in the light of the story of Zacchaeus.

MONDAY 20. John 8:1–11 Caught in the act

This pastoral text heartens me on this day of Lent, for one day I shall stand before the Sinless One. What garment shall I have to cover the shame of my naked sinfulness, hypocrisy and guilt? Because of this scripture, which bears witness to Jesus as the man for sinners, I can be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and know that his judgement is tempered with mercy. He looked at her and asked about her accusers. She looked at him and replied with wonder and hope. He answered again, and his look, his words, his attitude released a flood of gratitude and a new life. And that is just what I need today.

TUESDAY 21. Mark 1:40–45 & Psalm 38 Unclean and rejected

Think of ways in which your righteous anger against injustice may mingle with profound compassion for its victims.

WEDNESDAY 22. Luke 5:17–26 Down through the roof

Lord Jesus, Saviour and Healer,
we thank you that we can place our whole confidence in you for our ultimate salvation and healing; we thank you for the friends who surround us with their helping hands and living faith.
We pray for those who oppose you in the name of status, establishment, religion or because they are afraid.
Grant to all of us that we may be delivered from the paralysis of sin and fear, and let faith abound in the communities in which we live.
Amen

THURSDAY 23. Matthew 9:9–13 & Psalm 51:17 Friendship with sinners

Jesus loved human beings, with a particular love for sinners and outcasts. His love was not for gain, for converts, for popularity, power or manipulation. He loved because he was love, and his agape-love was outgoing, generous and sacrificial.

Which groups constitute the outcasts in our society today?

Are there any such in your neighbourhood, your peer group, your family?

Ask the Lord to open your heart to one or two areas of need, leading to genuine friendship and sympathetic concern.

FRIDAY 24. Matthew 15:21–28 Gentile, woman and nuisance

Lord Jesus, reconciling Saviour:
Many of my non-Christian friends cannot believe that such universal compassion as yours exists, or they cannot believe it embraces them;
Many of my Christian friends somehow do not give the impression of such free and boundless love—and perhaps I am among them.
Grant us such a change of heart, such a transformation of attitude, such a kindling of sympathy and divine joy that its radiance and heat shall warm all those around, and enable them to draw closer to the fire from the bleak coldness of an indifferent world.
Amen

SATURDAY 25. Luke 23:32–43 Remember me!

As these days of Lent progress we shall be drawing nearer to the cross and the whole sorrow of Calvary. But today we look at the cross of penitence, where anguish was being transformed into dying glory, where midnight was moving into an undreamed of dawn.

There is the possibility of repentance and new life for anyone, whatever they may have done. Will you undertake to pray for those who have been condemned, convicted, imprisoned as perpetrators of evil?

COMING UP

Next week: Jesus, the man who is God.

Sunday 26 March at St Matthew’s:

10.30 All age worship

6.30 Holy communion with a sermon—I am the bread of life

Readings: John 6:1–15, 25–66