[Download a pdf of this entry along with a printable journal page for today HERE.]
40 DAYS OF LENT: DAY #4
WORD OF TODAY: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV)
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:
There are two sides of this Scripture that we might consider today. First, we might consider the perspective of St. Paul and his companions. They are the ones who have devoted their lives to Christ, and Christ has called them to be ambassadors of His Gospel (the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ). Are you called to serve as an ambassador? Hear the heart’s cry from the words of the Apostle as he writes “We implore you....”. In the old English we would say “We beseech you”, which means to strongly appeal, or beg. Do you speak with such conviction and concern for those you serve? It could be family, friends, coworkers, or even a stranger. Consider how this simple account reflects the command upon us all to love one’s neighbor.
The second viewpoint, the perspective from the other side (that being the side of the Corinthians), brings about the question “do we know that we are loved this much?” Who has shown you such love that they might beg you to be reconciled to God? Consider today in your almsgiving how you might be the love of Christ as St. Paul and his companions were to the people in Corinth.
Finally, consider how the Christian walk embodies both the proclamation and the reception of God’s love. Are you open today to give God’s love? Are you open today to receive God’s love?