Tuesday; March 18, 2014
For the Sake of Change, Not Punishment.
The Isaiah passage has the promise that even though we have sins as red as scarlet, God will make them whiter than snow. That must have inspired the old time hymn.
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain: Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Just before that promise in Isaiah, there are words from God that hold us to high standards of social justice and care for the oppressed and marginalized. In the Matthew passage Jesus calls us to a life of humility. These are, for me at least, easy words to nod my head yes to and hard words to live by.
Rohr’s closing prayer is one that I should pray often: “Humble God, make us like you. You do not lord it over us, but wait patiently for us to change. May we do the same with our brothers and sisters on the journey.”
Quote from Rohr, Richard (2010-12-27). Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent (p. 49). St. Anthony Messenger Press. Kindle Edition.
