THURSDAY, MARCH 7

They walked in their own counsels, and looked backward rather than forward. ~ Jeremiah 7:24b

The Bible provides a fascinating perspective on the moral significance of memory. Time and again, God reminds the people of Israel of their deliverance from Egyptian enslavement, underscoring the ethical significance of this experience. The memory of liberation is meant to inspire Israel to act justly, drawing from their experience and lessons of their past suffering and redemption.

However, in today’s passage from Jeremiah, God rebukes the people for fixating on their past and neglecting the potential of the future. They have become ensnared in the spiritual pitfall of nostalgia, as if they’ve forgotten to “remember the future,” as my spiritual director aptly puts it. Remembering the future recognizes that each new day brings fresh opportunities and that life’s most significant moments are not confined to the past. It is a call to embrace the notion that new possibilities are ever-present, urging us to craft innovative paths for the days ahead. In essence, this perspective assigns moral weight to the future, affirming that God’s vision of freedom and abundance awaits realization in the days ahead. In this way, the future carries as much moral responsibility as our past, urging us to actively shape it in alignment with a greater purpose.

Today’s readings

• Jeremiah 7:23–28

• Luke 11:14–23

• Psalm 95:6–11

How can we both cherish the lessons of our past experiences while remembering to build a more just and hopeful future?

More resources can be found at Episcopal Relief & Development

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to

abolish but to fulfill. ~ Matthew 5:17

I recently toured Barcelona’s medieval synagogue in the city’s Jewish quarter on El Call street. This synagogue likely stood on the same grounds as the one used by the Roman-era Jewish community. Archaeological excavations have uncovered Roman stones featuring Hebrew numerals for 18, a number symbolizing

hope for protection from Roman authorities.

As a Christian, visiting such sites is a complex experience; historical danger often stemmed from Christians themselves. Our guide recounted medieval pogroms, the unjust blame Christians placed on the Jewish community for the Black Plague and the long history of Christian persecution against Jews, including the horrors of the Inquisition. This highlights the importance of today’s reading: a reminder

that Jesus himself was Jewish and of the importance of the continuity of our traditions. There isn’t a separate God of the Old Testament and the New Testament; early Christianity held a nuanced view of the relationship between grace and law. Unfortunately, much of this continuity has become obscured over the centuries.

I believe we have a responsibility to learn more and repent for Christianity’s historical rejection of Jesus’ Jewish identity, and we must continue to recognize the deep connection between our faith communities.

Today’s readings

• Deuteronomy 4:1–2,5–9

• Matthew 5:17–19

• Psalm 78:1–6

How can we actively promote and strengthen the understanding of the shared

heritage between Christianity and Judaism in our communities and foster mutual

respect and unity?

More resources can be found at Episcopal Relief & Development

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you? ~

Matthew 18:33

In today’s reading, we come across a particularly intense Jesus. He compares forgiveness to a king condemning slaves to torture until they forgive their debtors just

as their own debts have been forgiven.

So much for gentle Jesus, meek and mild.

And yet, perhaps the reason why Jesus’ imagery is so direct and startling is that this is one of his hardest teachings. Or it is for me, anyway. In my mind, I often see a spiritual ledger. On the left side are my debts—my mistakes, faults and sins—which have been met with compassion and grace. I think of friends, family and coworkers who have given me another chance and continued the conversation, even when I didn’t really deserve it. And then, embarrassingly, on the other side of the ledger

are the times when I’ve failed to extend that same measure of compassion and grace

to others.

Although we’ve had our debts forgiven, we are lording over others what is owed to us. Jesus’ message is stark and simple: forgive others’ debts as yours have been forgiven.

Today’s readings

• Song of the Three Young Men 2–4,11–20a

• Matthew 18:21–35

• Psalm 25:3–10

Can we identify moments when we have received grace and compassion?

When have we struggled to extend the same to others?

More resources can be found at Episcopal Relief & Development