Remember to Change
/November 12, 2018
Scripture
““Abraham answered, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets to tell them the score. Let them listen to them.’ “‘I know, Father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but they’re not listening. If someone came back to them from the dead, they would change their ways.’ “Abraham replied, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, they’re not going to be convinced by someone who rises from the dead.’”” (Luke 15:28-29,31-31 MSG)
Remember to Change
His eyes welled up with tears at the memory of the ringing of the bells throughout town. Mr. Marshall was an old harness maker, a child in 1918. But the memory of the joy at the end of the “war to end all wars” still brought tears to his eyes when we spoke decades ago.
Yet the joy was short-lived because resentment at the peace agreement fueled the beginnings of the second world war barely twenty years later.
This past weekend we were reminded to consider past wars, the deaths and destruction caused and experienced by all sides. But remembering is one thing, changing our behaviour is another.
I can easily resort to destructive behaviour even though I remember it was fruitless before – I need more than memory to change my ways. The sacrificial love of God which we remember in the Eucharist calls and empowers us to change our ways.
A Prayer for Today
Patient God you know how easily I forget past lessons and repeat old mistakes. In this week that began with Remembrance Day, remind me of your generous and sacrificial love. Dwell in us and empower us with this same spirit…. For Jesus sake
