Day 4 of the Great 50 Days: Winners and Losers
Thursday
Level 1 (5 Minutes): Sit quietly for 5 minutes and breathe. Allow your body to absorb God’s insights for you this day.
Level 2 (10 Minutes): After resting for five minutes, read the scripture prayer and highlight words or phrases that interest you.
Adapted from Act 1.21-26: Dear Jesus, The apostles gathered with about 120 people to replace Judas. They said, “’The replacement for Judas must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection.’ Then they nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, ‘You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way.’ They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.’
Help us this day to understand that You do not choose one person because he or she is better, rather you empower whomever you choose. Amen.
Level 3 (15 Minutes): After pausing to breathe and reading scripture write about what you are experiencing and/or learning.
Level 4 (30-45 Minutes): Record your insights or ideas. What in your reading and reflections is helping you to understand what forming a Beloved Community will mean on earth.
When I read this story I wondered how Joseph Barsabbas felt. Was he disappointed? Was he secretly glad not to have to be responsible? Then I think about how we react when we win or lose. Do we place too much emphasis on “winning.”?
What do you think?
Recap Prayer: Dear Lord, Winning is very important in our society. So much so that we try to see where everyone can win-win. Help us to see what we can learn from loss, and help us to be willing to celebrate when others win. Help us to live fully present and aware and willing to love deeply through the power of Your Holy Spirit in us. Amen.
