Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, July 21, 2021
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Guilt is a thing. There are all kinds of jokes about Catholic guilt. But other denominations generate their share. And it spills over into all areas of life. Maybe a silly example: even though I could have gone to the university at which my father taught at no cost to our family, my parents encouraged me to go where I wanted, so I went a thousand miles from home to a small liberal arts college and my parents racked up debt for me to do it. (In fact, all three of my siblings did likewise). In my late 20s, I went through a period of intense guilt for the sacrifices they’d made (their financial situation wasn’t great) so that I could get a degree I wasn’t even using. I was in no position to pay them back (nor would they have accepted it.)
Okay, it’s hardly Paul languishing in prison for the gospel, but when people sacrifice for us, even willingly and happily, we can feel guilty. But self-sacrifice based in love for the true benefit of others can be its own reward. It was so important to Paul that the Ephesians receive the benefit of the gospel that being imprisoned for it was a small price to pay.
Today there are lots of people who protest and go to jail on behalf of others. Who give up personal prestige or wealth or other freedoms or advantages so that others can flourish. As parents, so many of us would happily sacrifice to see our children well-adjusted and functional. This is what God calls us to every day.
God, who gave everything in Christ Jesus for the benefit of the world, did so freely. No guilt required.
Does my faith bring up feelings of guilt? My upbringing?
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