Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Promote Inclusion and Accessibility

Bible Reading: Luke 14:13-14

Key verse: V13-14” But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." 

DEVOTION

Jesus's directive to invite those who are often marginalized—such as the poor and disabled—highlights a significant shift from conventional social norms. In a society that typically valued reciprocity and social status, Jesus challenges His followers to extend their hospitality to those who cannot return the favor. This act of inviting the marginalized is not merely an act of charity; it signifies their inherent dignity and worth as individuals deserving of community and fellowship. 
The invitation serves as a foretaste of the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. It was common then, and even today, to invite friends and wealthy neighbours to ensure mutual benefit. However, Jesus teaches that true hospitality involves inviting those who cannot repay, thereby reflecting God's grace and generosity. By emphasizing that the marginalized are welcome at His table, Jesus illustrates that His ministry is fundamentally about breaking down barriers and creating spaces where all individuals can belong, regardless of their social or physical status.  

PRAYER

 Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us the importance of social equality and human dignity. We pray for a world where all people are treated with fairness and respect. May we be your instruments, working to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Amen.
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

True inclusion means embracing ALL, reflecting His grace and love without expecting anything in return.

Reno Ann Cherian
St Stephen’s MTC, New Jersey
 

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more