Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Word
“‘Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’” Matthew 9:13
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Megan Roegner.
The end of every school year is bittersweet, but this year it was especially so. I taught every level of honors English for this year’s graduating seniors, so I had many of the students two, three, or even four whole years in my class. I watched them grow, from wide-eyed freshmen, devastated to see all of the corrections I marked on their essays, to confident young adults who gave me little reason to pull out my metaphorical red pen. As I was saying a teary “See you later” (not goodbye) to some of my special students, I told them what a privilege it is to be a teacher—to have a little bit of time with amazing people, to learn and laugh and sometimes cry together, and then watch them fly off to do amazing things.
While we are focusing on passing by this week, I experience the reverse as a teacher: I am the brief stopping point on other people’s journeys.
When I first started teaching, I thought I had to be tough to be taken seriously. As I grew wiser and more confident, I realized I didn’t have to resist my instincts for kindness and compassion. The greatest joy of my teaching has been having the ability to pour out grace and mercy to my students: to see them when they struggle and not just when they succeed; to demonstrate that when we fall, there are people who are ready to help us back up again; to find them when they are lost and put them back on the path. While many people may believe that mercy is a sign of weakness, in my experience, it comes from strength, and it builds strength. For my students, my passers-by, grace fortifies them for their journeys and helps them endure the challenges they meet along the way.
In Matthew 9:13, Jesus alludes to Hosea 6:6, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” I like the word “steadfast”: there is strength and purpose behind it. Unlike “sacrifice,” which refers to discrete activity, “steadfast love” is a constant way of being. Steadfast love is resolute and unwavering.
One of my professors, who is a leading scholar in the field of character education, introduced me to the Hebrew phrase “tikkun olam” this year. Tikkun olam is commonly translated to mean “repair the world” and most often refers to social activism, but as I think about the people we pass by on the journey (or who pass by us), I also like to remember that “tikkun” can also be translated to mean “make straight.” People’s paths in life are often confusing and crooked, full of danger and missed directions. But steadfast love can straighten out the path for others and ourselves, and keep our eyes on the destination even when much of the journey itself remains unknown.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your limitless grace and mercy. Help my words and actions show the people in my life examples of steadfast love. Amen.
For My Close Christian Community
- For a few close and trusted Christian brothers or sisters. Give me encouragement, accountability, godly counsel, and Christian love through these relationships.
- For a haven of Christian community where I can be loved in Christ, and from that love be sent into the world.
- For honest speech and mutual love and care for one another.
Benediction
May the almighty and merciful God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us. Amen.