Wednesday in Lent 1

Then Judah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.’ And his brothers agreed. (Genesis 37:26-27)

You may recall that Judah is not Jacob’s firstborn son, but this tale explains how the tribe of Judah came to rule over the Israelites. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Even so, among murderous brothers the one who sells into slavery is a nice guy.

Can you imagine doing family counseling for any of the folks in Genesis? Lord, have mercy!

Might, just maybe, the fact that we all follow this crucified Lord be a good starting point for getting along with each other in the Anglican Communion?

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ (Mark 1:40-41)

Jesus' approach to the outcast is notable. 'Nuff said.

Bless us, O God, in this holy season, in which our hearts seek your help and healing; and so purify us by your discipline that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
--the BB