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The Forward Day by Day Meditation for June 23, 2022

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THURSDAY, June 23

Romans 5:8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

If there is a heresy with widespread cultural currency, it is Pelagianism. This heresy is the idea that humans are untainted by original sin and that we are capable of choosing good over evil without divine aid. Or, to put it more simply, Pelagianism proposes that our own works can save us.

It’s an appealing idea, and one that at first glance seems to be in contrast to the judgmentalism of a secular culture that constantly tells us that we’re not fit enough, skinny enough, healthy enough, rich enough, or pretty enough. It seems to reflect instead some kind of triumph of the irrepressible human spirit, and what’s not to like about that?

But, if we take the idea that we are capable of making the right choice, always, on our own, to its logical conclusion, then all our failings, betrayals, and sins are our fault alone, not the result of the battle for our hearts waged by the hosts of heaven and the great Adversary.

MOVING FORWARD: Say the Jesus Prayer today: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

PRAY for the Diocese of Malabar (South India)

Ps 105:1-22 * 105:23-45 | Numbers 17:1-11 | Romans 5:1-11 | Matthew 20:17-28