That we may see your goodness in the land of the living
I’m not perfect, nowhere even close to it, but I do try very hard to always look for, to always find, some good in everyone. Of course, some people make that easier to do than others. I do try very hard to always give people a second chance, and third, fourth, fifth, as many chances as people need. I know some people do abuse my giving as many chances as they need — I’ve been accused of naivety on many occasions, and will probably continue to put myself in the same position.
Like I said, though, I’m not perfect, and do get it completely wrong sometimes. I do find myself getting irritated with people, and impatient with people, just as most of us do. And I know, sometimes I expect too much of people, more than they’re willing or able to give. But when I catch myself doing it, I try to put it right straight away, most of the time.
I like the first “me” much more than the second. He’s a much nicer “me” to live with. I try to let these words from Matthew’s Gospel be my guide:
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35-40)
I wish I could say I always get it right, but, as I said at the beginning of this post, I’m nowhere near perfect. I get too easily distracted, and just forget sometimes. But those are the “ideals” I aim for. That is one of the ways I try to see God’s goodness in the land of the living.
God, our light and our salvation:
illuminate our lives,
that we may see your goodness in the land of the living,
and looking on your beauty
may be changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Additional Collect for The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
is Copyright © The Archbishops Council
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