"For the Law was given through Moses;
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
John 1:17

Let's think about grace in a new way

We use grace to describe many things in life: a well-coordinated athlete or dancer; good manners and being considerate of others; beautiful, well-chosen words; consideration and care for other people; various expressions of kindness and mercy.

Those examples remind me of Christ. What a perfect illustration of grace! Think of several examples. He stood alongside a woman caught in adultery. The Law clearly stated, "Stone her." The grace killers who set her up demanded the same. Yet He said to those self-righteous Pharisees, "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone." What grace!...

When He told stories, grace was a favorite theme. He employed a gracious style in handling children. He spoke of the Prodigal Son in grace. As He told stories of people who were caught in helpless situations, grace abounded...as with the Good Samaritan. And instead of extolling the religious official who spoke of how proud God must be to have him in His family, Christ smiled with favor on the unnamed sinner who said "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Even from the cross He refused to be angry toward His enemies. Remember His prayer? "Father, forgive them..." No resentment, no bitterness. Amazing, this grace! Remarkable, the freedom and release it brought. And it came in full force from the only One on earth who had unlimited power, the Son of God.

My plea is that we not limit it to Him. We, too, can learn to be gracious as He. And since we can, we must...not only in our words and in great acts of compassion and understanding but in small ways as well.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound...

With a thankful heart praise God for giving us His Word,
which testifies of Jesus Christ as the only Savior. Amen

Contributed by Melanie H.
Published Monday September 22, 2003
Week 43 of Liturgical Year B