To Spread the Fragrance--Feb. 27, 2019

[From Feb. 23, 2011 archive; adapted from my Feb. 21, 2001 journal]

All flesh must come to you to ask forgiveness.

Who has not been angry with a brother or sister?

Who has not insulted them, or called them “fool”?

Our deeds of iniquity include these and far worse.

Yet in Christ you lead us in triumphal procession.

Wherever we are, grant that we may spread the

fragrance that accompanies knowledge of him;

and teach us in his name to befriend the alien.

Lectionary Readings 

Ps. 65; 147:7-11; 125; 91

Ruth 2:1-13

2 Cor. 1:23-2:17

Matt. 5:21-26

Selected Verses 

Ps. 65:2a-3

To you all flesh shall come.

When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,

            you forgive our transgressions.

Ruth 2:10

Then [Ruth] fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to [Boaz], “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner”?

2 Cor. 2:14

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him.

Matt. 5:22

“…But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say ‘You fool,’

you will be liable to the hell of fire.  …” [Jesus to the crowds]