Daily Reading
Reflection
What does it mean to lay down one's life for another? Maximillian Kolbe was a Franciscan Priest and Doctor of Theology who had dedicated his life to the study of Scripture and service. In 1941, the Gestapo arrested Father Kolbe and sent him to Auschwitz. Nazis soldiers daily tortured and executed randomly-chosen prisoners. On one occasion, Father Kolbe witnessed them choose a married man and watched as he begged for his life for the sake of his children; Father Kolbe stepped forward and offered to take his place. The Nazis guards accepted Kolbe's offer, tortured him with two weeks of starvation, and executed him by lethal injection. The other man lived to tell of Kolbe's sacrifice.
The power of this testimony lies not only in Father Kolbe's actions, but in the transformational reality of a man who gave his life for him, Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered and died on a cross. And through this incredibly intentional and personal act, Jesus took on guilt and sin that was not his own. Jesus stepped forward and took our place. Mine and yours. He chose to sacrifice his life for ours and it is this act that enabled Father Kolbe to give his life for another.
Christ's crucifixion redefines love. Love is about sacrifice and grace. Through Jesus' death, we are given life and given the opportunity to live a life of sacrifice. We are given the freedom to love radically. As you consider the crucifixion, consider what Jesus gave up on your behalf. How are you motivated to love another this Lenten season?
God of Love, give us a deeper understanding of what the crucifixion means for us. Let us experience your love in a new way. Through your sacrifice, may we be motivated to love deeply and radically.
Daily Worship Resources
Daily Office Readings come from the Book of Common Prayer, a schedule of daily Bible reading that accords with the Church year. These readings are great worship resources for personal, family, or group use. Use it along with your City Church Worship Folder as a resource for readings, prayers, and hymns.
Printable Devotion