SEPTUAGESIMA – FRIDAY

LESSON: PSALM 25:1-10

He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. Luke 1:52

No one is so high, or will ever reach such a height, of whom it is not to be feared that he could become the lowliest. On the other hand, no one has ever fallen so deeply, or will fall so deeply, that he cannot entertain hopes of becoming the highest.

The reason for these paradoxes is that all merits are set aside, and God’s goodness alone is praised. The first will be last, and the last first.

When God declares that “the first will be last,” He takes away all your presumptions and forbids you to exalt yourself, even above a whore, even if you were Abraham, David, Peter, or Paul. But when He says, “The last will be first,” He bids you cast off all despair and not to regard yourself unfavorably even in comparison with the saints, even though you were Pilate, Herod, or Sodom and Gomorrah.

For just as we have no reason at all for presumption, so also have we no reason for despair.

SL.XI.515,14
AE 76,319

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in your Son and His work of salvation, we have all that we need for our faith and life as your children. Keep far from us all presumption and pride, that we always trust in your mercy and grace alone, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.