Monday: Esther 7:1-10Tuesday: Esther 9:20-28Wednesday: Psalm 124Thursday: James 5:1-11Friday: James 5:12-20Saturday: Mark 9:38-41Sunday: Mark 9:42-50
These texts are extreme, but also intriguing. Esther commemorates the history of the festival of Purim, a time Jews were threatened and not only prevailed but exacted revenge on their enemies. Psalm 124 sings of the comfort of the Lord being on our side, suggesting the risk of assuming that we are always in the right. Jesus teaches to accept the good work of those we differ from, and to take extreme measures against parts of ourselves that pull us from God. James may have the wisest word, that we should pray always for one another.