The Daily Devotional is going to take a "summer vacation". Please refer to the Forward Day by Day for today's meditation.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 21: 20-28
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Reflection
The Whole Earth’s A Waiting Room by Joseph T. Nolan
We wait – all day long,
For planes and buses,
For dates and appointments,
For five o’clock and Friday.
Some of us wait for a Second Coming.
For God in a whirlwind.
Paratrooper Christ.
All around us people are waiting:
A child, for attention;
A spouse, for conversation;
A parent, for a letter or call.
The prisoner waits for freedom;
And the exile, to come home.
The hungry, for food;
And the lonely, for a friend.
The whole earth’s a waiting room!
“The Savior will see you now”
Is what we expect to hear at the end.
Maybe we should raise our expectations.
The Savior might see us now
If we know how to find him.
Could it be that Jesus, too, is waiting
For us to know he is around?
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 21: 20-28
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Reflection
The Whole Earth’s A Waiting Room by Joseph T. Nolan
We wait – all day long,
For planes and buses,
For dates and appointments,
For five o’clock and Friday.
Some of us wait for a Second Coming.
For God in a whirlwind.
Paratrooper Christ.
All around us people are waiting:
A child, for attention;
A spouse, for conversation;
A parent, for a letter or call.
The prisoner waits for freedom;
And the exile, to come home.
The hungry, for food;
And the lonely, for a friend.
The whole earth’s a waiting room!
“The Savior will see you now”
Is what we expect to hear at the end.
Maybe we should raise our expectations.
The Savior might see us now
If we know how to find him.
Could it be that Jesus, too, is waiting
For us to know he is around?
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Friday, June 19, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 21:5-19
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Reflection
From “Reaching Out” by Henri J. M. Nouwen
Only by denying the world can you live in it, that only by surrounding yourself by an artificial, self-induced quietude can you live in a spiritual life. A real spiritual life does exactly the opposite: it makes us so alert and aware of the world around us, that all that is and happens becomes part of our contemplation and meditation and invites us to a free and fearless response.
By Thomas a Kempis
Grant me, O Lord, to know what I ought to know;
To love what I ought to love,
To praise what delights thee most,
To value what is precious in thy sight,
To hate what is offensive to thee.
Do not suffer me to judge according to the sight of my own eyes,
Nor to pass sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men;
But to discern with a true judgment between things visible and spiritual,
And above all, always to inquire what is the good pleasure of thy will.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 21:5-19
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Reflection
From “Reaching Out” by Henri J. M. Nouwen
Only by denying the world can you live in it, that only by surrounding yourself by an artificial, self-induced quietude can you live in a spiritual life. A real spiritual life does exactly the opposite: it makes us so alert and aware of the world around us, that all that is and happens becomes part of our contemplation and meditation and invites us to a free and fearless response.
By Thomas a Kempis
Grant me, O Lord, to know what I ought to know;
To love what I ought to love,
To praise what delights thee most,
To value what is precious in thy sight,
To hate what is offensive to thee.
Do not suffer me to judge according to the sight of my own eyes,
Nor to pass sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men;
But to discern with a true judgment between things visible and spiritual,
And above all, always to inquire what is the good pleasure of thy will.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:41 - 21:4
41 Then he said to them, "How can they say that the Messiah is David's son? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms, "The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, 43 until I make your enemies your footstool." ' 44 David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?" 45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, 46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
Reflection
Luke Timothy Johnson writes that the “Kingdom of God is new with the newness of God’s own life; it is…hope of eternal life for all humans….this kingdom is symbolized by the widow, who though left all alone in human terms, is not only herself alive but capable of giving life by sharing ‘all her living’ with others.
Mother Teresa guides with “Let us not be satisfied with just giving money; money is not enough, for money one can get. The poor need our hands to serve them; they need our hearts to love them. The religion of Christ is love, the spreading of love.”
Jan M. Griswold writes:
Help me, Lord, to reach out to-
The lonely, who might respond with suspicion or laughter
Or even downright hatred at my efforts;
The dirty, who have insufficient means to be clean;
The lazy, who appear content to let others provide for them;
The discarded, forgotten, unloved-
All, Lord, make up this aching, hurting river of humanity
Around my world and in your world.
Help me, Lord, to reach out and love.
To give much, and expect little,
To bear complaining but not complain,
To guard my tongue, and not blame,
So that in all things I will become more like you.
Priscilla Hillis writes:
I used to run afraid of love’s strong power
Afraid of being overwhelmed, undone.
Until one day – one terrifying hour
I stopped and turned and faced the burning one.
Then slowly his great arms went tight around me.
I do not know how I could’ve been afraid
Of all he offered when he found me.
Overwhelmed – undone – remade.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:41 - 21:4
41 Then he said to them, "How can they say that the Messiah is David's son? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms, "The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, 43 until I make your enemies your footstool." ' 44 David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?" 45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, 46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
Reflection
Luke Timothy Johnson writes that the “Kingdom of God is new with the newness of God’s own life; it is…hope of eternal life for all humans….this kingdom is symbolized by the widow, who though left all alone in human terms, is not only herself alive but capable of giving life by sharing ‘all her living’ with others.
Mother Teresa guides with “Let us not be satisfied with just giving money; money is not enough, for money one can get. The poor need our hands to serve them; they need our hearts to love them. The religion of Christ is love, the spreading of love.”
Jan M. Griswold writes:
Help me, Lord, to reach out to-
The lonely, who might respond with suspicion or laughter
Or even downright hatred at my efforts;
The dirty, who have insufficient means to be clean;
The lazy, who appear content to let others provide for them;
The discarded, forgotten, unloved-
All, Lord, make up this aching, hurting river of humanity
Around my world and in your world.
Help me, Lord, to reach out and love.
To give much, and expect little,
To bear complaining but not complain,
To guard my tongue, and not blame,
So that in all things I will become more like you.
Priscilla Hillis writes:
I used to run afraid of love’s strong power
Afraid of being overwhelmed, undone.
Until one day – one terrifying hour
I stopped and turned and faced the burning one.
Then slowly his great arms went tight around me.
I do not know how I could’ve been afraid
Of all he offered when he found me.
Overwhelmed – undone – remade.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:27-40
7 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man F168 shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." 34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."
39 Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." 40 For they no longer dared to ask him another question.
Reflection
God Gives Us A Future by Elizabeth J. Smith
God gives us a future,
Daring us to go
Into dreams and dangers
On a path unknown.
We will face tomorrow
In the Spirit’s power,
We will let God change us,
For new life starts now.
We must leave behind us
Sins of yesterday,
For God’s new beginning
Is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit
Must not hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight,
And the strength we lack.
Holy Spirit, teach us
How to read the signs,
How to meet the challenge
Of our troubled times.
Love us into action,
Stir us into prayer,
Till we choose God’s life, and
Find our future there.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:27-40
7 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man F168 shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." 34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."
39 Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." 40 For they no longer dared to ask him another question.
Reflection
God Gives Us A Future by Elizabeth J. Smith
God gives us a future,
Daring us to go
Into dreams and dangers
On a path unknown.
We will face tomorrow
In the Spirit’s power,
We will let God change us,
For new life starts now.
We must leave behind us
Sins of yesterday,
For God’s new beginning
Is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit
Must not hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight,
And the strength we lack.
Holy Spirit, teach us
How to read the signs,
How to meet the challenge
Of our troubled times.
Love us into action,
Stir us into prayer,
Till we choose God’s life, and
Find our future there.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:19-26
19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21 So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 23 But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24 "Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?" They said, "The emperor's." 25 He said to them, "Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.
Reflection
Crowds of people are responding favorably toward Jesus and can be seen as a cushion protecting Jesus from hostile opponents. The opponents are trying to lead Jesus into comments that could constitute not so much religious heresy but political treason and be grounds, even in front of the crowds, to seize him. There is more to see here than that Jesus was very insightful into the political implications of his answer and outwitted his opponents. Issues here are decisions, priorities, and loyalties.
Jesus is teaching about the kingdom of God. God owns all things and all things are to be given back to God. When loving God with all the heart, soul, mind and strength, rulers can be gifts of God and giving to Caesar can be giving back to God. God gives life and raises the dead to life with equal ease. And, children of the resurrection, children of God, share God’s life with hope that is not limited to earthly emphasis on lineage and property. The kingdom of God is new with the hope of eternal life for all persons.
Thomas Merton in New Seeds of Contemplation explains that “Everything That Is, Is Holy….There is no evil in anything created by God, nor can anything of His become an obstacle to our union with Him. The obstacle is in our ‘self,’ that is to say in the tenacious need to maintain our separate, external, egotistic will….In His love we possess all things and enjoy fruition of them, finding Him in them all….Until we love God perfectly, everything in the world will be able to hurt us.”
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:19-26
19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21 So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 23 But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24 "Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?" They said, "The emperor's." 25 He said to them, "Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.
Reflection
Crowds of people are responding favorably toward Jesus and can be seen as a cushion protecting Jesus from hostile opponents. The opponents are trying to lead Jesus into comments that could constitute not so much religious heresy but political treason and be grounds, even in front of the crowds, to seize him. There is more to see here than that Jesus was very insightful into the political implications of his answer and outwitted his opponents. Issues here are decisions, priorities, and loyalties.
Jesus is teaching about the kingdom of God. God owns all things and all things are to be given back to God. When loving God with all the heart, soul, mind and strength, rulers can be gifts of God and giving to Caesar can be giving back to God. God gives life and raises the dead to life with equal ease. And, children of the resurrection, children of God, share God’s life with hope that is not limited to earthly emphasis on lineage and property. The kingdom of God is new with the hope of eternal life for all persons.
Thomas Merton in New Seeds of Contemplation explains that “Everything That Is, Is Holy….There is no evil in anything created by God, nor can anything of His become an obstacle to our union with Him. The obstacle is in our ‘self,’ that is to say in the tenacious need to maintain our separate, external, egotistic will….In His love we possess all things and enjoy fruition of them, finding Him in them all….Until we love God perfectly, everything in the world will be able to hurt us.”
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Monday, June 15, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:9-19
9 He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12 And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, "What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, "This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" 17 But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." 19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
Reflection
From “Gathering the Fragments” by Edward J. Farrell
Reverence has something to do with holiness and wholeness. It is a word ordinarily ascribed to God alone. When we speak about reverence in regard to ourselves we speak of the holiness of our relationship with God. This wholeness, this holiness, is given to us not because we are without sin, but in spite of our sin. We have to believe that God loves us so much that even though we are sinners we are holy. And we are holy in a way that we give holiness to others. We have been loved so much that there is enough left over to give to others. Love enables us to see into the depths of other people’s lives. This inner stream of God’s love, like running water, always refreshes us so that we might offer a cup to others.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 20:9-19
9 He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12 And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, "What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, "This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" 17 But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." 19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
Reflection
From “Gathering the Fragments” by Edward J. Farrell
Reverence has something to do with holiness and wholeness. It is a word ordinarily ascribed to God alone. When we speak about reverence in regard to ourselves we speak of the holiness of our relationship with God. This wholeness, this holiness, is given to us not because we are without sin, but in spite of our sin. We have to believe that God loves us so much that even though we are sinners we are holy. And we are holy in a way that we give holiness to others. We have been loved so much that there is enough left over to give to others. Love enables us to see into the depths of other people’s lives. This inner stream of God’s love, like running water, always refreshes us so that we might offer a cup to others.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of your, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Matt. 18: 1-14
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes! 8 "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire. 10 "Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Reflection
From “Praying Our Goodbyes” by Joyce Rupp
One author speaks of an “existential loneliness” that permeates every human spirit, a kind of unnamed pain inside, deep within us, a restlessness, an anxiety, a sense of “all aloneness” that calls out to us. I prefer to name it an “existential ache.” It is a persistent longing in us and it happens because we are human. It is as strongly present in us as autumn is present in the cycle of the seasons. I believe that this ache is within us because we are composed of both physical and spiritual dimensions. Our body belongs to the earth but our spirit does not. Our final home is not here, although “here” is where we are meant to be transformed by treasuring, reverencing and growing through our human journey. No matter how good the “good earth” is, there is always a part of us that is yearning, longing, quietly crying out for the true homeland where life is no longer difficult or unfair.
Blessing,
Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of your, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Matt. 18: 1-14
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes! 8 "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire. 10 "Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Reflection
From “Praying Our Goodbyes” by Joyce Rupp
One author speaks of an “existential loneliness” that permeates every human spirit, a kind of unnamed pain inside, deep within us, a restlessness, an anxiety, a sense of “all aloneness” that calls out to us. I prefer to name it an “existential ache.” It is a persistent longing in us and it happens because we are human. It is as strongly present in us as autumn is present in the cycle of the seasons. I believe that this ache is within us because we are composed of both physical and spiritual dimensions. Our body belongs to the earth but our spirit does not. Our final home is not here, although “here” is where we are meant to be transformed by treasuring, reverencing and growing through our human journey. No matter how good the “good earth” is, there is always a part of us that is yearning, longing, quietly crying out for the true homeland where life is no longer difficult or unfair.
Blessing,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 18:15-30
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20 You know the commandments: "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.' " 21 He replied, "I have kept all these since my youth." 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 23 But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." 26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" 27 He replied, "What is impossible for mortals is possible for God." 28 Then Peter said, "Look, we have left our homes and followed you." 29 And he said to them, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."
Reflection
"Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
Watching children play, observing children exploring "the kingdom of God" is a most delightful way to have the eyes of one's spirit opened to the richness of this "kingdom" in which we are living. (Remember: God's kingdom, His realm, His habitation is all of creation!)
Some very recent examples of the wonders of "the kingdom of God" that I've learned, or re-learned, recently:
The miracle of seeds planted and the excited wonder in a child's eyes when those tiny possibilities of new life suddenly pop through the surface of the dirt in which they have been planted. And the endless trips outside to be sure the watermelon plants are still growing. The expectant anticipation for the day when the baby plants will join their larger "cousins" in the "big" garden. And the absolute trust that these seed/plants will produce large, beautiful watermelons! Faith!
The mystery of creation as seen through the eyes of a child patiently and carefully searching for and collecting "roly-poly" bugs. And not only collecting them, but naming each one! Not only naming them but showing deep concern when one, Susie Johnson by name, seems to have gotten lost in the host of others rolling around in the paper cup. This little child was quite sincere in her caring for these littlest and most insignificant of the kingdom's "critters". And I remember the promise: "He calls us all by name"!
Children, when they know they are loved and cared for, are free to explore, to enjoy, to delight in life. We are all children in the eyes and heart of God. We are all loved and cared for in this kingdom of God. We are all free to explore, to enjoy, to delight in life. First we must "receive the kingdom of God as a little child!" And once we "receive", we share this incredible kingdom, this life-giving love.
thoughts of a fellow-traveler - DMc
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 18:15-30
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20 You know the commandments: "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.' " 21 He replied, "I have kept all these since my youth." 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 23 But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." 26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" 27 He replied, "What is impossible for mortals is possible for God." 28 Then Peter said, "Look, we have left our homes and followed you." 29 And he said to them, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."
Reflection
"Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
Watching children play, observing children exploring "the kingdom of God" is a most delightful way to have the eyes of one's spirit opened to the richness of this "kingdom" in which we are living. (Remember: God's kingdom, His realm, His habitation is all of creation!)
Some very recent examples of the wonders of "the kingdom of God" that I've learned, or re-learned, recently:
The miracle of seeds planted and the excited wonder in a child's eyes when those tiny possibilities of new life suddenly pop through the surface of the dirt in which they have been planted. And the endless trips outside to be sure the watermelon plants are still growing. The expectant anticipation for the day when the baby plants will join their larger "cousins" in the "big" garden. And the absolute trust that these seed/plants will produce large, beautiful watermelons! Faith!
The mystery of creation as seen through the eyes of a child patiently and carefully searching for and collecting "roly-poly" bugs. And not only collecting them, but naming each one! Not only naming them but showing deep concern when one, Susie Johnson by name, seems to have gotten lost in the host of others rolling around in the paper cup. This little child was quite sincere in her caring for these littlest and most insignificant of the kingdom's "critters". And I remember the promise: "He calls us all by name"!
Children, when they know they are loved and cared for, are free to explore, to enjoy, to delight in life. We are all children in the eyes and heart of God. We are all loved and cared for in this kingdom of God. We are all free to explore, to enjoy, to delight in life. First we must "receive the kingdom of God as a little child!" And once we "receive", we share this incredible kingdom, this life-giving love.
thoughts of a fellow-traveler - DMc
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day,Luke 18:1-8
1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, "Grant me justice against my opponent.' 4 For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, "Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.' " 6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Reflection
Today's gospel reading is a parable-puzzle about the need to "pray continually and never lose heart". (New Jerusalem Bible translation) It strikes me as somewhat disrespectful to compare God's response to the prayers and pleadings of His people with the self-centered egotistical judge in this reading. To make the comparison even more ridiculous, the NJB translation of verses 4b-5 reads: "Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person, I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." How silly for this judge to fear being slapped in the face by a nagging widow!
But wait! Jesus sets us straight, or tries to, when he instructs us to listen to what the "unjust judge" says. Jesus is leading us to consider this: unlike the unjust judge, God doesn't "grant justice" just because we cry out continually, just because we scream and holler, beg and plead, even when we appear to be "pestering" God day and night. The truth and wisdom we learn from Holy Scripture and from the life of Jesus is this: God wants conversation with His creation, with His people. When our side of the conversation - our prayers - seems to consist mostly of wants and needs, pleadings and promises, moans and groans, God listens. And God waits until we are ready to listen to God's side of the conversation! The more we listen, the more we receive God's answers and directions, the more ready we will be to answer the Son of Man's question in today's last verse: "And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
"Lord, open my heart and mind to hear Your side of the Divine Conversation! I pray that You will find faith bright, shiny and openly evident in my life. Jesus promises!"
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day,Luke 18:1-8
1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, "Grant me justice against my opponent.' 4 For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, "Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.' " 6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Reflection
Today's gospel reading is a parable-puzzle about the need to "pray continually and never lose heart". (New Jerusalem Bible translation) It strikes me as somewhat disrespectful to compare God's response to the prayers and pleadings of His people with the self-centered egotistical judge in this reading. To make the comparison even more ridiculous, the NJB translation of verses 4b-5 reads: "Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person, I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." How silly for this judge to fear being slapped in the face by a nagging widow!
But wait! Jesus sets us straight, or tries to, when he instructs us to listen to what the "unjust judge" says. Jesus is leading us to consider this: unlike the unjust judge, God doesn't "grant justice" just because we cry out continually, just because we scream and holler, beg and plead, even when we appear to be "pestering" God day and night. The truth and wisdom we learn from Holy Scripture and from the life of Jesus is this: God wants conversation with His creation, with His people. When our side of the conversation - our prayers - seems to consist mostly of wants and needs, pleadings and promises, moans and groans, God listens. And God waits until we are ready to listen to God's side of the conversation! The more we listen, the more we receive God's answers and directions, the more ready we will be to answer the Son of Man's question in today's last verse: "And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
"Lord, open my heart and mind to hear Your side of the Divine Conversation! I pray that You will find faith bright, shiny and openly evident in my life. Jesus promises!"
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all asssaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 17:20-37
20 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, "Look, here it is!' or "There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you." 22 Then he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 They will say to you, "Look there!' or "Look here!' Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation. 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking, and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day that Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed all of them 30 —it will be like that on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, anyone on the housetop who has belongings in the house must not come down to take them away; and likewise anyone in the field must not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken and the other left." 37 Then they asked him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."
Reflection
Once upon a time, when I was more curious than wise, a most unusual experience jolted me to begin a new faith-journey direction. Tired after a busy day of caring for young children, a garden and routine household chores, I plopped into bed and was just "settling my brain for a long summer's sleep" (to rephrase a familiar phrase!) when I was startled to semi-consciousness by "the trumpet sound announcing the END TIMES!" At least that's what I thought I was hearing. In a panic to be sure I was not one of the unfortunate "left-behind folks", I tried to remember what the Bible says about being on the rooftop, being the one taken from the bed, working in the field, grinding grain. Almost as instantly as those thoughts raced through my brain other thoughts took their place: I can't climb up on the roof! My husband is sleeping right here beside me and if anyone deserves to get to heaven, it's him! The children are sound asleep in their beds. If this is "IT" - the "FINAL CALL" - why would sweet, innocent (mostly) children be left behind? And for myself? What else do I have to do to be sure I made the "FINAL CUT"?
It took at most 60 seconds for me to become fully aware of the source of the "trumpet sound": a big truck, driving on the highway one block south of our house, was sounding its loud horn, making a noise which carried easily into our bedroom's south-facing open windows!
Did this give me great and wondrous relief? Somewhat. But mixed with relief was an awareness that I had been given a kind of "wake-up call". Where did I, where would I, look for the kingdom of God? How did I, how would I, live knowing that the kingdom of God truly is with me now, here, right where I live. How willing would I be to live as a "kingdom child"?
And every time I hear an unexpected "trumpet/truck horn" blast, I'm reminded that God's Kingdom is where I live now and forever! Wake up to the wondrous miracles God is eagerly waiting to work through you!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all asssaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 17:20-37
20 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, "Look, here it is!' or "There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you." 22 Then he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 They will say to you, "Look there!' or "Look here!' Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation. 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking, and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day that Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed all of them 30 —it will be like that on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, anyone on the housetop who has belongings in the house must not come down to take them away; and likewise anyone in the field must not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken and the other left." 37 Then they asked him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."
Reflection
Once upon a time, when I was more curious than wise, a most unusual experience jolted me to begin a new faith-journey direction. Tired after a busy day of caring for young children, a garden and routine household chores, I plopped into bed and was just "settling my brain for a long summer's sleep" (to rephrase a familiar phrase!) when I was startled to semi-consciousness by "the trumpet sound announcing the END TIMES!" At least that's what I thought I was hearing. In a panic to be sure I was not one of the unfortunate "left-behind folks", I tried to remember what the Bible says about being on the rooftop, being the one taken from the bed, working in the field, grinding grain. Almost as instantly as those thoughts raced through my brain other thoughts took their place: I can't climb up on the roof! My husband is sleeping right here beside me and if anyone deserves to get to heaven, it's him! The children are sound asleep in their beds. If this is "IT" - the "FINAL CALL" - why would sweet, innocent (mostly) children be left behind? And for myself? What else do I have to do to be sure I made the "FINAL CUT"?
It took at most 60 seconds for me to become fully aware of the source of the "trumpet sound": a big truck, driving on the highway one block south of our house, was sounding its loud horn, making a noise which carried easily into our bedroom's south-facing open windows!
Did this give me great and wondrous relief? Somewhat. But mixed with relief was an awareness that I had been given a kind of "wake-up call". Where did I, where would I, look for the kingdom of God? How did I, how would I, live knowing that the kingdom of God truly is with me now, here, right where I live. How willing would I be to live as a "kingdom child"?
And every time I hear an unexpected "trumpet/truck horn" blast, I'm reminded that God's Kingdom is where I live now and forever! Wake up to the wondrous miracles God is eagerly waiting to work through you!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 17:11-19
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus F154 was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
Reflection
When a baby is born, parents and friends intently study the child trying to determine which parent "wins" the "who does he/she look like" game. Parents, especially with a first child, take countless pictures and send them to family and friends to show what/who the child looks like. Parents, and grandparents too, want everyone to know "this is my child".
We are now in the liturgical season known as Pentecost, a time when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthing of the Church. How do we determine "who" the Church looks like as we celebrate her birthday year after year? What kind of "pictures" will we place in the family album as evidence of our life in this family we call the Church?
The apostle Paul, in 2nd Corinthians 6:3-13, gives us "pictures" from the early Church as he describes "how a Christian looks": "We avoid putting obstacles in anyone's way.....in everything we prove ourselves authentic servants of God." He continues by listing ways in which he proved himself an "authentic servant of God". These include:
1. resolute perseverance in times of hardships, difficulties and distress
2. in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness
3. in the Holy Spirit, in a love free of affectation
4. in the word of truth and in the power of God
(read the entire list in the mentioned passage)
Paul concludes by listing the resulting rewards of the Christian life fully lived: "taken for impostors and yet we are genuine; unknown and yet we are acknowledged; dying, and yet here we are, alive; scourged but not executed; in pain yet always full of joy; poor and yet making many people rich; having nothing, and yet owning everything."
Reading the life-experiences of my distant cousins in the days of the infant Church gives me great pause and urges me to prayerfully consider what my distant cousins in centuries to come will discover about the mid-life crises the Church seems to be living through in this 21st century. Will I be leaving pictures of a compassionate, loving, caring Church? Will the camera lens of my life reflect purity, patience, kindness, a love free of affectation?
Happy Birthday, dear Church!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 17:11-19
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus F154 was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
Reflection
When a baby is born, parents and friends intently study the child trying to determine which parent "wins" the "who does he/she look like" game. Parents, especially with a first child, take countless pictures and send them to family and friends to show what/who the child looks like. Parents, and grandparents too, want everyone to know "this is my child".
We are now in the liturgical season known as Pentecost, a time when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthing of the Church. How do we determine "who" the Church looks like as we celebrate her birthday year after year? What kind of "pictures" will we place in the family album as evidence of our life in this family we call the Church?
The apostle Paul, in 2nd Corinthians 6:3-13, gives us "pictures" from the early Church as he describes "how a Christian looks": "We avoid putting obstacles in anyone's way.....in everything we prove ourselves authentic servants of God." He continues by listing ways in which he proved himself an "authentic servant of God". These include:
1. resolute perseverance in times of hardships, difficulties and distress
2. in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness
3. in the Holy Spirit, in a love free of affectation
4. in the word of truth and in the power of God
(read the entire list in the mentioned passage)
Paul concludes by listing the resulting rewards of the Christian life fully lived: "taken for impostors and yet we are genuine; unknown and yet we are acknowledged; dying, and yet here we are, alive; scourged but not executed; in pain yet always full of joy; poor and yet making many people rich; having nothing, and yet owning everything."
Reading the life-experiences of my distant cousins in the days of the infant Church gives me great pause and urges me to prayerfully consider what my distant cousins in centuries to come will discover about the mid-life crises the Church seems to be living through in this 21st century. Will I be leaving pictures of a compassionate, loving, caring Church? Will the camera lens of my life reflect purity, patience, kindness, a love free of affectation?
Happy Birthday, dear Church!
thoughts of a fellow traveler - DMc
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