Devotion
Honoring Each other
Chipo Biti
Jonathan and David had a friendship that was bonded in love. They didn't just see each other as friends, they treated each other as if they were brothers. They were so close with each other the Bible records that they "knit with the soul" which means that they were in one accord. They loved each other like brothers.
When Jonathan died, David could have chosen to overlook the promise that he made. The promise was made between the two of them – no one else knew about it. But the love and appreciation that David had for his friendship with Jonathan would not allow him to forsake that promise.
This friendship continued until Jonathan's tragic death. David was so moved by Jonathan's death, he pledged to take care of anyone who was part of Jonathan's family. When David discovered that Jonathan had a son who was born with a disability, he took him in and treated him like royalty. He remained loyal to the promise that he made. He did not treat Jonathan's son as a lesser person. He made sure that he was as comfortable as possible.
This is the kind of example that we should follow as well, as Christians. When we come across people with disabilities we should treat them with respect. Just because they have a disability, it does not mean that we should treat them like they are not humans. They are people too – with thoughts, feelings, dreams, hopes, and ambitions. They are just like you, except for the disability they have.
In David's time, people with disabilities were treated like non-factors. They were often left to be beggars. The love in David's heart would not allow him to do this. The love in your heart should not allow you to treat anyone like they are less.
Prayer
You should also be mindful to keep your word the way David did – even if other people are not aware of it. That is another form of love that we are to express.
Devotion
Culpability
Frances Taylor
This is an interesting passage because, among other things, it talks about sin and who is considered guilty of sin. Paul is talking about how he has been forgiven, how God has been merciful to him because his actions were committed in unbelief. In order for sin to be committed, one needs to know he is committing it. No one can commit sin in retrospect. Sin is always a deliberate act. This can be hard for some to understand. Actions can be considered sinful, even though the person committing them may not be culpable. For example, lying is a sin. However, is the two year old hiding behind the curtains sinning when he or she claims not to have broken the vase? No, because the child has no understanding of the difference between truth and lie. Those who do not have a relationship with God, who do not know the commandments, who have never heard of Jesus, may commit sinful actions, but are not guilty of sin. This is what Paul claims is his situation. Paul ...
Morning Prayer
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.
Inspiration
When the Lord sent his only Son, he sent also his word. For his body was this very word made flesh. Importantly this was not simply a manifestation of God's word, but also rather an 'animation' of it (meant here in the original Latin as 'animare' –'to instill with life or spirit'), an instance of God's love and divine grace in action, among us.
Prayer
Lord, I am grateful for your mercy in showing us your word made flesh so that we may be redeemed. Further, I am grateful to you for showing us your love and grace through your only begotten son. Let his body not have been torn and broken for no avail, but feed us now in the Eucharist. Let not his blood have...
