Devotion
God-Centered Friendships
Chipo Biti
Jonathan and David's friendship was centered on God, which is probably why it was loving as it was. When David had to flee from Saul's rage, he and Jonathan wept because they were not sure if they would ever see each other again. But they wished each other well and went their separate ways. In other circumstances, Saul's rage could have actually had a negative impact on their friendship. Saul was Jonathan's father. The fact that his father wanted to kill his best friend put Jonathan in an awkward position. But he rose above it and chose to do right by his friend.
Choosing to defend David was a very risky choice but Jonathan didn't care. He felt that their friendship was worth defending. When Saul was on the rampage, Jonathan was quick to go to David and inform him of his father's plans. This helped David escape Saul's murderous mission. It broke their heart to see such a situation occur. David held no resentment against Saul. He looked up to Saul. Saul's motives were inspired by jealousy. This is why you should never accommodate jealousy in your heart, it can lead to disastrous consequences.
David and Jonathan looked out for each other. They were concerned for their wellbeing. Jonathan risked his life several times to protect David. Saul would have punished Jonathan severely if he discovered that Jonathan was assisting David. That did not scare Jonathan. To him, his friendship with David was worth the risk.
Prayer
We should strive to have friendships that are just as fulfilling as this one. Friendships like this are not built overnight - and they do not fall from the sky. You need to commit your friendship to God, making Him the center of it so that in everything the two of you do, God is glorified.
That is a friendship worth having.
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...
