Devotion
The good, the bad and the ugly
David Jacobs
So many things have changed in our lives with the vast advancements in technology. Social media is one example of something that is now so commonplace that it is hard to remember what life was like before it. A constant barrage of pictures and videos keeps us up to date with what is going on with our friends, but the desire to be liked and noticed can lead some to neglect what is true or good just for a little social media attention. I have seen and commented on images and articles that I feel are inappropriate or untrue. This secular desire to be liked at all costs can lead to evil and away from good. When you think about it on an individual level, it is sad, but when you consider the dangers on an organizational and business level, it is truly dangerous.
It is not all so bleak. We can change our own behaviors for the better and lead by example. We have the tools to arm ourselves with truth, love, and that which is good. Do not spread evil and hate; spread love, kindness, and equality. I see so many people on social media glorifying celebrities and quoting things with an evil message. How often do we quote God's word? How often do you see the teachings of Christ displayed on social media? Luckily, we have our own avenues to share this love and kindness with each other. If we continue to read these verses, share them, and act as they explain, the world will be a bit brighter.
Prayer
On this day of Visitation, take some time to share a passage or passage that is important to you with friends. Like the Virgin Mary, your words alone can make a great impact on those that hear them, and you and those around you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you are not aware of this holy day, Read Luke 1:39-47, the story of the Visitation. Read and meditate on the words, and share them with people that may need it.
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...
