Devotion
All for one and one for all
David Jacobs
The other day I read a story about a British marine named Matthew Croucher. Croucher and three other marines were walking through a dangerous area in Afghanistan when he looked down and suddenly realized that he had set off a trip wire that was connected to a grenade. Thinking quickly, he told his squad mates to get down. Acting bravely, he jumped on the grenade and rolled onto his back to cover the grenade with his backpack. The blast flung him through the air, and after gathering his thoughts realized that he had only suffered a nosebleed. He was given the George Cross, the medal for the highest level of bravery, for his sacrifice. His selfless act of bravery saved his fellow marines and his quick thinking also saved his own. I could not read this without being reminded of the most important sacrifice of all.
What is a sacrifice? Thinking of Croucher's story, a sacrifice is restricting or sometimes even submitting to harm for the sake of others. Croucher soberly evaluated the situation, with only 7 seconds to do so, realizing that it was he who tripped the wire. He did not think of himself above others and was willing to die for those around him. Now think about Christ, his teachings and ultimately upon the cross: we were shown a different interpretation of sacrifice. This was an act of love, of generosity. This passage highlights the Lord's desire that we offer our bodies up to the Lord as a sacrifice, not to merely receive his love, but also to give love in return.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example that you sent me with your only begotten Son. Through this gift, you have shown me the purity and light of salvation. Teach me the true meaning of sacrifice so that I may share it with those around me and above all, offer up my own body to thee, O Lord. I wish this with all of my heart that I fully submit to your aims, my Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotion
A Young Witness
Frances Taylor
Paul is giving Timothy both encouragement and instruction. Timothy is obviously young, but he has been chosen to preach. He is told, however, to be a good example of Christianity. Paul knows that the people will be watching him. He is also told to study as well as to encourage and to teach. We have been called to be disciples because of our Baptism. We too must be good examples of the Christianity we proclaim. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, we are expected to imitate Christ in our way of life, in how we show love to one another and by our moral choices. We are also expected to grow in our knowledge of the faith by reading the Scriptures, and to encourage others to be faithful and to teach others by word and example. We should never stop learning! I'm constantly amazed by how much I have forgotten of what I have read. And I am also surprised that a passage I have read many times before now has a different meaning to me. That's because ...
Morning Prayer
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Inspiration
Pride is one of the so called 'seven deadly sins', and with good reason. Arrogance in ones own importance over others is vain, and angers God. There is nothing that may rival Gods heights and power, and yet, he shows no arrogance. No nation, no group, no person is 'number one'. With true faith and love in ones heart, all are equal in the eyes of our Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love for all of us. I know you have made me in your image, so allow me not to choose falsely and fall into arrogance or vanity, but rather seek humility in all I do and may accomplish with your guidance. For all I have and all I will ever do, I know is so only because it is granted by you. O Heavenly Father, hallowed by your name. Amen.
Night Prayer
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Inspiration
Often, we speak before we have to opportunity to think about our words. In the heat of the moment, we immediately express negative feelings without analyzing the situation first. We jump to conclusions when directing meetings and speak in haste with our children before evaluating all sides. As leaders in any setting, we must be tactful and make decisions by weighing all details. Instead of expressing emotions with our authority, we must seek to mediate justly and reflect the mercy of God with our decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please forgive us when we jump to conclusions and fail to lead with mercy and grace. Guide us to reflect Your character when You place us in a position of authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.
