Devotion
Life will vanish away
David Jacobs
It seems that a large portion of society has embraced the disturbing notion that nothing matters. We can see how sinful things have permeated our society and become commonplace. Many people have decided to live a life of decadence and pleasure while one has the chance. Younger generations especially have embraced this idea. How can we resist these temptations? Listen to the words in this passage, because any rejoicing like this is evil.
The idea that nothing matters comes from people without a true sense of the afterlife, for God knows what we do here on earth. Sinful behavior may seem more enjoyable, but is it? Even if one ignores the afterlife, is living a secular and hedonistic lifestyle truly more enjoyable? In my own experience, it is not. Sins in the eyes of God are to protect us, not to enslave us. Think not of the pleasures of 'today,' but see rather living in Gods' image as an investment. We cannot expect to live healthy spiritual lives if we surrender only to passing pleasures or fleeting temptations.
Prayer
Lord God, my shepherd and light, guide me through this life in obedience as you deem worthy. Help me not to rejoice in life's secular pleasures and to focus on a spiritual life that will lead me to your side. Let me not fall into the temptations of this earth, in despair at its brevity. This life is fleeting Lord, and I place my faith in your teachings, realizing that what awaits me is far greater than anything I can experience on earth. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
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...
