Devotion
The Kingdom is near, the Kingdom is here!
David Jacobs
It is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle-and-bustle of our daily lives: Work, school, spouses, children, finances. There are so many things that seem to require our attention that is often easy to neglect that which is most important: our relationship with God. I often take God's love for granted, coming to Him when I need and not when He needs. I need to remember what the Kingdom of Heaven is truly about.
Above all, our surrender to the will of God and God's desire to bring us healing, peace, victory, and salvation are central to the Kingdom of Heaven. How can surrender be victory? Think about the teachings of the gospels: is surrender and faith in God not the central teaching of Jesus? These verses serve to remind us about our vital roles during our time on earth. We have a responsibility to one another, to believers and non-believers, to act in accordance with God's word. We owe a debt to all of humanity, a debt of love and service, and God asks that we do not judge those that will not receive us. When we surrender to God, we soon realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is not just waiting for us, it is already all around us. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
Blessed Father, I ask your forgiveness for not fully surrendering to you at times. I have blocked the Kingdom of Heaven at times from fully being realized in my heart and mind. Lord, with these words I hope that I can come a bit closer to you, a bit closer to the Kingdom of Heaven, and a bit closer to my fellow man. Help me not to judge others that are struggling with this same battle, merciful Father, and grant me the wisdom, like St. Barnabus, to give generously for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel. I pray all of this in your name, my Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
Morning Prayer
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Inspiration
Love one another; it is as simple as that. For if God demands you to honor his creation, this also includes his people. Love is not a science, it is an art that takes constant negotiation, communication, and consideration. But should we become better in this, all the better not only for this world, but also in preparing us for the next -wherein everything resides within the arms of our everlasting and loving Father.
Prayer
Lord, give us your guidance. Through Jesus' actions show us how to commit to your brotherly love and understanding, honoring one another as we break bread upon your holy sacrament and salvation. Help us treat one another as we would like to be treated ourselves, and thereafter, find lasting peace and love in giving thanks to your holy name, O Lord most high, Amen.
Devotion
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
