Devotion
Two are better than one
David Jacobs
These verses may not seem extraordinary at first glance, but the story is one that caused others to marvel. Zacharias and Elisabeth have a son. Zacharias was deaf and mute at the time, but he was a priest that was well-respected in the community. After Elisabeth gives birth, the community waits 8 days to name the child in line with traditions. A local priest helps to name the child after his father, Zacharias, which would be an honorable name. Elisabeth interjects, saying that the boy shall be named John. This act of defiance alone would bring some shame to Zacharias, and I am sure the community must have been embarrassed for him in a way. He was a priest, unable to speak and name his own son, and now his wife denies the name that the priest and community chose for the boy? Denies the name of his own father?
This is where the story takes its marvelous turn. Zacharias, deaf and mute, asks to write something. Nobody in his name has the name John. He cannot hear his wife say the name as well. He writes on the tablet that his son will be named John. This is more than a coincidence! It is God's will at work.
You may have heard the phrase, "Go with your gut." Zacharias and Elisabeth trusted each other and, more importantly, trusted God to lead them to the right decision.
Prayer
Precious Lord, let me return to your word, again and again, for my daily bread. Although I may not always hear you, I am listening. Although I may not always praise you, I am speaking. Help me understand your message so that I may craft a response, singing your praises that echo for all of my life. 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...
