Devotion
We do not belong here
David Jacobs
We have all been involved in an argument at some point in our lives. In my younger years, I had a far worse temper than I do now, and I would not always filter my words in the most appropriate manner. I remember one argument vividly: in a discussion with my father, I implied that he was not a true believer of Christ because he did not devote his entire life to it. He went to church and raised me as well as a man possibly could, and here I was, young, passionate, but naïve, slandering the man who raised me. We had an argument, mainly because I thought I was right at the time. Luckily for me, my father is a very patient man, and he listened to my words even though they surely hurt him, and a few days later he gave me a book, Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. Reading it changed my opinion on Christianity and, of course, my father.
The word of God and those recorded by the Apostles are the most sacred texts available to us, but our interpretation of these texts may differ. For many, these texts represent the sanctity and bond between us and the Lord. However, for others they may not have made an impact and may never make an impact. Even the Disciples of Christ had their doubts, and to selfishly attempt to impose our own beliefs on another person when they may not be ready is not for us to decide. The choice is God's. As believers of Christ, we are not meant for this world, as the verses suggest. We know that we are called to something higher. Literally taken, the words of our Holy Bible are no different from any other book. How these words are used, habitually, practically, and personally, by each and every Christian is what separates it. We are not meant for this world: it is our duty to emulate and do what came so innately to Christ; to make this word flesh, to sanctify it to the heights of Heaven.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, I cannot wait to join you there. I pray that my word and deed be in accordance with Christ's word, knowing full well that I am meant for another place. Instruct and guide me God, through the Holy Spirit, so that your word may be made flesh, and your Testament be made sacred. I pray this in Jesus' name. 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...
