Devotion
Who or what do you seek?
David Jacobs
My grandfather led a life straight out of a Hollywood movie. He was from a very poor village, worked in a coalmine when he was twelve years old, had 14 brothers and sisters, joined the marines, fought in two wars, and was married and divorced three times. His stories were incredible, and his gregarious personality and sharp wit made him a pleasure to talk to. As he grew older, he explained to me that through all his adventures, one question plagued him: why was he here? When he met my grandmother, his priorities changed. Things that he previously looked to in search of meaning, were no longer of importance: sex, excitement, and drama. He knew what he was looking for when he met her, in large part because she knew what she was seeking: a strong relationship with God.
These sad verses are easy to illustrate in your mind. Judas has come to betray Jesus, and when they come to the garden, Jesus asks who they are looking for. Perhaps ironically because they do not fully understand what they are saying, they say they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. They were looking for Jesus, to betray and kill him, but in doing so allowed all of us to also seek him. His captors are flung to the ground when he answers them, overwhelmed by the power of the answer to the question, "Whom seek ye?" We should all ask ourselves the same question. Like my grandparents, once we realize the answer, nothing else will matter.
Prayer
Merciful God, loving Lord, I seek ye and only ye. I know that I have wandered, strayed from your righteous path more often than naught, but I pray that you strengthen me to seek ye with all of my being. Forgive me, O Lord, when I commit to any action for other reasons than to search for ye. I am weak, but with you, strong. I pray this in your name, 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.
