Devotion
Remember the marvellous works that He has done
David Jacobs
I am fairly patriotic towards America (most of the time). There is a famous song called "This Land is your Land" by Woody Guthrie. Most Americans probably know some of the words of this song. It mentions some of the important landmarks and aspects of America: California to New York, the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters. At the end of most verses, he sings, "this land was made for you and me." The end of the song, however, takes a darker turn. Guthrie mentions "No Trespassing" signs; he mentions the relief office; he mentions hungry people; then he asks, "Is this land made for you and me?" Few Americans know the end of this song, and what most consider as a patriotic and welcoming tune has some dark questions at the end.
The poem that David commands his associates to use to praise God is more welcoming.
Prayer
God does not consider where you are from, who you are, how much money you make, or what color your skin is. He is the creator of Heaven and Earth; He is the judger of all things; all people should seek Him and rejoice in His name. The seas, fields, trees, and people all sing His praises. There is no division, no dark questions, only positivity and love. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel forever and ever. 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...
