Devotion
Passing the torch
David Jacobs
Older generations tend to view younger generations as spoiled. So much has changed in modern times from generation to generation that it is quite hard to accurately compare them. So much responsibility and sometimes so much burden is placed on each new generation that it can seem daunting for the younger people in the world. How can they live up to the expectations of previous generations? The older generation may also think that they have failed their children, because the world may be "worse" than it was when they lived. All we can do is try to teach one another, and learn what we can from past experiences.
In these verses, King David is handing the throne and much of its responsibilities to his son, Solomon. Solomon has been chosen by God to construct a temple in Jerusalem. You can imagine the pressure that the not-yet-appointed King Solomon would be feeling; first, he must follow in the footsteps of his father, one of the most-beloved kings in history, and second, his first order of business is to construct a temple in God's honor. It could make any person of any generation crumble.
Luckily, David gives Solomon his blessing and constructive advice on how to rule. The most important tenet of the advice: serve God with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Now imagine modern society doing the same: what a perfect world we would live in!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray to you today asking to help me create your temple on earth. Let your heavenly kingdom be the focus of all humanity, now and forever. Lord God, give me the wisdom like Solomon, the goodliness of Saul, and the obedience of David, so that I may serve you with a perfect heart and a willing mind. 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...
