Devotion
Standing in heaven, looking at earth
David Jacobs
I often wondered what I would do if I had a time machine. Perhaps go back and give me some useful advice. Maybe use the knowledge that I had gained and show it to my younger self. Probably use my knowledge to amass a great fortune considering I know what the future holds. Now, what if I was able to view my life on earth from heaven, similar to what Isaiah says in these verses? How would I change my life then? I would already be in heaven, so that is a promising sign. What would you do differently?
I would do all that I could to help others reach heaven. I had reached it, so I would know that my ways were righteous. Isaiah too did all that he could to prophesize and help the people around him to follow in the ways of the Lord. Isaiah knew that God was supreme, ever-present, and all-powerful. God keeps his promises by punishing the wicked, flooding the world, and leading his children to the holy lands of Israel. If you were able to view earth from heaven, all you could do is try to help everyone on earth to join you. Is it any different being on earth? It is our responsibility, just like Isaiah, to help others to reach God's eternal kingdom. Go forth and do it.
Prayer
Dearest God, maker of heaven and earth, the world is filled with your glories. Glory to all people that walk with you, working to fulfill your prophecies, and saving others that need to be saved. I wish that I can be like Isaiah, the wondrous prophet, and help more people to know of your might and love. Please give me the faith to go from this place and do your bidding. To you I pray, Almighty Father, 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...
