Devotion
Give Thanks Generously
David Jacobs
A common misconception among young people and non-believers is that we pray to God to ask for something. Perhaps there have been times when you yourself have prayed for good and righteous things. But we shouldn't forget thanking Him for what has already been provided. God is not our concierge: in fact, we serve God.
In 2005 I found myself working on a film set as a stunt man in Bucharest, Romania. I had wanted to act since around 1999 but I had a terrible voice quality and was awfully shy. I prayed to God time and time again to provide me a big break and make me famous (for selfish reasons, too!). The stunt work was challenging, sometimes painful and I found myself surrounded by people that were often unpleasant. One evening, I returned to my hotel frustrated and began to cry. Why was I so close to achieving my dream but running on a hamster wheel? Why was it painful? Why was God mocking my ambitions?
I felt claustrophobic and decided to stand on my balcony under the Eastern European night sky. The cool breeze calmed me. My attention was pulled to two young gypsy girls begging in the street. My perception changed almost immediately, appreciating all the gifts that God had provided. That night was the first night I prayed to God to only offer thanks.
I thanked Him for inviting me into His glorious creation, for providing me with a means to follow my passion, and providing me an opportunity to share my privilege with those that need it, in His name.
Trust in Him, for God gives us what He deems is necessary for His children, and for this, we should continually show our gratitude.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for inviting us into your church, for providing what is needed, and most importantly, not spoiling your beloved children.
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...
