Devotion
Why We Pray for One Another
David Jacobs
For the last 2,000 years, many have tried and failed, to prevent the word of the Lord from having free course. There have been those that seek to silence us, some sought to humiliate us, and others to punish us. But just as the lion lay down before Daniel, the hurdles we face in spreading the good word will fall flat each time. Because I have you, you have me, and we have God.
Prayer
The most important thing we may do is to pray for one another. We may speak of God, sing his name when we can, but prayer is something we can do not just for ourselves but for others. Prayer allows us to pull our thoughts from abstract feelings and opinions to coherent plans to save our brothers and sisters. By clearing our mind, directing our thanks and praise to God and asking ways in which we may assist one another we are able to take action.
It is our chance to break bread in communion with our fellow men. For even if they don't know that you are praying for them, to know that others may be praying for us is as much a comfort as an act of true compassion.
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...
