Devotion
Leprosy was and is a terrible condition. In ancient times a person with any open sore was suspected of having leprosy and had to remain outside the camp – trying to survive as best he or she could, avoiding other people. In order to be able to rejoin the community, a person whose sores had healed needed to show him/herself to the priest as proof of the healing. After Jesus heals the leper he tells him to go show himself to the priest so that he may be able to rejoin the community. He also tells him not to tell others how he was healed – an impossible task for the man who can't wait to spread the news St. Paul tells us that everything he does is for the spread of the gospel and for the glory of God – not himself. Here is where he is imitating Jesus, by giving credit to the Father. It can be easy for someone who has been gifted by God with beauty, intelligence, success, educational opportunities, wealth, athletic ability, etc. to take credit for his or her achievements. However, these are gifts given by God and we are given gifts so that we may use them to build up the kingdom, not to build up ourselves. As imitators of Christ, we are called to use the gifts we have been given wisely and with gratitude. As St. Paul says, do everything for the glory of God, and not for our own benefit, but so that others will be led to Christ by our example and thereby know the joy of salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we have received so much from you, so many gifts and blessings. Let us use these gifts to proclaim the Good News in joy to all we meet. Amen.
Devotion
The Lord Will Not Forget You
Frances Taylor
It's still Lent, we may or may not be still doing penance, it can be a tough time of the year weather-wise, and we can be ready for the promises of Spring. Does it feel as if God has not just forgotten you but the world as well. This reading from Isaiah is well chosen for this time of the year. The fulfillment of the promise made in the Garden of Eden, to send a Messiah who will open the gates of heaven, to save us from the effects of sin and death is almost here. We have been listening to the message of hope and forgiveness proclaimed by Jesus for weeks and we've watched him heal the sick and raise the dead and yet we're still not satisfied. We're not quite ready to "be joyful" and "break forth into singing." But the Lord gives us an example of love that he says doesn't compare to the great amount of love he has for us. He compares his love to that of a mother's love for her young child – and his love is greater. God's love is ...
Morning Prayer
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Inspiration
God is able to do far greater things than we can even imagine. And this very power is that which is "working in us" every day, if we are children of God. He will build his Church, not only by expanding its numbers but also by deepening its faith and working in and through us to do great things that never even so much as entered our minds.
Prayer
O Lord, let us "expect great things from you and attempt great things for you. " Let us not suppose we are privy to all of your thoughts and plans, but acknowledge that your thoughts and your ways are infinitely higher than ours. Let us ask boldly in faith for you to work mightily and expect you to do even more than what we ask. Amen.
Night Prayer
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Inspiration
Do you ever think that being a Christian would be easier if Jesus were living among us, the way He did with His disciples? Well, not according to Jesus. Why? Because after Jesus, came the sustaining and transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus walk as God with us, the Holy Spirit comes to us and God in us. Instead of just witnessing the power of God, we have the blessed joy of living in that power as He works through us.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for the saving grace that You imparted on me through Jesus. And thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to know more of Your power, so that the Spirit may do great things in my life for the glory of Your name and the sake of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
