Devotion
Being Family
Frances Taylor
What does it take to be "Family?" For me, it means love, forgiveness, compassion, courage and sacrifice. Today we see Mary and Joseph bringing the baby Jesus to the temple to complete the purification rites according to the law of Moses. They are greeted there by Simeon, who realizes that he is in the presence of the promised Messiah, and by Anna, who has spent many years worshipping in the temple and also seems to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. What must Mary have thought when Simeon told her that a "sword would pierce her heart" even as this child was to do great things?
As a mother, I am sure that every parent's heart is pierced by a sword at some time or another. I am equally sure that every adult and child's heart will at some time also be pierced by a sword because that is the price of love. The broader our definition of family, the more we are called to be open to suffering. We have our nuclear family, our extended family, our friends, our neighborhoods, our parish, our community and also the all-inclusive family of God. Our hearts break when we hear of tragedies even when we don't know the people involved. We work to end violence and discrimination even when we are not the victims.
The poet John Donne said it well in his poem, "No Man Is An Island." We are all connected to each other. When Mary said, "Yes," to the angel and Joseph welcomed Mary and the child yet to be born into his home, they both knew at some level that there would be sacrifices to make. This did not stop them from accepting what was to come. Let us all pray for our families in a special way today – living and dead, far and near, known and unknown to us, because God has called all families to be "Holy."
Prayer
Loving God, bless us and our families, both living and dead. Give us the grace to be forgiving and accepting of the faults and failings of those we love. Help us to reach out to other families who are in need. We thank you for giving us the example of Joseph and Mary as they nurtured your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Messiah. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham’s Sacrifice
Frances Taylor
Did you ever wonder what went through Abraham's mind when he believed that God wanted him to sacrifice his son? Of course, at that particular time in history, sacrifice of the first-born was not unusual and seen as an offering to the gods who would then allow the rest of the children to live. Did Abraham think that God was like the other gods? We will never know in this world. But God did not want sacrifice in the flesh, but sacrifice in the heart. Abraham was prevented from sacrificing Isaac and was given a ram instead, and for his willingness was promised great blessings. What are we willing to sacrifice for God?
Today, in America, we celebrate our independence. Many men and women sacrificed a great deal for this to happen and many people all over the world have sacrificed a great deal for their independence, independence from tyranny, independence to practice their religion, freedom from fear. Isaac was freed so that he could become the ...
Morning Prayer
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Inspiration
We can all remember the people that have taught us the most. People often exemplify the successful, rich, powerful, and beautiful, thinking that they will be happier and feel better if they were more like them. How often do we follow in the footsteps of the people that are the most holy around us? How often do we actively attempt to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? He gave his life for us to even have that chance and thankfully the Bible has written the guidelines for how we need to live our lives.
Prayer
My holy God, help me realize that I too can be holy through you. When I stray from the path of righteousness, I ask that you push me back towards the path, remembering and realizing all that you have taught me. Finally, I ask that you remind me of the sacrifices that you have made, giving your only son as a sacrifice so ...
Night Prayer
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
Inspiration
God's heart breaks with us when we experience struggles in this life. He becomes disappointed and saddened when we get ourselves into trouble. We often find ourselves struggling, resulting from our inappropriate actions and choices. We feel regret, remorse, and helplessness. We ask God for guidance during these times because He is the only one who loves us and has the power to help us overcome our struggles. He is our refuge and looks upon us with mercy and grace. His love never fails.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we have faith in Your unfailing love. Thank You for showing kindness and mercy when we struggle due to misguided choices. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
