Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Inspiration
Before Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, sin equaled death. We were trapped and enslaved to sin. Sin separated us from eternity with God. However, Jesus Christ came to earth to live a sin-free life, die on the cross for our sins and then experience true resurrection. Like how Jesus rose from the dead and is alive, we have been given freedom from the bondage of sin through his death so that we might live. We no longer have to fear death from sin because we have been forgiven and given eternal life.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins. Because of his death and resurrection, I know sin no longer has any power over me. Whenever I am tempted, help me to flee. Whenever I sin, forgive me, O Lord. Thank you for your mercy and grace. I know I do not deserve it, yet you give it freely. Help me to live life abundantly and to live in the truth that sin no longer has any power over me. I proclaim victory in Jesus. In Jesus' name, 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...
