Devotion
Who Am I To Deny God’s Gift?
Frances Taylor
In the beginning of the church, there were those who believed that only the Jews were called to be saved. This testimony of Peter changed their minds and they realized that the Gentiles had also been called to believe in Christ and be saved. Of course, there would still be some discussions about whether or not they would have to jump through hoops to become Christians – would they need to be circumcised? Would they need to obey the dietary restrictions? These questions would be answered later as more Gentiles became Christian. What about today? Do we accept those who come to us for baptism? Do we judge whether or not they are worthy or if they know enough? For me, anyone who comes forward for baptism because they have come to believe in Jesus has been called by God and has already been led by the Holy Spirit and will come to know more as time goes on. If we read the progression of the growth of Christianity, no one is asked to take a test. Faith as we know is a gift that needs to grow, but how can it grow if we deny access to the means of growth – a community of loving believers who will nurture that seed of faith.
Prayer
Lord, may we never judge those to whom you have revealed yourself as unworthy of the gift. May we be the loving community of faith that helps then come to an even deeper knowledge and love of you. 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...
