Devotion
Heirs With Christ
Frances Taylor
Paul, in quoting Jesus, tells us that as children of God we have the right to call God" Daddy." This is what "Abba" means, not the more formal Father. We are heirs of heaven so we should not have a spirit of fear. Have you ever thought of what it means to have God as "Daddy?" I'd like you to think for a few minutes about what it might feel like. If we were in the same room, I'd ask you to close your eyes for this meditation. Picture your favorite peaceful spot. It may be in your home, or in a part, or as for me, watching the water lap the shore. You sit on a comfortable chair or bench and God comes and sits beside you. He invites you to share with him, all your concerns, worries, fears, all that is bothering you. You pour your heart out to him as he sits smiling at you. There is no judgment in his eyes, only love. Soon, you are finished and wonder what God will say. Instead, he puts his arms around you and tells you how much he loves you. He tells you that he is with you and will help you carry your burdens; you only need to trust him. After a few minutes, he gets up and walks away. Feeling lighter and refreshed, you return to your day, knowing you have a loving forgiving father that will always be there when you need to talk to him.
Prayer
Father, you are there watching over us as a loving parent. Help us to remember that we can always come to you when we need to talk and we believe that you will answer us. 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...
