Devotion
The Work Continues
Frances Taylor
Paul has branched out of Judea and into Lystra, where there were more Gentiles than Jews. On the strength of his preaching, both Jews and Gentiles came to believe in Jesus. But, there was also a growing crowd of both Jews and Gentiles who combined to drive him from the area. Paul and Barnabas were driven out but that didn't stop them from spreading the good news. Missionaries today go into areas where there are people who still need to know that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. They are also similar to Paul and Barnabas that they are sometimes abused, beaten or run out of the country. The world is still a dangerous place for anyone bringing change, especially change that challenges their way of life. Christianity does call for a change in the way the poor are treated and justice is seen as a way of bringing peace. People are still healed though usually with less fanfare. God is still making his presence known. Men and women still are willing to take their chances and work with God's people to witness the love of God to them. They work on bringing better housing, medical care, education, clean water and so many other necessary things to those in the greatest need to show them in practical ways that their brothers and sisters in Christ have not abandoned them. For those of us who cannot go into the field, we can pray.
Prayer
Lord, your children everywhere need to know of your love for them. May we pray for those whom you have chosen to work in the field. 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...
