Devotion
You Are With Me
Frances Taylor
Jesus has come to show us the path of life. All we need to do is follow it. We all want joy and happiness in our lives, and we spend a lot of time looking for ways to get it. Think about the times that have made you happy. They probably aren't about things. They're probably times that have been spent with loved ones, or experiences we have shared. As much as the advertising agencies might try to convince us, things won't make us happy. Oh, we might have a momentary thrill when we get a new car, or a great outfit, or nice piece of jewelry, but how long does the feeling last? Unless that new piece of jewelry was an engagement ring, probably not long! But watching your children sleeping, or sharing a beautiful sunset with a friend brings us happiness not just for the moment, but every time we recapture that memory. Love brings us joy, doing the right thing gives us a feeling of satisfaction that no "thing" can give. When we walk in the light of Christ, knowing that God is with us, we can even get through the dark days with confidence that we will come out the other side and we will find joy again. The key is to walk in the light of faith just as Jesus did, knowing his Father was at his side.
Prayer
Lord, help us to keep our eyes on Jesus who will always be with us to show us the way to true joy and true happiness that will last beyond this lifetime. 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...
