Sunday Reflection (January 24, 2021)

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In Psalm 62 the Psalmist felt betrayed by those who surrounded him, yet the Psalmist prayed to trust in God alone. It is a humble, confident trust that leaves ultimate judgment to God. If you are struggling to put your trust in God, you are not alone, because it means that you are aware of things and situations in your life that have the potential to threaten your relationship with God and others by causing you to lose faith in God.
May we find the confidence to approach God like this Psalmist and in that regard, I find verse 8 crucial to this Psalm: “Pour out your hearts to God. God is a refuge for us.” Yes, we wait in silence but that does not mean we say nothing to God. God is more than ready to listen.

Prayer for the Week (January 24-January 30, 2021)

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Let us pray for unity and peace: All-powerful and ever-living God, direct your love that is within us and among us so that our efforts in the name of your Son bring humankind to unity and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Amen.
(Sunday Missal)

Daily Devotion, January 19, 2021

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Sunday Reflection (January 17, 2021)

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Last week was Baptism of the Lord Sunday, yet how far do we go beyond that initial call and claim? The question for us is this:  Having met Christ have our views of God, Christ, the world, and others been challenged? It certainly was for Nathaniel and the other disciples (John 1:35-51). Have our hatreds been addressed? Have our prejudices been challenged? Has our lack of compassion been noted?  Have we sought simplistic answers that require a deeper understanding? In what ways has following Christ challenged your life? Allow God to broaden your views, especially as it relates to the compassionate treatment of others.

Prayer for the Week (January 17-January 23 2021)

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Let us pray for the gift of peace: Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power that even the tensions and tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans. Help us to embrace your will, give us the strength to follow your call, so that your truth live in our hearts and reflect peace to others. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(Sunday Missal, alt.)

Prayer for the Week (January 10-January 16, 2021)

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Look upon us O Lord and let the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of your brightness. Fill us with holy love and open to us the treasures of your wisdom. All our desire is known unto you, therefore perfect what you have begun, and what your Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer. We seek your face, turn your face to us and show us your glory. Then shall our longings be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect. Amen.

(St. Augustine)

Daily Devotion, January 7, 2021

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Daily Devotion, January 6, 2021

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Daily Devotion, January 5, 2021

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Sunday Reflection (January 3, 2021)

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Our Old Testament Scripture Reading for Epiphany Sunday was from Isaiah (60:1-9). Isaiah found hope in a shining light that attracted others. It even mentions the bringing of gifts which is what happened on the day we celebrate Epiphany. The light shone and attracted the Gentile Magi (Wise Men). If you are reading this as a first-century Jew, it is quite a statement that elite members of Persian society would come to worship the King of Israel born in a manger (Matthew 2:1-12). We find ourselves with Gentile Magi paying homage to this Jewish Messiah. We who are Gentiles have brought into a relationship with the God of Israel through Jesus Christ. Paul calls it a revealed mystery and this mystery began to be revealed when the Magi saw the star worshiped the newborn Jewish King, the King of Israel (Ephesians 3:1-12). Yet is this the end of the mystery, or is it the beginning of an even bigger mystery?

Having been reconciled to our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, we share God’s grace as we seek to be reconciled with others. In the unfolding of this mystery, we pray for those who have yet to embrace Christ as Lord and King. In the meantime, we are being transformed by the light of God’s love as it shines forth through us. We pray that even our enemies see the light of God’s love through us by our actions and deeds we are led by the Holy Spirit in the way of Christ. May glimpses of God’s love and compassion not be an unknown mystery to our neighbors, be they close or abroad.