Devotion July 19, 2022

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Sunday Reflection (July 17, 2022)

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In the bond of love God has reconciled us to God and one another. We have become part of something far larger than ourselves (Colossians 1:20-28). This is more than a personal reconciliation but the reconciliation of all things “on earth and in heaven.” Yet, we know from our perspective that reconciliation is incomplete, but we hope for the time when it is complete. Until then we work at being reconciled with others as much as we are able, and as you know, that is not always easy.

Prayer for the Week (July 17, 2022-July 23, 2022)

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Let us pray that we gladly hear the Words of Christ: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming from God and reconciling us to him. Teach us to listen to your Words, and treasure them more than anything else. For you eternally dwell with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

     (Claretian Publications)

                         

Devotion July 13, 2022

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Devotion July 12, 2022

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Sunday Reflection (July 10, 2022)

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The book of Deuteronomy reminds us that God’s Word is not something so far removed that we cannot get a glimpse of it (Deuteronomy 30:9-14). I am not suggesting we grasp God’s Word in its totality, but enough of God’s Word to lead us in following divine paths. God’s Word is close to us, yet we may seek answers far and wide because we want a second opinion that fits the answer we want. How close is God’s Word to you?

The Christian life is a blessing from which others learn about the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ through Christians (Colossians 1:1-14). May we comprehend God’s love in a deeper way. May we learn more about God’s love for the world and enact God’s grace in the world. We are sent with the message of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ so that others may know of God and God’s grace.

Prayer for the Week (July 10, 2022-July 16, 2022)

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Let us pray that we love God, others, and ourselves: Almighty God, you teach us by your Word that love is the fulfilling of the law.
Grant that we love you with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.                   (NZPB)

                         

Devotion July 6, 2022

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Sunday Reflection (July 3, 2022)

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When someone is caught in a trespass Paul steers “spiritual ones” away from fueling fires that produce harshness and bitterness; rather, he advocates a humility and gentleness that arises from an awareness and recognition that we all can fail (Galatians 6:1-10). A non-spiritual person desires to embarrass the person and tells others how bad this person is. A non-spiritual person parades the failure of another as if the person parading the failure of another is perfect. A non-spiritual person desires punishment and retribution with no thought of restoration.

May we not forget that the goal of reconciliation in humility is restoration and not punishment for punishment’s sake. God’s goal for humanity is restoration and not punishment for punishment’s sake. Like God in Christ, may we show mercy and forgiveness and not become spiritually arrogant.

Prayer for the Week (July 3, 2022-July 9, 2022)

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Let us pray that our lives be a reflection of Christ’s life:  Merciful God, you gave your only Son to be both a sacrifice for sin and an example of godly life. May we gladly receive all that he has done for us and follow in his footsteps being led by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

(NZPB)