Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 5: Year 2
Psalm 61, 62; Psalm 68:1-20 (21-23) 24-36; Eccles. 8:14-9:10; Gal. 4:21-31; Matt. 15:29-39
“Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” (Matthew 15: 33)
Because of this COVID 19 virus we, the Church, have come full circle back to feeding the multitude camped on the Church grounds. Our Bishop instructs us (the priest of East Carolina) to Consecrate “Both Kinds” but to give only the bread. I have compassion on the people who have missed Holy Communion for so long but at the same time remembering we could have no gathered church at all. At least the readings, message, prayers and wafer are better than not having church and it is full communion with Christ.
Who’s to say what would happen should the people continue without any communion at all for much longer. Might they spiritually faint on the way? I have witnessed firsthand how glad parishioners are to be in gathered community, even in the heat of the day. Social media does not come close to satisfying the spiritual hunger people have as they struggle to keep Christ in their lives. When I dismiss them I can see the satisfaction on their faces as they walk to the cars. All I can say is, Thank you Lord Jesus for letting me be a part of Your ministry.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 