Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 5: Year 2
Psalm [70], 71; Psalm 74; Eccles. 11:1-8; Gal. 5:16-24; Matt. 16:13-20
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16: 13 – 15)
All of the people who were asked who Jesus was brought up people from their own past, either known or taught about. Not one of them left room for a New Person, One they had not seen or heard of, but was indeed prophesied about.
Today we have a taught (and teaching) Jesus who existed in the flesh in our past. But our Lord Jesus also lives with us today in the Holy Spirit. So, who do you say our Lord Jesus is? He is the living Holy Spirit that dwells in each of us and in our Church. We then, are the fruits of His Spirit. Paul tells us about the fruit of the Spirit in our New Testament lessen for today from Galatians. He says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5: 22 – 24)
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