Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 20, Year 2
Psalm 78; Esther 5:1 to14 or Judith 8:9 to17, 9:1, 9 to7-10; Acts 18:12 to 28; Luke 3:15to 22
“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.” (Acts 18: 26 to 28)
Apollos spoke boldly in the synagogue but with limited and incorrect understanding. However, he was smart enough to listen to good counsel. We all could benefit from the example of Apollos. If we think we know it all and are opposed to listening to others, we could err in our speaking and in some cases, do more harm than good.
Perhaps the best way to practice our faith is to live a life of life-long learning. I know that for me, seminary showed me how much I did not know. Since seminary I have continued in my theological studies. Education for Ministry (EfM), a program of study from the School of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, continues to be a good source of Christian education for me. While EfM is a four year program, I am an EfM mentor and therefore I continue to learn every year as I mentor participants in the program. Also, clergy conferences, and Bible studies as well as one on one dialogue with people who God puts in my path, helps me to learn more and more.
All of this informs my understanding of what God is doing in the world, and in my own life. I just have to follow Apollos’ example and listen to the people God sends to me. How about you?
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
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