Part 1 of 2:
Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Epiphany: Year 1
AM Psalm 25; PM Psalm 9 and 15:
Isaiah 44:6 to 8 and 21 to 23; Ephesians 4:1 to 16; Mark 3:7 to 19:
“He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.” (The Message Bible: Ephesians 4: within verses 7 to 13)
I particularly referenced the “Message Bible” for this passage because it affirms my understanding that the Pastor-Teacher gift is one gift that has the twin focal points of pastor and teacher.
To be pastor is to be listener and counselor. It is to be a spiritual guide to those who are seeking a stronger connection to the Almighty.
To be teacher is to be a leader and one who shows the how-to’s of life. It is also one who shows the when-to’s of life. It is the teaching of the proper time for all things.
To be pastor – teacher then, is to be one who listens, counselors and instructs in the methods and circumstances of proper, moral, and godly behavior.
Part 2 of 2
Eucharistic Readings for the Confession of St. Peter: January 18:
Acts 4:8 to 13; Psalm 23; 1st Peter 5:1 to 4; Matthew 16:13 to 19
“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:15 to 17)
There are two points here to understand. First, we must deal with who we say Jesus is. We say this by the way we, as Christians, conduct ourselves. Being a follower is more than just saying it.
The other point is that, like Peter, we don’t know Jesus by our own intellect, but rather, it is God’s revelation to us. We don’t figure out God or Jesus. God shares with us as God wills. We just pray and hope. If we persevere, God will touch us.
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 