Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 16: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 20 and 21:1 to 7; Evening, Psalm 110:1-5 and 116 and 117;
1st Kings 7:51 to 8:21; Acts 28:17 to 31; Mark 14:43 to 52;
“He lived there for two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:30 and 31)
Acts is a summary of Paul’s life and ministry as recorded by Luke the physician. He has finally been delivered to Rome, from whence he will never leave, at least as his mortal self.
And while Paul was promised by God that no harm will come to him, (Acts 18: 9 and 10), he was beheaded with a sword. Christianity is not for the faint of heart. How is it that we follow our Lord Jesus seeing that most of his first apostles and disciples were martyred?
We have a faith that informs us that this life is not the end-all of life. We await the greater glory of eternal life with our Savior. This Christian faith informs us, leads us, enlightens us, and keeps us going no matter what. Paul proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about our Lord Jesus who himself also was martyred.
At the heart of Christianity, the emphasis is on the resurrection, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. And through his Resurrection, we too come to glory. Such is the love that God in Christ Jesus has for us, all of us. Jesus says to Martha, and to us, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25 and 26). Yes Lord I believe, and Thank You Lord Jesus.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
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