Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 40 and 54; Evening, Psalm 51;
Exodus 34:18 to 35; 1st Thessalonians 3:1 to 13; Matthew 5:27 to 37:
“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” (1st Thessalonians 3:9)
Paul is thanking God for the faith of the Church in Thessalonica. Timothy brought him the good news of how they worshiped the Lord and kept the faith. I pray we do as well for those we know who keep the faith.
Today we remember Frances Perkins. “President Roosevelt appointed her to a Cabinet post as Secretary of Labor, a position she would hold for twelve years. As Secretary of Labor, Perkins would have a major role in shaping the New Deal legislation signed into law by President Roosevelt, most notably the establishment of the Social Security program. During her years of public service, Frances Perkins depended upon her faith, her life of prayer, and the guidance of her church for the support she needed to assist the United States and its leadership to face the enormous problems of the time. During her time as Secretary of Labor, she would take time away from her duties on a monthly basis and make a retreat with the All Saints Sisters of the Poor in nearby Catonsville, Maryland. She spoke publicly of how the Incarnation informed her conviction that humans ought to work with God to create a just Christian social order,” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for May 13).
As we remember and thank God for the faith of those we love, and for Frances Perkins, let us also thank God for the strong faith of the people of Ukraine. It is because of their faith and resilience that both Finland and Sweden are now seeking to join NATO. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Faith in God is the most powerful tool (or weapon) against tyranny that we have. If Goodness stands firm, Goodness will succeed. The best form of goodness is having faith in our Good God.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom.
What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube
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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