Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 14: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 105; 1 -22: Evening, Psalm 105:23- 45;
Judges 14:1 to 19; Acts 6:15 to 7:16; John 4:27 to 42:
“They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)
Yes true, but they would not have even known that the Savior of the world was near if it had not been for the unnamed woman coming to them with this valuable information. Once again, the most valuable information a community could have, is delivered by a woman. And in this case, perhaps not a woman the village is proud of, or has shown any degree of love and respect.
She comes to the well alone at noonday, the hottest part of the day. She avoids others and their judgmental attitudes. Maybe she has not made the best of her life. Then again, maybe she played the cards that she was dealt in life the best she could. She has had several husbands, which does not escape Jesus, but yet he loves her, and offers her the full life of living waters. Our Lord Jesus can, and does, use anybody to bring messages of hope. Even if we give up on ourselves, our Lord Jesus does not give up on us.
This is where we are today. As a preacher, it has been my privilege and honor to inform people that God, in Christ Jesus, is near. And that God loves you no matter how many mistakes you have made or what others think of you. Do not believe this only because I said so. Believe this because you have heard it for yourselves throughout your lives, and have experienced little glimmers of grace in your own life. Thank You Lord Jesus. God is good, all the time.
Today we remember the Virgin Mary; Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Mary the Virgin (satucket.com)
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools. And, as we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
O Lord God in Christ Jesus, you meet us where we are and offer us living waters. Refresh us daily I pray, in order that we might also carry your message of salvation as living waters to those perishing of spiritual thirst. Thank you Lord Jesus for your forgiving us our sins and your example of compassion that we should emulate as we meet others in like condition. In your most holy Name we pray; Amen.
onewhoponders 