Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 20: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 78; 1 to 39; Evening, Psalm 78:40 to 72;
Esther 5:1 to14 or Judith 8:9 to17, 9:1, 9 to7 to 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 often 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 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 Apollo’s’ example and listen to the people God sends to me. How about you?
Today we remember Anna Ellison Butler Alexander; Deaconess and Teacher (24 September 1947) and her information can be found at http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/anna_alexander.html
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:
Most Holy Lord Jesus, as you taught us daily as part of your ministry to us, keep us ever inquisitive about what we don’t know in order that we might still strive to learn more and more about how to love one another. Teach us still dear Lord as we journey through life until we are with you in joy and peace forever and ever, Amen.
onewhoponders 