Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 26 and 28; Evening, Psalms 36 and 39;
Isaiah 5:13 to 17 and 24 to 25; 1st Thessalonians 5:12 to 28; Luke 21:29 to 38
“And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good;” (1St Thessalonians, 5: 14 to 21)
In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians he gives them, and us, lessons in how to relate with each other. His instruction requires us to at least notice others; are they idlers, are they faint-hearted, are they weak? We can’t live in community in a vacuum. The implied answer to Cain’s question of “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is, yes. (Genesis 4:9)
It is hard to be patient and to rejoice always. We have sad times. We can however pray without ceasing. Such prayer is not formal, spoken prayers, but rather, thoughts of appealing to God for help. This can, and often should be done, quietly. It is being thankful and saying “Thank You Jesus” when you realize things could have been worse.
Regular reading of scripture certainly helps us in our relationship with others. As you know, I read our Daily Office “daily.” I don’t always really get a lot from all of the readings. But even acknowledging what I don’t like, helps. There is much wisdom in the Bible. But I advise you to say a little prayer before you read asking the Holy Spirit to assist you with understanding, and then a prayer of thanks at the conclusion. Perhaps a Bible Study group would help. The prophets still speak to us through these ancient and contemporary words like those we remember today.
Today we remember Thomas Merton, Monk, Poet, and Spiritual Writer (1968) whose information may be found at Thomas Merton. And, we remember Karl Barth, Pastor and Theologian (1968) and his information may be found at: Karl Barth.
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, our only help in time of need and Companion on our journey; please help us to pray without ceasing and to give thanks to You in all circumstances. For it is only in You that we have life, and only through You that we will have eternal life. And for this we are truly Thankful. Amen.
onewhoponders 