Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 61 and 62; Evening, Psalm 68;
Isaiah 52:1-12; Galatians 4:12-20; Mark 8:1-10:
“You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the Gospel to you? Though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 4.13-14)
While Paul’s tone is going to shift to one of a reprimand shortly, he now praises the way the Galatians cared for him in a former time when he was not doing well, a situation not reported in scripture unless it was associated with the trip to Damascus event. This physical infirmity seems to be the reason for bringing the Galatians the Gospel.
I can almost hear Paul crying for help. And he receives it from some Galatians who have accepted Christ and come to the aid of Paul. We too are those helpful Galatians. God moves us to compassion for those who suffer. We may not agree with the way they conduct their lives, which may have landed them in their misery in the first place, but there is no time for that when help is urgently needed. God makes us move to assist them like the Good Samaritans/Galatians we are. Thank You Lord God.
Today we remember Manche Masemola, Martyr (1928) and her information may be found at: Manche Masimola
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 Merciful Lord God, thankfully You have infected us with Your loving mercy. Be with us in our daily lives as we both need aid in our distress and are with others in their distress. You are merciful Lord God and we are made in Your Image. Help us to put aside our arrogance and receive help when we need it, and to apply help to others even if they seem stubborn. Lead us and guide us we pray; Amen.
onewhoponders 