Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 69; Evening, Psalm 73
Isaiah 56:1-8; Galatians 5:16-24; Mark 9:2-13
“Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” (Mark 9:7)
This is the second time a voice came from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son of God. But this time it has the clause, “Listen to Him” added to it. The first time was of course was when Jesus was Baptized. This time is more revealing as the Transfiguration.
We Christians love honoring Jesus and we should. But honoring Jesus is best done by obeying him. And in this passage the instruction to listen to him really means not only to listen to his words but also to obey him, do His will. This is when we can use one of those Red Ink Bibles. The red ink highlights everything that Jesus says. Much of what Jesus says ends with the words “go and do likewise” or the implication thereof. Following such instruction honors Jesus and shows our commitment to the love of our Incarnate Creator. We can’t or shouldn’t, let the Word (Voice of God) go into our ears on Sunday, and then slip out again on Monday. We must be Everyday, listening and obeying believers, Christians. For me, everyday, daily prayer helps.
“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 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:
Almighty God, lover of all people, please bring Your cloud and overshadow us again in order that we might have our own Transfiguration experience in our own time whereby we will not only listen but also obey Your will, which will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
onewhoponders 