Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;
Isaiah 57:3-13; Galatians 5:25 to 6:10; Mark 9:14-29:
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5: 25)
The assumption that St Paul is making here is that the Galatians are trying to live by the Spirit. So he begins by saying, “If” we live by…” The word “If” is always a pivotal point. Paul says this being so, “living by” transcends into “being guided by.” To be guided by the Holy Spirit requires us to calm down. It surely can happen, but we need to prepare for it.
I heard an old friend, say a few years back that his Grandmother long ago, told people during the onset of a major storm to “Come in, sit down be quiet and wait.” I think to live by the Spirit we too should take time to come in, sit down, be quiet and wait and invite the Spirit into ourselves. Only then can we also be guided by the Spirit.
Notice that after we have engaged with the Spirit we may then look upon one another in love. Being guided by the Spirit Paul says we will not become conceited, or compete against one another or envy one another. The Holy Spirit of God is one of compassion, not competition. Thank you Sonny for passing on your Grandmother’s inspiring words.
Today we remember Bakhita, Monastic (1947) and her information may be found at: Bakhita
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: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 