Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 5th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77;
Isaiah 58:1-12; Galatians 6:11-18; Mark 9:30-41:
“John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us. But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me.” (Mark 9:38 and 39)
Often our parish will find ourselves with an unexpected opportunity. From time to time we find ourselves gifted with cans of soup or clothing or some other item needed by the less fortunate. And rather than create a new charitable program or re-invent the wheel, we will see if there is another church already doing this kind of work and hand off what we have to their effort. It is the same Jesus.
At this time of Super Bowl fever we conduct what we call Soup-er-bowl. This is where we ask parishioners to bring in cans of soup or any canned food item in order to give to a local charity. We do this deed of power in the Name of Jesus. We honor the charity with the understanding that the same should be done in an individual effort as well.
If we see someone casting out the demons of poverty or loneliness for someone else, we should find away to assist them, not compete with them or hinder them. Sometimes we spend too much time and resources starting up new efforts where good ones already exist. If a different Christian denomination is doing good works, we should just help them. It’s the same Jesus.
Today we remember Scholastica of Nursia, Monastic (543) and her information may be found at: Scholastica
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:
Help us Dear Lord to see the good works done in Your Name by those from other flocks in order that we may further enhance those holy efforts so that more honor, glory and praise will come to You O Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 