Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 78:1-39; Evening, Psalm 78:40-72
Isaiah 59:1-15a; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Mark 9:42-50:
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.” (2nd Timothy 1:5)
I was informed long ago, in an undergraduate adolescent psychology class, that most children gravitate towards the faith of their mother. According to Paul this was true for the man Timothy also. As a priest I can say with every confidence that it is the women of the church that keep the church going. I also recall that even at the crucifixion of Jesus it was the women that went near the cross while the men followers huddled together in a locked room. Not meaning to be sexually biased here towards women but it is what it is.
In my own childhood life we were not a church going family. My dad would speak of God as the Creator that was “out there somewhere.” My mom on the other hand would tell me that when things weren’t going well or there was a problem, to put it in Jesus’ hands. She did insist on my sister and me going to St Vincent de Paul Catholic School. That was very formative for me.
So, did God do something special with women such that they are more equipped to carry on the faith? Not fair. Oh well, I am thankful for all the faithful women in my life. And I am reminded that today marks the anniversary of the Consecration of Barbara Harris as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts in 1989. God moves in both male and female believers. Sometimes we just refuse to see it.
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 Almighty God, as love is placed in the hearts of many creatures, and faith in You in the human soul. Teach us to rely on our faith and love in both male and female peoples of the earth, in order that we might establish and maintain peace amongst ourselves and live as world-wide brothers and sisters of Christ Jesus. Amen.
onewhoponders 