Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 146 and 147; Evening, Psalms 85 and 86;
Isaiah 60:1-17; 2nd Timothy 2:14-26; Mark 10:17-31:
“I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.” (Psalm 85:8) And, “Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth” (2 Tim. 2:23 – 25)
Peace can be factored out of both of these passages. The Psalmist reminds us to listen to God speaking peace to us, and Paul reminds Timothy (and us) to avoid entanglements that lead to quarrels but rather act kindly to everyone with patience, again, we are to be a peaceful people.
Sometimes I think a space ship has come close to earth and sprayed some kind of hate toxin at us. We all seem to be at each other’s throat. It will take real effort to go against such a toxin but we can do it. The antidote is in believing the scriptures above. We must force ourselves to listen to God speaking peace to us and avoid the temptation to join hate speech and quarreling. We can do this.
Today we remember Absalom Jones, Priest (February 13, 1818), and his information may be found at: Absalom Jones
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: (For Peace, BCP p.815)
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 