Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 1, 2, 3; Evening, Psalm 4, 7
Daniel 1:1-21; 1 John 1:1-10; John 17:1-11
“I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.” (John 17:4 and 5)
There are several optional readings for today, especially given that it is the day we remember Saint Mark. But the words from John of our regular Daily Office spoke to me more.
If Jesus sets the example for us to live by, and I believe He does, then what work has God given each of us to do? And maybe God gives us continued work to do as we mature.
I feel I wasted much of my early years without a clear focus of what I was doing. I joined the military at age 24 and spent 30 years in the Marine Corps. It was in the Marines that I was brought to the Episcopal Church, this part was definitely not a waste. After my military service I was blessed to go to Seminary and become an Episcopal priest. Again, not a waste. I am retired from being the rector of a small parish now and asking God about “what’s next.” I want to continue finishing the work God is giving me to do.
How about you? If you follow the example set for us by Jesus, you will examine what you are doing and know that God is bringing you to a glory prepared for you before the world existed. Such a glory won’t be as Jesus, but it will be with Jesus. I believe we are continually called to do the Lord’s work. And yes, as Yogi Berri once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” And who knows? Perhaps God has work for us to do in eternal life as well, I certainly hope so.
Today we remember Saint Mark the Evangelist (normally April 25).
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: For Guidance (BCP p. 832)
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 