Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 7: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 89:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89:19 to 52;
1st Samuel 5:1 to 12; Acts 5:12 to 26; Luke 21:29 to 36:
“Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man:” (Luke 21:36).
Jesus has just told his followers about the certainty of the end of the age and to expect the unexpected. How does one do this? How does anyone prepare themselves to expect the unexpected?
I have met people who seem to be calm no matter what happens. At first these calm people seem cognitively slow or even autistic. More observation will reveal that they are very much aware of their environment and all that is taking place; they just aren’t rattled by the supposedly unexpected happenings that take place. I want to be like that.
I do believe the older I get, the more I am able to remain calm. Also, the more I get into meditation, the more I seem to be able to calm myself and remain calm when stuff happens. This is being alert and also praying that we have the strength, the resolve, to avoid panicking and reacting without thought. I not only want to keep myself calm, I want to be a calming presence to those who might not be able to handle the unexpected. I pray that our Lord Jesus uses me as a calming presence in my family, my neighborhood, my parish, and in all places where I may be with others.
I just need to keep telling myself that God is God and all good things will be in accord with God’s will. Therefore, I shall not be afraid but rest in God’s doings. I also pray to God to use me Lord as you see fit for the benefit of all and quiet my soul when anxiety attempts to come upon me. Thank You Lord Jesus.
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:
Help me, dear Lord God, to calm myself when things go abruptly and all seems bad. Let Your Spirit of life and love be my go-to place and my soul be my anchor of peace within me where Your Presence maintains my steadfast serenity. Amen.
onewhoponders 