Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 23: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 18:1 to 20; Evening, Psalm 18:21 to 50;
Jeremiah 38:1 to 13; 1st Cor. 14:26 to 33 and 37 to 40; Matt hew 10:34 to 42:
“What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” (1st Corinthians 14: 26)
As a preacher I have been the one with a lesson and an interpretation of scripture that I have hoped will lead to a revelation. And, I pray that what I share builds up the Church. Now, I feel called to also bring a hymn. I have been studying music for some time now. I want to perform music now, but not at the expense of letting go of lessons with interpretation and the hope of revelation received from those who hear my words, or, at least the words that our Lord gives me.
As a preacher I see myself as an instrument of God who creates a space in the souls of the people sitting in the pews. Often I have had persons come to me and say “you were talking to me,” or, “about me.” From my homily or sermon, they set a new course for themselves. There was nothing for me to add to what they heard. After all, the words were not mine, they were God’s. If a revelation is made to someone else sitting nearby, let the first person be silent;” (1st Corinthians 14:30). That is to say, let me be silent.
For me, being an instrument of God goes further than preaching. I play music. I play hymns. I am learning to preach in different languages, for example, the piano, the guitar and the trombone. Maybe God can also translate my musical message into a revelation for building up the Church.
I also plan to re-start my Spanish practice and to have conversations in Spanish with those near me who too often go unseen. Shame on us, me in particular. However, I also appeal to you. Stretch yourself and see what gifts God has planted in you that you have not tapped. I, nor any one person, can do all that needs to be done. We must help each other. The Holy Spirit of God speaks to all of us. “What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
Today we remember Hugh Latimer, Bishop and Martyr (October 16 1555); Nicholas Ridley, Bishop and Martyr (October 15, 1555) and Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and Martyr, 1556) and their information may be found at: Hugh Latimer & Nicholas Ridley.
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: (BCP p. 827)
Almighty God, you proclaim our truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 