Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 1st Week of Advent: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 16, and 17; Evening, Psalm 22;
Amos 5:1 to17; Jude 1 to 16; Matthew 22:1 to 14:
“All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, upon those who are noble among the people.” (Psalm 16:2)
We need to appreciate good people more. It seems all the news goes to the negative folk in our communities, to the mass shooters, the crooked politicians, and the smash and grabbers.
We need to show appreciation for the godly that are in the land, those who are courteous in the store, and in traffic. We need to take a moment to award those who, while they do not agree with us, or the majority of us on an issue, will behave as if the opposing view was their own.
We need to give thanks for good parents, and, in particular, for good fathers who stick with and raise children who may not be biologically theirs, and care for their mothers. This is what Joseph, the human father of Jesus did. And yet, we have no words from him.
There are plenty of people who are trying every day to do what is right in the world. Let’s reach out and compliment the goodness of people who go unnoticed. They bring harmony to our communities and are standing right beside us as we witness those who do wrong and get all kinds of attention, albeit negative. If we honored those among us who live godly lives, perhaps more people would be inclined to be the same, that is, the godly people God is making them to be. Let’s do this, this weekend as we enter our Sabbath time together, ponder noticing the godly in the land.
Today our Church remembers Clement of Alexandria, Teacher and Apologist (December 5, 213) and his information may be found at: Clement of Alexandria.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom.
What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube
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 the Human Family (BCP p. 815)
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 