Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 26 and 28; Evening, Psalms 36 and 39;
Amos 7:10 to 17; Revelation 1:9 to 16; Matthew 22:34 to 46:
“Then Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” (Amos 7: 14 and 15)
Amos reminds me of me. He was a blue-collar preacher. He was dedicated to a life of sycamore trees and sheep. He was probably poor even by that day’s standard of wealth. But like John the Baptist and others, he was an empty cup that God could use, even though it required him to traverse to Israel.
I retired from the Marine Corps and followed my then priest’s instruction to inquire if God has a call on my life. God did, and I think still does. And I am so thankful. While Amos was a dresser of sycamore trees and a herdsman, I retired as an aircraft maintenance manager for East coast Marine Corps war planes, fixed and rotor wing. I was empty of any political or personal grandiose idealism. I was, and am, so blue collar, like Amos was. I just wanted to get the daily task completed. But God has made use of my emptiness.
As you read this blog, please understand, God is not done with you. It matters not if you are blue collar, a business professional, or health care professional like Luke from whom we have a Gospel report; if you are open to God and not full of yourself, God wants to partner with you for holy work. There is plenty of work yet to be done. It is the Lord’s Work; and therefore, it is holy work. And please remember this, “God does not call the qualified, God qualifies the called.” Are you in? 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: For Joy in God’s Creation (BCP p. 814)
O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 