Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the Second Week of Advent: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 30 and 32; Evening, Psalm 42 and 43;
Haggai 2:1 to 9; Revelation 3:1 to 6; Matthew 24:1 to 14:
“And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But anyone who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Mathew 24:12 to 14)
Bad stuff is happening all the time, it probably has been this way in all of human history. But now that we have the World Wide Web we see it reported as, and where, it happens. And perhaps an added negative is that seeing it on phones and laptops promotes the same evil in others. This is sad.
The good news is that if we do good and we endure to the end, we will be saved in a way we never imagined! God is so good and very loyal to those of us who endure to the end. We just need to keep holding on for as long as it takes. The faithless will not understand and will harass us. But we are to keep the faith no matter what. In addition to keeping our faith, we must also show disapproval of bad actors. We can’t condone bad and sinful behavior by individuals, groups, or nations.
The world is also fighting medical and mental disease and there is concern around major countries wanting to take over other countries. There are two things we should watch for; first, is the anarchy and hatred that takes place; and second, is the coming of the end of evil. Good news is coming. “And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations;” and then the end of this sadness will come. The good news may not be cosmic. It may be people of faith saying no to hostility of all kinds, and at the same time, doing what is necessary to end or substantially reduce the effects of disease and mental illness.
We never know how God will act in our midst. The only thing we can be sure of is that God will act, and God will act in bold, yet loving ways. All we have to do is hold on while following God’s lead and by also acting in bold and loving ways.
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 All Sorts and Conditions of Men (BCP p. 814)
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
onewhoponders 