Today is the Tenth Day of Christmas
Daily Office Readings for Saturday, January 3rd: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 68; Evening, Psalm 72;
1st Kings 19:9 to 18; Ephesians 4:17 to 32; John 6:15 to 27:
“So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)
Paul reminds the Church in Ephesus (and us today) that we have moved on from the old ways of looking at life, as he says “Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart:” (Ephesians 4:17 to 18).
We too should want to let go of old ways that do not build up loving and caring relationships. Personally, I have had to let go of some parental teachings that no longer fit the narrative I am living in Christ Jesus. I no longer believe in race. I know the world does, the Gentiles that they are. I do believe in culture. We can choose the culture that best suits us, can’t we? I now consider myself to be an Anglican Cowboy after being raised a Southern Colored boy in the 1950’s. The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion has taught me much about life and it only required me to listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to me. This Church has become my second parent. It may not be the best fit for everyone, but everyone should find a fit.
Each of us should find a path through listening to God’s call on our lives. We should start with the bridge of listening. Listening leads to learning; learning leads to loving; and loving eradicates ignorance and hardness of heart.
Let us always listen, learn, love and lead with the mind of Christ. Merry Christmas: Day 10
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: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 