Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Epiphany: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 38; Evening, Psalm 119:25 to 48;
Genesis 9:18 to 29; Hebrews 6:1 to 12; John 3:22 to 36:
“They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him”” (John 3:26)
We should all learn from John. John the Baptist did the best job he could with no illusions about keeping his position as a baptizing servant of God and pointing to Jesus of Nazareth as the coming Messiah, as a permanent position. He told the people plainly that “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
I have held positions of some responsibility in my life. I find the greatest reward for such work is not ribbons or medals or even keeping the position too long, but rather, to meet my replacement and wish him or her God speed. All life is temporary. And within our temporary lives are even more temporary assignments or callings. I don’t think it is healthy or prudent for the position holder, or the people under his or her charge, to hold such a relationship too long. At some point, we have to move on.
So we should take a page from John’s play-book and announce in advance that the time is surely coming when leadership will evolve. Stepping out and away from the limelight can be its own reward. It also gives us time to discern what the Spirit is calling us to next, if it be God’s will.
Today we remember Agnes of Rome, Martyr (January 21 304) and Cecilia of Rome, Martyr at Rome , c. 280; and information for both may be found at: St. Agnes of Rome.
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 Guidance (BCP p. 832)
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 