Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Epiphany: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;
Genesis 24:28 to 38 and 49 to 51; Hebrews 12:12 to 29; John 7:14 to 36:
“Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
Sometimes seeking peace is hard to do. Some people act as if they don’t want peace. As hard as it might be, listening is probably the one (although sometimes painful) thing we can do to soften ourselves (and the other) in order that we might begin the process of establishing some sort of peace.
When we listen, we learn. We might learn that we were right all along about the stubbornness and ignorance of the other person. But listening, might also bring about learning the fears and misunderstandings that the other person labors under. If we are true to ourselves, we might also learn that we are ignorant and stubborn. When we listen, we learn.
Learning brings about some degree of understanding. Learning casts light on the darkness of misunderstanding. It’s hard to remain harsh to a person when we fully understand what the problems are, when we see the issue from their perspective. When we understand, we become more tolerant. When we become more tolerant, we shift into feeling the concern of the other and a little compassion seeps in, and love for the other develops. Loving others is God’s hope for us.
Listening, learning and loving takes place in pursuit of peace. The grace of God follows the peace of God. And it is the peace of God that our Lord Jesus graciously shares with us if we will but accept it. This truly makes us a holy people. And how do we seek holiness? Holiness has to be freely given by God as grace. As you read this, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always so that with grace you may see the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.
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 