Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Epiphany: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 78:1 to 39; Evening, Psalm 78:40 to 72;
Genesis 26:1 to 6 and 12 to 33; Hebrews 13:17 to 25; John 7:53 to 8:11:
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing—for that would be harmful to you.” (Hebrews 13: 17)
I believe we all are led by another person or persons. From our president down to the least followed person on the planet. Sometimes our leaders are a group of people as in a council or a cabinet, or vestry or board of directors. The reason we have this body of leadership is because in, and of themselves individually, leaders often can’t figure out the next best move. And, not many leaders today are concerned about our souls. I think perhaps the Hebrew writer was referring to the clergy of his day.
As we care about the spiritual and physical health of our leaders we should keep them in prayer, asking God to aid and assist them in good thoughts and right actions for the welfare of their charge. Whether our leaders are one person or a group, they are not outside of the influence of God. Even if we don’t like our leader, it would be all the more reason to pray to God for him or her. God will make them who they need to be in order that they “keep watch over our souls.”
God can, and will, also have our leadership be joyful in doing the good works pleasing in God’s sight. As one who served in the Marines for thirty years under all kinds of leaders, and now being led by a faithful bishop and a loving parish vestry, I know firsthand that prayer for leaders work.
Leaders (including myself) are often conflicted about how priorities should be set, but prayer to God for right judgment always helps. I can say to you honestly that praying for leaders makes a good and positive difference. The big thing to overcome is that we must really “want” leadership to be better, to do good works for the people they serve. We can’t hold grudges or wish ill upon them. But rather, work with God for their improvement. If we didn’t have societies we wouldn’t need leaders. So it is really for our parish, community, and nation, that we are praying. And when (not if) the leader improves, relish in the pride of working with God that changed him or her. And you know what? They didn’t even see it coming. Bless their hearts.
Today we remember Scholastica of Nursia, Monastic, (543) and her information may be found at: Scholastica
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 Local Government (BCP p. 822)
Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town,) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 