Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper18: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 41 and 52, Evening, Psalm 44;
Job 32:1 to 28; Acts 13:44 to 52; John 10:19 to 30:
“When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. But the [Temple authorities] incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13: 48 to 52)
We just can’t please everybody. The Temple authorities took offense at the message of Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their region. Today, too many of us still do not want to sit and listen to people who disagree with us. We only want to win, even if winning our way is not the best outcome for all concerned.
We must pay attention to the words that say, “devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city” were incited by smooth talkers. We must ponder about the words we hear. From social media to politics and religion, we sometimes lose the purpose of what we are excited about and are only concerned about our side winning. We need to stop letting ourselves be manipulated and follow the advice of Blaise Pascal who said, “All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.”
Today we remember Hannah Moew, Religious Writer and Philanthropist (September 7, 1883) and her information may be found at: Hannah More.
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:
Dear Lord God, Creator and Sustainer of all life, teach each of us to first consult the Burning Bush of our own solitude before listening to, and being talked-in-to, participating in actions not pleasing in your sight. For without your divine counsel we cannot receive the joy of the Holy Spirit you want us to have. In Your most Holy Name we pray: Amen.
onewhoponders 