Devotion September 13, 2023

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Devotion September 12, 2023

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Sunday Reflection (September 10, 2023)

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After the destruction of the Temple the ancient Judeans confronted their sins and accepted responsibility for their sins. When we turn to the Lord, the Lord is already there (Ezekiel 33:7-11). In a small sense in his day, Ezekiel’s words were heard and caused a response. Yet, this response came only after much pain and turmoil.

God is always reaching toward us and when we recognize our sins with the intent to repent and turn from our sins, God is there to lead us. The Psalmist gives us courage: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees and not to selfish gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; be gracious to me according to your word.”

Prayer for the Week (September 10-September 16, 2023)

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Let us pray to God our Father so that we sustain one another on the way to him: Lord God, our Father, your Son Jesus Christ has brought us together as a community of sinners that you have pardoned. May the Holy Spirit unify us and give us the strength to care for one another and do what we are able to remain a living, forgiving, and welcoming community; representing Christ in this world. Amen.

                                                              (Claretian Publications)

                                   

                         

Sunday Sermon September 10, 2023

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Devotion September 6, 2023

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Devotion September 5, 2023

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Sunday Reflection (September 3, 2023)

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Considering zeal, are we to be zealous when we cast out the wicked among us? Are we to be zealous when we point out the slackers among us? Are we to be zealous when we crusade against immorality in the land? I personally think such responses lead to hypocrisy and foster an unhealthy attitude of spiritual arrogance that examines others but not the self. Yet, we are to be zealous and not lag in zeal, but once you find out that in which we are to be zealous, you will know that it is easy to fail because it does not always come naturally (Romans 12:9-21). These verses are worth reading because they display that Paul was informed by the teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount.

The highlights that I chose from the Scripture Readings are these: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good. Extend hospitality to immigrants. Bless those who persecute you and do not curse them. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. ” By being zealous in these things we show our nonconformity with this age, this world. Although it is only God who ultimately defeats evil with good – as shown in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are urged to do as God does in response to evil – “overcome evil with good.”

Prayer for the Week (September 3-September 9, 2023)

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Let us pray that what is good within and among us flourish: God of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of your name.  Increase within us and among us true faith and nourish in us all goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

                                                              (New Zealand Prayer Book)

                                   

                         

Sunday Sermon September 3, 2023

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