Archive for month: February, 2025
Sunday Reflection upon Psalm 37:1-11
Trust in the Lord and do good: The word “good” translates in the Greek Old Testament to a word familiar to us: “grace and kindness.” Trust in the Lord and do grace and kindness! The Psalm adds a caveat: trust and do good with “commit your way to the Lord.” Psalm 37 encourages us to trust in the Lord and commit our way of life to the Lord, a way of grace and kindness.
Trusting in the Lord and doing good are not the same, but they are similar to ‘Love the Lord your God with all of you and your neighbor as yourself.’ As understood in the Old Testament, our neighbor is not just the person next door but, more importantly, in need. Part of doing good in the prophetic context was to extend kindness and grace to the least vulnerable, a principle that remains as relevant today as it was then. God judges us and all society by how the vulnerable are treated. We all share this solemn responsibility to ensure the well-being of those in need, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. May we trust, commit our ways to the Lord, and practice grace and kindness. This approach is our path to a hopeful future and a more grace-filled today.
Let us pray to God the source of all creation: Almighty God, being created in your image, teach us to discern your hand in all your works, and your likeness in all humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Sunday Missal, alt.
Sunday Reflection upon Jeremiah 17:5-10
The Holy Spirit speaks to us boldly and gently, and the Holy Spirit also works through others to point out our deceptions. We need one another to help us step outside ourselves and look at ourselves. This sense of community and support is not just crucial; it’s invaluable in our journey of self-reflection. In a community, we find understanding, connection, and strength in confronting our own faults rather than focusing on the faults of others.
God is patient with us but desires us to recognize the deceitfulness of our hearts as much as we are able. His patience and grace are not just comforting; they are a constant reassurance that we are not alone in our struggle. By turning to God and confronting our deceitfulness, our lives can be a blessing. God’s Word, revealed in Christ, shows us a different way. May Christ be formed within us and among us so that our ways align with the ways of God revealed in Christ Jesus, providing us with comfort and security in our journey.
Let us pray for the wisdom that is greater than human words: Father in heaven, the loving plan of your wisdom took flesh in Christ and changed the history of humankind by his command of perfect love. May our fulfillment of his command reflect your wisdom and bring your salvation to the ends of the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Sunday Missal)
Let us pray that we love God in our hearts and in our actions: Almighty God, you have called us to serve you, yet without your grace we are not able to please you. Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit, who leads us in the way of Christ, direct and rule our hearts in all things. Amen.
(New Zealand Prayer Book)
