Devotion November 14, 2023

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Sunday Reflection (November 12, 2023)

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We Methodists do not have honorific titles for our ministers such as Rabbi, Father, or Master as in a Zen Master, but we do have honorific titles such as Reverend, Reverend Dr., Professor, Bishop, or as I am called at home: Most Holy Reverend (that one I made up). More appropriately my dear cousin Greg Dixon called me Rev. Nut.

Yes, we have our own set of honorific titles, and anyone can use an honorific title to lord it over others, and yes, Reverends, Bishops, and Professors have been guilty of that. The point is this: Do we desire the title without the service or gain the title because of our service? Matthew tells us of Pharisees and Scribes who like anyone with an honorific title can abuse the position. Matthew points out that humility comes first (Matthew 23:1-12).

Prayer for the Week (November 12-November 18, 2023)

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Let us pray that our life does not turn our faith into a lie: Lord God, through the Holy Spirit, you keep speaking your Word to us revealed in Jesus Christ. May we listen to that Word and may that Word change our mentality and our ways for all to see and to follow. May it be the living power that leads all to give you praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

                                                                                          (Claretian Publication, alt.)                    

               

                                   

                         

Sunday Sermon November 12, 2023

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Prayer for the Week (November 5-November 11, 2023)

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Let us pray for the gift of humility: Thank you, great God, for the privilege of serving you. Keep us from putting ourselves first. Make us humble and considerate, so that, like your Son, we can be of service to others. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
                                  (LC of Australia)

                                   

                         

Sunday Sermon November 5, 2023

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Devotion November 1, 2023

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Sunday Sermon October 29, 2023

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Sunday Reflection (October 29, 2023)

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The concept of “holiness” in Leviticus is not about a solitary holy man or holy woman practicing an esoteric version of holiness that few achieve. Rather, it was about practicing holiness in community with others. When Jesus was questioned about the Greatest Commandment, he spliced two commands from the Torah. The first from Deuteronomy: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind,” and the second from Leviticus: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Holiness is not about being spiritually superior, rather it is about loving God and neighbor. Lest we think it only about our neighbors, Leviticus reminds us that such love even expands to immigrants (19:33-34). Our holiness is revealed in our dealings with and treatment of others. Holiness is found and practiced in relationships with others.

Prayer for the Week (October 29-November 4, 2023)

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Prayer for the Week

Let us pray that our love of God become real and tangible in love for our neighbor: God, you display your almighty power in loving us without regret. In Jesus your Son, you have shown us the depth of divine love. Give us a love that is forgiving, generous, and gentle like his, so that we recognize and welcome him in others. May our hearts reach out first to the poorest and the least lovable with the gratuitous love you have given us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

                                                 (Claretian Publications)