The Communal Nature of Things

Monday, July 24, 2006 -- Week of Proper 11 (Thomas a Kempis)

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this link -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 977)
Psalm 41, 52 (morning) // 44 (evening)
Joshua 7:1-13
Romans 13:9-14
Matthew 26:36-46


In each of today's readings there is a slant on the communal nature of our lives. We are interrelated, and what we do affects everyone else.

The story from Joshua illustrates the corporate nature of sin. Achen has taken for himself some of the war booty that had been dedicated to God. The effect is catastrophic. The whole community is held guilty and responsible. God no longer goes out with the army of Israel, and they experience a fearful defeat. From a human perspective, what Achen has done is entirely hidden. But God knows, and the consequences are contagious.

Paul summarizes the law's obligations to the neighbor with the word love. "Love your neighbor as yourself." He encourages his readers to live in this new light.

Jesus asks for the support of his friends as he faces the anticipation of his time of trial. He prays for an escape. He prays that he would be spared. He does not want to do what he feels led into. He wants the help and support of Peter, James and John. But they are tired and the hour is late. They fall asleep. They are of little help.

The intertwining picture from these three moments is sobering. Even our hidden selfish acts have profound consequences. Love is our abiding call and duty. Sometimes you can't avoid facing what your would rather not face, sometimes unsupported.

Lowell