New Beginnings on Old Foundations

Friday, January 5, 2007 -- Daily Office Year 1
The 12th day of Christmas

"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 location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Discussion Blog: To comment on today's reflection or readings, go to http://lowellsblog.blogspot.com, find today's reading, click "comment" at the bottom of the reading, and post your thoughts.

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 940)
Psalms 2, 110:1-5 (6-7) (morning) // 29, 98 (evening)
Joshua 1:1-9
Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2
John 15:1-16

We close out the series of beginnings. The lectionary starts the year with a survey of the calling of Abraham, Jacob/Israel, Moses, and today -- Joshua. As Joshua prepares to lead Israel into the land of promise, God reminds him, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous." Joshua is reminded of the foundations of the community: "This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it."

And we've read from the book of Hebrews of the heroes of Israel's past. We are inspired by their courage and suffering. Part of our foundation is the example of the people who have passed our heritage to us.

In John's Gospel is a wonderful passage where Jesus defines our relationship as branches connected to the vine; we are the branches; Jesus is the vine.

These are our foundations: the presence of God throughout the history of our community; the book which carries our story; the people who are examples to us; and our vital, intimate, living relationship with the very life of God as revealed through Jesus Christ. We begin this new year firmly established on the strong foundation.

Lowell
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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR