The "Alreadiness" of All

Monday, February 19, 2007 -- Week of Last Epiphany, Year One

"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


Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 950)
Psalms 25 (morning) // 9, 15 (evening)
Deuteronomy 6:10-15
Hebrews 1:1-14
John 1:1-18

There is an amazing "alreadiness" to the proclamation of scripture.

Speaking in the voice of Moses, Deuteronomy reminds Israel that the land which the people will enter will be a land given to them. It will have fine, large cities that they did not build, houses that they did not furnish, wells that they did not dig, vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant. The appropriate attitude towards such un-earned privilege is an attitude of grateful, humble thanks. Moses warns the people not to be proud, not to take too much credit.

Likewise, Hebrews and John both celebrate the unique wonder of God's presence and activity through Jesus the Son, the Word. Jesus is the incarnation and manifestation of God within human life. He is God with us, the light eternal. He comes to us freely, as God's generous gift of Being with us. Even though we did not know him, even though we rejected him, he is with us for ever. Jesus reveals the heart of God.

Everything is given. I did not create myself. I was given life and nourished. I was given gifts of intellect and body. The little that I might claim as my own contribution is merely the stewardship of the incalculable treasure I have been given. To do anything other than take care of mind, body, and spirit would be irresponsible and a tragic waste.

And everything that is given is given in relationship. First in the divine relationship of eternal love -- the Father emptying the divine life in love of the Son; the Son returning that love in complete giving to the Father; the Spirit Being the very love that unites them. Out of that primordial relationship of creative love comes everything that has being. All is a reflection of the divine relationship of love. Everything I am is a reflection of my participation in this overflowing, creative love. It takes more than a village to raise a child. I am mineral, vegetable, and animal loved into consciousness. Each of us is from the beginning, a Word made flesh. All is given.

The "alreadiness" of our very being is wonderful and amazing. Can we be other than grateful?

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

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Our Rule of Life:
We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.