Living in the World

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 -- Week of 2 Easter

"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. 958)
Psalms 5, 6 (morning) 10, 11 (evening)
Daniel 2:1-16
1 John 2:1-11
John 17:12-19

Unlike the other gospels and the message of Paul, John is not so much concerned with sin as ethical failure or personal wrongdoing. For John, there is a cosmic problem. We live in a state of blindness -- an alienation from God which leaves us dead in darkness. Jesus came to bring light and life into the dark world. His was a cosmic mission. The cross is the glorification of God through Jesus, who, when he is "lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

So we who are drawn to Jesus receive new life from Christ through his indwelling Spirit -- we are branches of the vine. Living in this life and light, ethical sin can be eradicated because we live by the "new commandment" to love one another.

John uses the language of contrast to make his point, especially through the contrast of light and darkness. The "world" is his symbol for this state of cosmic alienation. But God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. Those who recognize him will live in the light, experience divine joy, and act in love. They will share the glory of the Father and the Son.

Yet, they remain living in the world but not of the world. In the context of the struggle and tribulation of a surrounding darkness, they may yet experience joy because their life is organically united with God through Christ in the Spirit.

John's imagery and theology speaks powerfully in the presence of a stunning act of darkness such as what happened yesterday at Virginia Tech University. We see the depths of darkness; a darkness that leaves us stunned and horrified. Yet we remember that Jesus has come into this world and absorbed such violence and evil into his life and overcome it with the light of resurrection.

In services last night we offered these prayers at both St. Paul's and St. Martin's as a context for our horror:

Lord of Life, you trampled death under your feet so that we might come alive in your eternal light. We remember before you those who have suffered violence this day at our sister campus of Virginia Tech University. In our anger and confusion, we need your help to find our way.

When your own child, Jesus, suffered violent death, you acted through it to redeem the world. Help us to live into that knowledge as we remember those who have died and who now live because of that great gift of your love. Help us to release them to you. Protect and heal those who have been injured. Grant us strength, and the Spirit of healing and peace so that we may labor for your just and peaceable Kingdom, where all your children live in safety and fulfillment, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


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.

See our Web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

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