That we all may be one

Wednesday, April 18, 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 119:1-24 (morning) 12, 13, 14 (evening)
Daniel 2:17-30
1 John 2:12-17
John 17:20-26

Jesus closes his declaratory prayer with a beautiful petition "that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us." We are invited to live within the very life of the Holy Trinity. Furthermore, Jesus gives to us the very same divine glory that he has received from the Father, "so that they may be one, as we are one. I am them and you in me, that they may be completely one." Jesus prays his desire "that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, ...so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

These are the words which correspond to the actions and symbolism of the Eucharist. In the Eucharist we are made one with Christ and each other, feeding on the food which is the life and presence of Christ, who is one with God. We are constituted by the Eucharist. Our participation gives us communion with God and union with one another. Mortals eat the bread of the divine.

Jesus prays that the union that God gives may be for the sake of the world, "so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." Our dismissal from the Eucharist reminds us that we have been nourished, blessed, and united to go into the world and be Christ's hands and heart and voice. It has often been said, "You may be the only Christ that someone else may know." What an awesome gift and responsibility.

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.