New Beginnings

Monday, January 12, 2009 -- Week of 1 Epiphany, Year 1
Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 942)
Psalms 1, 2, 3 (morning) 4, 7 (evening)
Isaiah 40:12-23
Ephesians 1:1-14
Mark 1:1-13

There is a feeling of new beginnings as we read the passages assigned for this Monday after 1 Epiphany. We begin a new cycle of the Psalms. As we do in the ordinary times such as the Sundays after Pentecost, we will read the Psalter in seven weeks. That is the Prayer Book's pattern for listening to and speaking the great collection of spiritual passion that constitutes this hymnal of the Hebrews.

We also have a new beginning as we start to read one of the most remarkable works of prophecy in all of scripture. We will read chapters 40-55 of Isaiah, commonly called Second Isaiah, written in the decade of anticipation of hope as the Medes and Persians campaign to end Babylon's domination where much of Israel lives in exile. The prophet anticipates the triumph of God who will lead the return and rebuilding of Jerusalem, supporting the weak and encouraging the distressed. He anticipates a new beginning which will initiate an age of peace and tranquillity that will be a joy to the nations.

We also start the letter to the Ephesians which celebrates the opening of the mystery of God which heals the former divisions between Jew and Gentile and calls us to live with vitality and energy, growing into the full stature of Christ. Finally we open the gospel of Mark, who presents Jesus as the mysterious suffering servant who quietly heals and overcomes evil through his faithfulness unto death.

With these new beginnings there is a sense of renewal and hope. Few writings take human suffering and misery with more seriousness than the Psalms and Mark's gospel. Second Isaiah soars to remarkable heights in proclaiming the sovereignty of God that will bring universal restoration and peace. And Ephesians grounds us in the struggle to be mature and proactive on behalf of the purposes of God.

We find ourselves in a new year and on the cusp of a new era of leadership. It is a time of renewal and hope. We approach this time with the bitter reality of a nation with serious problems, systemic problems that do not afford easy solutions. We will have to be as realistic as the Psalms and as willing to suffer as Mark's gospel offers if we are to address these issues with the maturity that Ephesians invites us to embrace.

But the hope of Second Isaiah is a beacon of inspiration. The great and loving God is working to build up that which is bowed down. God intends to bring recompense -- to feed the flock and gather the lambs and gently lead us to peace.

We are called to share in the reconciling and compassionate work of God. That is who we are. We are invited to the work of restoring us to our ideals and values, reuniting the divided, comforting the afflicted, and challenging the strong. Something new is dawning. How can we cooperate with God's intention to build up and restore God's people?

Lowell

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About Morning Reflections
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


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

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas