Key Messages

Thursday, February 5, 2009 -- Week of 4 Epiphany, Year One
The Martyrs of Japan

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 946)
Psalms [70], 71 (morning) 74 (evening)
Isaiah 55:1-13
Galatians 5:1-16
Mark 8:27 - 9:1

We have wonderful and amazing readings today.

Isaiah 55 is one of the most beautiful and significant chapters in all of scripture. This chapter ends the work of the anonymous prophet of the return from exile, the author of Isaiah 40-55. It summarizes the message of deliverance and hope.

To a people who have lived under Babylonian exile and oppression, the prophet announces liberation, abundance, stability, joy and peace. This will be God's doing -- it is mysterious and certain, says the prophet.

"Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!"

"I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David." These are words that became very important in later years as part of Israel's yearning for a Messiah.

"Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near, ...for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. ...For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

"For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

What an inspiring message this is. It has comforted and strengthened God's people from generation to generation.

In a way, we also get a summary of Paul's theology in the passage that we read today from his letter to the Galatians. "For freedom Christ has set us free. ...For in Christ Jesus, ...the only thing that counts is faith working through love." (or, alternative translation, "faith made effective through love.") ...For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

The essence of Paul's teaching is that our justification -- our right relationship with God -- is a free, unqualified gift from God. God loves and accepts us, just as we are. Simply accept the gift in faith. Accept the fact that you are accepted. That's faith. Then, out of the joy and freedom that your divine gift of acceptance gives you, let your faith be made active through love. Love your neighbor as yourself. You are already loved, so you are free to love. That's it.

And many have said that Mark's entire gospel hinges on chapter 8 which we conclude today. Jesus explains that his Messiahship is accomplished through suffering. He tells us that we are to follow his example of servanthood. "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it." Death and resurrection. Let it begin now. That is central to Mark's gospel.

Cosmic blessing. Divine acceptance made effective through love. Surrender that brings life. This is seminal stuff.

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