Spiritual Beings

Monday, October 19, 2009 -- Week of Proper 24, Year One

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 988)
Psalms 26, 28 (morning) 36, 39 (evening)
Lamentations 1:1-5(6-9)10-12
1 Corinthians 15:41-50
Matthew 11:25-30

In Lamentations we are given an image of profound catastrophe and suffering. The city and nation has been destroyed. Life is grievously bitter.

Paul offers a vision through the suffering. He is one who has suffered greatly, yet he lives with courageous hope based on the resurrection (see yesterday's Morning Reflection). He comments on the dual nature of our being: We are mortal, perishable, and dust. We are also immortal, imperishable, spiritual beings. Just as we became human beings through Adam, we have become spiritual beings through Jesus. "If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body," he says.

In our reading from Matthew, Jesus invites us to live in the energy of the reality of our spiritual identity, especially in our experience of suffering and trials. "Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Our deepest reality is that we are God's beloved. At the center of our being, we are always one with God. Our spiritual body is eternally united with Christ. In Christ's spiritual embrace we are beloved, accepted, and whole. Jesus invites us to rest in that primary identity. Let spirit carry gently what dust imposes heavily. We are human beings, not human doings. Jesus invites us into the freedom and lightness that is our inheritance as spiritual beings: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Lowell

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Audio podcast: Listen to an audio podcast of the most recent Morning Reflections from today and the past week. Click the following link: Morning Reflection Podcasts

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