This is part of a series of devotions based on the Daily Office, which is found in the Book of Common Prayer.
This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 31; 108; Exodus 4:10-31; 1 Corinthians 14:1-19; Mark 9:30-41
This morning’s Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (Isaiah 12:2-6, BCP, p. 88); following the Epistle, reading Canticle 19 (Revelation 15:3-4, BCP, p. 94)
“…[S]o that the church may be built up.” (1 Corinthians 14:5). In challenging times, God’s people do what they can to build up others. A cadre of Cathedralites have volunteered to make weekly “check in” calls to more vulnerable members. Cathedral Missioner Peter Tepper is putting his extraordinary “front of the camera” gifts to the side, to orchestrate from “behind the camera” our streaming of services. One does what one can “to build up others.”
My son and daughter-in-law in Chicago are scrupulously following that city’s stay-at-home order, but they join their fellow residents of the South Loop every night at 8:00 in a celebration of lights and noise to push back the dark and express solidarity with one another. Inspired by them, Shari and I have hung our Moravian Star on the front porch as a symbol of hope. It’s easy to find expressions of support everywhere: from people serenading each other from balconies in Italy, to folks applauding health care workers in Atlanta during a shift-change. A New Jersey pizzeria owner who took out a line of credit to guarantee his workers a paycheck for the next two months inspired a surge of pay-it-forward donations. We are all in this together, and we can build each other up in whatever way we can.
“My times are in your hands…” (Psalm 31:15). The enemies in the psalm are human; for us, the enemy right now is an invisible & insidious coronavirus. The truth is the same though: My times are in your hands, Lord. Per verses 23 & 24, I love you, Lord, and I worship you. I look to you for protection. I ask your grace to be strong and courageous, while with my brothers and sisters, I wait for you.
Collect for the Renewal of Life (BCP, p. 99). O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be blessed this day,
Reggie Kidd+