Reflection for Day 204 or July 29
Proverbs 23-25; Psalm 17; Philippians 1
As I read Proverbs 25:21-22, which instructs us to feed our enemies when they are hungry and if they are thirsty to give them something to drink, I was reminded that Jesus quotes these verses in his teaching. Jesus, of course, regularly quotes passages from the Hebrew Scriptures, but as I paused on this passage I had an image of Jesus as a small boy hearing these words read or, perhaps reading them with a teacher of the Torah. I imagined these words sinking into Jesus’ heart with the clarity and force of the Father’s, of Abba’s Spirit. In this moment I felt myself being drawn by the Spirit closer to Jesus and to Proverbs through this text so alive with Abba’s abiding presence. I think most of us find it challenging to love and care for those who terrorize and abuse others--our enemies--especially innocent ones such as a terrorist who casually ignites a bomb or a child abuser who molests small children. To provide our enemies with food and drink does not mean we condone their actions or call what is evil good,; it is, however, to wish that their hearts would turn, that true repentance might through an acceptance of God’s grace happen. Maybe that’s the way to understand the part about hot burning coals being poured on their head that ends this verse.
Today we begin Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In the first chapter, the words “joy” or “rejoice” appear four times. Paul, writing from prison, is brimming with a tender, overflowing joy for this small, growing community of believers. He prays with joy for them. He rejoices that his imprisonment serves as a living witness to the good news of God’s saving love in Jesus to others. He continues to rejoice in the strength and hope he receives from the prayers of the community for him and through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Finally, he commends them to continue in the joy of the faith which they have embraced.
Here’s a gift that we can pray for: that we would experience more fully the renewing flow of joy from the Spirit that connects us to God and others in and through prayer. Paul’s letter also inspires and challenges us to discover and give voice to the joy that is present even in the midst of adversity.
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman, Rector
St. Gregory’s Church, Boca Raton
Proverbs 23-25; Psalm 17; Philippians 1
As I read Proverbs 25:21-22, which instructs us to feed our enemies when they are hungry and if they are thirsty to give them something to drink, I was reminded that Jesus quotes these verses in his teaching. Jesus, of course, regularly quotes passages from the Hebrew Scriptures, but as I paused on this passage I had an image of Jesus as a small boy hearing these words read or, perhaps reading them with a teacher of the Torah. I imagined these words sinking into Jesus’ heart with the clarity and force of the Father’s, of Abba’s Spirit. In this moment I felt myself being drawn by the Spirit closer to Jesus and to Proverbs through this text so alive with Abba’s abiding presence. I think most of us find it challenging to love and care for those who terrorize and abuse others--our enemies--especially innocent ones such as a terrorist who casually ignites a bomb or a child abuser who molests small children. To provide our enemies with food and drink does not mean we condone their actions or call what is evil good,; it is, however, to wish that their hearts would turn, that true repentance might through an acceptance of God’s grace happen. Maybe that’s the way to understand the part about hot burning coals being poured on their head that ends this verse.
Today we begin Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In the first chapter, the words “joy” or “rejoice” appear four times. Paul, writing from prison, is brimming with a tender, overflowing joy for this small, growing community of believers. He prays with joy for them. He rejoices that his imprisonment serves as a living witness to the good news of God’s saving love in Jesus to others. He continues to rejoice in the strength and hope he receives from the prayers of the community for him and through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Finally, he commends them to continue in the joy of the faith which they have embraced.
Here’s a gift that we can pray for: that we would experience more fully the renewing flow of joy from the Spirit that connects us to God and others in and through prayer. Paul’s letter also inspires and challenges us to discover and give voice to the joy that is present even in the midst of adversity.
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman, Rector
St. Gregory’s Church, Boca Raton
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