Assuming that the selections in the lectionary are put
together for a reason, to illustrate a point, I began by trying
to discern their common thread. The two passages I selected
(from 1 Corinthians and Mark) describe different ways to
show forth the word of God, which we communicate both
by words and by deeds. In 1 Corinthians, Paul says to ask
for the gift of prophecy, so that our words may be
understood by others. Paul points out that our witness is of
limited value if others cannot understand out words.
Sometimes I think that our specialized Episcopalian terms
get in the way of speaking to others, so when I describe our
church life I try to use everyday terms which are readily
understood. But as Mark tells us we also bear witness to
God by our deeds, and that a kindness done to a stranger is
as if it was done to our Lord. Our works are important in
communicating our faith to others; they are a tangible
demonstration that we practice what we profess. In our
Journey with Jesus we have to talk the talk and walk the
walk!
Psalm 31; Exodus 4:10-20(21-26)27-31;
1 Corinthians 14:1-19; Mark 9:30-41
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
