And just after the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes us further
by letting us know that he has come to fulfill the Law - the Commandments - and
that we are to follow even the least of these and teach others
to do the same. We are the “salt of the earth”
which, in the time of Jesus, is meant to imply great importance. Salt was more than a condiment then, it was
currency. Soldiers’ wages were paid in
salt and salt was used by everyone as we use money today. If currency is
devalued, if salt loses its taste, it becomes worthless. We are called to realize our own worth and potential in God's sight and
let our good works reflect the Glory of God as a pathway to eternal life.
Let’s take some time this week and think about all the
intentional “good works” we do and see what is self-less and what – although still good for others – might be more for self-importance. What's it worth?
Readings:
Is 58:1-9-12, Ps 112:1-10, 1 Cor 2:1-16, Mt 5:13-20
Let Us, God’s People,
Pray
Leader: ~ O God,
Eternal and Holy, we, Your humble servants, want you to see all the good that
we do to please You and show ourselves in the best light. You ask us to know our own hearts, to see our
deeply disguised motives, and to recognize the pride in our false sense of
humility. Please give us Your Gift of
spiritual discernment that we may move from acting in unconscious self-interest
to working for the ease and well-being of Your people. Let Your Glory shine through us and give
Light to all the World.
God of Abundant Love and Light, move us
beyond mere human wisdom,
Response: Help us to know the Mind of Christ
~ O God, Eternal and Holy, those who hold public office reflect
the values of those who voted for them. Give their lives and ours, a sacred
intent and the strength to fast from the judgment of pointing fingers,
quarreling for its own sake, and holding ourselves above those we are charged
by You to serve. We pray especially
for: add your own petitions
God of Abundant Love and Light,
Help us to know the Mind of
Christ
~ O God, Eternal and Holy, with a true sense of compassion,
we ask for Your Blessing on those who are afflicted by serious illness,
disability, or troubling circumstance.
We also pray for continuing energy for those who give solace and wait
upon them, that they, and we, may discover the best ways to be of help. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
God of Abundant Love and Light,
Help us know the Mind of
Christ
~ O God, Eternal and Holy, our minds and hearts are with
those who are saddened by the loss of those dear to them. Whether the loss is new or freshly
remembered, give us the good sense to be simply present and sensitive in their
time of need. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
God of Abundant Love and Light,
Help us know the Mind of
Christ
~ O God, Eternal and Holy, Your Servant Paul teaches us to
rest our Faith only in Your Spirit and Power, not in the false wisdom of those
doomed to perish in their own age. We ask that those who lead Your Church and
minister in the name of Christ Jesus take on the yoke of Your truth, delight in
Your Commandments, and teach us by example and love. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
The Celebrant Adds: God of Wisdom, God of Abundance, guide us
toward discerning the mind of Christ; help us to fast from willful
self-indulgence, to salt the earth with actions that reflect Your Spirit, and
to be the shining lamp lighting the path that leads us all to You. Amen.
Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.
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