Morning Prayer
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentences – Cuthbert of Northumbria (635-87)
Under protection of the King of life, a protection that will not betrtay us. May the Holy Spirit come upon us; may Christ deliver us, bless us.
Jesus, only Son of the Father and High King, Your name is above every name, In the name of Jesus let no evil be welcome in our hearts, or in this place.
Morning reading
John 16:1-4 ESV:
“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.”
Reflections:
misplaced service
Jesus’ opponents are about to put him to death for the sake of what they believe to be God’s truth and honor and the same fate awaits his followers. Jesus’ opponents think they are offering a “service” to God – the word “service” refers to religious service. Such a view is quite understandable among those who believe they have received the revelation of the truth, which includes most, if not all, the major religions. Such killing is against the teaching of Jesus and the New Testament, but this has not stopped such activity in the name of Christ.
alienation from God
The opponents’ zeal is itself commendable, but because it is directed against Jesus and his followers, it simply bears further witness to their alienation from God. Jesus and John agree with their Jewish opponents that God has revealed himself — there is revealed truth to live and die for, truth that distinguishes those who are of God and those who are against him. But they disagree about the locus of this truth. Jesus says they are doing these things “because they have not known the Father or me”. So the knowledge of the Father and the Son, which is the very source of the disciples’ joy and peace, is also the cause of their troubles in the world.
troubles ahead
Jesus tells them about these troubles ahead of time so they “will not go astray” – referring to something preventing one’s progress, in this case a falling away. Earlier, when the disciples had grumbled over a hard saying, Jesus used this same word when he said, “Does this offend you?” The teaching did offend them, and “many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” Such a falling away is what Jesus wants to prevent by warning them of persecution. When the hard times come they should stick with him, just as these eleven did when the hard sayings hit them. These are the ones who have received Jesus’ words, and they are to remember these words so they do not fall away.
pastoral care
Disciples today also need to receive deeply the teachings of Christ and his apostles in order to be ready for times of persecution or temptation. Jesus here provides an example of pastoral care. It is part of the pastor’s duty to ensure that God’s people receive such preparation so they will continue on the pilgrim way and not fall away or otherwise get blocked along the way.
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Canticle:
Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.
Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.
On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.
Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.
The Peanut Gallery 