Scripture

John 16: 33

These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have Times of trouble: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. God is with us in every season of our life.

A Word of Hope

Wisdom of the Seasons

It has been a long journey. Life is a long journey with many seasons. In the Spring, we celebrate because we awaken to beauty. Mothers look into their children’s eyes for the first time, Father’s give away daughters to their husbands, the birds sing their songs, and the flowers put on their beautiful garments. Spring gives room to Summer, and in this season, we prepare. Farmers bear the heat and put their hands to work, the ant stores up food for a later use, families come together one last time before the seasons inhibit travel, and the animal’s cross great distances to find pleasant habitation. Summer gives way to Fall, and in this season, the whole world braces itself for Winter. Trees shed their leaves, Grandmothers clean their homes, children go outside while they yet can, and bears find suitable shelter for hibernation.

Winter, that final season, the harshest of them all, comes and tests us all. It is the final exam of the year. Those who studied will not be afraid, they will be confident, and they will be prepared for victory. Then, there are those who did not act wisely while they yet had the chance. The foolish did not prepare and took the seasons for granted. There were many signs that Winter was coming: the leaves did change their color, the birds did leave their homes, the farmers did put their crops in storage, and the reports did come that Winter was coming. Yet, in all their delights, the foolish did not consider that their delights, would eventually, end. Winter came, as we knew it would. The wise were given a crown of victory, and the foolish departed in their shame.

The meaning of this parable is this: Spring represents the years of our youth, which is new and full of wonder. Summer represents the years of our adulthood, which are the years in which we work to carve out a life for ourselves. Fall represents the years of old age, which is when we reflect and teach our children to act wisely. Winter is coming, and now is, in which the age comes to a close. There is no going back to the way things were before, for the end, is the begging of something else. How does one prepare with so little time? We must love wisdom with all that we have by honoring God, and by blessing our neighbors in word and deed.

Prayer

Our Abba, who is in heaven,

The end to our old way of life must come and has come. There is no going back. Lead Your people into this new age. Winter is a hard time for us all, prepared or not, but teach us that it is

better to be prepared. In Jesus name we pray, and we bless you Lord for all generations to come, Amen.

Devotion Author

Jonathon McClellan
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Romans 1.8-13

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of Christ, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

A Word of Hope

Today’s assigned lectionary reading from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, is especially inspiring, and substantially so, following one of our Cathedral of Hope Sunday virtual services. It is a reminder of the fact that our services are available throughout the internet world, which in our era truly means around the globe. Paul’s world consisted of parts of Northern Africa and the European Continent that bordered the Mediterranean Sea. Through the messages our pastors bring, the music that never ends, and the technical work behind the presentation itself, our steadfast unity in being persistent bringers of hope is evident. We are the church alive, regardless of the hardships, griefs, and challenges the entire world is facing in its current history.

I am not surprised that the core team of worship coordinators are delivering their usual high quality of inclusive worship. They always do, regardless of the circumstances. I remember when there was a Sunday morning bomb threat not too long ago, and Rev. Neil chose to deliver his message to a packed congregation on the gravel lot behind the safe shielding of the Interfaith Peace Chapel. We had church that morning, and we’re having church now because the congregation will not submit to being excluded from their community worship of their God.

It is evident that our community is as strong as ever and Paul would say, “your faith is being reported all over the world” because actually it is. The main reinforcement of that evidence is seen in the countless flow of comments and words of encouragement from the congregation present during these online events. Just as I expect the highest quality from our clergy and other ministers, I expect no less from the congregation, and I am not disappointed. The flow of those little thumbs-up, hearts, and hug symbols cascade throughout our time together. They are statements of faith, reminders of our unity.

Certainly, we still long to be in each other’s physical presence. So did Paul: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” We know, from following Luke’s history of Paul’s journey, that Paul and the Roman congregation finally did unite in Rome, just as we will one day be under the same roof again. Of course, there were some shipwrecks, countless arrests, and a few snake bites along the way, but they finally knew the reward for their persistent faith.

We also learned from Luke’s history that Paul never faltered from sending his letters of encouragement, his prayers, or his financial contributions back to his home church in Jerusalem. Their doors never closed. His faith is still being reported all over the world. May that continue to be true of us.

Prayer

May we constantly share with each other those spiritual gifts which make us strong, that we, the church, may always be mutually encouraged and empowered by each other’s faith.

Devotion Author

Dan Peeler
Minister for Children and Families
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Hebrews 13.12

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

A Word of Hope

Everyday Angels

I believe everyone has a guardian angel. No one is left alone, even for a moment. Angels are often in disguise, usually invisible, but I have learned that angels have many forms. A close friend, parent, or even a teacher can be an angel that God sent to help you along your way. I have known a couple of very loyal cats that I consider to be angels. Also, I have come across great teachers who have guided me as only an angel would. The word angel comes from the Greek word angelos, which usually refers to a messenger of God. What every angel has in common is that they help one better understand the message of God, which in one word is: love.

I strive to be an angel wherever I go, to carry the solitary message of love. The message does not always have to be said. Sometimes, it is more important to be the message. This means that my actions speak louder than my words. More often than not, it is the small day to day actions that go unnoticed but speak the loudest. Small deeds like giving someone a hug, a smile, or even something as small as holding the door open for a stranger offer me the most opportunities to share the message. Small deeds cannot be underestimated because each time I show love, I share God’s message.

We have always considered angels to be glowing beings with wings, but it is just as important to consider our everyday angels too. They are our health care workers, our soldiers, and our working-class citizens. Without these people our society would collapse. Consider that God’s love for us is so great that God gave us so many angels to defend us, guide us, and encourage us. It is not wrong to think so highly of such people, but it is neglectful not to. For they watch over you as they watch over me. Today, we pray for angels without noticing that the prayer was already answered before we even asked.

Prayer

Loving God,

Thank You for giving us so many people who are sharing Your message of love daily. Teach us to acknowledge them and appreciate them as they should be. Bless You Lord, for the angels in whom You delight that have surrounded us. May we shine and be a blessing as they do. Amen.

Devotion Author

Jonathon McClellan
Order of St Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Isaiah 58:11

The Lord will guide you always; God will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

A Word of Hope

In these sun-scorched days of self-isolation, I have had the opportunity to take more time than usual for meditation and reflection; more time to spend in peace, listening; hearing what thoughts God may send my way. What I’ve found true for myself is that my inner peace, health, and happiness have been much better than I might have predicted.

I’ve thought a lot about not only my relationship with the Divine, but with others. The biggest truth is that my relationships: friends, extended family, are not just the people I share time with. They’re also my internet counsel and my foundation for the business of life. I can hear their affirmation, advice, and suggestions for guidance but it all circles back to me and what makes me happiest in the end. And if I’m honest; if we’re all honest, what matters at the end of the day is how we feel and how others make us feel.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was “never let somebody else put out your pilot light.” So, I have to be myself; do the things that make myself ME. My life has always been about resolving problems and restoration. I’ve learned that closing the door on a problem can’t resolve it. Worst of all closing the door on someone I have problem with creates unfinished business that could haunt me the rest of my life. Our job is to resolve our issues; strive for the best without expecting perfection.

As an artist, I know when the art is finished but I’ve been taught one basic rule about it; never be content that it’s the best. Grow. Do better. Do your best and, as one of the four agreements says, your best is different every day. Your mood, health, and situations can alter what your best is. It’s often a personal choice, other times a programmed response.

Relationships with both God and humankind are personal. Only you can know when your connection with God is genuine. Only you can know whether someone is the best match for you or not. Jobs may also be personal. Only you know whether a job you have works toward fulfilling you or you might be asking, is it the best match for my potential? My life, of course, is personal. Only I can live my life. It’s not about how often I can please others or meet everyone’s expectations. It’s about sharing my light and dreams and hope… and some of those days it’s about relighting someone else’s pilot light or perhaps ‘turning up’ the burner!

What aspects of your life are making yourself YOU today? What relationships, both human and Divine are giving you peace or nurturing your growth? You might find yourself having a little extra time to relax, be quiet and listen. What guidance is being whispered by God to you today?

Prayer

Help me to know that your guidance for me is always available, always present, to strengthen my spirit. May I learn to be quiet, to be at peace and to listen.

Devotion Author

Charlie Rose
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Psalm 57.1

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me; for it is in you that my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge.

A Word of Hope

The Israelite King Saul was hunting to kill the young warrior David who had sought refuge and hid in a distant cave. Sometimes the world around us may be turned upside down with dangerous threats and loss. We need a sure and safe refuge to anchor our lives and quiet the worries of our heart. The world may offer potential solutions or mind-numbing options, but David models for us the best solution for these moments of crisis… turn to God’s loving care. You may hide under the protection of God wings and still get scratches and a nosebleed, but you won’t end up mortally wounded! In all things, give praise to God!

In I Chronicles 16:8-9, we read: “Give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name, make God deeds known among the people. Sing, sing praises to God.” After King David fought the Philistines and recaptured the Ark of the Covenant, he brought it safely back to Israelite territory and ordered celebrations. This verse begins a hymn of praise to God. Since then many official statements and hymns have been composed to praise and thank God.

But, what about your personal life experience? Is it filled with genuine thanksgiving to the Creator God? Each of us receives more blessings per hour than we can count. Do thanks flow off your tongue giving thanks and praise to our Lord? Praising God’s nature and love is the basis of our spiritual life. From ancient rabbinic literature it is said: “In the world to come, all sacrifice [and offering] will cease, but the sacrifice of thanksgiving will remain forever; equally, all confessional statements will cease, but the confession of our thanksgiving to God will remain forever.” Let it be so in our lives.

Prayer

Lord God, as I journey through daily activities, may the multitude of these divinely inspired words help me to focus on your desires for my life. Keep me safe and on the right path with you. Amen

Devotion Author

Donald (Luke) Day
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare