The Daily Office for April 23, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 25
Exodus 18:13-27
1 Peter 5:1-14
Matthew 1:1-17
Reading (Psalm 25)
Reflection
In this era of fast food, convenience stores and microwaveable meals, the only time many of us associate sweat on our brow with dinner time is when we’re eating a spicy burrito. And most of us have never gone hungry so we don’t think too much of the fact we’re able to eat whenever and whatever we please. The flip side, of course, is that those who have gone without eating for a long period of time and who don’t know where their next meal is coming from have a much greater appreciation for food.
Set aside a single day and consider each bite you take. Think about what went into producing it, the luxury of its sweet or savory tastes and how many minutes it took to earn the money it cost. Soon you’ll begin to appreciate the blessing of nourishment and understand why many in the world never frivolously take their next bite, let alone their next meal, for granted.
Collect for the Day
God of hosts, who so kindled the flame of love in the heart of your servant George that he bore witness to the risen Lord by his life and by his death: give us the same faith and power of love that we who rejoice in his triumphs may come to share with him the fullness of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.