The Daily Office for February 28, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 45
Genesis 37:12-24
1 Corinthians 1:20-31
Mark 1:14-28
Reading (1 Corinthians 1:20-31)
Reflection
"Where is the one who is wise?" Paul asks in our Epistle reading today. By leaving us to our own wisdom, God demonstrates humanity's foolishness. We are not only incapable of knowing God but in fact, we often degrade Him to our level (as described in Romans 1). In fact knowing God is impossible through logic or by applying scientific principles.
By way of contrast, Paul says that the knowledge of God is only possible to those who believe; who accept Him by faith. Here indeed is the wisdom of God. Salvation comes by hearing God's Word and believing His promises. Never forget, to again quote Paul, ". . . the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
Collect for the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; 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.