The Daily Office for June 20, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 119:97-120
Numbers 11:24-35
Romans 1:28-2:11
Matthew 18:1-9
Reading (Matthew 18:1-9)
Reflection
One of the most beloved of all Christmas carols is The Little Drummer Boy which tells the story of a young man who is brought to the manger of Jesus. Recognizing that he has nothing of worth to present to the newborn King, the young man offers the only thing he possesses – his musical talent. If we seek to honor the Lord, we’ll do so by giving without thought for the cost. Whether we have much or little does not matter as much as our willingness to give what we have. If we maintain a joyful spirit and always consider the needs of others, God will look on our acts as a delightful offering of worship. We may feel like the Little Drummer Boy – that we have no gifts fit to give the King. But God asks us to give our best. We can take comfort, however, in the fact that the Lord accepts as precious gifts our efforts on His behalf.
Extraordinary needs may arise that require more time, energy or money than we’re used to giving. Our reaction to such circumstances will tell us a lot about the state of our hearts. Do we worship God because we want to or because we’re expected to? Spend a few minutes in worshipful prayer, during which time you do nothing but praise God for who He is and what He has done. Offer to give Him all that you have.
Collect for the Day
Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.