The Daily Office for May 2, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 119:49-72
Exodus 33:1-23
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Matthew 5:17-20
Reading (Matthew 5:17-20)
Reflection
What is God’s attitude toward the suffering of His people on earth? What can we expect of Him? Scripture tells us, “For he has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help.” Of course if God wanted to, He could serve every person on earth a four-course meal morning, noon and night from now until the end of time. So why doesn’t He? Well, we live in a wor1d cursed by sin. We cannot attempt to understand why God allows tragedies to happen. But David’s words in Psalm 22 make it clear that God cares about the suffering of the afflicted. He hears all cries for help, and he uses a variety of means to respond to those cries. As Christians, we must understand that we are among those “means,” that we are instruments of God’s grace, and that we have a responsibility to respond to the needs of others.
Collect for the Day
Almighty Father, whom truly to know is eternal life: teach us to know your Son Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life; that we may follow the steps of your holy apostles Philip and James, and walk steadfastly in the way that leads to your glory; 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.