The Daily Office for May 26, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 108
Ezekiel 36:22-27
Ephesians 6:10-24
Matthew 9:18-26
Reading (Psalm 108)
Reflection
The Bible is filled with commandments that God expects us to follow and instructions for pleasing Him. Key among these is that He wants us to be merciful. But what exactly is mercy? It’s showing kindness, compassion and love to someone who has no reason to expect such treatment and who has nothing to offer in return. Obviously the Lord is the ultimate gift-giver in this department. Because of sin, humans were destined to spend eternity apart from God. But the Lord showed mercy on us by sending His only Son to pay the penalty for our sins, thus giving us an opportunity to spend eternity with Him. No greater gift has ever been given.
Mercy is not simply an attitude; it’s a way of life. We can’t just “feel” mercy for another person; we have to show it in our actions. Spend some time praising the Lord for the mercy He has shown to you. Then ask Him to help you show the same type of mercy to others.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, whose servant Augustine was sent as the apostle of the English people: grant that as he laboured in the Spirit to preach Christ’s gospel in this land, so all who hear the good news may strive to make your truth known in all the world; 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.