The Daily Office for May 6, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 24
Leviticus 8:1-36
Hebrews 12:1-14
Matthew 5:38-48
Reading (Luke 4:16-30)
Reflection
A missionary in Africa was teaching an adult Bible class, and when it came time for the examination, he reminded the students: Don’t cheat! Soon after he handed out the exams, however, he found that the pupils almost immediately turned to one another, sharing answers. The teacher was confounded by their actions – astounded, most of all, that they would ignore his instructions and violate such an important code of ethics. But, after warning them yet again, the pupils still talked among themselves. Finally, a national missionary came to his aid to explain the mystery. Don’t cheat to them meant: Don’t withhold valuable knowledge from one another!
Jesus, of course, gave “gifts” to the church, and those gifts are given to apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers – in other words, people just like you. Other gifts listed elsewhere in Scripture include those given for hospitality and service and prayer. Each one is of infinite value and is absolutely necessary for the church to properly function. The design, fitted together by God, hinges on cooperation, commitment and contribution. In essence, then, if someone withholds his or her gift, the church suffers.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.