The Daily Office for October 20, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus, Peter, John,and James return from the mountain to find the other disciples unable to cast a difficult demon out of a young boy. The boy’s father was distraught. Apparently the disciples had not relied on God in prayer for the power they needed to cast out the demon. Jesus then immediately restored the lad.
Then, for the second time in a month, Jesus clearly predicts His coming death in Jerusalem, but the disciples misunderstand. They can't fit a crucified Lord into the Kingdom plans they are all so busily announcing to the people in every town and city. In fact, it was't until after the resurrection that they even began to understand how Christ’s death fit into God’s plan. The Kingdom was to be postponed due to Jewish rejection of Christ, and the church age was to occupy the interval in between. Jesus said that true greatness is achieved by humility. This is true, but must also be balanced with the biblical doctrine of labor, striving, pressing forward, and occupying till He comes. In all of our labors, and especially in our successes, we must not think more highly of ourselves than we ought.
Collect for the Day
O God, forasmuch as without you we are not able to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; 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.