SATURDAY, May 1 Saint Philip and Saint James

2 Corinthians 4:1-6. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

"World" has meant many things to Christians over the centuries, but there is always one basic thing: the world is the society or culture in which one lives, and more particularly the aspects of it that are at war with Christ.

Always there is the temptation to conform to the world, and out of this conformity come tensions. Even though much of it calls itself Christian, the world we live in is a pretty hard place in which to be a Christian.

When our Lord says: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear" (Luke 12:22), the world says: "You need security against poverty, sickness, and old age. Today doesn't matter; only the future counts." Instead of "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27), the world says: "Hate your enemies. Be ready to strike before they strike you. Contain them; don't trust them." Instead of "For one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15), the world says: "Earn more. Spend more. Be comfortable. Live it up. Enjoy life." (1962)

PRAY for the Diocese of Chester (York, England)

Ps 119:33-40; Isaiah 30:18-21; John 14:6-14

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Reading Between The Lines

May 01, 2010 at 5:45 am

Written by Kathy Ruff,

What strikes me about today's passage is what isn't said explicitly. Today is the day. Be present in the moment. Trust God implicitly. Live a spiritual live. These are themes I try to live by, and I write about living a spiritual life on my blog at www.kathyruff1959.blogspot.com. I believe God's light shines through us all, like it did Jesus, and we're meant to share that light with others.

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May 01, 2010 at 9:17 am

Written by Susan Blair ,

Philip says, "Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied." Will we? As today's author points out, being Christ in the world is certainly the tension that we all experience. The conflict, I believe, is that we continually attempt to live in both places -- in Christ and in the world. We see Christ, we see the Father, we experiece and are witnesses to the powerful works of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are often even the instruments through which God performs mighty works. It's incredible, miraculous, exciting and so many other things that we ... continue to seek the things of the world.

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The things of this world...

May 01, 2010 at 10:34 am

Written by Kimberly Cortner,

The definition of 'the world' that makes the most sense to me is the one proposed by Gerald May in his book Addiction and Grace—that is, all the addictions and attachments that separate us from God, even those that we think are good and positive if they get in the way of our connection to Father/Son/Spirit. I am continually having to fight these attachments... to work, to clutter, to mindless entertainment, to unhealthy foods, even to overdoing in the name of service. Any of these can blind me to God's truth and pull me off the path that he has planned for me. Please, O God, may I see the world's distractions for what they are and remain true to your way by ridding myself of these addictions and attachments. AMEN

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The world bites at our feet.................

May 01, 2010 at 11:06 am

Written by Kaye Patton,

As I seek a deeper walk with the Lord, I find more tension results in acceptance from the world. I have found that to walk with the world is comfortable and to walk with the Lord is in fact a narrow, lonely, unpopular way. Yet that path is the most sweet and sure way I have ever experienced. My life has become more meaningful and purpose-filled. Yes, I am confronted by the Spirit about what I observe and must choose which way I will go but I am blessed to be so convicted to ponder such truths. I fail terribly at times but the hope of forgiveness and mercy to persevere is my daily bread. My life is richer in my need and I long to extend this lifeline to all I meet as I journey forward. I know what it is to be lost and I pray for all to see the Light of salvation. It is every man's only hope.

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Quickeing Spirit of Jesus Christ

May 01, 2010 at 1:17 pm

Written by Sheri Christi,

Jesus teaches the 2nd birth into Spirit in loving relationship with God. He calls on us to have a new identity, quickened by the Holy Spirit, but that spiritual identity is often disconcerting to the materially minded masses of people in the world. Even many religious people want religion to be a "feel good" emotional experience instead of a path of spiritualization of identity grounded in the love, wisdom and living presence of the savior. Then too, even too personified of a concept of God can draw us into worldliness, for God is Spirit and Truth. I also like to think of God as All-Good and that certainly doesn't have worldly parallel. I am so thankful for Jesus' love and sacrifice for all of us and for your devotion to realising the truth of his message.

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