Sunday, August 28, 2011

Psalm 48.1-8, 1 Kings 11.1-26, 2 Corinthians 6.1-18 - Lectionary for 8/28/11 - Commemoration of Augustine of Hippo

Today is the commemoration of Augustine of Hippo.

Today's readings are Psalm 48.1-8, 1 Kings 11.1-26, and 2 Corinthians 6.1-18.

Today's readings remind us that Christians are called out from a life of sin and strife. Unlike the people in 1 Kings 11, Jesus' people are not to protect their own interests, but those of others. As the apostle Paul says we open our hearts and proclaim God's reconciliation. We are not to be bound to this world and all its self-interest. On the contrary we look to God's mercy and grace, ourselves becoming instruments of that mercy and grace.

How far do we need to look, what expense do we need to go to in order to be God's instruments of mercy? We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. Surely this begins with those neighbors we live with. It then spreads to our neighborhood, our community, our workplace. And much that we can do is free and simple. May God inspire us as his instruments of grace, bringing life and hope to those around us.

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