Friday after the Second Sunday after the Epiphany of our Lord
Posted on January 21, 2022 by under
Scripture: Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)
5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 hand perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Devotion
These verses from St. Paul sum up the ideas expressed in the previous readings for this week. The glory of God that is revealed to us, and to the whole world, through His Church is the peace and hope that we have through His Spirit and Truth. In spite of our sinful past, in spite of the twisted notions of men, in spite of suffering and martyrdom, we are given peace and hope in the revelation of God’s mercy toward us in Christ crucified.
Our age is characterized by distractions and selfishness. Wicked leaders are unashamed of their hypocritical pursuits of power. Institutions are bold in their agendas to profit from dissension and discord. People are proud of foolish vanity and materialism. But even though there is constant noise and chaos from this sinful age, there are still moments when God’s truth is proclaimed. There are still moments when wisdom and virtue are heard. The Church still abides in this broken world, the Word and will of God is still proclaimed, and the Sacraments are still given to God’s faithful people. There is still reason for hope, and there are still moments of peace in Jesus Christ, even as the world heaps up tribulations and disappointments. Be encouraged by this truth from God’s Word, and be strengthened by His Spirit. Christ Jesus continues to work in this world as He still abides with His Church and His people, as He promised, to the end of the age.
Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, Who dost govern all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of Thy people, and grant us Thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
