Tuesday after Judica (Passion) Sunday
Posted on March 28, 2023 by under
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (NKJV)
1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
Devotion
It is an important aspect of the Lord’s Church that we manifest the love of God for one another. Talking about “love” and “peace” can seem vague and philosophical, but outward acts concretely show what these words truly mean!
The world is full of corruption and pain, which bring trouble for the faithful and the unfaithful alike. Satan spreads his lies about love and peace, and they only add to the mania and suffering, bringing no lasting help or comfort. But the Lord sends real help through His people, the Church. His Word and the fruit that He makes His saints bear by it are blessings that comfort people when the consequences of evil cannot be avoided. Such blessings are also a help that can strengthen and protect people to avoid the evil that can be avoided.
Superficial vanities are not comforts, but merely distractions. The love that God the Holy Ghost works through His Word provides true comfort and help. He who made all things calls people to come to the place where His name is glorified and His Words are taught. He comforts through tangible things like water, food, and drink in the Sacraments, where spiritual content is connected to the bodily things of creation, so that our bodies may be used to help our souls receive His gifts. Again, He shows His love in the mutual comfort and service of those who are made faithful in Jesus Christ. He is the only one who gives us real love and peace—His forgiveness, won on the cross and delivered through these gifts!
Prayer: We beseech Thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon Thy people, that by Thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; 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.
