Tuesday after Oculi Sunday
Posted on March 14, 2023 by under
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NKJV)
1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
Devotion
Ancient people in the Near East wore long, loose robes. The lighter fabrics and looser fit suited the hot desert environment. They were meant to keep the wearer as cool as possible. But such clothing is not good for working or any sort of vigorous action. When a man had to work or run or do anything vigorously, he girded up his loins and robes. That is, he pulled up his robes higher, folded them, and belted or fastened them, so his legs were free and the robes were not flowing. This meant he was ready for work, ready for action, and not relaxing.
Peter is telling us that since we have these great blessings waiting for us in heaven, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober.” We all have a tendency to relax spiritually. The mundane cares of our lives distract us. The longer we are distracted by the world, the more likely we are to start thinking and acting like the world. St. Peter reminds us that we are to be different. We are to be a “set apart” holy people, not given to the pattern of thinking or acting that the world displays. Our God is not like the pagan gods. He is holy. He is righteous.
Prayer: We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; 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.
