TUESDAY (July 21, 2020)
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” (Psalms 119:64)
Reading
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:22–25)
Meditation
The now and the not yet—that is the tension we as Christians find ourselves in. The now—the reality that we are in Christ and He in us. We are redeemed, made holy in the waters of baptism, renewed and sustained at the Table. The not yet—the stark reality of living in a world of sin, with the effects of sin in our faces each and everyday. Decay, despair, desolation are all signs of our reality. And yet, we have hope—the unseen hope of knowing whose we are. The unseen hope of having our identity defined by Christ. The unseen hope of trust while waiting.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Lord Jesus Christ, be with Toby this week. Give him your grace and teach him to learn more of your mercy with each passing day. Amen.
Prayer of the Week (from Sunday)
O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You in perfect joy hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer