Freedom when Calamity Comes--June 11, 2014

No one can anticipate the time of disaster;

we cannot expect a sign from heaven

to warn us of impending doom.

Still we were called to freedom,

not as an opportunity for self-indulgence,

but through love to become slaves to each other.

Therefore when calamity comes and people are

snared like fish taken in a cruel net, let us

use our freedom to bind up wounds

and heal the broken hearted.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 96; 147:1-11; 132; 134

Eccl. 9:11-18

Gal. 5:1-15

Matt. 16:1-12

Selected Verses

Ps. 147:3

  [The LORD] heals the brokenhearted,
          and binds up their wounds. 

Eccl. 9:12

For no one can anticipate the time of disaster.  Like fish taken in a cruel net, and like birds caught in a snare, so mortals are snared at a time of calamity, when it suddenly falls upon them.

Gal. 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 

Matt. 16:1

The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.