Freedom in a Calamity--June 8, 2022

[From June 11, 2014 archive]

 

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.