One Walk

Dear Lord God, how blessed I am to realize it is Your hand at work with and in me; and even though I stumble I find comfort waits me when take Your hand and lift myself up asking myself – did I trip over myself or was that You protecting me from myself. O Lord God how the journey within is so different with You by my side. O how I pray You will deliver me from myself, to do Your will, to fulfill Your purpose by staying in the now with You focused on who we are together and what we can do. Looking neither right nor left, and leaving behind what is of no value to what we do. O Lord God, how I pray that You will bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, and that Your hand will be with me to keep me from evil and from causing pain. And that me and my family we always serve You. Amen

God is seen by those who have the capacity to see him, provided that they keep the eyes of their mind open. All have eyes, but some have eyes that are shrouded in darkness, unable to see the light of the sun. Because the blind cannot see it, it does not follow that the sun does not shine. The blind must trace the cause back to themselves and their eyes. In the same way, you have eyes in your mind that are shrouded in darkness because of your sins and evil deeds. No one who has sin within him can see God. If you understand this, and live in purity and holiness and justice, you may see God.

— Saint Theophilus of Antioch

Genesis 28:10-22

10 Jacob left Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place, and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants; 14 and your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you." 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place; and I did not know it." 17 And he was afraid, and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 18 So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone which he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. 19 He called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house; and of all that thou givest me I will give the tenth to thee."

Bible Study: [11] Shrine: literally "place," often used specifically of a sacred site. Here the place was Bethel (Genesis 28:19), a sacred site as early as the time of Abraham (Genesis 12:8). [12] Stairway: in Hebrew, sullam, traditionally but inaccurately translated as "ladder." The corresponding verb, salal, means "to heap up" something, such as dirt for a highway or ramp. The imagery in Jacob’s dream is derived from the Babylonian ziggurat or temple tower, "with its top in the sky" (Genesis 11:4), and with brick steps leading up to a small temple at the top. [17] This: the stone Jacob used as a headrest; cf Genesis 28:22. That: the stairway Jacob saw in his dream. [18] Memorial stone: in Hebrew, masseba, a stone which might vary in shape and size, set upright and usually intended for some religious purpose. Since the custom of erecting such "sacred pillars" in Palestine went back to its pre-Israelite period, their pagan associations were often retained; therefore, later Israelite religion forbade their erection (Lev 26:1; Deut 16:22) and ordered the destruction of those that were associated with paganism (Exodus 34:31; Deut 12:3). [19] Bethel: i.e., "house of God"; the reference is to the abode of God in Genesis 28:17.

Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; 4 he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 14 Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him.

Bible Study: [Psalm 91] A prayer of someone who has taken refuge in the security of the temple (Psalm 91:1-2). The psalmist is confident that God’s presence will protect the people in every dangerous situation (Psalm 91:3-13). The final verses are an oracle of salvation promising salvation to those who trust in God (Psalm 91:14-16).

Matthew 9:18-26

18 While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; 21 for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, 24 he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.

Bible Study: [18-34] In this third group of miracles, the first (Matthew 9:18-26) is clearly dependent on Mark (Mark 5:21-43). Though it tells of two miracles, the cure of the woman had already been included within the story of the raising of the official’s daughter, so that the two were probably regarded as a single unit. The other miracles seem to have been derived from Mark and Q respectively, though there Matthew’s own editing is much more evident.  [18] Official: literally, "ruler." Mark calls him "one of the synagogue officials" (Mark 5:22). My daughter has just died: Matthew heightens the Marcan "my daughter is at the point of death" (Mark 5:23).  [20] Tassel: possibly "fringe." The Mosaic law prescribed that tassels be worn on the corners of one’s garment as a reminder to keep the commandments (see Numbers 15:37-39; Deut 22:12).  [24] Sleeping: sleep is a biblical metaphor for death (see Psalm 87:6 LXX; Daniel 12:2; 1 Thes 5:10). Jesus’ statement is not a denial of the child’s real death, but an assurance that she will be roused from her sleep of death.

Dear Lord God, since the beginning, throughout the ages, through all the prophets and saints, Your message has been consistent in that You are our one true God and we are to love You, praise You and worship You above all else. Through Jesus Christ You provide fulfillment of the word, the same word which You used to create the entire universe and everything in it. O Lord forgive me for wanting to know so much, yet being so ignorant, weak and self-serving; when You are all I need to know and practice. Thank You for Your persistent nature which is filled with unconditional love for me and all Your creations. Come to me now, take my hand and lift me up into Your arms and set my feet on solid ground. Show me what I need to do, do not let me be foolish or take to wide road guide me, teach me, condition me to practice and apply that which You want me to know and use to serve You and You will. O Lord that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory; that Your hand would be with me to keep me from evil ad from causing pain. O Lord place Your healing, comforting hand I my baby and all those in need of rest, healing and comfort; help us all see the contentment which awaits us with You. Amen.

In the same way a powerful medicine cures an illness, so illness itself is a medicine to cure passion. And there is much profit of soul in bearing illness quietly and giving thanks to God.

— St. Amma Syncletice

2 Corinthians 4:6-11, 16, 17

6 For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Bible Study: [6] Autobiographical allusion to the episode at Damascus clarifies the origin and nature of Paul’s service; cf Acts 9:1-19; 22:3-16; 26:2-18. "Let light shine out of darkness": Paul seems to be thinking of Genesis 1:3 and presenting his apostolic ministry as a new creation. There may also be an allusion to Isaiah 9:1 suggesting his prophetic calling as servant of the Lord and light to the nations; cf Isaiah 42:6, 16; 49:6; 60:1-2, and the use of light imagery in Acts 26:13-23. To bring to light the knowledge: Paul’s role in the process of revelation, expressed at the beginning under the image of the odor and aroma (2 Cor 2:14-15), is restated now, at the end of this first moment of the development, in the imagery of light and glory (2 Cor 4:3-6). [4:7-5:10] Paul now confronts the difficulty that his present existence does not appear glorious at all; it is marked instead by suffering and death. He deals with this by developing the topic already announced in 2 Cor 3:3, 6, asserting his faith in the presence and ultimate triumph of life, in his own and every Christian existence, despite the experience of death. [7] This treasure: the glory that he preaches and into which they are being transformed. In earthen vessels: the instruments God uses are human and fragile; some imagine small terracotta lamps in which light is carried. [8-9] A catalogue of his apostolic trials and afflictions. Yet in these the negative never completely prevails; there is always some experience of rescue, of salvation. [10-11] Both the negative and the positive sides of the experience are grounded christologically. The logic is similar to that of 2 Cor 1:3-11. His sufferings are connected with Christ’s, and his deliverance is a sign that he is to share in Jesus’ resurrection. [12-15] His experience does not terminate in himself, but in others (12.15; cf 2 Cor 1, 4-5). Ultimately, everything is ordered even beyond the community, toward God (2 Cor 4:15; cf 2 Cor 1:11).  [13-14] Like the Psalmist, Paul clearly proclaims his faith, affirming life within himself despite death (2 Cor 4:10-11) and the life-giving effect of his experience upon the church (2 Cor 4:12, 14-15). And place us with you in his presence: Paul imagines God presenting him and them to Jesus at the parousia and the judgment; cf 2 Cor 11:2; Romans 14:10. [16-18] In a series of contrasts Paul explains the extent of his faith in life. Life is not only already present and revealing itself (2 Cor 4:8-11, 16) but will outlast his experience of affliction and dying: it is eternal (2 Cor 4:17-18).  [16] Not discouraged: i.e., despite the experience of death. Paul is still speaking of himself personally, but he assumes his faith and attitude will be shared by all Christians. Our outer self: the individual subject of ordinary perception and observation, in contrast to the interior and hidden self, which undergoes renewal. Is being renewed day by day: this suggests a process that has already begun; cf 2 Cor 3:18. The renewal already taking place even in Paul’s dying is a share in the life of Jesus, but this is recognized only by faith (2 Cor 4:13, 18; 2 Cor 5:7).

Psalm 59:2, 10, 17-18

2 deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. 10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me; my God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. 17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to thee, for thou, O God, art my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.

Bible Study: [Psalm 59] A miktam of David, when Saul sent people to watch his house and kill him – A lament in two parts (Psalm 59:2-9, 11b-17), each ending in a refrain (Psalm 59:10, 17[18]). Both parts alternate prayer for vindication (Psalm 59:2-3, 4b-5; 11b-14) with vivid depictions of the psalmist’s enemies (Psalm 59:4-5a, 7-8, 15-16). The near curse in Psalm 59:12-13 is not a crude desire for revenge but a wish that God’s just rule over human affairs be recognized now.

Matthew 16:24-27

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? 27 For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.

Bible Study: [24-28] A readiness to follow Jesus even to giving up one’s life for him is the condition for true discipleship; this will be repaid by him at the final judgment. [24] Deny himself: to deny someone is to disown him (see Matthew 10:33; 26:34-35) and to deny oneself is to disown oneself as the center of one’s existence. [25] See the notes on Matthew 10:38, 39. [27] The parousia and final judgment are described in Matthew 25:31 in terms almost identical with these. [28] Coming in his kingdom: since the kingdom of the Son of Man has been described as "the world" and Jesus’ sovereignty precedes his final coming in glory (Matthew 13:38, 41), the coming in this verse is not the parousia as in the preceding but the manifestation of Jesus’ rule after his resurrection; see the notes on Matthew 13:38, 41.