This Daily Devotion is to help our members and others reflect on the understanding of Christian service to our Lord.
Devotion for Tuesday, January 7, 2025
The Rt. Rev. Archimandrite, Msgr. George Appleyard
An Invitation to Prayer
Christ is revealed to us-
let us worship him
-and bring him our gifts!
Psalm 49/50:7-17
“Listen, my people, and I will speak;
I will testify against you, O Israel.
I am God, your God.
I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices.
Yes, your holocausts are continually before me.
I do not want bulls from your household,
nor goats from your flocks.
Because all the wild animals of the forest are mine,
the creatures of the mountains and the cattle.
I know every bird in the sky,
and the growth of the field is mine.
If I were hungry I would not tell you,
because the whole world, and all it contains, is mine.
Do I eat the flesh of bulls,
or drink the blood of goats?
Offer a sacrifice of praise to God;
pay your vows to the Most High.
Then call on me on a day of distress
and I will deliver you and you will glorify me.
A reading adapted from Basil’s, Homily on Proverbs 1;1-5
Then Solomon points out that everyone benefits from wisdom, and these benefits are extended to all alike. He uses the metaphors in verse two of chapter nine: wisdom dresses her meats, she mixes her wines, and she sets her table. The first indicates the solid nourishment she brings to those who have developed insight through practice. The second indicates the common and universal sharing of these benefits, as everyone may tap the bowl according to his or her need and desire. He says all this by way of implication, signifying spiritual truths to us by way of corporeal realities. For what Solomon calls the table is the rational nourishment of the soul, to which we are invited by a loud proclamation devoid of anything base or abject. In sum, you will come to understand the true meaning of these statements if you read through what Solomon said about wisdom more carefully at your leisure.
A Prayer
If our individual capabilities are to be shared with all,
and our disposition is to be that of ChristCf. Phil 2:5,
make us generous of spirit and zealous in doing good
that we may pour your blessings out on others
for the glory of your Name.
Amen!