Devotion

Reading

O Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope…

From the Prayer of St. Francis

Words of Hope

The prayer of St. Francis would be more accurately defined as the Prayer in the Spirit of St. Francis, since it was not written by the Saint himself, but first appeared under the title of the Prayer for Peace in 1912 in France, in a spiritual magazine called La Clochette (The Little Bell). After years of translations and re-publications, it was first attributed to St. Francis in 1927, by a French Protestant group called “The Knights of the Prince of Peace”. During and after the Second World War, the prayer for peace had become universally accepted as the Prayer of St. Francis.

Regardless of who might have written it, the prayer speaks to us loudly and clearly in this generation of discord. The author’s first concern is about the lack of tolerance and unity in the world: “Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union”.

Let’s modify these words to make the message more personal: “When I find hatred, let me show your love; when I am hurt or maligned, let me forgive; when I find those around me in conflict, let me help them find a just resolution.” In these words, each of us finds a way we can use God’s loving peace to create good out of a bad situation. In your daily interactions, how often do you encounter situations of hate, hurt and conflict? There’s an easy human response, and there is also the opportunity for you to share God’s peace and transform the destructive effect in your life and the lives of others.

The second of these pleas asks you and me to always be willing to forgive others when we have been hurt by their words or actions. In essence, the act of forgiveness is making peace with the other party who maligned you. When you forgive, you are acting as a peacemaker and giving example to the forgiveness which God offers all of us. It’s a great way to mirror the love of God to others, and a great witness of your relationship with the Holy One.

Prayer

O Lord, may I not only be an instrument of your peace, but also a mirror of your love. Make me a witness of your unconditional grace.

Devotion Author

Donald (Luke) Day
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Romans 1.20

For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…

Words of Hope

Are you feeling any good vibrations these days? It turns out there are many things in my life that carry a vibration. Before you roll your eyes at what sounds like a “woo-woo” statement at first, stay with me. This is science. Everything emits vibrations of various frequencies. You know this is true when you yourself get goosebumps listening to your favorite music or your most cherished hymn at church, or at least I do.

I also know for a fact when I talk about a departed loved one, I get goosebumps from time to time. Is that because spirits are there for a visit and want to let me know they have arrived? I know the concept is disconcerting to some, but having Grandma want to see you after she’s departed may be as natural as making you a cup of tea when she was living.

Let’s talk about the vibrations of the rest of God’s Creation. When I visited the Muir Woods a few years ago, I would swear to you those ancient living trees spoke to me, but I have no idea how or why that happened. I was with a couple friends and my partner from that time. As I entered the woods, suddenly and unexpectedly, the trees resonated with me and there was a pronounced distinct vibration; a low-level hum that surrounded me then went right through me. At first, it was as if I had been wrapped in an invisible divine blanket; it was undeniable and very emotional. I had found a sanctuary among the trees and a connection as if they wanted to let me know of their spirit and that they recognize my own. What could be more profound?

I immediately wandered away from my friends to experience an uninterrupted tree sermon, then I ruined the moment by trying to explain something so deep happening to me at the time, that attempting to put it into words lost the experience. I didn’t know I couldn’t express the emotion verbally and it was better left to be felt. Later, I realized its vibration was in sync with my own vibration somehow. Did you ever have an undeniable, inexplicable experience like that? What was your experience? No, you don’t have to use words to explain it, but feel free to take a few minutes and feel it again. Let it wash over you.

I’m a mystic, so I believe everything is connected; therefore, the very origin of our species connects with our ancient beginnings. We’re surrounded by creation and powerful energy that keeps everything in balance. Our very presence feels the vibration of the many energies around us. Most of the time, they go unnoticed because we’re too busy, so it’s nice to sit still and listen; to tune in and become aware of the infinite and divine. How often do we need to do that without realizing? Probably not often enough. I remind myself even when I’m writing these

devotions to you, they actually speak back to me as well. I’m living in that moment again and it’s something I’ll never forget.

We’re living in strange unpredictable times. Aren’t we in need of more comfort today than yesterday? Is that true for you? I may speak for myself, but I know if I think it and write it, there are others who may feel the same as I. It’s my hope that my vibration finds you where you are and that we are able to connect our minds in this way; to consider the divine; to ponder our purpose; to be present when we feel something profound speak to us.

Prayer

Still our troubled or cluttered thoughts so that we may be open to receive your divine vibration. May we share it somehow without words, but in the unspoken comfort of your presence.

Devotion Author

Charlie C. Rose
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Psalm 139:10-11

“If I say, surely darkness shall cover me, and the light (of good old times) around me become dark night; even then your divine hand shall lead me, and you’re good right-hand will hold me fast.”

Words of Hope

I think it is appropriate that Cathedral of Hope’s Devotion Series is centered on Words of Hope since the title implies maintaining a vision for a better world. That is and always has been the central initiative of this church. Hope is the expectation of that which is not yet realized, but desired enough that it is sought. It is one element of the human psyche which motivates life to continue. When it is lost, there is deep despair or even loss of the vital force to continue life. Since the beginning of humanity, God has been shown to be the ultimate source of our hope. Once again, in this season of Advent climaxing in the birth narrative in the Christmas story, we remember that God is the true source of our hope.

For several generations before Jesus’ birth, Jewish life endured much despair. The Roman army occupied their land with consequent economic hardship and heavy taxation. The Temple authorities and High Priest were “under the thumb” of King Herod and his Roman masters. There was religious dissension, and the former strong voice of God’s prophets no longer was heard. It was a time when the voice of God’s Spirit seemed to be dulled by uncertainty and almost quenched.

The hardship and darkness of daily life seemed to make God’s presence very distant. The constant stress and burden of each day could be endured only by a flickering hope that God had not forgotten them. “When, O God; how long will it be before the past’s better times return again?” God’s presence in their daily life seemed to be diminished; God’s voice seemed to be quieted, almost breathless. Still, some people had a fleeting hope that God would break through the spiritual darkness.

Little did they know that God was setting the stage for their salvation. In today’s unpredictable world, you may have experienced similar spiritual stress and uncertainty. The comfortable pattern of worship and fellowship has been revised and supplemented. Much of our spiritual life and our daily activities have become characterized by separation and distance from the “good old days”. How many times have you thought: “When O God, will we no longer be wearing these masks and getting back to normal?”

Like that generation of Jews before Jesus’ birth, we need to hold tightly our assured hope that God is with us in the struggles, and that our liberation from this extraordinary period will come with renewal of our spiritual life. Although we may still be experiencing a degree of physical

separation from one another in daily life and religious activity, we are never separated from God! And remember, we are people of Hope. Even with that mask in place, keep up your hope and be assured that God is still working!

Prayer

Lord God, help me to direct my attention toward your presence in my life this day. May I clearly hear your voice as you teach me and guide my life in anticipation of the Advent of the Christ, our ultimate hope. Amen.

Devotion Author

Donald (Luke) Day
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

1 Peter 3.18

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Words of Hope

A few years ago, the Wednesday night worship team included a lot of “Person on the Street” video interviews as part of their regular services. Their interview questions often centered around a little Bible knowledge or opinions on some aspect of God. In one of these segments, the question was asked: What is Grace? The answers were, understandably, all over the map and none came close to the “correct” definition we have heard in Bible studies and some of us have been taught in Seminary.

Most of the theological declarations about God I remember from my seminary days were derived from the thousands of volumes of essays written by 19^th century, straight, intellectual, male, German theologians who might as well have been speaking to me in their original tongue, since the translations were about as clear. When asked the same question that was asked on Wednesday night, Karl Barth, a brilliant Calvinist theologian, observed that “the covenant of grace is not a program but a person: Jesus Christ. It is Jesus Christ who is the fulfilment of the relationship between God and humanity, and, therefore, he is the one in whom persons participate in the fullness of covenant relationship with God.”

Okay…but what is Grace?

In my understanding, Grace is the term we use in reference to God’s unconditional gift of love to all of humankind, a gift which is not awarded according to merit or diligence. It’s God’s universal gift and only God can give it. I think Karl Barth was saying that in Jesus’ life and works, we see the personification of that love relationship between humanity and divinity fulfilled. Likewise, we see God’s grace defined in our benevolent actions toward others. One of our church’s greatest fulfillments of God’s Grace happens in our annual collection and distribution of Thanksgiving baskets. We were able to give out well over 500 baskets this year. The recipients did not work for the gifts or win a “most deserving” contest. The food and the love were both free.

In my own experience, I saw my parents bestow their own special gifts of grace as almost daily routines. Once, in my teenage years, sitting at the dining room table, after we had spent the day cleaning out a stack of former treasures from the garage, I asked my parents if it would be a good idea to have a garage sale. My father said, “Why sell it, when we might know someone who could use it?” My mother followed up, “…and there’s always someone who could use it.” Within a few days, all of our former treasures had found new homes.

Last week, to make room for some new items of furniture a grace-filled friend had given to me, I was able to donate that same dining room table along with my grandmother’s entire bedroom suit to some other friends “who could use it.” They happened to be a Native American couple who were relocating to Oklahoma. Grace may not be easy to define, but so often in my life, I have known it to be contagious.

Who needs a little grace in your life? Remember, there’s always someone who could use it.

Prayer

Thank you for your undefinable grace and for giving us countless opportunities to fulfill our relationship with you by sharing your gifts to us with our neighbors who can use them the most.

Devotion Author

Dan Peeler
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

I John 1:5

This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness.

Words of Hope

After reading todays’ scripture, take time to be quiet with it and let God’s Spirit talk to you about what you’ve read.  Quietly read it again several times: “This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness.”

Try meditating on those words to better explore the fullness of their meaning. Try to be so mindful of the words that you feel like you’re falling into a pool of deep water… a pool of deeper experience with God. I believe that if you practice this approach, you will be drawn into a richer awareness of your relationship with God.

In cultivating a richer awareness of God, define the scripture to yourself. God is pure light, perfect light, not a speck of darkness, a holy brightness. Our faith always has taught us that the Creator God’s nature is perfect in all aspects, perfect wisdom, perfect love, and perfectly pure and holy.

That perfection contrasts with humanity’s mottled behaviors and failings. Our human character is often inconsistent and mixed in motive. Even in the midst of human goodness, perfection is elusive. The Judeo-Christian God has always existed separate from our less-than-perfect humanity. Part of this realization is the basis for the concept that God is holy.In the Psalms, we read that: “Holy is God’s name.” (Psalm 30:4)

The Jews thought that you could understand the nature or characteristics of another person if you knew or spoke their name. When God blessed Abram and promised that he would be father to a multitude of offspring, God gave him a new name, Abraham, which denoted that promise. When we speak of God as holy, we state that God is set apart from us, other-than-us, God is pure perfection. It is our affirmation that God is different from us; we are not God.

In meditating on the eternal truth that in God there is no darkness, we come face to face with the “otherness” of God, and that should instill a sense of awe in us. It is a true declaration of worship… Awesome God, Holy God, Pure and Perfect One.

Prayer

Lord God, quiet my mind and open my heart to learn more about you. Guide my times of meditation, and allow me to better experience your unlimited majesty. Amen.

Devotion Author

Donald (Luke) Day
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Psalm 92 1-4

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands, I sing for joy.

Words of Hope

In the early 1900’s in Louisiana, land was sold in square acres. That worked well except that the actual earth is curved and does not conform to traditional square measurements. Here and there a pie shaped bit of land was used to make the correction. That area was designated as “no man’s land.” It could be used by anyone although no one could actually own it. A family settled on one of these. They built a small house and created a meager living from selling firewood in a nearby town.

One morning after giving thanks for their food, their mother told her family that the food they were eating was the last in the house. Heavy flooding prevented them from getting into town to sell wood or buy supplies. She urged them not to worry, for God would provide what was needed. Years later, they remembered their mother singing as she washed the dishes and went about her chores.

The children kept brushing aside their fear, reminding each other that God would provide. “Mama said so.” Sure enough, a little after noon, a tall man in a flat bottom boat arrived bringing a load of groceries. Mr. Miller, a farmer, explained that God told him to bring the food. The grateful family thanked him profusely as they carried the supplies inside. Mr. Miller insisted he could take no credit. He was only doing as God had bid him, and it was all God’s bounty anyway.

This scenario played out again and again until the floodwaters receded. Afterward, Mr. Stafford put firewood on Mr. Miller’s porch each time they carried some into town. Mr. Miller, not willing to take payment for something God told him to do, kept bringing more food from his farm. Future generations would refer to this as “The Great Reverse Feud”. Mr. Stafford told his children to find ways to help the Miller family in any way they could. Though, I did not know the story then, the “feud” was resolved when I, the granddaughter of Mr. Miller, married Mr. Stafford’s grandson.

This Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful for the gifts of generosity and gratitude. I believe these twin gifts are the seeds of great happiness and joy.

Prayer

God of my Fathers and Mothers, Sisters and Brothers, May I be ever mindful of your blessings and your bounty. Grant me a caring heart and generous hands. Make my life a celebration of all that you are and all that you have given me. I love you, God. Amen

Devotion Author

Carole Anne Sarah

Scripture

John 15:25-33

 It was to fulfill the word that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

Words of Hope

When I read these words, I get the feeling Jesus was not only reminding his friends to carry on his works, but to remember him.  Each week when we take communion, we are encouraged to do it “in remembrance of me”.

Jesus is remembered not just for what he said but what he did.  For his followers, his actions modeled what heaven could be on earth. As Christians we are called to follow his example not just by testifying but by actions. 

It leads me to ask, “how will my friends remember me?”

I doubt if many of them will remember the words I spoke to them, but I feel sure they will have stories about me that will be shared after I am gone.  I hope that some will be funny.  Some will be sad.  Some will be “not safe for work” and some will be heartwarming. And if I have succeeded in my journey, some will model a way of life that looks outward not inward. 

I hope there will be stories about what I did that affected other’s lives in positive and affirming ways. They won’t be anything epic or newsworthy, but just maybe they will be stories that inspire someone else to do the right thing.  To bring joy to other people’s lives.  To seek justice in our society and to stand up against oppression even in a small way.

If we can be remembered for stories like that, then we will live forever in those memories.

Prayer

May our lives be stories that will be remembered long after we have left this earth.  May those memories live to bring not just nostalgia, but a few truths and a glimpse of what Jesus showed us heaven can be.

Amen

Devotion Author

Hardy Haberman

Scripture

1Peter 3.15

… in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Words of Hope

Hope is what the world needs. We are losing so much, so fast. For some, it is their darkest days. Paradoxically, it is when things are at their darkest, when vision shows you a picture of something horrible, that somehow, the tinniest speck of light offers hope. There is one treasure in my mind that I esteem more than anything. It is a memory of about four years ago and begins in a time much like this, in chaos.

Four years ago, in the summer of 2017 I was walking aimlessly down an unknown street in the middle of the night. I was looking for Jesus, but I had no idea of where to start. With only the moon and stars to guide me I walked for hours in unrecognizable neighborhoods. Some people might have considered me heartbroken, but it was more than that; I was used to being broken. This was a boy looking for the light in a pitch-black maze. My faith was fighting harder than it ever had in looking for someone I knew very little about.

“Go home,” it was a whisper. I submitted to the voice and remember feeling a strange peace the whole way home. I should have been lost, but I made it home exerting no more effort than it took to walk. After my long walk I went to sleep and had a dream that I have thought about every day since that night. Jesus was waiting for me in a beautiful garden sitting on a rock. There were flowers every one or two feet apart from each other in various colors ranging from lavender to tangerine. I walked through these flowers to the loveliest tender loving person wearing a robe of pure white.

As I got close to Him, I could actually feel His love, not just for me, but for everyone. That, in and of itself, was the greatest gift I ever remember receiving. In that love, was the hope that I had with all my heart been searching for. This love did not care about your religion, face, or shame. This love was the reason, my reason, and my hope. When I looked at His face I plainly did not understand. In a single moment, His face had the appearance of everyone and anyone you could ever imagine wearing a modest half-smile. If you want to see hope, then look in the mirror and smile, because to me, Jesus looks like you.

Prayer

Oh, Creator God, Holiest of Holies, your majesty cannot be put into words. Guide these hearts that gather close to You today. Let us find hope when all seems lost. Let us remember that our precious hope is inside all Your children who were made in Your likeness. Let us remember that our hope is Your love. Amen.

Devotion Author

Jonathon McClellan
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Matthew 25:40,45

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.…Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” 

Words of Hope

Recently a friend was sharing a story with me about how her feelings were hurt terribly when someone she thought to be a caring friend referred to her dog as a “throwaway” dog because she is a mixed breed rescue dog.  How sad is it that people can so easily dismiss animals as “throwaways” because they don’t meet some kind of qualifications for being “worthy.”   And that as a society we do the same thing to many people.

St. Francis is familiar to many as the patron saint of animals.  He earned this recognition because he was willing and able to communicate in a loving manner with God’s creatures.  One of the most famous stories associated with Francis is his encounter with the wolf of Gubbio.  Gubbio is a small village in Italy.  As the legend goes, a ferocious wolf was terrorizing this village, going so far as killing some of its citizens.  Francis went out to meet the wolf.  As Brother Wolf had done to many others, he bared his teeth and charged toward Francis fully intending to attack.  Francis raised his hand and made the sign of the cross and said to the wolf, “Come here Brother Wolf.  I command you on behalf of Christ that you should do no harm to me or to anyone.”  With this, the wolf aborted his attack and came gently toward Francis and laid at his feet.

Francis began talking to the wolf, asking him to be kind to the people of Gubbio and, in return, Francis promised the wolf that the people of Gubbio would be kind to him and provide him with food.  With this, the wolf raised his paw and placed in gently in Francis’ hand.  Upon seeing this, the people of Gubbio rejoiced, thanking God for sending Francis to them and freeing their village of the mean beast.

It was St. Francis’ compassion and belief that all of God’s creatures are equal in God’s eyes that made it possible for him to commune with the ferocious wolf.  Seemingly, all that Brother Wolf needed to know was that he was valued, loved, and would be taken care of; that he was not a “throwaway.”  For the next two years, the people of Gubbio fed and cared for the wolf.  The townspeople mourned when Brother Wolf died.

Most humans are like Brother Wolf, reacting poorly when we feel like we are undervalued and uncared for.  Jesus tells us that we should be like St. Francis, showing compassion and care for all of God’s creatures, even the ones that might at first seem to be unworthy or unlovable.  It’s easy to love the lovable; our true test comes in equally loving those that, on the surface, seem unlovable or as if they are “throwaways.”  Slowing our pace toward judgement and increasing our run toward compassion is the Christ-like path, and the one that St. Francis chose throughout his adult life.

Prayer

Creator God, I pray that I will slow down and take the time to see the holiness in all of your creatures, that I will look for the good first in those that I meet, and that my heart and mind will always be open to serving the least among us with compassion, joy, and love.  Amen

Devotion Author

Kris Baker
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

2 Kings 22: 11-13

Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, the other priests and selected court officials, saying, “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.

Words of Hope

Within the words of 2 Kings we discover the importance of focusing on God and not putting our worship and faith towards anyone else. King Josiah was only 8 years old! Even at a young age, this king was modeling godliness, turning neither to the left or right out of the way of God. This is important because at times we as Christians can try and get in the way of God working in our lives thinking that we can maneuver through life without God.

We can take a lesson in how to interact with each other from this boy King. He showed good management, trustworthiness in dealing with others, and fair recompense to workers. What a heart for God! We see the Josiah repenting because of his community. According to the prophetess, his community was going to face exile. But God saw the faithfulness of Josiah and because Josiah humbled himself before God, his people would not be exiled in their lifetime.

As a way of showing faithfulness to God, Josiah works on a restructuring process. God is at work! Josiah goes through and gathers leaders, reads Scripture to them, and makes a covenant with them reminding them of their commitment to God. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is present in how Josiah reacts towards the book of the law being ready and how the community reacts as well. God is with us in all things and forgives us. Thankful for the ways that God is at work in and through our lives.

Prayer

Let us pray, Good and gracious God, we are so thankful for the ways that you remind us to stay focused on you. May you help us in our interactions with others as we work on being better people. Thankful for the ways you love us and guide us. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

Devotion Author

Staci Orr