Wednesday - January 31, 2024

SCRIPTURE Matthew 20:17-28 (Inclusive Bible) When the other ten heard this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the nations lord it over them, and the powerful exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you. Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the servant of all. For the Chosen One came not to be served, but to serve, and to give life for many." WORDS OF HOPE - Chemists Celebrate the Earth Day I remember taking chemistry in 10th grade, back in 2010, at McKinney Boyd High School. Most of my classmates barely glanced at the periodic table, but I was captivated. I could memorize every element, every atomic number, every symbol after just one glance. That fascination has never faded—though now my attention is shared with the stories of people I meet, the rhythms of life in the natural world, and the delicate systems that sustain all living beings. Chemistry teaches us to see the Earth anew. Every element, every reaction, every cycle is part of an intricate, interconnected system that sustains life. Sunlight sparks photosynthesis, turning energy into leaves, flowers, and fruits. Nutrients flow through soil, feeding roots, forests, and fields. Oxygen is released for every creature to breathe. The tiniest microbe, the humblest insect, the soil beneath our feet, the rivers, lakes, and oceans—each is part of a sacred network of life. This is the wonder of chemistry: it unveils the hidden threads of Creation. Life is a miracle of bonds, cycles, and balances. And everywhere in it, God is present—the divine architect behind every molecule, every forest, every drop of water, every flicker of life. God does not shy away from beauty. God revels in it. God marvels at the flowers blooming in spring, the trees swaying in summer winds, rivers alive with fish, fiery autumn leaves, and rainbows stretching across the sky after storms. God says, again and again, “It is good—no, very good.” And that goodness is everywhere: Delicate and playful: sunflower petals catching sunlight, jasmine drifting in evening air, deer leaping across meadows, squirrels scampering, rabbits hopping, otters sliding through streams, hummingbirds darting in golden rays, butterflies dancing on warm winds, ducks swimming in the lake, and cats curling in sunbeams. Fierce, wild, and majestic: tigers prowling forests, bears standing watch from mountains, eagles soaring above cliffs, wolves racing through snow, sharks gliding silently through oceans, crocodiles lurking in rivers, snakes coiling in grass, lions guarding their pride, mountain lions leaping across cliffs, octopuses exploring coral gardens, and owls gliding through moonlit nights. Strange, joyful, and curious: penguins waddling on ice, flamingos preening in shallow waters, kangaroos bounding across grasslands, armadillos shuffling, chameleons changing colors with the sun, foxes slipping between shadows, sea turtles drifting with currents, even to giraffes with their long necks reaching to eat the leaves. All of it—cute, fierce, delicate, wild, joyful, strange, playful—bears the signature of the Divine. And then there is humanity: a kaleidoscope of beauty, identity, and story. People of every skin tone, hair texture, eye color, and shape. Genders that are female, male, transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid, and beyond. Pronouns—she, he, they, xe, ze, and every way we claim our identities—each an image of the Divine. Faiths of every kind—Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Indigenous spiritualities, Earth-centered paths, and countless journeys we are still discovering—each reflecting God’s boundless creativity and care. Every person, every story, every life is a reflection of God’s love. Chemistry also opens our eyes to the vast cosmos. As Crosby, Stills & Nash sang in Woodstock in 1970: "We are stardust, we are golden, We are billion-year-old carbon." We are made of star-stuff, intimately connected to the universe itself. Even within our own solar system, God’s creativity shines. There is Mercury, scorched and airless; Venus, wrapped in clouds of acid and searing heat; Earth, lush and vibrant; Mars, red and dusty; Jupiter and Saturn, swirling with storms and magnificent rings; Uranus and Neptune, distant, icy, and mysterious; and Pluto, small and far, carrying its heart-shaped feature as if the cosmos itself remembered love in its outermost reaches. Each planet, each star, each galaxy, and every black hole exists in delicate balance—too hot or too cold would disrupt the dance of life. And yet here we are, on a planet just right for life to flourish. As Goldilocks reminds us: not too hot, not too cold; not too harsh, not too mild—just right. We are connected to it all. To the soil beneath our feet, the waters that flow, the air we breathe, the stars above. And yet, this planet—Earth—is home. The one place where chemistry, balance, and love converge, creating life in all its richness. That is both a gift and a responsibility.  Jesus reminds us in Matthew 20 that greatness is not about power—it is about service. To serve others. To serve the Earth. To protect what is fragile. Caring for creation is an act of love. It is an act of faith. It is choosing to live in harmony with the systems that sustain life. Chemistry teaches us how life works. Faith calls us to care for it. So, on this Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, may we do more than observe. May we notice the beauty. May we honor the diversity of life, of people, of pronouns, of faiths. May we protect the fragile balance that sustains life. May we love more deeply. Because this Earth is not just a collection of elements. It is a living system. A sacred home. A reflection of divine creativity and care. And it is still—beautifully, vulnerably—very good. PRAYER God of Creation, thank you for all that you have imagined, and all that we are still discovering. Thank you for the elements that form our world, for the breath in our lungs, for the waters that sustain us, and for the delicate balance that makes life possible. Help us to be stewards of your love and your Creation. Teach us to care for this Earth with humility, to protect what is fragile, and to honor the beauty woven into every part of life. Remind us that we are connected— to the soil, to the stars, to one another. May we serve as you have called us to serve: with compassion, with justice, with love that reaches all people and all creation. And may we never forget that this world—so intricate, so vulnerable, so alive— is still, and always, very good. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Reed Kirkman

SCRIPTURE  Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. WORDS OF HOPE At one time or another, we’ve probably all heard someone say, or maybe you’ve said it yourself, “I am not a creative person.” No matter who says it, this is a false statement. We are all made in God’s image and God is the ultimate creator. Within each of us is a spark of our divine creator. We are so made so that we are able to use our gift of creativity to further God’s work in our world. Today is World Creativity and Innovation Day. It’s purpose is to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development, economic growth, and sustainable development. and “to encourage multidisciplinary thinking, problem-solving, and the use of new ideas to make the world a better place.” As one who has always lived a creative life and a Christian life, I still wrestle with the truth that creativity is a part of my vocation as a follower of Christ. Having an “artist’s temperament” often is considered as negative. Artist’s are described as being disorganized, irresponsible, arrogant and moody. Jesus, the carpenter, was a creative. Would we describe him using these words? Probably not. Describing negatively the creative forces within us is rooted in not recognizing, understanding, and honoring the divine creative spark that we all carry. Spontaneity may actually be perceived as disorganization, Non-conformity and independence as arrogance, intense focus on one thing as irresponsibility, and extreme sensitivity and emotions as moodiness. Those of us doing the work of Jesus know that spontaneity, not conforming to the world, focus and passion on our work, and a deep emotional connection to the world around us are exactly what are required of us to keep going in a time when we face something new each day that attempts to test our faith and derail our creative life in Christ. Jesus showed us this time and time again. On this World Creativity and Innovation Day, take time to kindle the divine spark within you. Pray about how you can use your unique gifts of creativity to share the love of God in a world that is scared of the artists, and then go out there and do something to destroy that fear. Draw, paint, dance, write, sing, sculpt, speak, whisper, be love. That is what God created us to do. PRAYER God, creator of all things, thank you for the divine spark that burns within me, making me a uniquely creative being. Give me vision and strength to see new and innovative ways to create and reflect love in the world. I pray that all that I create with my hands, my mind, and my heart will inspire others to see you more clearly and love more deeply. Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Kris Baker Order of Saint Francis and Saint Clare

SCRIPTURE  Exodus 13.3 Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand.” WORDS OF HOPE These are uncertain times. Much of the world is in turmoil and many around us are experiencing various degrees of suffering. Today’s scripture refers to the tumultuous events that surrounded the exodus of the Hebrew people from their years of suffering in Egypt. Moses had led the Hebrews out of Egyptian slavery. Now, thousands of them, in wagons and on foot, had reached the edge of the Sea of Reeds. Approaching at the rear of this mass of frightened humanity was the ancient world's strongest army of Egyptian war chariots. The Hebrews were caught between approaching death by violence and drowning in the nearby seawater. Their path for progress was uncertain; the outcome was unsure. But, on their journey from Egypt, "the Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them and in a pillar of fire by night to give light for continued safe travel... In fear the Hebrews cried out to Moses: What have you done to us? But Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid, stand firm [trust in God's continued guidance] and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today...” The pillar of cloud, which had led them, moved back behind them as a shield against the Egyptian army and allowed them to cross the parted sea unharmed. When we read the words of the miraculous events of Exodus, our tendency is to think sure, it’s a good story, but what does it have to do with me today? If we’re looking for the sea to part or for pillars of smoke and fire to save us, the answer would be, “Not much,” but it is actually a story about following God’s guidance when we face uncertainty. Are there times in your life lately when you feel as if the entire Egyptian army is in pursuit of you and you see nothing but an impassible sea up ahead? Today, we live in times of chaotic events and both national and international divisiveness. Many of us have faced or are facing adversity of health, finance, and relationships; troubles unlike those we have faced before. Yet, even in uncertainty, our life path may be guided and shielded if we choose to trust God to provide the guidance. Our task is to walk faithfully in the path which God provides. The decision is up to each of us. Do we trust in God's comforting promise or rely on our human and uncertain path? Which road will you take today? PRAYER O God, as we face the unknowns of this day may we remember the words and certainty of your promise: "Fear not. I am with you, O be not dismayed, for I am your God and will still give you aid. I'll strengthen you and cause you to stand, upheld by my righteous and omnipotent hand." DEVOTION AUTHOR Donald (Luke) Day Order of St. Francis and St Clare.

SCRIPTURE  1 Peter 1. 15-16 For the Scriptures say, but now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. “You must be holy because I am holy.” WORDS OF HOPE I read this scripture numerous times before it finally clicked. God is literally calling every believer to walk in holiness. Not an unattainable request with strict rules, degrees, titles or unusual ideology, just the simple act of practicing holiness in everyday life. We just concluded Holy Week, with specially dedicated days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday to honor the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The word holy means to “set aside” for a divine purpose dedicated entirely to God. Consecrated objects set apart for the purpose of worship such as the sacraments, Bible, garments, and the priests who handled them were considered holy. However, the scripture assures us holiness isn’t limited to appointed servants or objects; we are holy simply because God is holy. When God calls us to walk in holiness and separate ourselves from worldly thoughts, it may seem daunting and out of reach, as if its only reserved for the “most” spiritual people. We tend to connect holiness with overbearing rules instead of feeling free and joyful to live as followers of Christ. The word holy is used everywhere. Sometimes sacred and sometimes not so much. We sing revered songs such as Holy, Holy, Holy, referring to the Trinity and ask the Holy Spirit to bless us in prayer. Holy matrimony is about marriage and then there are slang expressions of Holy Toledo, Holy cow or Holy Moses which are uttered by millions. Each of us is called to be holy. Holiness isn’t about trying to be good; it’s about living “in” the goodness of God. This surrender to God’s will is life-changing, enabling us to fulfill our purpose to love one another as God loves us. PRAYER Creator God, we are grateful for your reminder of our holiness. As we align our prayers with your will, let the Holy Spirit remove all obstacles that keep us bound. In Jesus Holy name, Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Donna Jackson

SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 1:8-12 Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace intended for you made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings intended for Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look! WORDS OF HOPE This passage from Peter has the great Advantage of being applicable to almost anytime or place. Clearly, Peter is talking to people who are not witnesses to Jesus‘ life, death, and resurrection. He reminds them that even though they have not been direct witnesses they still believe; they still love Jesus; and they are still capable of feeling the certainty and the joy of salvation. Of course, this applies to today’s believers as it did to those to whom Peter was writing. We are only able to see Jesus in the words of the Gospels. We are only able to feel the presence of Jesus in our hearts and not with our eyes and ears as the disciples were able to do. Peter reminds his audience that the prophets had been clear about the coming Messiah. And while those of us who are not of Jewish descent, may not always feel close to the words of the Ancient prophets; even we can look and see how they were serving the future generations to whom they were writing. This is why we still read those ancient words. This is why we still look to them to understand how they were fulfilled by Christ Jesus. So today in your devotional time, reflect back on all you have heard and been taught and seen about the risen Christ. Jesus came to restore the connection between God and humankind which had been lost. Remember that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, lives within you and that Jesus gives you a way to understand, and grace to act on that presence of God within your heart. PRAYER Great Creator, though we cannot see you or your Christ in the way the early disciples did, we long for your presence in our lives. We pray to be able to live the life you have given us so that we reflect your love and the sacrifice of Jesus. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Weber Baker Order of Saint Francis and Saint Clare