| Tues Dec 2 | am: 5, 6 pm: 10, 11 | Amos 3:1-11 | 2 Peter 1:12-21 | Matt 21:12-22 |
Feast of St. Trumwin of Whitby, 690 Monk and Bishop
ON THE CHRUCH CALENDAR – Trumwin was a monk of the English monastery of Whitby. In 681, he was consecrated a missionary bishop to serve the ancient race of the Picts, who were then living in Scotland. Trumwin established his episcopal seat at the monastery of Abercorn (Linlithgowshire, Scotland). Warfare between the Picts and the English in 685 led to bloody reprisals against the English living among the Picts. In this violent atmosphere, Trumwin, who was of English lineage, had to leave Scotland together with his fellow English monks. After finding religious communities to take in most of the other monks, Trumwin returned with the remaining monks to Whitby, where he had first become a monk years earlier. Here, as the ecclesiastical historian Saint Bede relates, he spent the years left to him living an austere life to the benefit of many besides himself.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION- In the lesson from the Epistle of Peter, the Apostle is focusing his appeal to the Christian community on the urgency of living as a community of faith and remembrance rooted in living the truth of God’s word in light of Christ’s coming. This is a timely passage for us in the season of Advent because there is so little urgency about keeping Christ at the fore of what we know as the Holiday season. Even the name Christ-mas seems to compel fewer and fewer people to consider why these weeks of Advent are important and what the meaning and purpose of the season truly are. In the passage, we are reminded that Scripture is divinely inspired, not human invention, and that promise should compel us to be diligent in our faith to be ready for Jesus’ coming, which is the second phase of Advent. We are not just to be a people of remembering the birth of the Christ child but preparing ourselves in heart and mind for his coming again. Thus, Advent is a time that we in the church are to encourage believers to remain vigilant and grounded in faith, especially when faced with falsehoods about the very meaning of this season.
PRAYER: Lord, we praise you that nothing is impossible with you. Please empower us with a mighty spirit of boldness, courage, and faith in this holy season. Guard us from any elements of discouragement or fear. Cause us to walk in the light of your awesome power and victory through Christ. Help us keep our eyes on Him. May we not be overwhelmed by the depth of today’s darkness. Strengthen us to stand on Your promises and walk in victorious faith. Help us believe that nothing is impossible with you! Fill us with a determination to claim the nations for Christ’s kingdom and glory. May your name be praised in all the earth! Amen
Activity/Spiritual Discipline – Act boldly today in several aspects of your life. Consider going to lunch and pray the grace with your colleagues. Perhaps you can go shopping for Christmas presents and bring them directly to a needy ministry. What bold act can be done where you live today?
ANCIENT WORDS/PRESENT GRACE: “Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it.” – Martin Luther, 15th Century Reformer.
SONGS OF THE HEART – Take Courage by Kristine DeMarco/Bethel