Morning Devotion for the season after Pentecost
Friday November 26, 2021
The Invitatory
O give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his Name; tell the people what things he hath done.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end.
Amen.
Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord's Name be praised.
Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-18
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.
Meditation – Michael Palmisano
Several years ago, I attended an Episcopal Church conference on evangelism held in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the Episcopal Church is being led in a movement to “reclaim” evangelism in a way that builds up the Body of Christ through love. As part of this movement, the Episcopal Church has boldly rebranded the term “evangelism.” The Church now describes evangelism as the work which “…seeks, names and celebrates Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people – then invites everyone to MORE.”
I think there is something valuable about this definition. At its foundation is respect for the individual and respect for their story. It is a call for all of us to explore our own stories illuminated by Christ’s love, then go deeper. We must accept that the work of evangelism is not about indoctrination. Evangelism is about recognition, invitation, and celebration of Christ’s love in our lives together. Evangelism is about sharing stories.
To show how important storytelling is in evangelism, take this exercise as an example: Slow down for a moment. Begin by centering yourself. Now, recall the best meal that you’ve ever had. Where were you? Who were you with? What did the meal smell like? Taste like? What sounds were around you? How did you feel? How do you feel now? Finally, go and share the experience of this meal with someone else. I imagine that this will be a generally positive experience for you. Can we possibly resist sharing our story of such a treasured thing without joy and excitement?
The pleasure of a good meal provides only a taste of the joy and gratitude one might have for Christ’s presence in their life. When we share any of our stories of joy with others, we are simply rehearsing for how we might proclaim God’s story with us. This is evangelism. When Peter demands that you always be prepared to present “…the hope that is in you” perhaps we might begin from the position of joyful storytelling.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
