RCL Readings 17 January 2010
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

How might these readings shape our praying?

Psalm 36:5-10 is a deep expression of thankfulness to God for the abundance of his love. The psalmist uses vivid images – take time to identify them and allow them to stimulate your prayerful imagination. This thankfulness is even more marked when considered within the context of the whole psalm, the beginning of which makes it clear that things are not easy and wickedness is very active. God’s steadfast/constant love (verse 5, 7 & 10 – read these three verses several times as you begin to pray) renews and restores us, even in our lowest moments.

The New Testament readings also speak of the abundance of God’s love lavished upon us. John 2:1-11, the wedding at Cana, is the first of seven signs in John’s Gospel revealing who Jesus is and the response of the disciples is to “believe in him”. As with the other signs not every one sees the true meaning – the steward is amazed that the best wine had been kept until last, in other signs the people come because they ate their fill. Pray for the discernment of the disciples so as to see God’s revealing rather than simply the surface things in the events of life that you are caught up in. Ask yourself where and how is God’s glory revealed in this or that event/aspect of your life?

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 is the best medicine for that all too common sickness: “I’m not good enough, I don’t matter, I’m not important, I can’t offer anything.” Such is the nature of God’s generous love that: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (NRSV) or “The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all” (Good News) (v.7). Note: “to each”, not to some or a few but to each one of us and that includes you! Note also the result – for the common good or for the good of all. This raises two questions: how is the Spirit’s presence manifested in you? and how are you using that for the good of all? You might find it helpful to consider these questions with someone who knows you and you trust. The list in verses 8-10 is illustrative rather than comprehensive and doesn’t imply that a particular gift is necessarily given to a person once for all time.

The Corinthian church was a very diverse church and apt to get itself into an awful twist at times. Therefore, Paul’s reminder that it is the one Spirit who is at work among them, in many different ways and for the common good, was an important lesson to learn then and now! Pray for the work and mission of the church and that we may each accept and use the gifts God has so generously lavished upon us for the good of all.