Things to Do and Qualities of Character

Reflecting on the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Two Days after Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

Psalter: Psalm 115

Old Testament: 1 Samuel 9:15—10:1b

Epistle: 1 Timothy 3:1-9

___

Prayer

Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.

___

Reflection

“Now a bishop must be above reproach.…” (1 Timothy 3:1).

I have much to do today, as does everyone else. We must continually remember that in the midst of the "daily grind," it not only matters that we accomplish what is on our agendas, but that those things are accomplished in the right way. How we get to the end is just as important as getting there. So, in the midst of all I need to do, I must not only do, I must also be as I am doing. Whom should I be?

• I should be someone who takes the initative to help when I see a need, and not assume that someone else will do it.

• I must respond to others as one whose character is divinely formed, and not return a harsh word for one given.

• I must not ignore an injustice I encounter today, but seek to assist the one being treated unjustly.

• I must stop periodically throughout the day and take some time to pray and reflect upon the present moments that are God-given.

• I need to put the needs of others ahead of myself, and fulfill my responsibilities to them.

• And most importantly, I must be a person who faithfully reflects the image of Jesus Christ to those around me.

___

Follow me on Facebook here.