May 25, 2020

Daily Devotions


Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for May 25, 2020

Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Jesus Is Gentle”

Jesus, the Blessed One, is gentle. Even though he speaks with great fervor and biting criticism against all forms of hypocrisy and is not afraid to attack deception, vanity, manipulation, and oppression, his heart is a gentle heart. He won’t break the crushed reed or snuff the faltering wick (see Matthew 12:20). He responds to people’s suffering, heals their wounds, and offers courage to the fainthearted.
Jesus came to bring good news to the poor, sight to the blind, and freedom to prisoners (see Luke 4:18-19) in all he says, and thus he reveals God’s immense compassion. As his followers, we are called to that same gentleness.

Here’s a prayer for Memorial Day by Austin Fleming of Xavier University. Have a safe holiday!

In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts, let each of us name and call on the One whose power over us is great and gentle, firm and forgiving, holy and healing …
You who created us, who sustain us, who call us to live in peace, hear our prayer this day.
Hear our prayer for all who have died, whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone …
Hear our prayer for those who put the welfare of others ahead of their own and give us hearts as generous as theirs …
Hear our prayer for those who gave their lives in the service of others, and accept the gift of their sacrifice …
Help us to shape and make a world where we will lay down the arms of war and turn our swords into ploughshares for a harvest of justice and peace …
Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones and let your healing be the hope in our hearts…
Hear our prayer this day and in your mercy answer us in the name of all that is holy.
The peace of God be with you.
—Austin Fleming

Dad Jokes of the Day

My cat was just sick on the carpet. I don’t think it’s feline well.
What do you call a fish with no eyes? (A fshhhh)

Today’s links! 

https://apnews.com/677419150a950d58441575828e3d2013How do you say, “I do” at a Las Vegas wedding chapel in these COVID days? Hint: it involves lots of hand sanitizer and face masks.


https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/mayor-pretends-to-be-dead-in-coffin-to-avoid-police-during-lockdown/ar-BB14ssK3I’ll let this headline speak for itself: “Mayor Pretends to Be Dead In Coffin To Avoid Police During Lockdown.”


https://ktla.com/news/california/first-pygmy-hippo-born-at-san-diego-zoo-in-about-30-years/ Here’s your daily dose of cute: a newborn pygmy hippo at the San Diego Zoo.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTDjXr7cUnY&feature=emb_logo This video looks at…like…why Americans…like…use “like” so much when they talk.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0NIZR_bLd0 Listen to this spot-on, COVID-19 version of Petula Clark’s “Downtown.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pUdUX5Gagc Finally, here’s legendary guitarist Elizabeth Cotton playing, “In the Sweet By and By.” After the short video, do a Google search…quite a remarkable woman.

Sunday worship at 9 AM, with “Doughnut room” time starting at 8:30 AM. Come early just to catch up and talk!
Zoom info is the same every Sunday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/815064120, Meeting ID: 815 064 120

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7 PM Bible study next Wednesday, May 27, will dive into Acts 8-9. Join us! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85847527283, Meeting ID: 858 4752 7283

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Dial in to participate in either event at +1 312 626 6799.

Stay safe and stay well! 

Bob