Pause

Children always share traits of their parents; there's no getting away from it, even when - usually as teenagers - we want to distance ourselves from our folks.

As a child of the Divine, what traits do you see in yourself that reveal something of your heavenly Parent? In these next few moments, take a look at yourself in the mirror of Scripture and see the lines of your glorious heritage there.

Listen

For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

Hebrews 2:11-12

Think

In some churches the priests wear special vestments and stand up in front of the congregation. Having them so visible at the front helps focus everyone’s attention during worship. It helps us listen to the sermon and speak with one voice when we pray together.

But when it comes time to read from the Gospels in these churches, the story of Jesus, the book is brought down from the pulpit and carried down the center aisle. Everyone turns to face the reader. Then the Gospel lesson is read aloud from the middle of the congregation.

When this happens, people can’t help but see each other’s faces across the aisle as they hear the Gospel. It’s one way to remember that Jesus chose to live out his story right here with us, that he calls us brothers and sisters, and that he is with us still.

Sarah Councell Turner

Pray

Dear God, thank you for the story of Jesus. Thank you for his life, death, and resurrection, and for the life of the church, where we are all brothers and sisters. Amen.

Go

Day by day,
Oh, dear Lord
Three things I pray:
To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly,
Day by day.

Richard of Chichester, adapted