Our life

Today's first reading (Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21) gives us a wonderful reminder of what our lives should be like as members of Christ's church.

First of all, we must be people of worship.

Through (Jesus),
let us continually offer God
a sacrifice of praise,
that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.

We must also people of service.

Do not neglect to do good
and to share what you have;
God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

We must also be a people gathered in right order: with proper obedience and accountability.

Obey your leaders and defer to them,
for they keep watch over you
and will have to give an account,
that they may fulfill their task with joy
and not with sorrow,
for that would be of no advantage to you.

Although this verse was passed over in today's selection, we must pray for each other, even for the holiest and most righteous ones among us (that would not be me - may God have mercy on me).

Pray for us,
for we are confident that we have a clear conscience,
wishing to act rightly in every respect.

Likewise, we must also pray for those separated from us by external forces, circumstances or sin.

I especially ask for your prayers
that I may be restored to you very soon.

We must also pray for ourselves, drawing upon the riches of God's grace so that we may do his will in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

May the God of peace,
who brought up from the dead
the great shepherd of the sheep
by the Blood of the eternal covenant,
furnish you with all that is good,
that you may do his will.

May he carry out in you
what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever.
Amen.