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Lectionary
8 TRINITY: 13 - 19 JULY, 2008
THEME: ‘WE ARE GOD’S
WORKMANSHIP.’
READING: EPHESIANS 2: 1 – 10
The
Judeo-Christian Scriptures make it abundantly clear that
although ‘The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it’
(Psalm 24: 1), God has been working hand in hand with human
agents to fulfil God’s purposes throughout history. Humankind,
as a whole, has been entrusted with the delicate
responsibility of stewardship over the rest of God’s creation
(Genesis 1: 28ff). Unfortunately, the reckless manner in which
we exploit one another and our surroundings does not augur
well for the welfare of creation. In ancient Israel, God’s
purposes were accomplished through priests, prophets, kings,
wise men, elders and other specially endowed persons. God is
still at work, carrying out God’s purposes through various
groups and individuals. Through the redeeming work of Jesus,
the Christ, a new faith community which constitutes the
Church, has come into being. Members of this community are,
through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, privileged to
serve as God’s co-workers in effecting positive transformation
within their respective communities. There is no doubt that
Africa as a continent abounds in rich human and material
resources, its colonial history notwithstanding.
However, a sense of inferiority complex, mediocrity
resulting in lack of excellence in various sectors of our
existence, corruption and mismanagement, to mention but just a
few, have robbed this beloved continent of its God-given
birthright. May God enable the Church in Africa to rise up to
the occasion and carry out God’s mission (Missio Dei) in
various communities with the view to help them into a state of
true Shalom, characterized by holistic material and spiritual
well-being. A positive attitudinal change that rests on sound
ethical principles will certainly go a long way to enhance the
dignity of this richly-endowed continent.
Submitted by
John D K Ekem (Very Rev. Prof)
PRAYER
Lord of
creation, you span distances in space and time, and you hold
the entire world in the palm of your hand. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, you have created us anew. May we accept your
control over our lives and find fulfilment in your plan;
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
READINGS FOR THE
WEEK
Genesis 2; Exodus 31: 1‐11; Psalm 139: 1‐18; Isaiah
65: 17‐25; Matthew 25: 31‐46; Revelation 21: 1‐8 & 22: 1‐5
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