Readings for the Day:
Genesis 3:8-15: Immediately after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they hide from God. Neither takes responsibility for their sin, instead blaming each other, the snake, and even God. The curse on the snake was understood as a messianic prophecy by the early church, who associated Eve’s ‘offspring’ with Christ.
II Corinthians 4:13-5:1: Life in the present is transitory and cannot compare with the eternal home God has prepared for us. So we do not despair no matter what life might bring because we know that as God raised Jesus from the dead, God promises to bring us into eternal life.
Mark 3:20-35: In response to charges that he is possessed, Jesus wonders aloud how anyone who is demon-possessed can cast out demons. Those who do the will of God are possessed by the Holy Spirit, siblings of Christ.
‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress’
Questions To Ponder:
1— Do you do the same as Adam and Eve and blame others for your disobedience? (Gen. 3:8-15)
2—How might looking toward God’s ‘eternal house’ comfort you? (II Cor. 4:13-5:1)
3—Are you able to see others as your brothers and sisters in Christ? (Mark 3:20-35)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?
Prayer: All-powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil int eh strength of the same Jesus Christ. Amen.