Hebrews 1:1-12 (NRSV)
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Chapter 1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, Verse 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Verse 3He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Verse 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Verse 5For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"? Verse 6And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Verse 7Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire." Verse 8But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. Verse 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions." Verse 10And, "In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; Verse 11they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; Verse 12like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end."
Devotion
Today we commemorate Francis of Assisi, who was born into a wealthy family in 1131 or 1132. Francis lived a misspent youth, ending up a prisoner of war for a year. During this time he had a life-changing conversion experience. Upon his release, he began living his life based on the gospels and founded the Franciscan order in 1209. He died in Italy on Oct. 4, 1226. This prayer is attributed to him.
Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
And … amen.