This upcoming week I have been invited to offer short daily reflections for the lectionary  readings for morning and evening prayer (the daily cycle of readings that many Anglicans and others use for their daily prayer and study.) This is part of a series organized by the Rev. Alex Wilson, priest at St. Anselm’s at UBC. 

Maybe this is an opportunity for you to try this ancient rhythm on for size, and bring in some prayer and study into your daily lives!) Below is my reflection for Tuesday. 

To sign up for these reflections, fill out this online form: http://eepurl.com/iap-99 

TUESDAY JANUARY 17th

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Today we remember Saint Antony, a monk in Egypt in the early centuries of the Church. While he was popular during his lifetime, he went “viral” through an account of his life by Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, inspiring countless others in their faith through the centuries, including several notable examples, like Saint Augustine of Hippo. I wonder if Antony ever imagined that his words, his life, his example, would have such far reaching effects, rippling through the millennia. Our lives, our actions, our words can have that same power, like it says in Ephesians, to build up others, to give grace to those who hear them. 

Thanks be to God!

CG+