St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
Midweek Devotion 9th February 2023
Led by Rev Douglas A O Nicol
The Psalmist wrote: ‘Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you.’ (Psalm 128)
Let us worship God.
Scripture Reading
Our Scripture reading from our Lectionary for today comes from the Gospel according to St. Mark, chapter 7, verses 24 to 30:
From there Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go – the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Reflection
Cardinal John Henry Newman said: ‘The Incarnation is the most stupendous event which can ever take place on earth; and after it and henceforth, I do not see how we can scruple at any miracle on the mere ground of it being unlikely to happen’.
We have just read one of the miracles of Jesus … and as always it was aimed at supporting the people involved. Whether by feeding a crowd, or healing the sick, or casting out a demon Jesus sought throughout His earthy ministry to alleviate suffering and offer a positive future to all He met.
One of the responsibilities of those of us who seek to follow in His footsteps in the 21st Century is to follow His example of supporting those around us in life, and this theme is reflected well in the words of the lovely little hymn for children that is usually sung to the French tune: ‘Au Claire De La Lune’.
Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all,
Healing pain and sickness, blessing children small;
Washing tired feet, and saving those who fall;
Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all.
Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you,
Make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do;
Let me watch you, Jesus, till I’m gentle too,
Till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you.
May we all be faithful in following Jesus’ example today!
Prayer
Let us pray:
Teach us, good Lord,
to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to ask for any reward
save that of knowing that we do your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We commend to your generous goodness
all those who are in any way
afflicted and distressed,
especially remembering today –
- those whose lives are being shattered by war
- those in Turkey and Syria suffering after earthquakes
- all associated with Espom College
- and all for whom we have personal concerns today.
Comfort and relieve them
according to their individual needs;
give them patience under their sufferings,
and a happy release out of all their afflictions.
all this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ.
We remember before You this day
our families and loved ones.
May they know of Your hope and love
as they journey through their lives.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever,
Amen.
Benediction
The guarding of the God of life be on you,
the guarding of the loving Christ be on you,
the guarding of the Holy Spirit be on you
to aid you and enfold you
each day and night of your lives.
Amen.
Organ Music
François Couperin Tierce en taille (Messe pour les Paroisses)