Ordinary Time

February 1, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
Praise the Lord!
   Happy are those who fear the Lord,
   who greatly delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
   the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses,
   and their righteousness endures forever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
   they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
   who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
   they will be remembered forever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings;
   their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
   in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;
   their righteousness endures forever;
   their horn is exalted in honor.
The wicked see it and are angry;
   they gnash their teeth and melt away;
   the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.

One of my best friends throughout public school died recently. We had not remained in close contact as our lives moved in different directions and locations. I touched base with her last when her mother died a few months ago. My friend’s death was a surprise. When I read this scripture, I recalled her obituary, which contained many of the same attributes described in this Psalm. She was blessed throughout her life with a comfortable income. Still, her time was invested in helping others. I quote from that obituary,

She was a friend to everyone; she had a heart for helping those in need. She was a prayer warrior for her family and others, a Bible study teacher, a Sunday school teacher, Stephens Minister, a volunteer for many organizations, and involved in endless activities. She would always remember special dates of family and friends with cards, calls, lunch, or dinner. She would also take meals to those in need who were going through hard times with health issues or loss of a loved one.

She was a role model from which all of us can learn.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing role models to help us find our way in a challenging world. Particularly, I thank you for the role model that my friend followed, and we all can follow, Jesus Christ. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.