Listening and learning - August 14
Today’s Readings: Psalm 85:7-13; Amos 5:18-24; Luke 1:46-55
I will listen to what the Lord God is saying,
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land. (Psalm 85:8-9)
As I re-read a brief biography of Jonathan Daniels this morning, I was moved by how intentionally Jon listened. He listened for where God was calling him to serve in the world, as he wondered about his vocation. Jon felt drawn to ministry and the priesthood, but it was not a direct path for him. There were times when his faith was faltering. After graduating from Virginia Military Institute, he attended Harvard University to pursue a degree in English literature. Before completing studies there, he felt drawn back to theological studies. Jon enrolled at Episcopal Theological Seminary (ETS) in 1963. He listened to the call from Dr. Martin Luther King in March 1965, in which King put out an open invitation to students from far and wide to come to Selma, Alabama, to march and demonstrate for civil rights.
Jonathan Daniels was a perpetual student. He was ever in the process of learning. And because of this, Jon was curious and open. He was willing to hear the call of the Almighty God, “speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him”, as we read in the portion of Psalm 85 appointed for this feast day. In praying the Magnificat during Evening Prayer in the spring of 1965, Jon was moved by the words of the Virgin Mary’s song and felt called to be present in Selma, Alabama. While Jonathan Daniels was in Selma, he saw the beauty and possibility of ways he could grow and learn more…not just to “save” the people of the Black Belt through faith and social justice. He, too, was being changed by his time there.
Decades later, as I reflect on the ministry and sacrifice of Jon and the many other martyrs for civil rights in Alabama, I think about something my husband holds up often. Education and critical thinking skills are imperative for the continued growth and well-being of our individual selves and for our communities. Just as prayer can open our souls to soar in God’s love, the gift of learning can open our minds to explore vistas far beyond our imagination. Jesus, ever the teacher, helped throngs of people during his travels, opening up their minds to scripture. As we live into a posture of faithful living, let us also embrace the gift of learning, for ourselves and for those around us. And, as we are able, let us support education efforts, as we empower young people to learn and grow!
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What was your favorite subject to study in school? What more can you learn in this field today?
When did you last intentionally seek out a topic to learn more?
Daily Challenge
The livestream of the virtual celebration of Jonathan Daniels and the martyrs of Alabama can be found here on YouTube. It begins at 11:00 a.m. CT on August 14.
To give to the offering designated for the Lowndes County Board of Education Scholarship Fund, click here and select “Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage Offering” from the drop-down.
Read more about the life of Jonathan Daniels here: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Jonathan_Daniels.htm