Creational Theology hint for the week—One of the strong points of the faith of the Celtic Christians was their strong sense of the transcendent in their everyday lives. Here's an excerpt from a prayer used as the morning fire was rekindled from the previous days peats. “I will kindle my fire this morning/In the presence of the holy angels of heaven…/God kindle Thou in my heart within/A flame of love for my neighbor/… We need to strive to keep the presence of the transcendent in our daily lives.
But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
Why is the conversion of Simon singled out? What is so special about Simon the Sorcerer? Don't you think that some high ranking city officials also believed? Yes, but for this phrase. “This man is the power of God that is called Great.”
Simon allowed the people to elevate him to equality with the LORD, God the Almighty and could have suffered the fate of Herod (Acts 12:20-23), but the Lord demonstrated His power and "he was amazed."
Simon grasped the lesson even though he had more to learn about the source of that power, but don't we all. See Acts 8:18-24
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 110
Mid-day: 119:81-88
Evening: Psalm 36
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