Psalm
In this reading we hear that God alone is our fortress of salvation. Martin Luther once said that an idol is anything that we go to first instead of God in our greatest time of need. That means we have all been guilty of idolatry in our various walks of life. What is something that we might be tempted to rely upon in place of God?
James
This reading from St. James has some pretty strong wording and implications. Faith without works is dead. Does this mean that we rely on our good works to get into Heaven? Of course not! Instead, this means that good works are the natural outflow of God saving us through what Christ has done. What might be a simple way for you to live out your faith this week, how might God be leading you to love and serve your neighbour?
Matthew
Jesus states in this text that whatever you do for the 'least of these' that you have also done to Him. The human needs that we see around us can often be overwhelming. It seems impossible to make a difference on a large scale. But God has placed us all in unique places of responsibility to love and serve our neighbours. Who comes to mind when you think of the 'least of these'?