Voice: Doreen
Today is Wednesday, 17th of June. We start by praying the Collect for Purity:
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 119:57-68
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.64 The earth, O Lord , is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord , according to your word.66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever. Amen.
Luke 13:31-35
31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”
32And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.
33Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’
34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
35Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
“I Must Go On My Way”
Jesus was on a journey to Jerusalem when some Pharisees came to Him with a warning:
“Leave this place, for Herod wants to kill you.”
It sounds like sensible advice. Why walk into danger?
Jesus replied with remarkable determination:
“Go and tell that fox… I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following.”
The words “I must” reveal His resolute commitment to calling. Jesus was not wandering aimlessly through Galilee. Every step was taking Him towards Jerusalem, towards the cross, and ultimately towards His resurrection. Neither the threats of Herod nor the hostility of His enemies could alter that course.
The Christian life is much the same.
There will always be distractions, fears, disappointments, and even people who tell us to choose an easier option. Sometimes the obstacle is persecution; more often it is comfort. We are tempted to settle down when God is calling us to move forward.
Jesus knew His destination, and therefore He knew His priorities.
Then the mood changes dramatically. Looking ahead, He cries:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”
The Lion of Judah speaks like a mother hen.
He is not marching towards Jerusalem to conquer it but to die for it. The city that kills the prophets will also reject its Messiah, yet Jesus still longs to gather its people under His wings.
His conviction did not come at the expense of compassion. We may be resolute in following Christ, but we should never lose sight of the people we are serving.
As pilgrims, we too must say, “I must go on my way” until the day when we too will enter the heavenly Jerusalem and join the multitude who proclaim:
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin
against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and
the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen
In closing, be blessed by this song, Teresa’s Song (Dare I Go) by Ethel Yap
How does it feel to be completely alone
How does it feel to have no place to call home
To be a wanderer, forever to roam
Dare I go there with You?
What does it mean to walk in Your steps
What does it mean to give all that I have
Utterly stripped down, laid empty and bare
Dare I go there with You?
Dare I go there with You, Lord?
Dare I go there with You?
What does it look like to have nothing else but You
What does it mean to have all my delight be in You
To let Your joy become my clothes and my food
Fill my cup, Lord, to full
Dare I go there with You, Lord?
Dare I go there with You?
To You I plead, that You’ll supply all I need
Dare I go there with You?
Are You calling me to be hungry?
Are You calling me to be poor?
Am I learning each face is just You in disguise
Do I know that when I’m resting in Your love
Your grace is enough
Dare I go there with You, Lord?
Dare I go there with You?
To You I plead, that You’ll supply all I need
Dare I go there with You?
Help me be there with You
Link to today’s Morning Office
About This Daily Devotion
This weekday devotion is drawn from the Morning Office and is part of a project initiated by Revd Canon Terry Wong, with contributions from clergy and members across various parishes. Each entry includes selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture passage, accompanied by a reflection and prayer. An audio option is also available, often ending with a hymn or song. We encourage you to both read and listen.
Our aim is to help Anglicans engage more deeply with our rich liturgical tradition, while meeting the devotional needs of today’s believers. This project began on Ash Wednesday 2025 and is offered on weekdays only.
For feedback, please write to us at terrywong@anglican.org.sg
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