Meditation on 2 Corinthians 3:1-4

On Friday evening, some of my friends from work and I decided to get together after work and have a nice visit.   Sometime during the evening, I mentioned that I thought it would be fun to have a Bible Study together.   They all thought that was a great idea and then they all turned on me and said: "Linda, it was your idea, why don't you lead the first Bible study and we'll all take turns after that."   I said "Okay!".    I have until Feb 21, to plan my little presentation, but after some thought and prayer, this is what I have so far.   I may stay with this, or end up with something completely different.  However, I thought I would like to post it on my blog and share it with anyone who may like to read it.

2 Corinthians 3:1-4

Do we begin again to commend ourselves?   Or do we need, as so others do, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you?
You are our epistles, written in our hearts, known and read by all men.  Clearly, you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is of the heart.

I think this verse is so exciting.  This quote is from the little Gideon Bible I keep in my car.  I like it  best for this scripture.  Other translations use the word "letters" instead of "epistles" in this passage.  While that's accurate because the word "epistle" really does mean "letter", I like this translation because the word "epistle" makes me think of the books of the Bible, which is the written word of God. 

Because of my association of the word "epistle" with Bible, it really makes me see how incredible this scripture really is.  Basically, St Paul is telling us that because God has written His word in our hearts then we, too, become the written word of God that can be "read" by all people.   It just kind of blows my mind.  In a very real way, each of us is the word of God!

Dovetailing with this passage is the passage in the gospel of John chapter 1, verse 1:  "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God."  This tells us that Christ is the Word...the Logos.  If we do indeed try live in imitation of Christ, and allow Him to live in us, then we can become the "word" (small w) thru Christ who is the Word. 

Imagine how much we would all accomplish if we just started living in the reality of these scriptures!

Mary Undoer of Knots Rosary

The Ave beads in this striking rosary are 8mm African turquoise. It is important to note, that African turquoise is not genuine turquoise. Rather it is a form of jasper found in Africa. The color and the matrix of African turquoise leads it to be used as a turquoise substitute and is responsible for the common name of the stone. Accenting the African turquoise are the black onyx Pater beads. Each of these are comprised of one10mm black onyx bead flanked by 2 6mm black onyx beads. The center honors Mary the Untier of Knots and is comprised of silver colored metal. The crucifix is also silver colored metal,  Please click here if you would like to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, Holy Name Rosaries to see more of my rosaries and prayer beads.

I have only recently learned about Mary the Undoer or Untier of Knots. However, my experiences with her bears this out because she has always seemed to be there to help during difficult times in my life. I used the swirls of silver plated wire "flowing" up the sides of the beads and intertwining with them to represent the order that our Blessed Mother can bring out of the knots and difficulties in our lives. This theme is further carried out in the intricate "woven" filigree found in the crucifix. This is a substantial rosary with a nice weight. Please click here if you would like to learn more about Mary the Untier of Knots,

Pope Francis Rosary with Stations of the Cross

Like many people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, I am enthralled with Pope Francis. His is a singular and inspiring witness to the absolute simplicity and humility of the Christian journey. For this reason, I wanted to make a rosary to honor him.

With this in mind, this is a simple rosary. The Ave's are 6.5mm black onyx beads, The Paters are 10mm black onyx beads. All of the beads have simple 3mm bead caps at either end. The center has an image honoring Pope Francis on the front and an image of his Coat of Arms on the back. The Stations of the Cross crucifix has the all of the Stations of the Cross on the back. Both the center and crucifix are silver colored metal.  Please click here to learn more about this rosary and pleased visit my shop Holy Name Rosaries to see more of my rosaries and chaplets. 

Mother and Child Ruby Jade Wire Wrapped Rosary

 

 

The Ave's in this sweet little wire wrapped rosary are 6mm ruby jade. Complimenting the Ave's are 10mm white quartz Pater beads. These have been accented with silver colored bead caps at both ends. The center honors our Blessed Mother with the infant Jesus. The finely detailed crucifix has a heart on the end of each arm of the cross as well as behind the head of our Lord. This rosary would make a wonderful gift for a new Mom or for Mother's day. It would also be an inspired gift for Valentine's day.  Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, Holy Name Rosaries to see more of my rosaries, rosary bracelets and chaplets.