Midweek Devotion 3 September 2025

Reading

Romans16:1-2 

I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a deacon of the church in Cenchrea,

 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in

 whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of

 myself also.

Devotion

Today is the feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon.   This week's artwork comes to us from Guy's Chapel in Southwark, London, England.  This 18th Century mosaic is a real treat to see.  The vibrant blues, greens and tans of the background create a contrast with the pale figure of the saint.  The gold and white of her halo are as if a window into eternity is behind her.  The scroll, perhaps of the Letter to the Romans, stands out, almost as if it were more important that she who is its deliverer.  She stands in an entryway of some sort as if crossing a threshold.  Her eyes are looking down or perhaps inwardly focused.  It appears she has been walking quite a way.

When I ponder this remarkable woman, I think about what her story must have been like.  Travelling from Cenchrea which is near Corinth to Rome.  She must have been a remarkable person to have Paul say the things he did about her and entrusting her with his Letter to the Romans somewhere about the year 57.  We know nothing else about her.  One assumes her trip went well.  What must it have been like to hold the original letter?!!  The earliest manuscript we have of Romans is Papyrus 10, dating from the 4th Century.  It resides in the Houghton Library at Harvard University.

Beyond this one mention in the Bible, we know nothing else about St. Phoebe.  She did the one thing, carrying the apostolic message to Rome and then faded from history.  Maybe, perhaps, possibly, there is one thing that the Spirit needs us to particularly attend to in a lifetime, or how about just this week?  Who in your life needs to hear some Good News, some encouragement, or to be served?  What will you do?  May St. Phoebe's example encourage you!

Prayer

Eternal God, who raised up Phoebe as a deacon in your church and minister of your Gospel; Grant us that same grace that, assisted by her prayers and example, we too may take the Gospel to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts)