Ordinary Time: Thursday, August 16, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 15:1-18

One thing we see about Absalom's plan to take over is that he had thought through everything. He had the big plan about what he would do and how he would do it, and we see it beginning to work. We even see David flee Jerusalem. Now, it was David that made Jerusalem Jerusalem. He was the one that really made it it the spiritual and political capital of Israel. And now he must flee.

It must be hard to leave the place where you've spend your whole life working and striving. But, David did. Remember, he is a man after God's own heart. And today we see this man after God's own heart have to leave his home. Just because we follow God, just because we seek God, just because we love God, that does not mean that trouble might not come knocking at our door sometime.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 21:27-36

When everyone told Paul not to go to Jerusalem, this is what they were worried about. And, Paul must have know that this was coming. He knew that he had the vision to go back to Jerusalem and preach, in spite of whatever might happen. He had a calling.

When you have a calling on your life, everything else fades away. You want to do that thing God has called you to. Today, Paul didn't focus on the dangers or the worries, he focused on the call. He knew that he did what he was called to do, God would take care of everything else.

What are you called to? Each of us has a calling, something that we alone can do for God, and each other. What is yours? Today, may we find it, and when we find it, may it be our guiding light in all of life.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 10:32-45

We see the reason in this passage why we shouldn't worry if we have to flee Jerusalem.like David We see the reason why we shouldn't worry if we face all kinds of troubles like Paul. We see why we can have hope, even in the darkest hour.

Jesus loved us enough to give his life as a ransom for ours. He loved us enough that He would go to any length to set us free. He loves us enough, that through the cross, we see an eternal sign of just how far He would go to bring us home. Remember that cross today. Even if you are fleeing Jerusalem. Even if you face troubles. Remember the cross, and remember just how much our God loves us.