Ordinary Time: Monday, October 8, 2007

Good Morning. I wanted to let you know that there will be no blogging tomorrow. My son Thomas is getting tubes put in his ears and we have to be there pretty early in the morning. We'll resume Wednesday, though

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 21:1-18

We see in this passage the power of individual responsibility. Manasseh knew better than to do the things that he was doing. After all, he was raised by one the only good kings in the history of Judah. But, he still did wrong. Maybe he became king to quick at age 12. Who knows the ultimate reason he departed from the Lord. But, for whatever reason, he did.

And with all the evil he did, he knew better. He was raised better. He had the means to do right, but he did not. There are circumstances in life that we can't control. But, in everything that we do, we do have a choice. Today, in spite of whatever challenges may come, whatever problems we face, whatever adversity is in our way; may we choose to do right.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1

I think one of Paul's most important teachings is one of the last things he writes in this passage. Do all things to the glory of God. That is so important for us to realize that everything we do; from work to play, should be done to the glory of God. Sunday morning is not the only time we worship God; we worship God in every act of our lives, for everything is done to His glory.

Today, may every act we do, everything we do, whether it exciting or drudgery, in all things; let us do it to the glory of God.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 8:28-34

I heard someone recently say this passage is the first recorded instance of deviled ham.

But, in a more serious vein, I think one of the important things in this passage is what happens at the end. The people ask Jesus to leave. They are concerned and overwhelmed by His power. The know He comes to bring change; and they don't like or want change in their lives. They don't want the salvation He offers, hard is that is to believe.

So, they ask Him to leave. May we never be so afraid of what Jesus may ask us to do that we ask him to leave, as they did.