Ordinary Time: Thursday, November 29, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Zephaniah 3:1-13

We see even in the starkest condemnation of the people, which the first part of lesson is, there is always the hope of salvation and grace. Yes, the Lord condemns the people for their sin, for their selfishness, for there turning from Him. But, He also says that there will be a remnant that is saved.

No matter what path we wind up on, there is always the opportunity to turn back around and come back home. We see that in this passage. The people had turned from God, they had wandered away and begun to do their own thing. The Lord says, you will reap what you so. But, if you turn back, you will be saved.

Grace is always calling us back home, no matter where we are.

New Testament Lesson

1 Peter 2:11-25

One of the commands that Peter gives to the people is to be a good citizen. Be part of your community. He puts it forth in terms of obeying the Emperor, but what he is urging us to do is be active in our society. Take part in the things of our community. Work for the common good. Find an area where your gifts and graces can be used, and use them. Don't sit on the sidelines, be a part!

There are places in your hometown, in your church, in your family that you can be part of. In this season, find your place, and join in! We'll all be better for it.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 20:1-16

One of the things the things that I am most thankful for in life is God's grace and that His mercy and love towards me are not dependant upon me, but rather are dependent upon who He is. We cannot earn that love, mercy, and grace, it is freely given. In this parable, the mistake that many ofthe workers made was that they thought they had "worked" harder than the others, so they should be able to determine who received the most.

The Lord said no, He gives grace freely and to all. Isn't that wonderful? God's grace is given to us simply because of who God is. Today, you don't have to earn God's love. He simply loves you, more than you will ever know. Today, rest in that knowledge.