Ordinary Time: Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Jonah 1:1-17

We see the Lord call Jonah. We see Him tell Jonah that is to go to Nineveh and preach. And we see Jonah run. We see him flee from what it is that God has called him to do. That is something that many of experience in life. We know that God has called us to something. We know that God has placed a calling upon our lives. But, we may not feel worthy of that calling. Or we may not want to do that calling. Or we may doubt that God can really do what He wants to do through us.

We see in Jonah that we can run. But, we can't out run God. In Jonah, we see that we can't outrun God's calling.

In the people of Nineveh we see that we can't outrun God's love.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 26:24-27:8

We see Paul give an account of his faith, and make a good impression to the leaders of the people. We see them actually want to free Paul, but they can't because as a Roman citizen Paul appealed to go to Roman, and every citizen has that right. Paul shares with them is faith and tells them that his hope was that they become like him. Except for the chains. And, he nearly persuades on to believe.

We don't know what happened to these men after Paul left. But, we do know that Paul planted the seeds. That's all we can do. Plant seeds on faith. And we know that God will do whatever needs to be done from there.

In our lives, words, and actions, may we plant seeds of faith and grace everywhere.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 8:40-56

In both the stories in this text, it is faith that is they key. The woman and the father. The believe, even when others tell the not to. Even when it appears foolish to do so. They believe. And, in that faith, they find healing and life.

Today, in all that we do. May we believe. May we never loose faith. May we never loose hope.