Ordinary Time: Thursday, September 10, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

1 Kings 18:1-19

We see the challenge made by Elijah today. On behalf of God, he challenged the prophets of Ba'al. It would be decided who was the God of Israel. Would it be the Lord God, or would it be Ba'al. When we read further, we see that the Lord won the challenge and showed His power and might.

Never forget we serve a big a mighty God. Never forget that we serve a God that can do amazing things. Never make God too little. Never make God too small. He is still alive! And will do amazing things! Don't doubt, have faith! Our God is an awesome God!

New Testament Lesson

Philippians 2:12-30

Paul reminds the people to be faithful - work out your salvation with much fear and trembling. As awesome as God is, He wants us to do our part as well. He wants us to be faithful. He wants us to respond. He wants us to be accountable. He wants us to follow. We are saved by grace through faith, yes. But, we are called to believe and respond. And we are called to let that grace work within us, that we may be faithful.

God will do His part. May we be faithful and do what God has called us to do.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 2:13-23

In the story of Jesus' birth we see great acts of courage - Joseph and Mary fleeing, the wise men deceiving, acts such as these. We also see great acts of evil and hatred, such a Herod killing all the boys under two years old. In life, we have choices to make at time. Will we be strong and brave like Joseph, Mary, and the Wise Men? Or will we give into fear and hate like Herod?

In our lives, in times of choice, may we choose the path of grace. We serve a God of grace. May we be a people of grace.