Ordinary Time: Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 6:1-23

One of the great truths of the lives of those that God uses in amazing ways is that they trust God in all things. They know that He is looking out for them; that He is at work for good in their lives; that they are never alone. God is with His people. At all times. And in all places. And in all ways. God is at work for the good of those that love Him.

He protected Elisha today. He stood by him and helped him in this time of danger. And because Elisha knew the power of God, he trusted in God. Today, and each day, may we trust in the power of God. May we know that He is with us, and that His arm is still mighty to save.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 5:9-6:8

Paul felt like that as Christians, we should be able to work things out. We are a family. We share the same God as our Father and if He is our Father, then we are brothers and sisters. And as family, we can work through anything together. As far as disagreements, we can disagree without being disagreeable. We can have our differences without it getting personal. We are family. Let's work like one. Let's live like one.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus ends this passage with the command to be perfect as God is perfect. How? How do we do that? He tells us right before. Love. Love your enemies. Bless those that curse you. Forgive. Gives someone your coat. Walk a mile with them. Get to know them.

We may never be perfect in action. But, through God's grace, we can work towards perfection that really matters. Perfect in love. That's what we are to strive towards. Love God with all that we are. Love our neighbor with all that we are. Love. May we seek after this greatest gift of all - love.