Ordinary Time: Thursday, October 15, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 38:1-13

One of the things we see in the life of Jeremiah is that things were not always easy or good. One of the misconceptions we have is that if we just love God, we'll face no troubles. That simply is not the message of the Bible. Everyone that loved God, everyone that sought after Him, everyone that tried to be faithful, they faced troubles.

But here's the thing. They were never alone. God did not forsake them. God did not abandon them. Even in the pit, even in the well, God made a way. Even then. So, the life of God is not always easy. But it is always worth it.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 14:26-33a, 37-40

Paul wants things done in order not because order is always perfect. He wants things done in order because thats the way that those that are new to the faith can learn. That's the way those that are just learning can learn more. Remember, we don't exist for ourselves, we don't even worship for ourselves. We exist, and we worship, for God. And for others. We should live in such a way, and be such a people, that glorify God, and build each other up.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 10:34-42

Jesus reminds us today that He has come, and He asks us to make hard choices. Will we be faithful to Him above all else, or will we be faithful to other things? Will we choose Him above all else? Or will we choose others things? Will He be the Lord of our lives? Or will we choose other things?

He loves us more than we'll ever know. We are worth more to Him than we'll ever know. He longs to love us and make us whole. He just wants all our life in return.

May we know that we will find life no other place than in Jesus. And may we turn to Him each moment of our lives to know His love and His mercy.