Ordinary Time: Thursday, October 8, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

2 Kings 23:4-25

Outside of David, Josiah was the greatest of the kings. Was he great militarily? He had some success, but not overwhelming. Was he of great wealth? Well, he was king, so he did alright. Where did his greatness come from?

It came from what we read today. He had a heart for God. And he was going to follow God with all that he had and all that he was. He was going to lead the people in the ways of God. He was going to put a stop to the idolatry that had plagued the land. He was going to make sure the people knew that the Lord was God and was going to lead them in worship.

It was not any of the "earthly" things that made him great. It was his heart for God. May we do likewise.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

We all have different gifts. We can all serve God in different ways. None of us have the same talents or the same passions or the same callings. None of us have the same gifts from God.

But the same God gives us each our gifts. However we are gifted, we are called to use those gifts for God and for His glory. We are called to use whatever it is that He has given us for the good of God and His people. No matter what your talent is, no matter what your gift is. You were given it by God. May we use what He has given us for that good.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 9:18-26

Jesus brings healing. Sometimes, as in this text, it is physical healing. Sometimes He heals the sick and the dying. Sometimes these great and wonderful things happens. Sometimes, very often, He heals brokenness. The broken heart. The broken soul. The one that is beat down. The one in need of rest. The one that needs His grace. The one that needs His mercy. Jesus brings healing. May He bring healing to you today, in whatever form you need it.