Ordinary Time: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Lamentations 1: 1-12

Lamentations is a terrible sad book. It's the book about the mourning that happens after Jerusalem is destroyed and the people taken into exile in Babylon. It's a book of heartbreak, or hurt, of pain, or loss. The people are devastated and all is ruined.

And the saddest part of the book was that it didn't have to be this way. The people had such potential to be faithful and do good for God. They had such potential to do the things God would have them and be the people God would have them to be. They had such potential to change the world for better. But they didn't. They never become would they could be.

Today, we have great potential as well. There is much we can do for God, for our neighbor. There is much we can do to make the world a better place. May we take advantage of our potential.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 15:41-50

Paul reminds us that this life is not the end. There is more than our eyes can see and ears can hear. There is a life, and world beyond this one. CS Lewis said we are each made for eternity:

There are no 'ordinary' people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations -- these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whome we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit

This life is not the end. And you were created so something so much bigger than all this. You were made for eternity.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 11:25-30

What does Jesus promise? Does He promise an easy life? No. Does He promise no problems? No. Does He promise wealth and money? No. Does He promise good health? No. Does He promise that tear or pain or hurt will never come your way again? No. So then, what does He promise?

Rest. All who are weary will find their rest in Him. Rest. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. Rest. Are you tired? Are you worn out? Are you beaten down? You can find rest. In the life, love, and service of Jesus. We find our rest in Him.