Ordinary Time: Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Nehemiah 12:27-31a, 42b-47

We see the wall is rebuilt. That which has been destroyed has been restored. We see where hopelessness and sadness reigned, hope was restored. The city had been destroyed. The temple laid to waste. All the signs of God's love and promise were gone. All looked lost.

But, God is a God of second chances. God is a God that doesn't give up. God is a God that forgives. God is a God of endless hope and a God that longs to restore. That which was lost has been found, that which was destroyed has been rebuilt. God is a God of endless hope.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 11:1-19

One of the hopeful messages of Revelation is this - God sees the pain and hurt of people. We see in Revelation judgement after judgement. But, who is being judged? Who is having all these harsh pronouncements given? Who is facing the wrath of God?

Those that have worked against God; those that have oppressed God's people. Those that have persecuted the church, those that have sought to stop God's will. God hears the cries of His people. He hears the cries of the church. He hears the anguish of His children. And Revelation teaches us that He will intercede on behalf of His people.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 13:44-52

What can compare to God? What can compare to knowing Him? We chase life and love and peace in so many ways. And they all leave us empty. On in Jesus. Only in God. Only through Him do we find the life that we want so badly. What can we compare the kingdom of God to? It is the pearl of great price, the gift that is worth everything. What can we compare to the goodness of God? Nothing. It is above all and beyond all. It is all in all.