Ordinary Time: Monday, October 22, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 44:1-14

There is much to be gained by looking around. Today, the Lord tell those that are His, but not living in Israel: look. Don't you see what happened when my people departed? Do you see the destruction that came upon them? Do you see how their sin lead to their doom? Do you see what their actions caused? Don't do the same thing.

There is much that we can learn from looking at our own mistakes, and the mistakes of others. The only bad mistake is one that we don't learn from. Today, may we look within, and look around, and see the things that we can learn from. May we grow from all we've done, good and bad, and may we set a positive, not negative, example for others.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 15:30-41

Paul reminds us that this life is not permanent, and as great and glorious as it is; it is just a reflection of what is to come one day. That can give us hope in all of life. As grand and wonderful as life is now, God has something better in store. So remember today and always, this life is just a glimpse of what awaits and this life is a just a fore taste of what is to come. Something sweeter is on the way.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 11:16-24

We see here Jesus mention some of the criticism he receives. Some said He had a demon. Others said that He was a drunkard. That's a pretty broad cross section right there. The reason why folks didn't know what to make of His was because they weren't used to anyone like Him. They'd never seen someone love and serve and forgive as He did. They'd never seen a life lived out so full of grace. They'd never encountered one so full of God.

Now, of course He was the Son of God and God Himself incarnate, but He was also human. And He showed us how to live and love and forgive. And folks aren't used to that. They aren't used to lives lived out of grace. Today, may we live in such a manner, and may grace shine forth in all that we do.