In my life I like to think that I control when things happen. I get frustrated when things do not happen like I plan. Especially when it takes longer than I think they should. The author of Ecclesiastes (ECCL 3:1-11) reminds me again that there is a time for everything.

In the Gospel Luke (LK 9:18-22) tells us the story about Jesus asking his disciples “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Peter said correctly “The Christ of God.” Jesus recognized Peter’s correct answer by rebuking them and telling them not to say that to anyone else.

To rebuke someone is to give sharp disapproval. Can you imagine their confusion at getting the answer right and having Jesus react that way? Why did Jesus do this?

It was not the right time. All Jesus’s teachings were not complete. Had the disciples spread this widely the Jewish leaders of the time would have likely called for Jesus’s crucifixion.

Jesus knew God had a plan and He was willing to be patient and let it come to pass as God desired.

This is a lesson to me.

It seems the author of Ecclesiastes (ECCL 1:2-11) is reminding us that the world was here long before we arrived and will be here after we are gone too. Therefore we should take stock of our priorities.

Are all the tasks that we are trying to accomplish as important as we make them to be? In general, are we really as important as we think we are? I don’t think this is an attempt to degrade us, rather a reminder that we should focus on what’s important.

In the Gospel from Luke (LK 9:7-9) we hear about Herod who is “perplexed” by Jesus’s identity. Google perplexed and you get the definition of completely baffled; very puzzled … of something complicated or unaccountable.

Perplexed is kind of what I am when we think about myself like the author of Ecclesiastes suggests I should? What are the important things that I should be focused on? Do not misunderstand, family and the commitments related to family are a critical part of my life. But what should be the center of everyone’s life?

The answer comes in the last sentence of Luke’s Gospel from today.  “And he kept trying to see him.” Herod kept trying to see Jesus. We should keep trying to see Him too. Priority number one for everyone see Jesus.

In today’s readings Paul and Matthew remind us to think about our call.

In the first reading from the book of the Ephesians (EPH 4:1-7, 11-13) Paul reminds us that each of us have unique callings. He says “some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ…”.

In the gospel from Matthew (MT 9:9-13) he tells us how Jesus called him. He writes “he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.”

Matthew further reminds us about how we are expected to use our gifts by telling how Jesus responded to the Pharisees about eating with tax collectors and sinners “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words,
I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

We are encouraged today and everyday to use our unique God given talents to further His call to build up His body which we know is the church.

This morning Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (1 COR 15:1-11) mentions that he was “not fit to be called an Apostle” as he had “persecuted the Church of God”. He follows this up by saying “but by the grace of God I am what I am”. Part of the grace Paul is talking about is God’s forgiveness for his sins against the early believers.

In Luke’s gospel (LK 7:36-50) we hear the story of Jesus eating dinner with the pharisee and the sinful woman coming to bath his feat with her tears. Simon the pharisee is turned off by Jesus allowing a sinful woman to hang around Him. Jesus ultimately tells Simon that everyone who believes can be saved from their sins.

When the sins of Paul and the sinful woman are viewed by human terms their actions may be unforgivable. However, through Jesus and His death on the cross all sins are forgivable. Paul reminded the Corinthians of this by writing “for I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures;”.

Don’t forget to forgive yourself.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091918.cfm

This morning’s first reading is about love (1 COR 12:31-13:13). I have heard this many times at weddings. I think many couples pick this reading because it is God’s way of reminding us that we should do all things in love.

It is a reminder our actions should demonstrate our love for each other and God.

Today’s readings come from First Corinthians (7:25-31) and Luke’s gospel (6:20-26). Both passages speak of acting opposite of how you are today. I think this is God’s way of telling us not only to be more mindful of our actions but to also see those who are opposite of ourselves. We are asked to help them where we can and emulate them when we see they are living lives closer to God than we are.

In short be the Bizarro to how most of the world expects you to act… “For the world in its present form is passing away.”

Today’s readings are about meeting people for the first time or re-meeting after you have not seen someone for a long time. In either scenario both sides can have thoughts about who the others are and how they will react.

In the first reading from the First Book of Corinthians (2:1-5) Paul talks about he was worried about meeting them for the first time. He says “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling…”. This tells me he was worried that they might reject him and his message about Jesus or worse he might be subjected to harsh treatment.

In the gospel Luke (4:16-30) recounts Jesus’s return to Nazareth. He gets up in the synagogue and reads a passage and all are amazed. But instead of accepting Him for who He as become they ask “Is this not the son of Joseph?” They were essentially saying “come on we know this guy how could He be anything special?”

I think the parallel in both of these stories is to realize that you should take people for who they currently are and how they act in the present.

Paul’s experience with the Corinthians was positive because they accepted him for who he was and what he was there to do. If the Nazarians would have just taken Jesus for who He was they could have enjoyed all He had to offer. Instead they forced Him from their town.

Be careful with prejudgment…

 

In today’s first reading Paul is writing to the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:17-25). For me this is a difficult reading to understand. But I find the last line very powerful “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

It kind of makes you want to slap your forehead and say duh…

I often tell my kids always behave as someone is watching even when they are not.

In today’s gospel from Matthew (24: 42-51) Jesus is telling his disciples about the faithful servant whose master returns and finds him doing what he’s been asked to do.

Jesus says “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.”

This is a good lesson in our daily lives as well as our spiritual lives. In our daily lives we should act with integrity and honesty in all our dealings. Whether someone is watching or not. In doing so we can expect to eventually be noticed and asked to take on more responsibility.

In our spiritual lives if we will act in the way God expects we will be promoted to His heavenly glory.

Remember someone is always watching… God.

In the first reading this morning Paul reminds the Thessalonians (2 Thes; 3:6-10,16-18) about how he and the other disciples acted while visiting them. He is warning them to be cautious about trusting anyone who is in their land claiming to represent the early church. He tells them “In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that
if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.”

This thought is further expressed in the responsorial psalm (128: 1-2,4-5) “For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.” Through these words I was  reminded that I must work to earn all rewards.

The gospel comes from Mark (6: 17-29). It is the passion story of Saint John The Baptist. It is really a difficult story to read and understand. While reading it I realized humans have been making poor decisions for a very long time.