- Sun 2nd. 1 Kings
19:16,19-21. Galatians 5:1,13-18. Luke 9:51-62.
You find yourself travelling more lightly when you are on
the road with Jesus. This wasn't my intention, of course. I am
cluttered with prejudices and pet theories. James and John objected to
unfriendly towns. For me, ideas that threaten my safe world produce the
same reaction. Then, there are my loyalties and memories. Surely, Jesus
wouldn't want me to let go of these.
When I think of what he might
ask of me, I feel sick and frightened. But, into this fear comes a word
or image. Jesus is my life. I don't want to live any other way than
walking with him. Then slowly, sometimes painfully, sometimes
imperceptibly, I become lighter, freer, just as I am going along. Thank
you, Jesus.
- Sun 9th. Isaiah 66:10-14.
Galatians 6:14-18. Luke 10:1-12,17-20.
Lord,
I have been chosen, and sent, just as surely as the seventy-two, to
preach the Good News of the kingdom. Contrary to what I might have
expected, Jesus did not give them detailed instructions as to what they
should say. But he did tell them, in detail, what they could be - people
of peace, not on the make, not always on the lookout for better
accommodation or finer food. He told them to travel light.
In the
gospel of today, Jesus is telling us that we preach more by what we are,
than by what we say; that our actions speak so loudly that other people
cannot hear what we say. This does not mean that the Word of God is not
to be proclaimed, but that people should be able to see that we live
what we preach.
- Sun 16th. Deuteronomy
30:10-14. Colossians 1:15-20. Luke 10:25-37.
Help often comes from unexpected quarters. How often
I've been surprised by the way your salvation has been woven into my
life, Lord. Your love and grace break through barriers time and again.
The first reading tells us that God's law is 'in the heart of your
observance'. The gospel story shows how this law is observed in daily
life. The psalm reminds us of our need of God if we are to 'return to
the Lord your God with all your heart and soul'- not a partial
conversion. God's love never fails. He lifts us up and 'God-seeking
hearts revive'. It is the God-seekings hearts that are emphasised in the
gospel. To touch the heart is to touch the core of a person. The keeping
of the law, the inheritance of eternal life is a matter of the heart: a
heart that responds in love. How well the gospel puts it. What a
marvellous story! It dramatically builds up a picture of love in
action. Real love that knows no barrier, asks no questions, is
spontaneous, generous and heartfelt.
Make my love real, Lord. Move
my heart to compassion for those I meet each day, for your people
everywhere.
- Sun 23rd. Genesis 18:1-10.
Colossians 1:24-28. Luke 10:38-42.
Sometimes
we use scripture to try to defeat our enemies or to indulge in a little
self-promotion! The end of this passage from Luke lends itself to
such uses while others put it, 'she has chosen the good part', or even
'that good part'.
My hunch is that Jesus, unlike some of his
followers, is not attacking Martha for being busy, nor is he saying that
contemplation is better than getting the dinner ready. He is saying that
we should each do what we are called to and not expect everyone to be
like us. There is a great temptation among us followers of Jesus to
think that if only everyone was as we are the world would be perfect.
There is, equally, a temptation to believe that there is a simple
answer; 'Oh, if only we were all like Mary.'
It is not so simple. Do
what you are called to, be satisfied to be you. That is enough, and it
shall not be taken away from you.
- Sun 30th. Genesis 18:20-32.
Colossians 2:12-14. Luke 11:1-13.
Jesus
used many examples to convince us that God will answer our prayers.
He told us to be persistent in asking and assured us that God will give
his good Spirit to us. Just as parents continually give good food and
presents to their children, God will be generous towards us.
We
don't always believe in God's help; we pray for the cure of a sick
person and if we don't see the person cured next day we think God has
done nothing. Once a man asked Jesus to heal his son. Jesus said, 'Your
son will be well'. The man could see nothing but believed and found his
son well at home. Let us not look for signs and wonders but believe that
God will answer our prayers.
