Thursday | October 28, 2021
Luke 6:12-16:
Discernment at its best. Jesus goes up the mountain and spends the night in communion with his Father. When he comes down the next day he chooses and names twelve from his disciples who will be sent out.
Sts. Simon and Jude, the Church is built upon your faith and the faith of all the apostles. It is on your strong shoulders we stand as we bring the light of Christ to the world. Pray for us.
Wednesday | October 27, 2021
Luke 13:22-30:
The thought of the gate being so narrow or the door to salvation locked must have caused anxiety for those listening to Jesus. And yet there is hope if it is understood that salvation cannot be merited or achieved. Salvation is pure gift from a God who loves his people and wills them to hope in him.
I know I am not worthy but hope that I may “merit what you promise.”
Tuesday | October 26, 2021
Luke 13:18-21:
Jesus uses ordinary examples to give insight into the Kingdom of God. A huge shrub grows from the tiny mustard seed and a small amount of yeast causes the dough to expand to many times its size. So it is with the kingdom that has beginnings in the most unlikely people and ordinary things.
We miss the point when we only look to eternity for the kingdom of God. It is “already but not yet.”
Monday | October 25, 2021
Luke 13:10-17:
Imagine what it must be like to not be able to stand erect. In that moment, Jesus is far more concerned about this woman’s difficult situation and that compassion leads him to free her from her bondage. How could anyone find fault in that? His action is an in-breaking of God’s kingdom.
Jesus you know our every move. You know what is in our hearts, what compels us to do what we do.
Sunday | October 24, 2021
Mark 10:46-52:
Does the blind man see who Jesus is more clearly than the crowd, more clearly than Jesus’ disciples? It seems that his disability is in fact an ability to see differently. He calls Jesus “Son of David” and addresses him as “Master.” It is his persistence that gets Jesus’ attention, and because of his faith, he is healed.
Open my eyes to see you, my ears to hear you, my mind to understand your will and my heart to love as you love.
Saturday | October 23, 2021
Luke 13:1-9:
Jesus cites two little known incidents, the murder of Galileans and a construction accident at Siloam. He tells the people not to associate disaster with punishment but to consider if those who died were prepared for their lives to end. He uses the parable of the fig tree to emphasize that the time to change is now.
That life can end so unexpectedly is again a reminder to be vigilant and ready every day and in every way.
Friday | October 22, 2021
Luke 12:54-59:
People should know not to ignore or deny nature’s signs. Those who present themselves as wise leaders but do not recognize or acknowledge the coming of the kingdom in the signs of the times are hypocrites.
Have we been paying attention to the signs this last year and a half? Some have, some clearly have not. May we all come to understand that we are being called to become better people, God’s people.
Thursday | October 21, 2021
Luke 12:49-53:
There is nothing lukewarm or half-hearted about discipleship. A disciple must be on fire with the Spirit, willing to stand against and challenge the world gone astray. This is God’s work and it is good but has the propensity to cause division and suffering.
Am I willing to stand with him no matter the cost? Conflict and division are all around but there is hope in that once the mission is accomplished there will be peace. For that we pray.
Friday | September 10, 2021
Luke 6:39-42:
Jesus tells his disciples that they must strive to be like him especially in their relationship with others. If they are to stand in judgment and even correct their brother’s wrong doing, they must first examine themselves. He uses the image of the splinter and the beam to make his point.
You know how often I am tempted to stand in judgement of others. I am grateful that in those moments between thinking and speaking or acting, you remind me of me.
Thursday | September 9, 2021
Luke 6:27-38:
This radical love that Jesus speaks of must be the mark of those who follow him. Love, do good, bless, pray for and give to your enemies, those who would most certainly not do the same for you. Do not judge or condemn. Be compassionate and forgive.
How often I hear your “still small voice” urging me to do good, pray for and give to those who have hurt me. It is only by your grace that I am able to listen and act.
