Scripture Readings: Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5; Matthew 22: 15-21
Imagine St. Paul writing to us today, instead of a letter to the people of Thessalonica. It is a letter to the church and people of Saratoga County – St. Mary’s, Crescent:
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind our works of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord, Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, Brothers and Sisters loved by God, how you were chosen”.
Paul might be a bit more complimentary than we deserve, however, Paul’s recognition of God’s grace in us, a person, family and parish is meant to revitalize our way of living each day.
In Isaiah today we hear the reminder from the Lord: “I am the LORD, there is no other.”
What are the examples from our lives as person, family and Parish that the Lord and the Lord’s ways are the focus of our lives?
What are the areas of our lives as person, family and Parish where we need to work on allowing the Lord to guide us in HIS way of thinking and living?
As Americans there are many things that vie for our time, talent and treasure, just maybe each day we need to ask ourselves:
- How have I pleased the Lord?
- How have I lived as the Lord asked?
- How will I live as the Lord asks, a bit better tomorrow?
We come to Church, every weekend, and Jesus gives himself to us completely and without excuse or reservation in the Eucharist.
Jesus in the bread and wine (His body & blood), shares himself because we are all hungry and thirsty.
Jesus continues to speak his Word, knowing that life is not always easy and we need encouragement.
Jesus continues to form us into his community, his Church – where all are welcome because He paid the price for our membership.
“I am the LORD, there is no other.”