In Ecclesiastes, believers are cautioned that the wants and ways of the world are folly.  In Colossians, Paul directs believers to set their hearts on the things of God, rather than on earthly things.  In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who stockpiles an abundance of riches, which are of no use to him when he is to stand before God.

The wants and ways of the world are fruitless.  To worry about the abundance of possessions and other earthly rewards usually separates us from God’s blessings, which endure.  Growing rich in the things that pertain to God, such as faith and love, may not gain an earthly reward, but does offer us the reward of eternal life in heaven.

Abraham urged God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if even ten innocent people could be found there.  God did not grow angry with Abraham’s persistence.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us to be persistent in our prayers to the Father, asking for help in our needs.  Paul reminds us that, by the Cross, Jesus Christ has redeemed and saved us.

This weekend we are instructed to pray fervently and to be persistent in faith as we place our needs before God and ask for assistance.  When we pray often, God becomes part of everything that we do.  Jesus assures us that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to assist us in our needs when we ask.  What kindness God showers on those who are faithful!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Registration 10:00 A.M.

Shotgun 11:00 A.M.

(must be high school age or older)

Cost:  Foursome $160.00

18 Holes of golf; dinner; refreshments

Limited to first 30 teams (sign up early)

Deadline is Wednesday, September First

Anyone wanting to donate items, we are looking for new, small items for the Chinese auction and “hole” prizes.

Come join in the fun and fellowship!

Questions? Call Bob Hewitt (280-4641)

In the first reading, Abraham and Sarah give to strangers, yet they are the ones to receive.  In his letter to the Colossians, Paul suffers rejection for the Gospel, yet rejoices because he knows God.  In the Gospel, we see Martha, who is distracted by her work, while Mary chooses the better part – spending time with Jesus and listening to his teachings.

We cannot be true Christian disciples unless we have a deep relationship with One whom we strive to imitate: Jesus.  This relationship requires time spent alone with him in prayer, getting to know him and understand his teachings.  There is no other relationship that is as important as this one.  It not only impacts our lives now, but for all eternity.

In Deuteronomy, Moses teaches that God’s law is written in people’s hearts.  They only need to live it out.  In Colossians, Paul proclaims that it is through Jesus that the world was created and redeemed.  In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan.  Jesus teachers that loving one’s neighbor means showing love for all people.

The glory of God’s plan of salvation is revealed in Christ.  He became one of us and showed us how we are to live so that we might come to share eternal life with him in heaven.  Through his death and resurrection, our salvation has been won.  Let us follow Jesus, now and always.

Through the prophet Isaiah, God exhorts Israel to rejoice in his peace and love.  Paul reminds the Galatians that what binds them together is God’s peace and mercy, as revealed in the Cross of Christ, not nationality or religious heritage.  In the Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to help spread the Gospel.

Jesus sends out his disciples to spread the gospel message.  They are to trust God to provide for all their needs.  This type of trust is a core element of Christianity, and brings with it a sense of peace.  As we grow in faith and turn more things over to God, the peace that is growing in our hearts can be passed on to others.

In the first reading and in the gospel, we are directed to follow God with full commitment.  Even duty to family should not prevent one from following the way of Jesus.  Paul says that commitment to the teachings of Jesus will bring us freedom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  This freedom calls us to be loving, forgiving and understanding.

Jesus calls us to give up everything to follow him and to make him the center of our lives and our love.  This does not mean that we must abandon those who depend on us.  Rather, it is through these others that our commitment to the Lord is lived out.  Through the everyday events in the life of a disciple, their love for the Lord should be evident.

The first reading is a prophecy about the fountain that will purify God’s people.  In the second reading, Paul says that through Baptism we are made heirs of the promise to Abraham.  In the Gospel, Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah.  Jesus foretells his Passion, offering a challenge to his disciples to take up their crosses and follow him.

While Jesus is the Messiah and Savior, as foretold in prophecy, he calls his followers to a life of suffering and sacrifice with him, not the comforts of an earthly Kingdom.  He calls us to die to self by putting the needs of others first before our own.  The reward He offers is nothing less than eternal happiness.

In the first reading, David acknowledges his sins, and Nathan tells him that God has forgiven him, but that there will still be consequences.  In the second reading, Paul teaches that Christ’s sacrifice is what saves us.  In the Gospel, Jesus forgives a woman who expressed great love by washing his feet with her tears.

To live a life of gratitude for what we have been given by God is a sign of our deep and humble adoration, such as the sinful woman displayed at the feet of Jesus.  She gives us an example of the overflowing love that we are to show in our appreciation for God’s love and forgiveness.

The reading from Genesis tells of Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High, bringing out bread and wine as he greeted Abram.  The second reading recalls Jesus instituting the Eucharist at the Last Supper.  In the Gospel, Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of about five thousand people.

Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to ensure that the physical hunger of the crowd would be satisfied.  More significantly, Jesus instituted the Eucharist.  Jesus did this so that believers of all ages who receive the Eucharist might have their spiritual hunger satisfied, grow in holiness and one day enjoy eternal life in heaven.