Friday, Saturday, Sunday

I'll be away for a couple of days. I hope my reflections will stae your appetite for scripture!

Friday June 19,; Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21, 2009

Scripture Readings: 2 Cor. 5: 14-17, 2 Cor. 11: 18, 21-30; 2 Cor. 12: 1-10
Job: 36: 1, 6-11
Psalms: 34: 2-7; 34: 8-13; 107: 23-26, 29-31
Matthew 6: 19-23; Matthew 6: 24-34; Mark 4: 35:42

The first reading from 2 Cor. is actually read on Sunday. Here Paul establishes his relationship with Christ. Not as a constituent, present with Him in His earthly ministry but in His Spiritual reality. If we consider ourselves one with Christ we should be proud indeed; not in the sense we can boast but in the sense we are sure of His effect on our daily lives. These passages are a prelude to Paul’s later declaration of his own ministry, selected by Christ to bring salvation to them, the Gentiles.
In the second and third readings, for Friday and Saturday , Paul almost in tears has been castigated by false prophets to be without the necessary background to be the bearer of such wonderful news and they should listen to them.
Evidently, the perpetrators of the division among the Corinthians are Jewish converts who think, because of their heritage, they are better qualified to deliver the message of salvation. So, Paul lays out his own lineage. He is a Jew, whose parents were Jews, Circumcised and inducted into Abraham’s cult, steeped in the Law and writings, etc. If they have badges of faithfulness to Christ, his are more numerous. Beatings, shipwreck, stoning, vilification all were dealt him in his many journeys.
The litany of actions taken against him, are long and arduous, if they are characteristic of the Love of and for Christ.
In order to confirm his experience, Paul even alludes to an out of body experience whereby, he was taken to the third heaven, about fourteen years previous, and was imbued with the knowledge of God as no human before had been exposed. This is the reason Paul underwent such turmoil and persecution. If he had made up the situational reason for his hope, it would have waned long ago. But to Paul, this was real and sustaining.
We are slow to believe people who seem to be spiritual in their easy manner. However, who are we to doubt the sincerity of a dream or a vision just because we haven’t had the chance, yet!

When we read the Book of Job and realize his wealth and resources were diminished in one day along with his children, we wonder why his friends doubted he was sinless. After they and his wife badgered him with their accusations and he offered his promise of innocence, Job asked the Lord, “Why me?” just as we do when illness or danger approach.
In this periscope, God answers Job emphatically. The perimeters of the created Earth didn’t just happen. They were designed by the marvelous builder who had the foresight to know what would occur, as created life decided to be monotheistic or go their own way.
He knows all!!



2.

Mark’s Gospel rendition of the storm at sea when they were going to the other side of the Lake Galilee has some differences from other renditions. The fact Jesus could sleep while the wind was raging and the boat was filling with water seems to tell us something about relaxing when all seems to be awry. There doesn’t seem to be any concern for the other boats who were in the same proximate area when the storm occurred.
This episode was an initial hint at Who Jesus was! The sea raged until His gentle voice quieted it. If the Apostles accompanying Him didn’t get it then, it’s no wonder they were addled when He showed up after they were sure He was dead and gone.
We need to take into consideration every aspect of our lives when we don’t understand something. God knows us better than we do ourselves. He also knows when we’re in a dire strait and how to get us safely home. Depend on Him!

Matthew takes another road to present Christ’s wisdom and know-how. They knew as well as He birds don’t plow to raise their own food; they forage for seed left over from the farmers sowing. Matthew also points out Christ’s admonition not to worry. Worry can’t grow a single strand of hair. However, worry may dye your hair grey before its time.
We’re so used to having things, food, shelter and clothing at our beck and call or our local Mall we don’t realize the favor we have been given in our country. Other cultures still scavenge for sustenance while we wallow in plenty. Christ told us we are to be Him when we see others suffering or hungry. He would supply their need.
Imitate Him!