June 23, 2009 Tuesday of the 12th week in ordinary time

Tuesday, June 23, 2009, of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture Readings: Genesis 13: 2, 5-18 Psalm 15: 2-5 Matthew 7: 6, 12-14
Response: “He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord”

Abram wasn’t stingy or possessive. He had more than he needed for his entourage and family. However, there arose a conflict between Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen over where they should be able to graze their flocks and steers. Abram was also not aggressive so he told Lot his cousin, to look about the land and choose where he wanted to house his flocks and people.
Lot selected an area consisting of the Jordon Plain in which the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located. Abram on the other hand took what was left as a place of refuge for his family and herds.
Thus there was peace among the relatives and Abram was promised by another appearance of God to him there would be no limit to the land God would give him for his faithfulness and love.
Abram built an altar to signify his adoration of God and remained faithful during the trying years he was without an heir.
Do we count on an immediate answer to our requests from God. Abram was 75 years old when he ventured forth at God’s behest. He wasn’t in shape to become a father but he never waned in his devotion to God or his resolution to do what God sought for him.
Our culture demands immediate action; not considering the billions of folks all of whom are begging God for relief of their burdens. Pray for the perseverance of Abram when others are champing at the bit to get God moving. He knows our needs and will provide in His time!

If we read and take the words of the psalm seriously, we will be at the top of God’s list for redemption. Otherwise look for the sliding scale.

Many of our “Christian” friends think they’ve got it made by their acceptance of Christ as their Lord and Savior. While this rank acceptance has merit, the Bible they cherish sure doesn’t mince words about how they are to be saved.
If they were to read the words of today’s Gospel, the Lord makes it perfectly clear. “The road is narrow and not too many will find it. Millions may think they’ve got it made but when the road ahead seems to narrow, will they be able to forge ahead and claim entrance to God’s realm without doing His will in all things?