Monday August 31, 2009 of the 22nd week in ordinary time

Readings:1 Thessalonians 4: 13-28 Psalm 96: Luke 4: 16-30
Psalm response" "The Lord comes to judge the earth."

Other Christian traditions which sprung from Catholicism, utilize these verses from
1 Thessalonians to "prove" the concept of "The Rapture". It seems to be the correct interpretation since it states, " Then those who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them(those already risen)to meet the Lord in the air.
How can you mistake the inference of "The Rapture"?
Paul, in his writings, used a form of literature prevelant in Christ's time, hyperbole! An exaggeration to make a point!
The context leading up to this phrase insists they are to be holy, without sin, especially sins of the flesh which was rampant in the pagan society.
Therefore, when the Lord's Day arrives, they who are still alive need not be afraid.The termination of mortal life isn't the end! Those already dead but not in sin will be judged first followed by the Holy Ones, the saints, will be brought before God and their final judgement. All found worthy will enter into everlasting life and be joined with those previously saved and taken into heaven.
So the message to us is, "lead a sinless life"! It's a short stay! Eternal bliss will be our reward!

The psalm introduces us to perpetual prayer. There is only one God therefore we are to worship and adore Him only. That means the aura of riches and success are earthly lures. They last only our short life! eternity is forever.

The journey to His native village was the "good-news/bad news" story of the day. When he came to Nazareth, His hometown, His reknown preceded Him.
In His reading from the scroll of Isaiah and His commentary gave them pause to wonder, "Who is this guy? Isn't He the son of Joseph and Mary our brethren? How about treating us to some of the exploits You performed in other places?"
When He saw their faith was lacking, He was precluded from answering their request for a magic trick.
However, they remembered His boyhood. "Perhaps He was with the gang of ruffians who vandalized the town when he was a kid", they ventured!
Their lack of faith in Him is just like us when we pray for healing and it doesn't come like we want or when we want.
Martthew says, "So, He couldn't do any of the works He did elsewhere"
If we expect God to do our bidding, we'd better become more like Him and depend on the will of the Father, as He did before He went to His death reluctantly!