SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 2009

Saturday August 29, 2009 of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jeremiah 1: 17-19 Psalm 71: Mark 16: 17-29
1Thessalonians 4: 9-11 Psalm 98
Psalm Response: "I WILL SING OF YOUR SALVATION"
" THE LORD COMES TO RULE THE EARTH"

Jeremiah's call wasn't in his plans! In fact, as a young teenager, he had the wherewithal to be a spokesman for God and the ability to withstand the onslaught of the leaders of Jerusalem, the Kings, priests and the people.
God called him. Therefore, He told Jeremiah to pull in his gut, gather his courage and if he lacked fortitude, to depend on God for He will be his backup and ward off all his foes.
God's clarion call was and is, "I Am with you"
If we persevere, God will be there in reserve when we falter, if we falter.

The psalmist calls on God to be his refuge in times of trouble. He depends on God and doesn't hesitate to confidently call on Him.

Paul urges his converts in Macedonia to increase their love for one another as a sign of their commitment to the lessons of God taught them by Paul. To show the proper attitude they should have, he designates them brothers and sisters implying the same felicity.

Herod Antipas, had arrested John the Baptist because he, John, had announced Herod's marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, was invalid.
When Antipas gave himself a birthday party, he invited many notable guests. When Herodias' daughter performed a dance for him, he was so pleased, in front of his guests, he offered her anything she wanted. Conferring with her mother, she was urged to ask for the head of the Baptist. She did what her mother asked! Herod was so embarrassed, having made a vow in front of his guests, Herod complied.
AND THAT'S THE REST OF THE STORY!