for today's reading: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021316.cfm
In today's reading Jesus calls Levi and the other tax collectors to follow him. Jesus is showing us that we can be called, every one of us, to follow him. It doesn't matter if we are sinners or saints, the door to the Father's banquet is open to each of us. It is the Father's love that calls us.
The scribes and Pharisees are adherents to the law, but the laws have become and end to themselves. Jesus is here to offer us a new covenant made the Father's love and through the Holy Spirit. Are we ready to accept the Lord's invitation to follow him no matter what others may say or think about us? Are we ready to have our eyes focused solely on him? Are we ready to embrace the call to be saints who wear jeans, chew bubble gum, and drink soda and eat fries? Everyone is called.
Showing posts with label invitation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label invitation. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
Mark 2:18-22 The Bridegroom Is with You
Yesterday we were invited to the Wedding Feast by the Lord. Today the scribes are asking why Jesus and his disciples do not fast like John and his disciples do. Jesus responds, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?" The answer is no, it would be an affront to not accept the hospitality offered by the bridegroom, almost an act of aggression.
A class of 11-14 years olds yesterday were talking about Jesus as the bridegroom. They discussed how the bridegroom throws the party after the wedding and how he provides the wine and other refreshments, making sure that all who are present are welcomed and comfortable. They decided that yesterday's reading really showed that he was the bridegroom because he took that part and extended the invitation to each of us because we are all followers, his disciples, and he led his disciples to the feast.
Could you imagine being called to a wedding where there was no welcome from the couple being married or their family, no celebration, no nothing? It would be non existent and what was before would remain. The kingdom isn't like that. Jesus himself indicates that he is the bridegroom. He has come in person to fulfill the prophesies. He has come in person bringing with him a new covenant. This is the meaning behind the old cloth being patched with the new cloth, or the old wine skin being patched with the new skin. They old won't hold anymore, even with the patches. God has extended to us a new, richer, deeper relationship with him through Christ Jesus. We are called to accept that invitation and celebrate with him our communion.
A class of 11-14 years olds yesterday were talking about Jesus as the bridegroom. They discussed how the bridegroom throws the party after the wedding and how he provides the wine and other refreshments, making sure that all who are present are welcomed and comfortable. They decided that yesterday's reading really showed that he was the bridegroom because he took that part and extended the invitation to each of us because we are all followers, his disciples, and he led his disciples to the feast.
Could you imagine being called to a wedding where there was no welcome from the couple being married or their family, no celebration, no nothing? It would be non existent and what was before would remain. The kingdom isn't like that. Jesus himself indicates that he is the bridegroom. He has come in person to fulfill the prophesies. He has come in person bringing with him a new covenant. This is the meaning behind the old cloth being patched with the new cloth, or the old wine skin being patched with the new skin. They old won't hold anymore, even with the patches. God has extended to us a new, richer, deeper relationship with him through Christ Jesus. We are called to accept that invitation and celebrate with him our communion.
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