Eat the Scroll Ministry 
Hallelujah People
 

Daily Reflections

on Gospel

 Left click your mouse button on one of the dates below!

 “He who hears you, hears me, He who rejects you, rejects me.  And he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me.”

Parenting must be one of the toughest jobs on the face of the earth.  Try though you may, sometimes you just can’t make your child do what is right.  Teens are a particular challenge because of their selective hearing.  It is an all too familiar scene--telling your teenager how their actions, words, or attitudes can lead to their ultimate destruction.  In response, a blank stare comes back from a leaning frame and crossed arms, prompting the parent to ask in desperation, “Are you listening to me? Did you hear what I said?”

     Sometimes God must have this kind of desperation with us.  We have His holy scripture, we have the Holy Spirit and most of all, we have His only begotten Son, Jesus.  What more do we need?  Are we hearing God’s word?  Or do we ignore Him with apathetic ears?  Perhaps we need “hearing aids”!  Prayer and faith are the recommended devices.  Prayer helps us locate the sound of God’s voice, and the level of our faith demonstrates how well we hear it.  The more we use these hearing aids, the stronger our spiritual ears will become.  Show God that you accept Him; listen to Him. (CAWH)

 Lead me, guide me, along the way, For if you lead me, I cannot stray. Lord, let me walk each day with thee.

Lead me, oh Lord, lead me. Doris Akers

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OCT. 4 : SAT. 26th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

 “No one knows the Son except the Father and knows the Father except the Son--

and anyone the Son wishes to reveal him.” (Lk. 10:17-24)

 There is a song sung by the Chi-lites “Have You Seen Her”.  In the lyrics, the writer laments over his search for his one true love.  One particular part of the song says: “I see her face every where I go, on the streets and even at the picture show.  Have you seen her?” The strong impression and intense feelings this writer had for the subject of the song has him seeing everyone and everything displaying his lover’s image.

     As Christians, Christ’s impression on us should have us seeing and knowing Him in this same way, searching intently to know Him.  Seeing Him in our co-workers, in the faces of people on the metro, evening news, and even in ourselves.  The next time you hear this Chi-lites tune, think of Jesus and ask the question; “Have you seen Jesus?” (CAWH)

 When I was seeking Jesus,

And thought he couldn’t be found,

The grace of God came in my soul,

And turned me all around

OCT. 5: 27^TH SUN IN ORDINARY TIME

" [The] owner will rent the vineyard out to other tenants who will give him his share…" (Mt. 21:33-43)

I've never grown grapes, but this summer our family planted a humble little garden. We put in tomato plants, parsnips, cantaloupes and pole beans. It was fun watching the plants grow and mature. The children excitedly checked the garden everyday for something new, some indication that their efforts were not in vain. Carefully, we weeded and watered the plants regularly. We added chicken wiring for protection. There was much expectation that given the best of care the garden would yield. Moreover, our family would reap a harvest from learning the rewards of hard work, the benefits of waiting and the feeling of satisfaction from accomplishing something worthwhile.

As in the scriptures, we are often the plants in the garden of this world, produced after God's word has been implanted in the soil of our hearts. God expects us to yield good fruit. He's sowing potent seed in an abundance of rich soil. God's mercy and love are freely flowing forth to water our spirits and souls with "miracle grow". Despite having the best of the best to produce a plentiful harvest, end rot, sour fruit or withered plants occasionally result. Life savings are lost due to corporate scandals turning us bitter with despair. A family member reveals their gay lifestyle dropping them abruptly from the family tree. An invisible war on terrorism is waged while the thorns of US foreign policy create terror, destruction and pain in impoverished countries. "And so I tell you the Kingdom of God will be taken away from [us] and given to a people who will produce the proper fruits" (Mt. 21:43). It's time to tend the inner and worldly gardens. Pick up your Gospel plow and get to work! (CAWH)

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 “…love the Lord your God …and your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk. 10:25-37)

 My prayer today Lord is that you will find favor in me. Through my desire Lord, look in my heart and see that I know your commandment, “love the Lord your God with all your heart.” A voice spoke to me saying, “Show mercy to a stranger.”

     I continue in my prayer, wanting God to see that my whole soul wants to praise His holy name. My soul wants to bless the Lord, with my whole being and always remember the benefits that come from loving the Lord. A voice spoke again saying, “Show mercy to those who have not.”

    Feeling my heart and soul weakening, I look for strength to pray when showing mercy to a stranger, and to those who have not. Recalling the one testimony that could get me through this moment, St. Paul testimony came clear to me, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Suddenly, I felt an interruption of my despair.  A spiritual touch and strength from on high came to me. Then the voice came again and said, “Show mercy to foreigner,” a stranger and to those who have not.

     About to close my prayer, I open my eyes and see the confusion of the world. I needed one more testimony to control my mind so that I will love the Lord my God by showing mercy to a stranger, to those who have not and the foreigner.  St. Paul came through one more time, reminding me that I must, “Set [my] mind on things above, not on earthly things” (Col. 3:1).

 A voice came to one more time and said, “Well done!”

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Martha, in an old familiar scripture passage, is seen welcoming Jesus into her home today. Noticing how yesterday Jesus had just told the story about the Good Samaritan, perhaps needing to take a rest from His journey, I am sure He welcomed the hospitality of Martha.  As a matter of fact, I am sure Jesus would welcome your hospitality as well. Jesus would come in and rest and give you wisdom to deal with those crazy situations that seem to pop up unexpectedly.

Now you may ask yourself, “How could Jesus welcome my hospitality? After all, Jesus died and rose on the third day and is seated at the right of the Father.” Well that may be my friend, but have you ever read in the book of Revelations how Jesus stands at the door and knocks? Have you ever really asked Jesus to come into your life and sit at the table of your heart? When is the last time you served Jesus a plate full of praise or a cup of worship? Or are you the Martha in our gospel who wants Jesus to come in, but is too busy to sit at his feet, because you are distracted by all those crazy situations in your life? (MPH) 

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OCT. 8: WED. 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

“He was praying in a certain place, and after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught His disciples.’ He said to them...” (Lk. 11:1-4)

When you pray this prayer today, let it be a part of you throughout the day. In Acts, Luke writes “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon” (Acts 3:1). Now if the disciples knew to pray at three o’clock, why don’t we practice prayer more then once a day? Just think that our church does encourage us to pray more than once per day. If you are reading this prayer right now, then right now pray. (MPH)

Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily

And forgive us for 

Also let us forgive 

And do not bring us 

For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and Glory. Amen

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OCT. 9: THURS. 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Continuing with the theme of praying, today I would like to leave you with some scriptures to venerate. Now, to venerate scripture is to admire, to adore or to exalt something, in this case I am talking about the Word of God. Try to add one of the following scripture verses in your prayer today.  Then  start a conversation with a friend by sharing a passage with them. Lift God’s Word up, He will draw everyone to Him. (MPH)

By day the LORD commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. (Ps. 39:8)

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. (Ps. 69:13)

May prayer be made for Him continually, and blessings invoked for Him all day long. (Ps. 72:15) 

But I, O LORD, cry out to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. (Ps. 88:13) 

“...then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.” (Lk. 2:38) 

Now during those days He went out to the mountain to pray; and He spent the night in prayer to God.  (Lk. 6:12)

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OCT. 10: FRI. 27th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Today, Luke does something very different from the other Gospels.  He describes God in a human form as having a finger; a finger strong enough to move devils out of our lives.  Look at your fingers. Each one moves and performs together.  There is no dissension among the fingers.  Try to handle a fruit with only your thumb and index finger.  You will discover that it’s very awkward trying not to use your other fingers.  The next time you move a large object, notice how each finger works with the other ones.

     However, the scriptures today only reference one finger, the Finger of God, a finger that’s in charge.  God not needing any assistance, can handle that mean old devil that won’t leave you alone. This should give us the spiritual nourishment that we need for our souls today.  This means that regardless of how many problems we have, we can point to the One God, whose one “FINGER” is strong enough to move our troubles out of the way.  After God comes and moves things out of the way, we should remember that it was God’s Finger that pointed us in the right direction while on the battle field for our Lord. (MPH)

 My child!  When  you find the devil on your back!

Take my finger, I will knock him off your track!

My finger is strong, My finger is fat,

Hold on tight, I’ll place you on the right track.

God’s finger is directing you today! 

OCT. 11: SAT. 27th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

“

Like the woman in the story, as Jesus, Master Teacher, breaks our prayer down, we zoom in on what God finds inconsequential.  Our greetings often compliment a nice outfit or sharp hairstyle.

      Why did she shout at all?  Was it that yearning to be heard and touched which prompted her to say anything just to be noticed above the crowd?  Her blurting out such a compliment revealed the loneliness and confusion we experience concerning who we are, what we should be about.

       Striving for the cleanest house, most talented children, best body, most impressive resume--are we blinded to our real mission, salvation?  In our vigilant doting on children and spouses, our incessant housekeeping, and marathon shopping  sprees--are we organizing and sweeping our lives clean only to make room for a legion of demons named insecurity, emptiness, gluttony, depression, envy, worry and more?  From the heart of God, Jesus tells us that birthing, nursing a family, career, and ego are secondary to giving birth to the Word of God and feeding the Will of God.  (DTG)

but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (Ps. 34:9-11)

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OCT. 12: 28TH SUN. IN ORDINARY TIME

"The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son." (Mt. 22: 1-14)

I used to have a lot of problems with the idea that the Jews were The Chosen People. I used to ask myself, "What am I?" That was before I became spiritually enlightened about the history of the problematic term. In the Old Testament God did choose the Israelites to demonstrate his love, mercy, and power. However, event after event, The Chosen People, refused to acknowledge God's invitation. The Israelites disobeyed and disappointed God. In the New Testament, God sent Jesus to let us know that we are all Chosen People. Inclusion was in; exclusion was passé. We are all invited to the heavenly wedding banquet. The invitation extends to Jews and Gentiles; men and women, Blacks and Whites; the invitation crosses all continents. Through our free will and choices, some of us have accepted and some have declined. Early in my spiritual formation, I found out what a great feast there will be at the wedding banquet, so I sent in my RSVP immediately. I have listened to the King's disciples who proclaim the Good News, and I try to model my life after these believers who live the Word by working hard to serve the King. Believe me, on the day of the banquet, I will be dressed to the nines, strutting in my long, white robe of Salvation and Glory and atop my golden locks will be the biggest, stylish "church crown" I have ever worn. With the widest grin my mouth will allow; I will dance the Heavenly Jig and the King will have no doubt that I am eternally grateful for his invitation.

The King has sent you an invitation. Have you sent in your RSVP? (BSH)

“The men of Ninevah will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” (Lk. 11:29-32) 

This week is the anniversary of 1,000,000 Black men who gathered on the Mall in Washington, DC, and countless others across the country joined them in spirit.  Black men came together to acknowledge the evil in the present day, and assume individual responsibility for eradicating the evil to achieve a better tomorrow. 

     Luke’s gospel is clear and convincing evidence that our omniscient and omnipotent God was present and His Spirit alive with all who took the pledge that day.  The March was a repeat gathering of the men of Ninevah; brothers heard the word of God through Jonah.  You have seen from yesterday’s reflection that greater things have come and will continue if only men continue to believe in the power of the Word. 

     Go back to the Book of Jonah.  Jonah preached, “…I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.  The Book of Jonah continues with “The men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.  At the March, men acknowledged that God was alive and committed to walk with Him, responding to the words of Jonah and making a vow.  Recall the commitment you made on that day in October 1995.  If you have not made a commitment to behold something greater than Jonah, do so now and make your vision a reality where you live.  (TET)

Send your commitment in to Eat the Scroll etsm@prodigy.net

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 “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but…” (Lk. 11: 37-41) 

The Million Man March’s call for atonement was a call to follow the Lord’s advice, and look on the inside. Dr. Maulana Karenga, the creator of the African American celebration known as Kwanzaa, emphasizes Kawaida Theory in celebrating the Seven Principles each and every day.  With Kawaida Theory, there are three important questions:  (1) Who am I?  (2) Am I the person that I say I am? (3)  Am I the person I ought to be?

            Jesus in our gospel holds a mirror to reveal the Pharisees’ hearts just as men and women who led the March did for those assembled on the Mall.  Yes, several women spoke at the beginning of the March to help the assembly of men look inside.  The community is of paramount importance because it is human nature for the individual to look at the surface when answering the question, “Who am I?”  Men must be in community with other men to get below the surface, and do what God calls us to do.  Atonement is looking into one’s heart for the extortion and wickedness.  Once discovered, men worked with other men to remove the evil. 

            Real atonement is having the courage to ask the three questions of Kawaida Theory.  I often say, “The only people afraid of the truth are people who are living a lie.”  Pharisees were always trying to trap Jesus because they were afraid of what Jesus presented, the TRUTH.  Continue to live in the spirit of truth, the spirit of the March.  As a community, ask the questions of Kawaida Theory of each other.  Act on the answers.  This will bring about God’s kingdom in our community and secure the future.  (TET) 

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Today's gospel reading is Luke 11:42-46, however in honor of of the 12th anniversary of the Million Man March we wanted to continue in that theme, Thanks

“Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!’” (Lk. 10:1-9)           

The hymn says, “They will know we are Christians by our love…”  Atonement and the vow to live by loving will not transform the community until men get outside of self, and act on the truth in the larger community.  When you hear, “No Justice; No Peace,” from that brother who was on the Mall, recognize these words as the short form of Luke’s gospel.

            In His instructions to the first string (The Beatitudes, Matt 5: 3-11), Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”  Once again, the March called men to revisit the question, “Who am I?”  Are you a peacemaker?  When you see injustice, the child doing wrong, something out of order in your house or on your job, do you act to restore and preserve the peace? 

            The quest for peace makes today’s Pharisees uncomfortable.  Is there peace (the absence of injustice) in your house?  Once you have made the peace at your place, did you bring the peace into your church house, then to your community’s schoolhouse?  Brothers who took the pledge on the Mall are peacemakers, men who are committed to real peace at home, at church, and at school (and any other place they frequent).  If there is no peace where you go, you cannot be the man you “ought to be.”  Many claim to be sons of God, but when we look around the neighborhood, we find out who we really are.  Did you take the pledge on the Mall?  Today’s question is what are you doing to bring peace into the house?  Live up to the pledge – wherever you go, say, ‘Peace be to this house.’  Then, keep your word. (TET)

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 “Yes, I tell you, it shall be required of this generation.”  (Lk. 11:47-54) 

The important question of the day is who is responsible for the transformation of our community, for bringing about the kingdom of God?  As Jesus said back in the day, so it was said on October 16, 1995 on the Mall, and is repeated here.

            After hearing God’s word, men continue to blame the lawyers and the Pharisees for the condition of the community.  No doubt someone in our community will say that today’s woes must be addressed by Mr. Clinton, Mr. Gore, or Mr. Bush.  If only the Congress would do more.  If only they did not kill Malcolm and Martin, it would be different.  Jesse Jackson and Minister Farrakhan should be spreading the word about the conditions here, not in Chicago, but here where I am.

            Men heard the word from the Mall on October 16, 1995.  When they heard, “It shall be required of this generation,” they stopped asking about what the President, the Mayor, the Congress, or the supposed leaders were going to do.  The question of the day then is still the question of the day now: “So brother, what are you going to do to transform the community?”  Remember that woe comes not to the brother who tried to transform the community and did not succeed, but to the one who ignored the question and continued to live a lie.  Which brother are you? (TET) 

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OCT. 17: FRI. 28th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Barbershops, bars, and bowling alleys.  These are the places where men share and expound upon the wisdom that will save the world.  After a haircut, a few beers, and a few bad balls, men returned to the same old drudgery.  Men left the barbershops, bars, and bowling alleys saying, “Yeah, I gotta go back and meet the man, again" and life went on.  You know what you are when you do the same thing the same way and hope for a different result?  If you don’t know, remember the message from the Million Man March.

     On the Mall men shared and expounded upon that same barbershop wisdom that would save the world, but the outcome was different.  On the Mall, men recognized the value in their wisdom.  Instead of hearing idle words, they heard the truth, the truth that set men free. 

     What was the truth of the day on October 16, 1995?  The truth – God loves you and sees value and significance in your life, Black man.  Make peace; seek the truth.  Those who seek God’s peace, which is the truth, will gain God’s vision.  It is God’s vision that transforms.  The truth of that day, October 16, 1995, is the truth of every day. (TET)

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OCT. 18: SAT. 28th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

The greedy and self-serving, the Pharisees of our day, heard the words from October 16, 1995, but missed the message.  They will ask, “So what’s in it for me?”  The answer lies here, in Luke’s gospel or in Mark’s (which is where we began the week).

     Reflecting on the message of the Million Man March, I leave you with the gospel of Marcus Garvey, who said, “It is so hard, so difficult to find men who will stick to a purpose, who will maintain a principle for the worth of that principle for the good of the purpose, and if there is a race that needs such men in the world today, God Almighty knows, it is the race of which I am a member.

     Even though the message is powerful, some folk continue to miss it.  Minister Farrakhan said that men should go and many not only stayed away, but also condemned the messenger and the message.  Those who missed the message said, “I can’t accept it from this brother; he is not like me.”  So it was said of Farrakhan, who is not my favorite brother.  So it was said of each of the prophets and John the Baptist.  So it was said of Jesus, the Christ.

     Garvey’s message is the message of October 16, 1995.  The purpose is divine; it is God’s purpose.  The race is the human race.  God the Father said it.  Then it was the Old Testament prophets, then John the Baptist, and then Jesus.  Again, the message was repeated.  Another five years have passed, and question remains: Did you hear the truth or are you still talking about the messenger?  HARAMBEE!  (TET)

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OCT. 19: 29TH SUN. IN ORDINARY TIME

"Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (Mt. 22:15-22)

The scripture passage for today illustrates the adage, "politics make strange bedfellows". The Pharisees and the Herodians were far from being allies, but here they formed a united front in trying to trap Jesus. It just goes to show what length people will go through to "get" somebody. When the Pharisees asked if they should pay taxes, they were just waiting for an answer of yes or no; for whatever answer, they knew they "had" Jesus. Masterfully, Jesus responds by putting the onus on them by offering up a principle that neither side could use to discredit Him. Imagine the men walking off, befuddled, trying to figure it all out.

I think about the recent ruling against the constitutionality of the words "under God" in our Pledge of Allegiance. As a Christian in America, I have the right to profess my belief that this nation is what it is because of God's will. I know that non-Christians cannot be made to profess allegiance to God, if they do not believe. They have the right to omit "under God" as they make their pledge. Because one believes in God does not mean that civil statues cannot be compatible. As responsible citizens, we must pay our taxes, obey laws, and engage in practices that make our government strong and viable. As responsible Christians, we must obey the laws of the Covenant, love our neighbor completely, and devote our time, talent and treasure to building the kingdom. As citizens of America and citizens of the kingdom, we are empowered by the Word which guides us in our responsibility to society and to God. (BSH)

"America, America, God shed His grace on thee." (America The Beautiful)

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 “You fool!  This very night your life shall be required of you.” 

About thirteen years ago, while in New Orleans my partner and I went clubbing.  We danced until the last record was played, even won cash from the dance contest. I turned to my friend before going to bed, and said, “I would like to visit a church this Sunday morning.”  However, during the night someone broke the window in the house, entered and stole all the money I had won and that I had brought along for the trip.

     God could have called me home; instead He spared my life.  When I reflect back on that incident, that experience helped teach me about Psalm 56:16, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” God was and still is my refuge in times of trouble, can I get a witness?  Late that evening while walking by the river, a stranger walked up to me and gave me a Christian tract that had scripture on it and a poem entitled, “Gained.” It talked about what it means to gain all the riches in the world and not have Jesus.  The scripture verse below the poem was “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?  What could one give in exchange for his life?” (Mk. 8:36-37). I learned the hard way, the answer is “NOTHING!” I was the man trying to grow rich the night before, but Jesus touched me the next evening and made my life brand new.  Now I want to grow rich in the sight of God. (MPH)

  I profit nothing when I walk without you.

I gain no profits when I don’t trust you.

I profit when I seek your Holy Name. 

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OCT. 21: TUES. 29th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Let your belts be fastened around your waists and your lamps be burning ready.
(Lk. 12:35-38) 

Curtis Mayfield and the Imperials wrote a song years ago entitled, “People Get Ready.” Written to inspire people to get ready because there was a train-a-coming, they sang these words, “You don’t need no ticket, just get on board.” A ticket wasn’t necessary to get on board, just faith. This train was headed for the Jordan River to take the riders home to eternity.  Jordan, a popular place in the spirituals was the dividing line between time and eternity.  Truly, Curtis Mayfield, a song writer and poet, was sending a message for us to get ready to face eternity.

     In today’s gospel, Jesus sends the same message, “Be ready!” Luke shows that our faith will be tested according to our readiness for the Master’s return.  Yesterday I gave a testimony on how I was  searching for riches in the wrong place. Oh, I thank the Lord the train that Curtis Mayfield was speaking of, did not come ten years ago.  Preparedness is essential to our faith.  The time is not certain, but the fact that a train is coming or the Master will return is inevitable.  Will you be ready when the Master returns? (MPH)

   That day on which one start out is not the time to start one’s preparations. Nigerian Proverb 

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 ‘When much has been given someone, much will be required of him or her.  More will be asked of the one to whom more has been entrusted. (Lk. 12:39-48) 

This statement challenges us to get off the pews and start standing on the promises of Jesus Christ.  Jesus proclaims that much, not a little, but “much has been given” to us.  Therefore, much is required of us.  Let us do an inventory of how we have been blessed by God.  Don’t start with material things; start with your family and then move onto your extended family.  In the African tradition, they first value the human life.  The Yoruba proverb says, “Money and material may shine and glitter, but they do not amount to or match human worth.”

     Can you say “Amen” for what God has blessed you with?  Now move around the circle of your life and see how those material possessions that you owned are consistently replaced at the appointed time by the “Hand of God.” Please don’t forget how God has brought people into your life who listened to your cry and concerns, people who are always there to help you in the “dark night of the soul.” What about the intelligence and knowledge that you have, I think you get my point.  God has blessed you and me.  Therefore, we have an awesome responsibility to be ready to help others to be ready. 

What are we doing with our blessings? 

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 “Jesus said to His disciples: ‘I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!’”

 (Lk. 12:49-53)

How hot are you? I mean do you feel that fire burning in your heart so much so that you are burning up, getting closer to Jesus’ garment? Or are you chained down by the cares of this world? Have past life experiences caused you to be hesitant in joining a ministry? I am sure that you may feel that you have a valid reason why you are not in a ministry in your church. Your reason could be as simple as I  have no time available to share the goodness and mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

     Today Jesus said that He came to set fire on this earth, and wished that it was already ignited. I find it interesting how He wished that it was already ignited. Jesus wishes that folks were on fire for the gospel of life. Jesus wishes that family members would hold each other accountable for the gospel. Let’s face it church, many members in our families are not in church nor reading the Bible. We who are Christians, we who have our names on the church role, many of us are not sharing the gospel with our family members. We will preach till we are blue in the face to everyone else before inviting a family member to come to church with us.

      Church, we must get on fire for Jesus and bring the lost, even if it is your sister or brother to church. Time is winding up. Read tomorrow’s gospel, it connects to today’s reading, we as Christians got to get our act together. (MPH)

 Invite a family member to church this weekend, and keep on doing so until they say, "Yes!"

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 “Tell me, why do you not judge for yourselves what is just?”

Jesus speaking to the crowd reprimands them for being competent in foretelling the weather. Starting slowly he speaks, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is.” But Jesus is upset that the folks in the crowd cannot repeat this action in telling when the Kingdom of God is coming.  Jesus calls the crowd  hypocrites because they should be able to tell from the teachings and works that He performed that time is winding down.  They should have noticed who He was and remembered, what the prophet John had said about the coming of Jesus.

My brothers and sisters, let’s not be foolish, when looking at the world,  we can see the signs of the times.  We see children against their parents, brothers against sisters, in-laws against in-laws, just to name few, however, this gospel goes deeper into our spiritual commitment to each other. Jesus is also asking us to put into practice the spirit of reconciliation. He warns us through scripture, to try and settle our differences before our case gets to a higher court. To judge correctly, one has to judge themselves first, by removing the plank from their own eye.  We must be truly honest and recognize those planks in our eyes. Then clear them away if we are to put into practice, “the spirit of reconciliation.

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Jesus tells a parable in today’s gospel about the owner of a fig tree and the vine dresser.  They had a conversation as to the best way to handle the fig tree, Displaying a lack of patience and vision the owner expresses that sufficient time had been granted to the fig tree.  “Look here! For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree and found nothing.” The vine dresser, however, perceives that once he hoes around it and fertilizes it then perhaps the tree will respond.  The vine dresser wants to give the tree time to change its old way of acting and produce some fruit.

     Jesus is the vine dresser in this parable wanting to give us time to reform our ways to come into the Kingdom of God.  Since no one knows the day nor the hour when the Master Jesus will appear, we must reform our lives today.  For some, this morning their beds became their cooling boards.  Others experienced death on the corner as their blood cried from the cold concrete.  We must begin to reform our lives now by digging around and through the mess in our lives that prevents us from knowing Jesus more today than yesterday.  We must be consistent in this reforming of our lives by cultivating our spirits daily, by feeding it spiritual ingredients through praying, singing and reading the goodness of the Lord. (MPH)

Time has been granted, but we just don’t know how much.

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OCT. 26: 30^TH SUN. IN ORDINARY TIME

"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Mt. 22:34-40)

Although this passage is one that we should be familiar with, a thought came to me on the heels of what was said in yesterday's reflection. Yesterday, we attempted to look at what we do to cultivate our souls to produce fruits on our spiritual tree of life. And today I see clearly that we must love God with all of our heart, soul and mind. The question comes to mind though is, "How does one love God with all of one's heart, soul and mind?" Certainly, one does not just by joining a church or a ministry, and then say that they love the Lord with all of their heart, soul and mind.

The scripture from the book of Hebrews helps us in understanding how to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind. The scripture says, "…without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hb. 11:6). So one component to loving the Lord is to have faith in a relationship that at times does not give instant gratification. Another element that takes our entire mind is to approach God when you have no evidence that God heard your prayer. Therefore, faith is the key to loving God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (MH)

"Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, `and he was called "the friend of God'" (Ja. 2:23).

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How often do we block another’s ability to straighten up?  Do we impose requirements on their healing?  Do we still write them off because of a few frayed edges?  Jesus didn’t even tell the woman to repent first.  He came to her and healed her immediately--runs in the stockings, broken fingernail, sins and all.

      Certainly, with a straightened back she felt better about herself and her possibilities.  Yet, nay sayers said that healing should be done a certain way, only by “professionals,” and with much more suffering.

     There are some places in our lives where we just cannot straighten ourselves up at all, but Jesus will straighten us up if we ask.  Our task is to rejoice in our own healing in Christ Jesus and affirm His healing in others.  (DTG)

 0, He touched me,

And 0 the joy that floods my soul,

Something happened, and now I know,

He touched me and made me whole.

Gospel Song

 I been in sorrow’s kitchen and I done licked the pots clean. 
Florida African American Folk saying 

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OCT. 28: SAINT SIMON AND JUDE APOSTLES

"When morning came…" (Lk. 6:12-16)

Psalm: Hear my cry for help, my king, my God! To you I pray, O LORD; at dawn you will hear my cry; at dawn I will plead before you and wait. (Ps. 5:3)

Response: I want Jesus to walk with me, all along my Christian journey, Lord, I want you to walk with me.

Psalm: Sing praise to the LORD, you faithful; give thanks to God's holy name. For divine anger lasts but a moment; divine favor lasts a lifetime. At dusk weeping comes for the night; but at dawn there is rejoicing. (Ps. 30:5)

Response: I want Jesus to sing with me, all along my Christian journey, Lord, I want you to sing with me.

Psalm: But I will call upon God, and the LORD will save me.

At dusk, dawn, and noon I will grieve and complain, and my prayer will be heard. (Ps. 55:17)

Response: I want Jesus to fight my battles, all along my Christian journey, Lord, I want you to fight my battles.

Psalm: They roam about as scavengers; if they are not filled, they howl. But I shall sing of your strength, extol your love at dawn, For you are my fortress, my refuge in time of trouble. My strength, your praise I will sing; you, God, are my fortress, my loving God. (Ps. 59:16-18)

Response: I want Jesus to walk with me, all along my Christian journey, Lord, I want you to walk with me.

Prayer: Most loving God, early in the dawn, while darkness breaks, from my bosom my soul cries toward heaven. My desire is to embrace the wisdom post to receive direction in my life this morning. Walk with me, Jesus, when my soul awakens from visiting with the Divine Maker of heaven and earth. Lord I want Jesus to walk with me. Amen!!! (MH)

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OCT. 29: WED. 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Many, I tell you, will try to enter and be unable. (Lk.  13:22-30)

There is a certain energy in the air. There is going to be a party just down the street and it is rumored that everybody who is somebody will be there. The anticipation is high, the excitement is heightening and anxiety is increasing.

What shall you wear? Is your hair looking good? How is your skin is it smooth without pimples? Take nothing for granted; that certain someone might be there, too.

Call you neighbors, they will be there also. Oh, what a time it will be: the best of food, music and plenty to talk about.

With your best outfit and shoes on, your hair just fixed and smelling like you just stepped off a boat from Paris, you make your way down the street. You see friends headed toward the party and you become so anxious that you quicken your pace. Finally you arrive at the door and make your greeting. The host greets you and surprisingly tells you that the party is for his friends and that he does not know you. He shuts the door. (PW)

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OCT. 30: THURS. 30^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

"Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you." (Lk. 13:31-35)

Jesus gives us a clear example of someone acting out of inspiration versus desperation. The Pharisees, of all people, had just warned Jesus that Herod wanted to kill Him. Upon hearing this death threat, Jesus avoids displaying anxiety. He does not ask His disciples what He should do. No, Jesus' response is one that demonstrates that He knows His purpose in life. He first calls Herod a fox and then lists His accomplishments. But then, the key verse for us is right here: "Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem." This verse says a lot.

First, this verse indicates that Jesus knew what He had to accomplish; that's why these words are powerful, "I must continue on my way." Nothing and no one was going to stop Jesus' progress. Next, Jesus shows that He is aware of the history of the city of Jerusalem, for He knows that His death is imminent, yet he acknowledges his status as a prophet and that He must not die outside Jerusalem. Jesus had to be inspired; He was willing to accept death for you and me.

Inspiration versus desperation! Which one describes your relationship with Christ? Understandably, if you are down and low you may feel desperate! And if this is the case, there is no better time to come to Jesus. However, if a person who is desperate never becomes inspired, meaning that they never accept Jesus as their Savior; they will find themselves desperate forever. We must be inspired and not desperate! (MH)

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OCT. 31: FRI. 30^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

"If one of you has a son or an ox and he falls into a pit, will he not immediately rescue him on the Sabbath day?" (Lk. 14: 1-6)

Today's gospel is the third story where Luke has Jesus confronting the Pharisees about healing on the Sabbath. Although the previous stories seem to be identical, they are not. What distinguishes the first two stories (Lk. 6:6-11; Lk. 13:10-17) from this one is that Jesus and Pharisees are positioned in the synagogue. This is the place where God's people are supposed to feel like they can get some assistance if needed; but the law suppressed the Pharisees, the Scribes and the people to the degree that they refused to help each other on the Sabbath.

It's the Sabbath again, but this time Jesus is in the house of one of the leading Pharisees. While dining Jesus notices someone in front of him suffering from dropsy. Jesus was concerned seeing that no one was attending to the individual who was undoubtedly in pain. Can you imagine, having someone sick in your home and refusing to help him or her because it's Sunday, a day of rest? Yet there are families who will not help each other out regardless of whether or not it is Sunday. We should avoid putting restrictions on when and where we should heal—anytime is the right time. (MPH)

Shackled by a heavy burden, `Neath a load of guilt and shame; Then the hand of Jesus touched me, And now I am no longer the same, He touched me, Oh He touched me, and Oh, the joy that floods my soul; Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole. William J. Gaither

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