make an effort to settle with him on the way

Friday, October 26, 2012 Weekday

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Ephesians 4:1-6 Psalm 24:1-6 Luke 12:54-59

Luke 12:58  As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.

It is a strange coincidence that this passage would come up as we wait for Hurricane Sandy, a huge "perfect storm" that is going to effect our weather this weekend through next week.
But there are other storms that are coming, politically and personally.  Can we discern the times and can we meet the personal challenges that confront us?  Are we able to make every effort to do what is right now in the present day or will it be too late because we are not willing to make the tough choices now while we can?

Father, help me by the power of your Holy Spirit to be able to discern what is right and wrong and then have the courage to do what is right.
Amen

have come to give peace on earth?

Thursday, October 25, 2012 Weekday

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Ephesians 3:14-21 Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 Luke 12:49-53

Luke 12:51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division;

I think this may be one of the most overlooked verses in the Bible.  Today, in this Post-Modern generation, we are pressured into not ever being confrontational.  We must agree with the collective.  Resistance is futile.
Well, Jesus says he came to bring division.  He wants us to stand up for truth and to be willing to fight and even die to defend the truth.  This is a fight that is coming to us today.  We need to be ready or we will be silently doped and put away.  We can't allow ourselves to be pressured into accepting lies and agendas of the enemy.

Father, help me by the power of your Holy Spirit to see and defend truth with all my strength and resolve.  
Amen