Good morning everyone, and welcome to the third Sunday Sampler. This installment's theme is you. Yes, you specifically. Now you may say that I do not know very much about you specifically. This is correct. Therefore, let me pass the mic to the one who does know you specifically, and His Word.
We begin with the three readings from Mass earlier, and some musings from yours truly to accompany each of them. First: from the sixth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, or the Book of Acts, depending on which Bible you read.
1 And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.
6 These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them. 7 And the word of the Lord increased; and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly: a great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.
There are ministers of the word of God and ministers of the food, among many others. It matters not how any two compare to each other, it matters that the same person doing both requires neglecting one. In some way, it seems a microcosm of 'one cannot serve two masters' from Jesus' own mouth. What is your ministry, dear reader, and what is it not?
The second reading is from St. Peter's first letter:
4 Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen and made honourable by God: 5 Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore it is said in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him, shall not be confounded. 7 To you therefore that believe, he is honour: but to them that believe not, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner: 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of scandal, to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, whereunto also they are set. 9 But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
You are chosen, and purchased. By whom and to what end?
The third, Gospel, reading is from St. John:
1 Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I shall go, and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself; that where I am, you also may be. 4 And whither I go you know, and the way you know. 5 Thomas saith to him: Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. 7 If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him, and you have seen him. 8 Philip saith to him: Lord, shew us the Father, and it is enough for us. 9 Jesus saith to him: Have I been so long a time with you; and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou, shew us the Father? 10 Do you not believe, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works.
11 Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? 12 Otherwise believe for the very works' sake. Amen, amen I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do; and greater than these shall he do. 13 Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you shall ask me any thing in my name, that I will do.
God both knows and loves you, more than any human ever could. And he's had forever to prepare your mansion in His house. What does it look like? What is worth sacrificing to spend eternity in it?
Now onto more recent authors. Rev. Matt is writing a book, and this paragraph is promising.
Frank Luke has a sermon up on Judas' betrayal. Call this the dark side of today's sampler: you too betray Jesus with your sin. As do I, much as I can relate to the sons of Zebedee in the garden. 'Resting in the Lord' is probably my most frequent form of prayer, if you catch my drift.
Finally, Fr Mark Goring urges you to be gentle with yourself. Especially on Sunday, which is a day of rest.
And that's a wrap for today. I hope you have a good Sunday!
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