Ordinary Time

Pause

The kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.

“The Kingdom of God” from Communaute de Taizé

Listen

Also, let’s hold on to the confession since we have a great high priest who passed through the heavens, who is Jesus, God’s Son; because we don’t have a high priest who can’t sympathize with our weaknesses but instead one who was tempted in every way that we are, except without sin.

Finally, let’s draw near to the throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Think

Feeling alone and misunderstood? Jesus has been there.

Feeling frightened and confused? Jesus has been there.

Feeling broken and hurting? Jesus has been there.

Feeling like you don’t belong? Jesus has been there.

Feeling like all your friends have turned away from you? Jesus has been there.

One of the greatest gifts we have as followers of Jesus is his humanity. Jesus came to this earth to know human pain and suffering. Jesus walked, breathed, and cried out in pain. Jesus was ridiculed by his friends. Jesus knew abandonment and pain. He walked through it. At school, home, or church if we feel like we’re on the outside, Jesus has been there too. He walks with us through pain, hardship, and the feelings of being all alone in the world. Where can we take Jesus’ example and walk with someone who is hurting?

Kimberly Knowle-Zeller

Pray

Source of Life, you’ve promised to be with me through all of life and beyond. May I cling to that promise of love when days are hard. Amen.

Go

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

from “Canticle of the Turning” by Rory Cooney (1990)