Ordinary Time

Pause

Today is a busy day. It is full of things that must get done and people that must be seen. With the help of God, I can be peace in every encounter. With the help of God I can be a holy presence in every conversation.  With the help of God I can place the thumbprint of the divine on every assignment. With God’s help I will be the best version of myself today.

Offer space in a busy day for the God who has already gone before you into it, and trust in the help that will come.

Listen

When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?”

Matthew 21:23-25a

Think

As the eldest child in my family, I enjoyed the “power” that came with being in charge when mom and dad left us home to run errands. My mom would always leave us with these words, “Remember: Lucas is in charge, so do what he says!” It felt good to be the KING and I ruled over my subjects as a firm, yet kind dictator who was able to put down any potential rebellion by declaring, “Mom said I’m in charge and you have to do WHATEVER I say!”  Those were the good ole days!

The wonders that Jesus is performing and the power of the words he is proclaiming are impacting the people in ways that the religious leaders had not expected. They have to question his authority! How does this simple carpenter do the things he does and how does he know the things he knows? How could the religious leaders of the day hold onto their own authority if this guy keeps showing the people what the living, breathing power of God can do?

Lucas Dorion

Pray

Living God, our world tempts us with the promise of power, but as followers of Christ may we be conduits of the true power that comes from loving and knowing God. May we follow the example of Christ, who gave up power so that our relationship with God could be restored. Amen.

Go

Go now into the world confident that you are not alone, and at peace knowing that God will be with you wherever you find yourself this day.