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

Peter said to him, “Look, we’ve left everything and followed you.”

Jesus said, “I assure you that anyone who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms because of me and because of the good news will receive one hundred times as much now in this life—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and farms (with harassment)—and in the coming age, eternal life. But many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first.”

Mark 10:28-31

Think

After college I lived two years in West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. I lived in a traditional family compound. For meals the men would be served first. Once they ate, the women and children sat down for their meal. It always struck me that the women who did all the work were the ones who ate last. But what I noticed is that there was always enough. The women would finally sit and eat. They savored their food along with the laughter and conversation. They’d give thanks for their food, friends, and all they’d been given.

Sometimes following Jesus means we are last, we go unnoticed, or we feel alone and isolated. Maybe we’ve followed Jesus to a new home, school, or work. Maybe following Jesus means we need to make new friends. Jesus reminds us that we’re not alone when we follow him. Jesus turned the world upside down by welcoming all people. Following Jesus’ call, there is always enough.

Kimberly Knowle-Zeller

Pray

God, when it feels like the world is far from what you desire, remind me that you never tire of sharing your reign of peace and justice. 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)