Luke 21:20-28
 
It is a fact that in any given crowd of people, there is hunger – not only for food for the body, but for food for the soul as well.  It is equally true that by God’s mercy, there is ample food to go around, with enough for leftovers, just to justify generosity of spirit when giving anything to anyone. Today this lesson of the feeding of the 5000 came home to me. After a busy and tiring morning my two friends and I needed to stop for a coffee. We each searched pockets and purses and came up with $5.30 and a coupon for one free drink. We approached the pay station with apprehension –would we have enough for our modest order?  “$5.21 please,” said the especially kind attendant. Needless to say, our bodies as well as our souls were nourished as we sipped on our orders, delighting not only in steaming warm drinks, but also in the generosity of a Father who amply ‘give(s) us today our daily bread’ – in soul as well as body – with a twinkle in his eye, that remains translated into one thin, shiny, leftover dime in the beverage holder of my vehicle. How can we ever doubt the generous care of our God? God, give us today –in in body, mind and spirit - our daily bread.
 
 
You prepare a table before me [even] in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.     (Psalm 23:5 )
 
God’s extravagant generosity toward us, compels us to be extravagantly generous toward others.
Andy Stanley, Founder of Northpoint Ministries
 
Soli ad gloriam
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Luke 21:20-28

During hard times, often the hardest thing to do, or even imagine, is to get up in the morning and face yet another day of frustration, fear and grief at all levels.  Sometime is seems more reasonable to simply lie down and wait for the waves of life to pass over – or to even buy me.  Jesus warned his disciples that such times would come, regardless of how stable one’s environment might seem to be.  And so it is no surprise that today the winds of change blow around us and toss up potentially drowning waves globally, nationally, within our communities and our families, and even in our own beings, at many different levels. The wonder is that two thousand years ago Jesus gave advice that even today can carry us through any number of challenges and difficulties. Christ Jesus advises: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, and watch for your salvation.” This is how he handled his passion and the Cross – by standing up, raising his head, and watching for his Father’s salvation – that came to him in the form of resurrection.  God’s Grace, God’s ‘salvation’, is always near to us, if we will only look for it, to receive it into our hearts, minds, and bodies. Holy Spirit of God in hard times help me stand up, look up and watch for your salvation.   
 
Bless the Lord, lightening and clouds; sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.     (Daniel 3 )
 
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Saint Paul to the Philippians, 4:6-7A
 
Soli ad gloriam
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Luke 21:5-11
 
When life becomes difficult, there are two major temptations I encounter. At first, I am led astray by all kinds of distractions that purport to bring me a comfortable alternative to the pain and suffering that my present circumstances are causing me. I am often tempted to addict and ‘drown my sorrows’ or to exit from family or societal responsibilities and ‘do my own thing’. If I am led astray, it can take a long time of wandering around in the ‘misty flats’ of life, before I come to my senses, if indeed I ever do return to sanity and the deep dependence on God we are designed to have.  If the powers of darkness cannot lead me astray, then they will attempt to settle into my soul and cause the horrors of unexpected traumas and apprehension of the ‘what ifs’ to terrify me so that my heart, mind and spirit are overwhelmed and eventually paralyzed with fear.  Jesus talked to his disciples at length before his passion about the challenges they will face and how all the earthly establishments, such as the temple itself, will one day fall apart. His counsel to them during these times of suffering ahead was simple: Do not be led astray! And, Do not be terrified!  Will I react to life’s challenges by wandering away from God, or descending into paralyzing terror? Or will I weather the storms of life, stolidly believing in God’s Grace and Mercy?  Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me not be led astray or be terrified in times of overwhelming events.
 
You show me the path of life. In your presence in the fullness of joy.    (Psalm 16:11)
 
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Saint Paul to the Philippians, 4:6-7
 
Soli ad gloriam
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Matthew 9:36 – 10:8

There is no doubt that we are called - just as Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, and ten other men were called in Jesus’ time – to be his close co-labourers. Beverly, her brother Will, children Mary and Martha, all the James and Johannes, Jennifers and Josephines and ten millions more of us living today -  we are all called to be co-workers with Jesus. 
What does Jesus need help with?  Most of all, we are called to minister to our people, to our own family members, in our unique work environments and within our communities.  We are called to plant the seed of the Word of God, to point to His kingdom so very near to us, to heal the sick, bring liveliness back into the lives of the despairing and despondent, and to drive out demons. We are called in this way to participate in the ‘harvest’ of our Lord.
As we head out today with prayers for guidance, will we ask for help to continue to engage our privileged prosperity, or will we attune ourselves to Christ Jesus in order to be of use to Him in the Harvest of those who need healing in our families and our communities?  Holy Spirit of Jesus, nourish me today to be able to work with you to harvest the yield of your fields.  
 
You show me the path of life. In your presence in the fullness of joy.    (Psalm 16:11)
 
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Saint Paul to the Philippians, 4:6-7
 
Soli ad gloriam
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Daniel 12:1-3 & Mark 13:24-32

 
Both Daniel and Jesus spoke of the ‘end of this age’ and how there will be “a time of great anguish, such has never occurred since nations first came into existence.” Doubtless millions if not billions of people today living in places like Afghanistan, Syria, and etcetera do not question that his great suffering has already begun and know first hand that there is only one real hope that cuts through despair this side of heaven;That is the Light and Love and Life of the Holy Spirit of God. The one best use of my life then is clearly to be a person, a voice, a unique whole and complete being through whom God’s Holy Spirit can reach out to others and lead many to righteousness. In the darkness of sin and suffering, despair and despondency will I lead others deeper into the darkness, or will I be a channel for the Holy Spirit of God to extend his Mercy into the world? Shine through me, Holy Spirit of Jesus, shine through me.
 
You show me the path of life. In your presence in the fullness of joy.    (Psalm 16:11)
 
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Saint Paul to the Philippians, 4:6-7
 
Soli ad gloriam
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