Today's Readings

Reflection:
We have observed throughout time wars, famine and so much more to continue witnessing the coming of the Lord.

And in this we also witnessed many who have said to come follow them. To find nothing but death. They came and brought destruction upon the innocent. In the end they were harvested as the grapes out of God's fury.
We have read about the misfortunes of the past and continue to see the misfortunes of the present.

But we still will not know when it will all come to pass just as Jesus said: "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end."

But we want the end don't we? That's why we are destroying the planet, if there is an end it will be by our hands and ours alone. We will have committed a great evil. It is not too late to change what we are killing.

Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out
those who were selling things, saying to them,
"It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer,
but you have made it a den of thieves."
Luke 19:45-46

Reflection:
Was he speaking of our day about this. I've gone to church to see this happening at the entrance/exit, but inside the church not outside or in a church hall. It does not happen just in my Parish but in many others. It's a way of nabbing the parishioners after mass to buy whatever they are selling.

Just like the chief priests, scribes did when Jesus was alive. They were selling things to bring in money or for others to make money. Isn't this what it all came down to, the fact that they were out to make money. What better way to have the populace give then, when they are congregating.

His house shall be a house of Prayer, but it is no longer that is it. People congregate but when we use our churches as a means to sell goods, we turn it into a den of thieves. Where people respect money not God. They don't come for God, but what is being sold in the church.

And there are many who go to be in this sacred place to encounter a relaxed atmosphere where piety and love for God was once there but is no longer. We have the silence when it's part of the day no mass is offered, but not when we need to reflect and let the Holy Spirit dwell in us so we may truly benefit.

Have we often wondered before going to church what they may be selling when you get there. It should be the Word of God, where we buy everlasting love.

Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Reflection:
What a beautiful sentiment Paul gives to the Corinthians. One would think of it as one for us too. But it is so nice that he gave thanks to God on their account and ours too.

Today we celebrate a day of Thanksgiving for our country that was founded on freedom. Freedom to worship a faithful God. He is faithful too. More than we are. We are all fickle except when it comes to something we love. Have we ever noticed how we can not live without a certain food. Or a certain toy, or gadget. A lot of times we are more faithful to time, or to our jobs.

If we can be that faithful to time management, to our jobs, spouses, to our daily rituals. Just think how nice we all would get along with each other when we become faithful to God too. But most of all as Paul speaks of today our thankfulness as well as his for the grace bestowed on us as we are in fellowship with Christ Jesus.

Praise and thanksgiving for a God who loves us and is faithful to us. We should be ever greatful for this beautiful gift of God's Love.

Peace and Blessings to all on this Thanksgiving Day.