The BreadCast

(Ez.34:11-12,15-17; Ps.23:1-6; 1Cor.15:20-26,28; Mt.25:31-46) "Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me." Jesus is King. It is He to whom the Father has "subjected everything" and who "must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet," until He has "destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power"; and it is He who then "hands over the kingdom to His God and Father… that God may be all in all." Yes, "when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit upon His glorious throne, and all the nations will assemble before Him." And He who is the Good Shepherd will separate the sheep beneath His rule "one from another": it is He who will say to the righteous, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"; and to the unrighteous, "Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." He will judge all souls, for all souls are in His hands. Yes, He is King. And yet this King is with His subjects; this Shepherd is hidden in His sheep – He is the Shepherd who "finds Himself among His scattered sheep." Indeed, in His power He promises to "pasture [His] sheep": "The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal"… but more than this, more than this is our King to us. For He is a King who not only serves the poor and broken, but who is the poor and broken Himself. Though all power and glory and honor are with Him who is exalted as Head over all, He travels with the least of His children; He makes Himself one with the least of all creatures. Does He not say, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me"? Oh how He unites Himself with our humanity! His love is beyond our comprehension. And, brothers and sisters, it should be obvious what we are now called to do; if we wish to be "brought to life… each one in proper order," following "Christ the firstfruits," we must walk in His way. If we wish to sing with David His humble king, "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows" – if indeed we desire to share in His eternal kingship, we must on the dust of this earth serve Him in the least among us… we ourselves must be the least, as He is. Alleluia to our exalted King! Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Coat of Warmth" from Cleansing Human Frailty, fourth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, walk among us and shepherd us well in the reign of your Son, that we might love as you love. YHWH, how shall we come to dwell in your House forever? How shall we be the sheep at your right hand? Only by becoming as your only Son. Only by making ourselves present among the least. For you have a compassionate heart which reaches out to all in need. You have hands that bind up the wounds of your little ones, that care for the hungry and the sick. You prepare for all righteous souls a place in your kingdom, and your Son shows us how to be like you, that we might enter your presence. O Jesus, O Lord, who reign above all as our Head, as our God, as the Savior of all righteous souls… how shall we love as you have loved; how shall we see you in the needs of our fellow man? Blind we are and crawling in the dust – how shall we be exalted with you at the Father's right hand? It is by your walking amongst us, O Lord and King, that we are saved from all selfishness and find the compassion and humility we need to enter into the Father's heart. Give us the rest we desire, set us free from sin and death… raise us up to dwell with you as we make our lives like your own.

(Prv.31:10-13,19-20,30-31; Ps.128:1-5; 1Thes.5:1-6; Mt.25:14-30) "When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls." And so the Lord is pleased to bless His "good and faithful servant[s]"; for His Church is as His Bride and Her faithful members He invites to share His joy. With more than the talents of "a man going on a journey" are we entrusted by the Lord. To us He is more like the husband "entrusting his heart" to his wife. All He gives over to us, even His very life, His absolute love – His blood itself He pours out for us. And are we as the good wife who "works with loving hands," who "puts her hands to the distaff and [whose] fingers ply the spindle"? Do we work diligently with all the gifts the Lord imparts to us and thus increase their yield? Are we as she who "brings [her husband] good, and not evil, all the days of her life," delivering unto the Lord the honor due His Name? If so, then as the worthy wife receives "a reward for her labors" and as "her works praise her at the city gates," so shall the Lord richly bless our labors, and the angels at the gates of heaven welcome us with song. Brothers and sisters, "You are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober," doing the Lord's will in all things. Let us not be as the "useless servant" who "dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money." The graces the Lord gives us are not meant for such darkness, but indeed to be brought into the light of day that they might spread "like a fruitful vine" throughout the face of the earth. This is the call of His Church, and we must be faithful in the work with which we have been entrusted: His love must reach to the ends of the world. And each "shall eat the fruit of [his] handiwork" when the day of the Lord comes upon us. The soul which has courted darkness in its distrust and laziness shall find the spouse that awaits her; but "blessed shall [she] be, and favored," "who walk[s] in [the Lord's] ways!" She shall indeed not fear the "sudden disaster" that comes upon the wicked, but shall celebrate "the prosperity of Jerusalem" in her Master's house "all the days of [her] life." For in none does the Lord take greater delight than she who returns an increase of His invaluable love. Wriiten, chanted, and produced by James Kurt; read by Sylvia Kurt. Music: "We Have Bodies" from The Whole Whale, eighth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******** O LORD, let us do your work and your will; let us be fruitful in serving you until the Day of your Son's return. YHWH, you give us gifts, skills and talents upon this earth – even our bodies and minds are from you. But if we employ them not, it is as if we have them not at all… and soon they are taken from us. We must offer all we have back to you, serving you well with all our lives, and we shall be blessed with your abundance. Into your kingdom let us come, O LORD! Let all we do lead to this grace. Make us fruitful in your Name, ever working with loving hands, and every blessing will be ours – and we shall know the joy of your presence. Let our hearts be set on you alone. What have we, LORD, that you have not given? And what should we do but use well what is at our hands? If we wish to be wed to you in Heaven, then your heart we must hold within our own. It is your heart you would give us; let us live as your children in the light of this day. O LORD, may your Son not find us sleeping upon His return, but serving you faithfully, walking ever in your way.

(Wis.6:12-16; Ps.63:2-8; 1Thes.4:13-18; Mt.25:1-13) "Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." O Lord, "through the night-watches I will meditate on you: you are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy." "As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you"; for though "my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water" for you, O Living God, I have "gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory," and you have met me with your "kindness." Your Wisdom "graciously appears to [me] in the ways, and meets [me] with all solicitude." "Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate. For taking thought of Wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care." I could not say it any better, or any differently, than the sacred author. Do not these words perfectly illustrate the Lord's message in our gospel today – Stay awake! Keep your lamps burning! Seek Wisdom! Be ready, and she will come to you; and you will be gathered into the marriage feast. Foolishly sit in darkness, unconcerned for your fate, and these ominous words shall resound in your barren soul: "Then the door was locked." And then there shall be no entering. I must again remark on the astounding lack of wisdom in the commentary of the missal I read. It states, "Paul is under the misconception that our Lord will return during his lifetime," ignorantly assuming that when he says, "We who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord," he is referring to himself and his companions. Oh my! Where do they derive the oil for their lamps? He is no more referring directly to himself in this instance than he is when he says, "If we believe that Jesus died and rose" – it is of the whole Church, of whatever time or place, he is speaking! How can our "scholars" not see this; and how can they be so ready to utter blasphemy against Holy Scripture and the Lord's Apostle, suggesting that he purports some greater knowledge of the Lord's return than the Lord Himself? Do they think he is as ignorant, or proud, as they? Brothers and sisters, we indeed have great hope of resurrection. When "the Lord Himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven," we will be caught up with Him "in the air," in His heavenly presence. But we must have His light within ourselves and keep watch for His Hour, waiting through the night for the dawn of His Day. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Watching the Sun" from Bearing the Birth Pangs, tenth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, nothing else matters but our union with you – let us be with you forever. YHWH, help us to keep vigil for you and for your Son's return. Let our hearts be set on your coming glory, that we may join in it ourselves. May our lamps shine brightly as we await the new Day; dispel all darkness from our midst. Give us the wisdom we need to remember your promise of new life in the kingdom – O let us be wed to Jesus, we pray! Through the night we meditate on you and on your Word; it is for you our souls thirst. What more could we desire than to be with you in Heaven? What more should we long for than your saving grace? And to those who seek you, you come, O LORD. To rescue us from the darkness you do not delay. For even as we remain in vigil, your wisdom hastens to shine the light of your face. May we be counted among those ready for your coming kingdom; with your Son may we enter the wedding feast. Awake let us be to share in your glory. O LORD, that we shall rise from the dead let us believe.

(Mal.1:14b-2:2b,8-10; Ps.131:1-3; 1Thes.2:7b-9,13; Mt.23:1-12) "Have we not all the one Father? Has not the one God created us?" And should not those who serve in His stead, bringing the word of God to waiting hearts, be as He is, loving all as He does and thus giving "glory to [His] name"? "I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me," King David declares, thus revealing the blessed relationship of the faithful, humble disciple and His Lord. We are indeed as little children before God, and He loves us as a tender Father, as the One who has made us with great care. And so we should take our peace upon His lap. And when the sheep of the flock come to the shepherds the Lord has appointed to teach in His Name, they should find a reflection of the Father's presence – in these one should discover His love. Yes, they must instruct according to the Word placed upon their souls by their ordination, but they should not merit the words Jesus speaks of the Pharisees: "They preach but they do not practice." For if "all their works are performed to be seen," if they teach and preach without love, without living the word of God themselves, soon the flock will be led astray by their vanity and turn from the word they speak itself. Malachi prophesies to the priests of his day: "You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction." If these leaders show no reverence of God themselves, who will be led to reverence by their instruction? Yes, still our duty is to God Himself and our worship is of Him alone – and so Jesus teaches the people, "Do and observe whatsoever [the scribes and Pharisees] tell you, but do not follow their example" – but He also demands of His followers that they not possess the vanity of these proud leaders. Oh if all approached the service of Paul, how blessed our Church would be! Listen to his words to the Thessalonians: "Brothers and sisters: we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children," for he and his fellow workers "were determined to share with [them] not only the Gospel of God, but [their] very selves as well," so much did they love their flock with the love of God. And this is as all pastors are called to be, "working night and day" for the little ones in their care. "Feed my sheep," the Lord commanded His Rock; and all our priests are called to feed the members of the Church not only with the Word of God, but also with His love, that they might learn to take refuge in Him who is Father of all. I ask you, has the Lord not become incarnate in our midst? And should that Incarnation not be known in all our flesh and in all our bone? Then let us serve one another in love. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Everyone's A Baby, Everyone's A Child" from All One, sixth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, let us humble ourselves before you, our Father. YHWH, let us all be humble before you, as children on their mother's lap; then we shall know your blessing – then we shall live in your love. But if we should become proud and seek the praise of others, our souls will be thus corrupted and we will know you no more. O LORD, please send us holy priests to guide us in your ways. May they always preach your Word in truth that our hearts might not go astray; and may they live according to the Gospel they impart, that an example of your self-giving love will be ever with us. What is a family without a father, and how can we be your children without your image revealed among us, without the instruction and sacrifice of your Son made real in our midst? You have created us, dear LORD, and you desire to share your blessings with us all. In genuine humility let us come before you and others, serving ever your saving Word.

(Rm.11:1-2,11-12,25-29; Ps.94:12-15,17-18; Lk.14:1,7-11) "The Lord will not cast off His people, nor abandon His inheritance." Today the gifts and call of the Israelites, which are "irrevocable," are spoken of beautifully in our readings. Indeed, the majority of Jews rejected and even persecuted Jesus and His followers. But as Paul tells us, the Lord has always and will always leave a remnant among them to maintain His covenant with them. As Paul reminds us, "I myself am an Israelite." And of course so were all the apostles. God has not rejected His people, for "God's gifts and His call are irrevocable." The promise He has made to bless the Israelites stands to this day. Paul explains clearly the wisdom of God and how He works through the transgressions of the Jews to bring the Gentiles to salvation. And how the Gentiles' conversion and the grace poured upon them shall lead the Israelite people back to the Lord: "Blindness has come upon part of Israel until the full number of Gentiles enter in, and then all Israel will be saved." Yes, all Israel will yet be saved; they shall yet come flowing to the mountain of God, to His Son, and find redemption, and find the honor bestowed upon them; and by their turning, how much all His holy people shall be blessed! "Judgment shall again be with justice, and all the upright of heart shall follow it." Alleluia! But there is another lesson for us today, and it, too, has to do with the quality needed by the chosen. Jesus speaks of it clearly in our gospel, and it illustrates the difficulty the Jews have in coming to the Lord, and warns us against the same mistake. Jesus comes to dinner "at the house of one of the leading Pharisees" and witnesses the guests scrambling for the best seats at table. Quietly He speaks to them, gently He reminds them, that they are not called to exaltation of their own position, gifted as it may or may not be, but to humility before all, as He has indeed shown us. How unlike our Lord, who though in the form of God humbled Himself to become human and even to die on a cross (without uttering a word), are they. And here is the teaching of Christ: "Sit in the lowest place." The greater our call, the deeper should be our humility. This emptying ourselves as has Jesus is an indispensable virtue for any Christian. And only it will bring the Jew to realize the presence of Christ in his midst. And should we who have been grafted to the kingdom's tree late in time boast of our gift, walk with haughty eyes in His house? By no means, lest we be cast off by Him. Let us rather treasure the grace the Lord has granted us, preserve His call within us, and make our election permanent, beneath the shadow of His cross. ******* O LORD, we shall not enter your reign until we are humble before you; your Son is ever present and so we must ever give place to Him. YHWH, you do not abandon your people, Jew or Gentile believer, but serve in your wisdom to bring all to salvation, if they but humble themselves before you. For pride is the only thing that can condemn us, the only thing that can keep us from you and your merciful love; and so if you make your people to stumble, it is only for their good, only to see that they shall inherit your glory by their conformity to the humility of your only Son. There is a greater than all of us present here at our feast. Should we not make room for Jesus, LORD? And if we do not, if we clamor to take our place above your Chosen One, if we look upon the gifts and graces that come to us only through Him and use them as excuse to exalt ourselves above others, will not such conceit, will not such blindness to the presence of Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins keep us from sharing in His body and blood? O let us enter your gates by taking the lowest place with your chosen ones.

(Rm.8:18-25; Ps.126:1-6; Lk.13:18-21) "Hoping for what we cannot see means awaiting it with patient endurance." We cannot see the coming of the kingdom of heaven. It comes so gradually; it rises imperceptibly, "like yeast which a woman took to knead into three measures of flour." It grows like the tiny mustard seed, which "became a large shrub and the birds of the air nested in its branches." A most fruitful reign is the reign of God, and well worth the wait. As Paul says, "I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us." But wait we must. In hope we take our refuge. And as we hope, indeed we suffer, for "we ourselves, although we have the Spirit as first fruits, groan inwardly while we await the redemption of our bodies." With the rest of creation we groan "in agony" for the futility to which the physical universe has been subject. Yet hope have we, and it is this which gives us a sense of joy even as we wait so patiently. "Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing." Our psalm gives us a picture of the joy that awaits us in the redemption of the just in the kingdom of God as it describes the happiness of the exiles' return from Babylon: "We were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing." The knowledge of the Lord's hand at work in the lives of these Israelites can only increase our hope, can only stir our faith that we too shall sing, "The Lord has done great things for us," that we too shall "come back rejoicing" after this time of trial which is our stay here on this earth. And the fact that we have the Spirit now as the first payment against the day of judgment and against the power of Satan in this dark world causes a sense of joy already in our bones, gives us even now a foretaste of the kingdom to come, and which comes to us indeed each day in every breath we breathe in His presence, and particularly in the food He leaves us to consume at the altar of His holy sacrifice. Yes, we have His Word at work in us even now, brothers and sisters. Even as we speak (even as I write), the seed does grow into a tree, the yeast does cause the dough to rise. Though it take time and we hope most for its fulfillment, yet it is with us even now in this blessed growth we experience in the sight of our God, in the blood of our Lord. Our hope is not in vain, and the tears we shed now certainly nourish the growth of the kingdom within us and all around us. Even in these does our hope find fulfillment. Even in these tears do we taste surpassing joy. ******* O LORD, let us hope in you always; your kingdom is rising in our midst. YHWH, in patience let us await the coming of your kingdom, for it shall surely come and is even now here within us. When it shall be revealed to our eyes, our hope will be fulfilled and all our groanings answered. We shall indeed rejoice in your presence on that holy day. Your Spirit is now planted in us as a seed of the kingdom, and though we go forth in tears doing your work in this dark world, we ever have the Spirit's reassurance – the hope He engenders makes any sufferings seem as nothing. For your glory, O God, shall soon be revealed in its fullness; it shall soon come to full growth and we will take rest in its branches. O let us rise unto you! And so, with patient endurance let us wait, O LORD, for the dawn upon the horizon, for on the new day all Creation shall sing your praise, all its sorrow forgotten.

(Rm.4:13,16-18; Ps.105:6-9,42-43; Lk.12:8-12) "All depends on faith, everything is a grace." Faith is our father; it brings us to life for it makes us children of "the God who restores the dead to life and calls into being those things which had not been." By faith we entrust ourselves into God's hands and become as Abraham, who is "our father in the sight of God in whom he believed." "Hoping against hope, Abraham believed and so became the father of many nations," and insofar as we believe, we become his children before God. Indeed, it is through faith alone that we are born into His kingdom. And having faith, we must acknowledge its presence in our lives by witnessing to the Son of God. If we are His disciples, as we must be, we will not hide His grace working in us but allow it to bear fruit in the profession of that faith before the world. And so, as we "come before synagogues, rulers, and authorities," as we stand before the face of this generation, as we do anything in this world, we must "not worry about how to defend [ourselves] or what to say." Jesus tells us, "The Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment all that should be said." And so by this trusting in Him we prove ourselves children of faith. This is the manner in which I produce this writing. Trusting in Him as entirely as my faith allows, I am not concerned beforehand what I shall speak, what I shall write upon this page. In the measure that I am a child of grace, I prove it by my allowing Him to speak through me at this moment and in His way. This is what we must strive to do with all our work, in all our lives. All our lives are founded upon this faith, and the Lord calls us in an ever greater way to express that faith, to live that faith, by consecrating all we think and do to His will and desire. It is for us to but come into His presence, to remember He is here with us, and so to find His grace at work in our lives. We must be prepared and be preparing ourselves always to stand before Him forever. As we place ourselves in His presence now, it is so that we die to ourselves and begin to live by His grace. More and more we must trust in that faith which joins us to Him and makes us children of the promise which "holds true for all Abraham's descendants… for all who have his faith." Faith alone will bring us to life, for faith alone brings us into the presence of Him who is life. Enter His grace, brothers and sisters, and find it working in your life. ******* O LORD, if we believe in you, you will be with us. YHWH, you restore the dead to life and call into being those things which had not been. And so, should we not put our faith in you? And so, should we not proclaim your glory before men? With a God such as you, what need we fear? O let us live in faith and so be blessed! All indeed depends on faith, O LORD; it is our very life breath. Everything is a grace from you who bring all things into being, and we must acknowledge that grace at work in our lives in order to join ourselves to you and that grace, and so find life itself. Separated from you we shall but die, but as children of Abraham, as children of faith who believe in you and in your Son, we shall live forever. You are faithful and true to your Covenant with your chosen ones. Let us trust in you, LORD, and in your Spirit's movement in our lives.

(Zec.8:20-23; Ps.87:1-7,Zec.8:23; Lk.9:51-56) "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." God is with us, brothers and sisters. And though all upon earth turn their faces from Him now, though in ignorance they reject Him and our preaching of His Word – there shall come a day when all nations find their home in Him. In that day the Lord shall reign. As Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and His coming death at the hands of His own people, He passes through many towns and sends harbingers of His drawing nigh. In today's gospel we read of the Samaritans', the dreaded "half-breed" of Israelites, rejection of His presence among them: "The Samaritans would not welcome Him because He was on the way to Jerusalem." And for this should they not be destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah? request the sons of thunder, James and John. But it is "only to reprimand them" that Jesus makes answer to such an idea. Indeed, they reject the Son of God, but in this moment they certainly know not what they do. Should they be any different than the Jews who will offer Him up for crucifixion or the apostles who will abandon Him? From the gospel we must take solace, brothers and sisters, when our words fall on deaf ears, when the Word of God seems not to take root in souls. We are only emissaries of His Word, and that Word will bear fruit only in His time. But, of course, at the same moment we mourn rejection, we must be buoyed by the vision delivered by Zechariah in our first reading and confirmed so wonderfully in our psalm, for in it is the Truth of the resurrection that follows the Lord's crucifixion. We are told that "the inhabitants of one city shall approach those of another and say, "Come! Let us go to implore the favor of the Lord," and that "in those days ten men of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" Not only will they hear the Word of God, they will beg its presence in their lives! For the Lord shall draw them inextricably to His mountain. "And of Zion they shall say: 'One and all were born in her; and He who has established her is the Most High God.'" Brothers and sisters, we dwell now in Zion; Holy Church is the New Jerusalem. And hearts shall turn to her with longing – she shall find her treasured place here at the end of the age. We need not fear or be anxious, for the day of the Lord shall come, when "all shall sing, in their festive dance: 'My home is within you.'" Continue on to every town, bearing His love. ******* O LORD, all who desire the salvation wrought by Jesus will be welcomed into your House. YHWH, in Jerusalem let us make our home, in your holy Church. To this House all nations shall come, for it is here you dwell on earth. Heaven is indeed in our midst: you are with us. And it is for you the heart of every man longs – O let us be born into your kingdom! Toward Jerusalem the face of your Son is set; it is always to this place He comes. Here He dies and here He is raised, and here He dwells unto eternity…. In His blood let us be reborn. In Him your glory is known among us, O LORD, for you have established Him forever as our Home. Let us all come to Jesus in the New Jerusalem to implore your favor, O Most High God. And let us bring all souls to these gates, that in glory they might enter in and find their place in Him. His messengers let us be until the end of the age.

(Zec.8:1-8; Ps.102:16-23,29; Lk.9:46-50) "The city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in her streets." "Even if this should seem impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people, shall it in those days be impossible in my eyes also, says the Lord of hosts." Sometimes we lose sight of the kingdom of heaven. Sometimes our faith fails because of the difficult circumstances in which we find ourselves. Or sometimes our pride can be the obstruction, blinding our eyes to the presence of the Lord in our midst, speaking to us in the children who play all around us, who sit at His side… whose angels behold His face always. Sometimes we lose hope and the promise of eternal life escapes us. But why? Do we not know that the Lord "has regarded the prayer of the destitute, and not despised their prayer"? Have we not experienced His redeeming grace many times in our lives? Do we not believe Him when He tells His chosen ones: "They shall be my people, and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice"? Why are we so forgetful of His love for us and distracted by our situation? For the Lord does "hear the groaning of the prisoners"; He does "release those doomed to die"; He does look down "from His holy height" and hear the prayers of us His lowly ones, if we but call out to Him. "I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun, and from the land of the setting sun." At the center of the universe shall we dwell, "within Jerusalem," with the Lord. This is our promise. And this is our call – to bring others within those gates, to invite all His children to enter His holy presence. Not to look past them in blind ambition, but to set our hearts on serving Him by striving always and only to build up His kingdom even here on earth. Jesus knows our thoughts, brothers and sisters. He knows how vain we can be in our ways. And so He sets a child before us. He shows us the lowliness we must know to enter the kingdom of heaven. And He presents us with a challenge to gather His children there. Indeed, heaven shall be filled with the laughter of children, but will we hear it – and will we find true reward by increasing it always in His Name? Let your heart not fail or despair of any circumstances, for "the children of [His] servants shall abide, and their posterity continue in [His] presence." Ever maintain hope for the glory of Zion and see it rising in your midst. ******* O LORD, may we be as children before you in your heavenly kingdom. YHWH, gather your children together as one in your holy City of Jerusalem. In the peace of your presence let us dwell all our days. We are greatly troubled here upon this earth. Help us to turn and become as children that in innocence and humility before you we might remain. Hear us as we cry out and look down with pity upon our poor souls. O LORD, let us be on your side; faithful and just make us, we pray. O let us serve you in holiness that when you appear in glory we may enter your company and not be kept from you by our foolish pride. You are our God; let us not be made blind to your presence. O LORD, let us hear the sound of children playing in your streets, and let us be among them. If we could but humble ourselves, in your eyes we would find our place secure. Release those who are doomed to die; with you let us dwell forever.

(Col.1:24-2:3; Ps.62:6-7,9; Lk.6:6-11) "We admonish all men and teach them in the full measure of wisdom, hoping to make every man complete in Christ." It is Paul's desire to see the nations "enriched with full assurance by their knowledge of the mystery of God – namely Christ – in whom every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is hidden." It is his desire for us all to be filled with this wisdom that is Christ, for it is his call from Christ to bring His Gospel forth to the eyes and ears of the whole world, to "fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church." And it is our call to join Him in such sufferings in Jesus' name, that indeed His Word might come to its fullness, that indeed in such suffering we might find with Paul the joy of knowing "the mystery hidden from ages and generations past but now revealed to His holy ones." This "glory beyond price" is ours as we listen to His Word, as we follow in His ways. Jesus shows Himself to be the model teacher, the teacher of teachers, the Word itself, in our gospel today. "On a sabbath Jesus came to teach in a synagogue where there was a man whose right hand was withered." For Jesus the synagogue was hostile territory, for the scribes and Pharisees "were on the watch" to "find a charge against Him," to catch Him in His teaching. Jesus does not turn away from the danger before Him but confronts them with the limitations of their interpretation of the teaching perhaps most dear to them – the command to keep the sabbath holy. He would teach them the full meaning of this command; He would fulfill this wisdom before them, showing them that God does not preclude the doing of good for others on the sabbath, that this day made for rest is thus truly a day made for healing and that this day is therefore the best to come to Him for healing – for what does He wish for us but our healing, our salvation? But being blind to the love of God and His desire for good and the good of all, they do not perceive His lesson, and make it instead a cause to "destroy" the Son of God. It is difficult to understand how these leaders of the people could become "frenzied" at the healing of one of their flock – how can this be evil to do on the sabbath? But we must remember that blindness to the will of God is not the sole possession of these scribes and Pharisees. It is a foolishness which is part of us all in our all-too-human thoughts and actions. It is this blindness which the Lord calls us from; it is this wisdom known in Christ to which Paul would direct us all. Let us join with him, with Jesus, in the "work and struggle" to bring God's healing word forth to the hands and hearts of all. "God is our refuge." Let us firmly "trust in Him" and in His wisdom, and we shall be made whole. ******* O LORD, let us be whole in your sight by the sacrifice of your Christ. YHWH, in your Son every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is hidden. In Him let us take our refuge, that we might be taught in fullness of your goodness, of your love for us, and come to share in that love with all your holy ones. O LORD, let us not harden our hearts against your work in our midst, against your Son come among us to lead us to you. Let us not rather stay the path we travel in our blindness but recognize before the great mystery you reveal to us in the presence of your Son that we fall short of His glory because of our limited vision, and embrace the wisdom He holds out to us. O let us stretch forth our withered hands! that we might be healed of all the wickedness in our hearts and come to serve you and your Church as you call us. In suffering for the sake of your kingdom may we find our joy with Christ; ever strengthened and united in His love, let us take our refuge in the glory He bears us.