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Monday, October 28, 2013

Get down from your tree!




  • I read recently of a Bishop's visit to a parish; 

  • the priest said that the Bishop told the people 
    that what we need is "More Jesus!"  I heartily agree, it is the key to Christian life.

    What ever else Christians think they have to say,
    our key focus is Jesus!





  • In this "Kingdom time" it is an exhortation we do well to hear



  • Reading for this Sunday, 3rd October the 24th Sunday after Pentecost come from Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144 • (
  •  
  • Isaiah 1:10-18 and Psalm 32:1-7 ) • 
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12• 
  • Luke 19:1-10
  • (this is also the Sunday after All Saints' Day so there is another feast that may be kept on this day see the other entry for some thoughts about the Saints)
    The story in the Gospel this morning is pretty straight forward. Jesus is in the town of Jericho, and a crowd throngs around. A tax collector called Zacchaeus (who we are told is short!) climbs a tree.
    If we take this as a guide today we could see the challenge
    in our own life
    to climb the tree and get a better look at Jesus.
    In the last couple of weeks
    we have been reminded to snap out of our apathy
    and get back to the task.
    As we think about the saints
    we see men and women who inspire us
    because they have seen Jesus and responded.
    Sometimes we become a bit lacklustre
    and take it all a bit for granted.
    Far from being excited about Jesus
    we just ignore him.
    So we are being reminded today to climb the tree
    and get a better look at Jesus.
    What we note is that Jesus speaks to Zacchaeus
    Directly to his condition.
    What, I might ask,
    is Jesus saying to me today?
    Mary McKillop heard a call to serve the poor and teach the young,
    Francis heard Jesus' call to rebuild the church
    and to attend to the creation
    to love the unlovely
    and be there, first and foremost,
    for the poor.
    If Jesus was speaking to you today
    what is he saying

    From the readings
    there is still a vision for the appointed time....... the righteous live by their faith.(Habbakuk 2:3-4
    What enlivens us is "faith"
    we might think, it's organisation, or wealth
    but we are reminded that it is faith ...the assurance of God's promise ...
    that is the dynamic that transforms the life of God's people.
    What promise of God do you hear from Jesus
    and how can you act on that.
    Is it about forgiveness, healing, prayer, love and mercy
    service, action and care
    In your tree as you look at Jesus
    what is he telling you to get down and do!


    We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

    We are reminded that we can look at others (we have been calling them 'saints'...Mary MacKillop, Francis and many others) who take this call of Jesus on their life seriously and see how it is transforming
    Zacchaeus at least alludes to the possibility that his encounter with Jesus will make a difference.
    An I suppose that a gauntlet is thrown down
    to be more than just 'fair weather' Christians

    THIS WEEK
    Where is God looking at us and speaking into our lives?
    Where are we being invited to come down out of the tree and welcome Jesus?
    What can I resolve to do today to put this encounter into practice?

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