Readings for Friday October 10, 2008

First Reading:  Galatians 3:7-14

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 111

Gospel:  Luke 11:15-26

"Who ever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."  

This is the message that Jesus makes clear in the gospel today.  After being accused of driving out demons in the devil's name and being hounded for a sign from heaven, Jesus sets the people straight and then concludes with this message.  It is very easy to find ourselves on the wrong side of an issue, a battle, or any sort of conflict.  It is in these moments that we must ask ourselves not whether we are for a person or group or not, but if we are on the side of Christ or not.  If we always strive to be on the side of Jesus, then we will always be on the right side.  

So how do we make sure that we are always on the side of Christ?  Two very simple ways.  The first is to ask Him through prayer.  Think about this; how often do you put your decisions in front of God and ask Him what to do.  Wouldn't this make since, since He knows us better than anyone (even ourselves) and He actually has a plan for our lives?  Many of us are guilty of not praying for guidance enough, we are more likely to tell God what we want than ask Him what we should do.  We need to get out of this mindset and start serving God, instead of trying to make God serve us.  If we put on a servants mindset and chose to do the Father's will instead of our own, then we will certainly see our lives change for the better.  

The other thing that we should be doing is asking ourselves that very popular question that is on so many bracelets:  WWJD?  WWJD = What would Jesus Do?  I think that this is a fantastic question that if we asked before each of our decisions we would see a significant drop in those behaviors that lead us away from God.  Cheating on taxes ... WWJD?  Littering ... WWJD?  Downloading music illegally ... WWJD?  Lying to a friend ... WWJD?  I think that we could spend all day naming examples, but I think that the point has been made.  If we are behaving in a way that our Lord would not, then what makes it okay for us to act this way?  

If we constantly ask for the Lord's help and keep Him in our minds throughout each day, then we will not veer off the path.  May the Lord use us all to help gather, and not be people who work against Him.  

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  We praise you for all the gifts in our lives, and we ask for your forgiveness of our sins.  Lord let us praise you this day with all that we do and give all the glory to you.  Lord, help us to be mindful of you at all times and to act as you would.  Send us your Spirit so that we may walk in this world with courage and confidence that comes from you.  We pray for all those seeking you.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.   Amen.