The Earth Is Full of the Goodness of God

Readings for Thursday October 21, 2010

First Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Lk. 12:49-53)

I remember a conversation with a co-worker a few years ago. She told me about her sister who had passed away from cancer. She told me how she just didn't understand how this could happen to her sister because her sister was such a religious person. She explained how her sister was so kind and involved in her local church. It seems that when tragedy of any sort befalls a person of faith, it is hard for others and us to understand. Many people think that once you have a conversion and begin to follow the Lord that you live a life of ease, and that nothing tragic will ever happen to you.

In today's gospel Jesus tells us that He has come "to set the earth on fire!" Our lives of faith, not only bring us a life of joy and peace in the Lord, but it also brings us into many confrontations and even division amongst those who do not believe. In fact, many times that division can even be among those who we are the closest with. Many of us know the pain that comes with feeling divided amongst family and friends. While it is certainly not an easy situation, this is what we are called to ... not a life of ease, but a life of faith. Jesus makes it very clear that we are to follow our Heavenly Father above only, and by following Him, we can earn our eternal life in heaven.

Today's psalm reminds us that the earth is full of the goodness of God! It is through Him that we are given life and all that we are blessed with. Saint Paul tells us to know the love of Christ, so that we can "be filled with the fullness of God." The fullness of God, I can only imagine how much different my life would be if I opened myself up to God every minute of every day in order to be completely filled with Him. I pray that we all can have the courage and strength to surrender to Him and constantly seek to know the love of Christ, so that we too may be filled with the fullness of God, for God is good all the time.

The earth is full of the goodness of God!

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We praise your name and give you glory for all that we are and all that we do. Lord Jesus we thank you for your great sacrifice for our lives, may we have the strength to sacrifice for you in our lives. We pray for all the youth and families out there seeking holiness, may they be brought closer to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.