Last weekend we had a big fund raiser at our Church. It was a huge community event. We had a formal dinner and auction on Saturday night and a Parish picnic for everyone in the Church on Sunday afternoon. The whole Church plans for this every October. It comes in conjunction with Fall and the celebration of harvest. What is important and noteworthy is that everyone comes together to make it happen.
In our Gospel Jesus says, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses.’ We only have a month and a half left in our liturgical year and the focus of our readings will be the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Jesus admits that Satan has a kingdom, but Jesus’s Kingdom is what is the true Kingdom of God.
How do we gather more and divide less?
I started writing this reflection on Saturday, October 7th, which was the day before the events in Israel took place this week. My only input is that it is an example of what Jesus wrote about 2000 years ago. It is Satan working overtime in the Middle East. Yes! No one can condone the killing of innocent people and especially children on either side. The reality is I don’t have an answer or solution other than the words of Jesus. Unify! Pray for peace!
We are not responsible for other kingdoms, but what is challenging about this scripture is that it makes me self-examine on how I am helping to build or distroy the Kingdom of God on earth.
As I perform a daily examination of my conscience, I have to ask myself the following questions. Do I gossip at Church or work or with friends and neighbors? It doesn’t matter if I believe in climate change or not. Do I squander the resources that God has entrusted me? How do I treat others who are different?
How do I unify rather than divide in my actions?
10The only solution I can give is the one that Jesus gave in performing the miracle of driving out demons. Wherever you are on this earth, we are having no input as to the results of the world. All we can do is do unify at the local level. We can’t change foreign affairs, but we can change our community. We can change the way we treat people who are different. We can unify our world and make a difference in it. Satan can’t stand that, but the Kingdon of God will grow because of it.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for children anywhere who are suffering. Pray for peace!
