July 13, 2014 - 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time

I love today's readings.  I have spent many hours reflecting on them in my faith journey!!!
As I read them over this week I feel my roots growing a little deeper into the soil, as my faith has grown through trials and challenges - I see that God's living word - all of His promises have proven absolutely true!  Nothing in my life has been wasted, even all my mistakes.

Let's look at the first reading from Isaiah 55:10-11.  Such a short and powerful reading.  "My word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it."    Sometimes I get my faith walk all twisted up with what I do for a living.  I think it's more about what I do, and not about my own faith walk.   Today, God reminds me - that this verse is not only for others, but ESPECIALLY for me!  He has written HIS LIVING Word for me!  His promises are for ME!  When I look back on my life, I see it!  He has been so faithful.  He has been so merciful and so loving to ME!  He has challenged me when I needed it, He has consoled me when I needed it!  He has promised me VICTORY in Him when I am discouraged and given me courage when I am AFRAID!  He is always there for me!  The more I read His WORD, the more it quickens to my mind and heart when I need it in life!   This encourages me to keep reading His Word everyday!

The Psalm is a beautiful promise - as I (and YOU!) are disciples!  Apostles!  Sent out to make more disciples!  Sent out to love!  "The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest!"  We don't need to see it to believe it!  (especially if we believe with all our hearts the first reading from ISAIAH!!!)  We just keep loving, preparing people's hearts for the love of GOD!!!

The 2nd Reading has comforted me in my discouragement.  Some days don't you wonder why bad things happen to good people?   This reading from Romans gives me hope.  It keeps my eyes on the prize - the Glory of Heaven.  There is a song on the radio -  "Where I Belong" by Tree 63.   The lyrics remind me of this verse - Where I Belong"

Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside
Sometimes it feels like I'm breathing but am I alive
I won't keep searching for answers that aren't here to find

All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong

So when the walls come falling down on me
And when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea
I have this blessed assurance holding me.

We are not Home yet.  This world does not promise us all roses!  God put us here for a reason.  He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us through the challenges - so that we can love others and share His love and mercy with others - sometimes it is through our trials that we can help others the best!!!  I can't wait for the Glory in Heaven!!!  

And finally, the gospel!  One of my favorites.  I have been every seed in this gospel!  It makes me chuckle to go back and think of my life as a seed!  I have been so lost - I don't even know how God found me!  I actually rejected God so many times!  Yet, here I am!  His mercy and grace are so amazing!  This verse also gives me hope!   We all have a story.  We all have a journey.  Even those most lost in this very moment (our grown children - family members)....are only lost for the moment (remember God isn't limited by time!)  His timing is perfect!  He has a plan and it is that all of His children are with Him forever in Heaven!  He uses His Living Word (Isaiah) which will not go Void!  He uses us to love!  He thirsts for us to thirst for Him!  He is always chasing after us!

Thanks be to God!  He never gives up!  He never gave up on me!  and HERE I AM!  It's such a miracle!  Let us not give up on those around us!  Let us continue to spread the seeds of God's love and mercy and compassion - knowing that we are not home yet!  

Have a blessed week!!!

Nancy