When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. I never joined the people in their merry feasts. I sat alone because your hand was on me. I was filled with indignation at their sins. Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry. ” This is how the Lord responds:“If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you. I, the Lord, have spoken! Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands. ”

Jeremiah 15:16-21

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me. ” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. ”

Luke 10:38-42

Dear God, as I read the Old Testament and Gospel readings this morning the theme occurred to me that everyone has a different role to play in your world, whether we like it or not. It might be struggles through hardships of parenting or marriage. It might be poverty. It might be to be the unwelcome prophet. It might be to be wealthy and share resources with others. It might be to be a role model of who to be, and it might be a role model of who not to be.

Honestly, it’s hard for me to complain about my life. And while I have sorrows and things I lament, even those could be so much worse. The question I ask myself when I stop and appreciate what I have and what you’ve done for me is, What is my responsibility and the work you have for me to do? There’s my vocational work. There’s the volunteer work I’ve found myself doing. But is there more? Am I missing anything?

Father, I am having the privilege of visiting some tremendous people yesterday and today. Really great people who love and worship you. Who submit themselves to you and are doing their best to discern your will for their lives. Who celebrate you in their successes and in their struggles. They are good examples for me. I love them all. I pray, Holy Spirit, your blessing over the home I’m in right now. Let your Spirit move, reign and live in every room. With each life that lives here. With each life that enters here, let them feel your presence, let your peace envelope them, and draw each one closer to the center of you and who you are. I ask your blessing on this family.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen