Ordinary Time

January 10, 2022

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
   and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
   and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
   and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
   that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
   and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
   and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
   and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
   and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman,
   so shall your builder marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
   so shall your God rejoice over you.

God has always wanted the best for all God’s people. However, problems arise when trying to discern God’s best from the world’s definition of best. So, how does God describe the best—being loved and loving others. Jesus explains that at John 10:10b, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” “More abundantly” means beyond what is anticipated, exceeding expectation; “more abundant,” going past the expected limit*. How do we measure abundance–how the world measures abundance with more excellent salaries, bigger homes, and fancy cars? Or do we perceive the abundant life as abounding fullness of joy and strength for spirits, souls, and healthy bodies? Jesus set the minimum in Mathew 25:34b-36, Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick, and you took care of me I was in prison, and you visited me. Abundance is not measured by wealth but starts when all have enough of the necessities to grow and flourish as God created them become.

Prayer: Lord, as we work toward a world where all have enough, let us also celebrate the advancement of our ability to strengthen our spirits and souls. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/greek/4053.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.