Paul stands up in the Temple and begins to remind the congregation about their shared history. He reminds them of the many years they suffered together and triumphed together. Paul reminds them that God, who has now come in the form of man, Jesus, took care to organize them as a people by providing wise judges and outstanding Kings. Paul reminds the congregation, gathered in the Temple, about David and David's relationship with God. "I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man's descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus." The Responsorial Psalm also makes reference to the importance of recognizing our shared history, knowing that God has blessed us. "My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted." What a great reminder that is through "the grace of God" that we are indeed blessed with opportunities, challenges and resources. We are reminded that our gifts are given to us to use and in using these gifts we need to remind ourselves and to humbly tell others that these gifts come from God. Finally, the Gospel reading encourages us to Find God in other people and in life experiences . "Amen, amen I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. If we acknowledge that Jesus was sent from God to strengthen our relationship with God and to strengthen our relationships with other people we must come to appreciate all that has been recorded in scripture, especially the greatest command from God which is to Love one another as God has loved us throughout history. |