Aug. 22, 2010: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Serving God can be as easy as getting on the bus in the morning or doing your homework at night.

“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of God, nor lose courage when you are punished by God. For it is the one who is loved that God disciplines, and every child whom God receives is chastised.” Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom the parent does not discipline? Discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time; but later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. (Hebrew 12:5-7, 11)

We usually talk about the Gospel, but today’s Scripture passage from the Letter to the Hebrews is a good passage to read and comment on. It offered words of encouragement to Christians living in the first century. It was not easy being a Christian at that time. And, it’s not easy being a Christian today. To live a good Christian life requires discipline. Sometimes parents must discipline, or punish, their children. God, our Creator and our spiritual parent, disciplines us as well through the challenges of life. God will also be with us through all of life’s difficulties.

Action:

As you begin another school year, discipline will be needed if you are to do well in your studies. May you do what is needed in order to learn well. Surely you can count on many people, including God, to help you throughout the year.