October 22, 2017 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time-A

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Psalm 96

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

Matthew 22:15-21

…your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope… 1 Thes 1:3

“…and to God what belongs to God.”  Mt. 22:21

Lord, you created everything there is: every atom, every beam of light, every spirit.  All the galaxies and every living cell come from your hand.  All creation belongs to you.  I belong to you.  My children belong to you.  The number of days you’ve given me on this earth belong to you.   The spark of life that exists in every one of us is from you.  You allow every breath I take and direct every beat of my heart.  So, if everything is already yours what do you want from me?  What can I possibly give you that you don’t have already?  Paul helps me with the answer.  You want me to have faith in you, to love you and to hope in you always.  You want no less than all of me.  You desire my every waking moment to give you glory and honor in what I think, say and do.  Today, I give you the first fruits of my day, not just the leftovers.  Lord Jesus, please accept my humble, but genuine, praise and gratitude for all you have done for me.  Amen