2nd Week after Holy Cross

Revelation 3:14-22 To Laodicea
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen,
the faithful and true witness, the origin of God’s creation: “I know your
works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or
hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about
to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered,
and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable,
poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold
refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you
and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve
to anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those
whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at
the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come
in to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers
I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered
and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear
listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Matthew 12:29-32
The Lord Jesus says:
“How can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property,
without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be
plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does
not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven
for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit
will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man
will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not
be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

We choose to be with Jesus or against him. If we are with him there is a feast and if we are against him there is no feast for us. The image of Jesus knocking and pleading patiently to accept his love and share his joy sums up Jesus’ love for us. Love does not come by force, but we must receive it.

Lord, have mercy on us and save us.
Lord,
in your heavenly dwelling,
accept the prayers and intercessions offered to you this morning by your Church,
for the sick and sorrowful, the exiles and prisoners,
the poor and the wretched.
From the treasury of your mercy
give to each one according to his petition and needs.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to you be glory forever.
Amen.