TUESDAY, November 10 (Leo the Great)

Matthew 15:21-28. Lord, help me.

Another friend writes he has lost his job, "downsized" as we say in the new doublespeak for being dismissed. The economy is bleak. Nearly everyone knows more than a few friends who have no employment. The experts do not see much change on the horizon. It could be years before recovery.

My friend's letter touches me deeply. It is all the more poignant in that all of us are affected by the downturn. But his letter expresses no bitterness. Fear of the future is present, he writes, but that can be handled only by faith. His words remind me of the healing power of God alone.

God is not an employment agent, of course, nor do I believe God is concerned with human prosperity. But he is concerned for our well-being. So I know that what is in store for all of us will, in time, enrich us--even if we do not yet know what that will be. That's okay. It will unfold.

The persistence of the Canaanite woman seeking Jesus' help causes him to marvel. "Woman, great is your faith!" he tells her. Great ours should be as well.

In difficult times or good times we do well to seek first the kingdom of heaven. Then, everything else will take care of itself. Lord, help us all.

PRAY for the Diocese of Vellore (South India)

Ps 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; Nehemiah 9:26-38; Revelation 18:9-20

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Nov 10, 2009 at 1:19 am

Written by John Culbertson,

I live in a city that has been greatly affected by the banking crisis. We have lost thousands of jobs and many of the pillars that have built this new city are shaking. Friends of mine that I once thought were on the fast track, are now having to sell their homes, assume loads of debt and make radical changes to their lifestyles. However, now that the shock has worn off, there is a certain spirit of defiance that is taking hold. People have gone back to their "God given talents", those things that made them great to begin with and putting them to work. Even in the face of adversity, we all have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes, just the peace of knowing that God is at work here and that everything is going to be okay is enough to fill hours, if not the days.

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Nov 10, 2009 at 3:58 am

Written by Richard H. Schmidt, Editor, Forward Day by Day,

To the person whose words appear above, thank you. Your comment is realistic and doesn't promise anything specific, as in "Just trust Jesus and you'll get your job back." It's not that simple or easy. But God is in charge, even when it appeares yhe may not be. Your words are very hopeful. Thank you. ---Richard H. Schmidt, Editor, Forward Day by Day

retired

Nov 10, 2009 at 7:03 am

Written by Walter Griesmeyer,

William Temple, whose day was just a few days ago, said, "the worst evil of unemployment is its creating in the unemployed a sense that they have fallen out of the common life. Those with no opportunity to serve risk becoming contented loafers or embittered self-seekers." As a positive suggestion, I would offer this: Go to your local library and check out Richard Bolles, "What Color is your Parashoot". He offers a different strategy for job hunters and career changers. He is also an Episcopal priest. Forward Movement used to have a pamphlet authored by him, "Take Heart, a Word for the Unemployed." Perhaps in this economy, you might consider reprinting same.

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Nov 10, 2009 at 3:53 pm

Written by Sami Felmet ,

My own small retail business is suffering from the economic downturn. I'm not sure I believe in that term at this stage. I have considered closing my shop and have been seeking God's will. I found it interesting that the phrase I have repeated most often during recent weeks was in today's message: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness". I sing it in the form a Cursillo song that goes on "and all these things will be added unto you". God's promise to me and to you. We have hope and we live in his grace.

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Nov 10, 2009 at 7:21 pm

Written by Christine Priestman,

Not an easy thing to have happen, this losing jobs. I experienced it 9 years ago as the result of a car accident and was never able to return to the work force. I live on a disability pension now and only by the grace of God can I afford an apartment in the place where I am currently doing volunteer work to help others who find themselves in crisis. I like the idea that our natural gifts and talents could direct us to new and promising ventures. It worked out for me. I pray it will work out for others as they seek employment and something to do that contributes to their life and to their family and to the community in which they live. It is not an easy road, but it may be surprising where it will lead those who persevere on it. All the best to all of you.

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