October 1st, 2006 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

“Jesus Goes High Definition”

 

 

Text- (Mark 9:41) “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” (New International Version)

 

Thought starters

Do you have a television in your home? You probably have more than one. Do you ever hear about shows that are in High Definition? It is the clearest picture available.

Are all shows in High Definition? No, only a few selected popular shows are available with this special clearness.

At the beginning of these selected shows they will make a big deal of the High Definition by showing and saying that this particular show is in High Definition. So you will be able to see this show clearer than you can see other television programs.

Jesus used High Definition too! Many times before he began to speak, he used a phrase in front of his main words to make sure people knew that the following statement was to be heard in High Definition. Which means Jesus thought it was so important he said these words. “I tell you the truth.”

Whenever Jesus begins to speak with the phrase, “I tell you the truth”, we need to really pay attention to what he says. It’s his way of saying “You need to hear this statement as clearly as possible.”

So when you are reading your Bible, hearing the words in church or in Sunday school, and you hear or see the words, “I tell you the truth” , “Verily I say unto you” or “Mark my words” Jesus wants you to listen very closely and understand clearly what he is about to say. In fact in the Greek language, those phrases are said as, “Amen amen.”

Amen means to us, “So be it” or “This is it.” Jesus wants us to hear it clearly.

Prayer-Dear Jesus, Thank you for giving us special words when you want to make sure we understand your word clearly. Help us to listen carefully to these words and follow them. Amen

Prop-A mini TV

Video/Computer Screen-picture of a High Definition ready television.