The Israelites had turned away from God and were suffering in the land of the Midianites. When they realized that they needed God, they sent an angel to Gideon to tell him to deliver Israel from the land of Midian. Gideon asked a question that most of us have asked - he wondered why terrible things had been happening if God was with them. Gideon then gave reasons why he was not the person to be the leader. Have we not said similar things to God? Once the angel gave him a sign, Gideon consented and worshipped God. Don't we often ask for a sign? What was given to Gideon is something we hear at Mass - Peace be with you! Let us live in the peace of God.

Jesus had just spoken to the rich young man who had turned away sad because he could notgive up hisriches to have eternal life. The young man was further perturbed by Jesus' invitation to follow Him. Here Jesus was telling the disciples that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Why? Because people tend to hold onto their possessions, their station in life, everything that elevates them above others. To enter the kingdom of heaven, it is necessary to put God first and to serve others before ourselves. Jesus offered the young man peace from worrying over possessions. This invitation remains open, would you accept?