Luke 2:1-20 - God Bursts in our Ordinary Lives with the Birth of Christ!

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Shepherds Find the Christ, just as the Angel said!

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God breaks into our ordinary lives and invites us to witness His Love for us.  He gives concrete, tangible proof of His Love and our lives are never the same again.  We get to listen to the heavenly chorus sing praises to God and we can join in! God gives us Good News and that Good News is that God has dwelt among us as a Man. Taking on our flesh, He has redeemed Humanity and we can become like God in holiness.

O Lord, the Shepherds, who were humble of heart, rejoiced that Christ was born as humble as they were. The shepherds rejoiced that their dreary lives were lit up with Angelic Hosts praising God.  This day, on the eve of Christmas, may I remember that God in the Flesh is the Good News I need to hear and I should conduct myself with humility as the shepherds did. I thank you, Lord Christ, that in Your Humility, You choose to become a Man, redeeming all humanity by Your Incarnation. Amen.

Mark 10:11-16 - Women and Children First!

11

So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.

12

And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.

13

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14

But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

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Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.

16

And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

In Sinking ships, it's women and children first; so, too, in the Kingdom of God!
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Jesus transform the society around Him. In His day, women were considered property and children could be considered a nuisance. Thus, it was okay in His day for a man to divorce his wife for any trivial reason and children were to remember that thier only importance was to be ready to grow up and take over the family business. But, Jesus knows the value of all people, even those who are considered of low status.

My attitude should that like that of Jesus Who saw that woman and children were made in the Image of God. Children, especially, are to be emulated in their humility for they always remember that they are dependent upon others, just like we should always remember that we are dependent upon God.

O Lord, grant me that humility of a child for I wish to receive the Kingdom of God. Help me to walk this day knowing that all I encounter are Image bearers and, thus, worthy of honor.  By this attitude, O Lord, may I enter the Kingdom. Amen.

Mark 16:9-20 - Believing is Seeing

LOOK WHAT I SEE
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 At that time, Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, and he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

The Resurrection accounts in the Gospels do not sit well with the modern reader. In our materialist  age where only seeing is believing and if something cannot be proved scientifically, it is hard for the modern person to accept that Jesus rose from the dead. Because, you see, He appeared in different forms so He wasn't easily recognizable. This makes it possible for atheist to say: That was not Christ resurrected; it was someone else. You were mistaken.

Why would God do this? Why would He not make it a "scientific fact" in the modern sense that He did indeed raise from the dead? The missing element is Faith. Christ berated the disciples for not believing, even after He foretold that He would raise from the dead and when "circumstantial evidence" pointed towards the Resurrection (i.e., the empty tomb,) many chose to believe that the Body was moved or stolen.  Yet, He is risen; He is risen, indeed!

O Lord, help me to approach life with faith. Faith comes first and then you reveal Yourself and Your presence is made known.  Help me, this day to put Faith ahead of everything and of even of what I see for it is by Faith that You are made known. Amen

Mark 9:33-41 - A cup of water in Christ's Name

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At that time, Jesus and his disciples came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?" But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me." John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward."

A servant of Christ who is thirsty and then receives a cup of water from someone just because that servant belongs to Christ is an example on how the Kingdom of God is gained by humility and putting others first. Jesus told us to be like children and children know their place in the world. They look up to their elders for guidance, comfort, food and all manner of needs. Children do this in humility, knowing they are dependent upon someone else. So, too, we should receive the Kingdom of God in humility. Our works are nothing, it is only our faith and trust in He who provides all that unites us to God.

Today, I must be the servant of all, not putting my own needs first but rather seeing others as more important.  By doing this, I recieve the Kingdom of God in humility and receive the One Who sent Jesus, namely the Father, Who reveals Himself to mankind in His Son.  The smallest act of kindness I do for others- giving a glass of water- is an act of kindness I do for Christ. By receiving the least of all, I receive Christ.

O Lord, help me to embrace humility. Help me to put others first. I share a cup of water to those who bear Your Image and by doing so, I give the cup of water to You.  Lead me in paths of righteousness and accept my humble service. Amen.

Luke 21:12-19 - No need to Prepare a Speech

Keep quiet until the Spirit gives you the Words
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The Lord said to his disciples, "Beware of men who will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives."

These instructions are for those who would lay down their lives for Christ, for those who know what it is to pick up their cross, deny themselves and follow Him.  For surely, if Christ, who is our Master, has suffered betrayal, persecution and even death, then why should we, who are His followers, expect anything different? What is good for the Master, is also good for the student.

Yet, we are not alone. Christ promises that not one hair on my head will perish, even if I am killed.  By enduring this hardship, I will gain my life.  Also, I am not to worry about what I shall say to my persecutors. Christ before Pilate was silent and yet He had the Words of eternal life. I am to trust solely in His Spirit who will give me wisdom beyond myself.  

O Lord, how I long for Your Spirit. I know all too well my own weakness. Therefore, in times of persecution, I rely upon Your Spirit who will give me the words to say. I also rely upon Your Spirit to give me strength to endure till the last day.  Thank you, Lord, for showing me I am weak for then I can with full confidence rely upon You. Amen!

Luke 6:1-10 - Feed the hungry; forget about the rules.

At that time, Jesus was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath?" And Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?" And he said to them, "The Son of man is lord of the sabbath." On another sabbath, when he entered the synagogue and taught, a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there. And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?" And he looked around on them all, and said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored.

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It's all about the people.  In this passage in Luke we find people who are hungry and people who are in need of healing.  If we live lives that care only about rules than those who are created in the Image of God will suffer. If, like the Pharisees, we concentrate only on the law than we will miss following God's law which is to love our neighbors as ourselves. God's law is not to be ignored but, rather, fullfilled.

O Lord, help me this day to remember that those who You send in my path may need to be feed or may need healing. Help me not to care so much about rules and the proper way to do things but, rather, help me to feed my brothers and heal my brothers for surely this is the Will of God. Amen.

Luke 10:16-21 - The Humble have their names written in Heaven.

The Lord said to his disciples, "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name! " And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. " In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."

Written in Heaven!
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The real reason why I should rejoice should have nothing to do with any success I may achieve in this life, whether in the temporal or spiritual realm. Yes, victories are great and, yes, it does give satisfaction for me to achieve something whether it be somehow helping another person, thus living out the Gospel or something of a personal nature, expanding upon my talents in someway. Yes, it is okay to be happy about that. But, how much more important it is to rejoice about my name being written in heaven, like those of the Apostles.

To think that God would take notice of me, sinful though I am. To think that God would want my name written in heaven.  How important it is to keep humble and realize that the Holy Spirit will not reveal Himself to the proud and arrogant man but to the one who is humble of heart~ humble like a child.

O Lord, how I desire to remain that humble so that I would see You. The proud and haughty man cannot see You, because they look to themselves. But I want to rejoice in You and see my name written in Your Kingdom. Help me to live like that today, I pray, Amen. 

Matthew 23:29-39 - Like a Hen gathering Chicks

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all this will come upon this generation.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'

Hen gathers chicks
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The Lord is always going to tell the truth and in this passage He doesn't hesitate to call it like it is.The truth is that people who claim to be religious, who are the spiritually elite and who relish being looked up to as big-wigs in the Synagogue, are, in fact, children of hell. For they oppose the Kingdom of God and every time a true prophet of God comes along, they kill them for their message is against them.

Yet, the Lord longs to gather all who reject Him and wishes to care for them as a hen cares for its chicks, under her wings. So great is the compassion of the Lord and yet these chicks will not be gathered but instead will meet their own destruction.

O Lord, let my heart always be soft and may I always look to You who gathers those who will be gathered. Let me not be among those who oppose You for they will have no peace.  Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.

Matthew 5:14-19 - Let Your Light Shine

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You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

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Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

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Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

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For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

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Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The Light will be Noticed
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O Lord, it is hard to believe that I am a light. For, surely, too many times I allow darkness to overtake my soul and that darkness snuffs out the light.  But, Lord, I want the Light of Christ to shine forth through and in my life.  May others see that Light and give glory to Your Father.  Your Word, O Lord, is a Light to my path and Your commandments are Life everlasting! May I read, learn and inwardly digest Your commandments, O Lord, and may I teach others to follow them as well. For Lord, I surely do not want to be called least in Your Kingdom. Rather, may Your Light shine through me and my actions, illumining Christ for all to see. Amen.

Matthew 15:12-21 - External Cleanliness is NOT the Key!

At that time, the disciples came and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" He answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." But Peter said to him, "Explain the parable to us." And he said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and so passes on? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man." And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.

These Kids understand -external cleanliness not important
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What passes for unclean is not what you eat. Rather it is what comes out of your heart!  So to live "unclean" externally. i.e., by what you eat  does not necessarily mean that your heart is impure. Truly, it is out of the heart that all manner of evil proceeds. Hatred, bigotry, murder, sexual sins, lying and rage are not effected  by what you eat nor if your hands are clean when you are eating (all very important to the pharisees) - Indeed, any religious activity that I might deem important, is actually useless if my heart is unclean.

I must take stock of my heart and see what lies therein. I must make sure that I do not rely on religious activity but, rather, make sure my heart is not unclean. This can only come about by constant prayer, vigil and repentance, My life and attitude must be one of humble submission to God and His ways. Then, what comes from my heart will not be unclean.

O Lord, grant me a clean heart. May I not worry about external cleanliness as much as my heart's purity. Then only Love and Praise will show forth from my life and none of these sins.  Help, O Holy Spirit! Create in me, a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.

Matthew 9:18-26 - Reaching out in Faith

At that time, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.

A baby knows who to go you...so should we!
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How marvelous is the faith shown here. A rule, knowing his daughter had died, still knew that Jesus could raise her from the dead. On His way to the ruler's house, Jesus is touched by a woman who reached out in faith. She did not ask Jesus for healing but, instead, believed that just touching Jesus' garments would be enough to heal her hemorrhage, which she had been suffering for 12 years! The ruler believed. The women believed. And their faith was rewarded.

How in my life can I show that kind of faith?  Faith that looks at my own situation, knowing I cannot do anything about it and yet knowing that Jesus can! Will I take the actions necessary for my faith to "work?" Surely, the women would not have been healed had she not reached out and touched Jesus' clothes. Surely, the ruler's daughter would not have been raised if he had accepted dead as dead. Their actions, meager as they were, changed the whole situation.

O Lord, help me to take whatever actions I need to take to show my faith.  I can do nothing, Lord, except reach out to You. Like the woman with the issue of blood and like the ruler whose daughter had died, I can do nothing except go to You, Who is able to heal! Heal me, O Lord, and help me to live in faith. Amen.

Luke 21:12-19 - Your words are from the Spirit

The Lord said to his disciples, "Beware of men who will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.

The Holy Spirit will give you the words....
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O Lord, give me Your Words by Your Holy Spirit. When confronted by evil or when ridiculed by those who oppose Your ways, let me not worry about what I shall say. Rather, may it be given my by Your Spirit. Then, Your Holy Name will be glorified, even in the midst of those who blaspheme You. And help me, I pray, to endure to the end for with my whole heart, I would serve You. Amen.

Mark 5:24-34 - Reach out and touch the Hem of His Garment!

At that time, a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." And immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, "Who touched my garments?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

Reach out to the Right Person!
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 A woman who had suffered more than a decade and who had spent all her money trying to get herself cured, found no relief until she met Jesus. Being humble and knowing as an unclean woman, she should not touch anyone, let alone Jesus, she decided that she would reach out, in faith, and touch the hem of His garment. She believed that doing so would effect a healer for her and she was right! Jesus sensed that power had left her. He, in His humanity, didn't know who had touched her but, in His divinity, He had healed her.  He stopped everything so that the woman, besides being healed, could be commended for her faith.

It was the faith of the woman that healed her. Yes, of course, it was Jesus and the woman could not heal herself but her action, he understanding that there was only one place to go-to Jesus- in order to get healed; it was that which allowed the healing touch of God to flow to her.  

O Lord, make me a man of action. I know where to go to get healing but do I, like the woman with the issue of blood, do anything about it? Do I approach Jesus for healing, in prayer, in Bible reading, in attendance of Divine Services? Surely I know where to go but, help me I pray to take the necessary actions to encounter Jesus and His healing! Amen.

Matthew 11:27-30 - Resting Easy!

The Lord said to his disciples, "All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Taking a rest; good for the soul
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The Father is revealed to those whom to whom the Son wants to reveal.  And who does the Son want to reveal the Father to? Surely, His invitation is to all: Come to me, all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says Jesus. He will reveal the Father to those who answer the call of their hearts, their overburdened and troubled hearts. Yet, if one would just take the yoke of Jesus upon himself, he would find rest in the Father. This rest is available to all; it is available to me.

O Lord, how I long to enter into Your rest and how I desire to know the Father. Help me to answer Your call and to take Your yoke upon me. For, surely, Your yoke, unlike the world's is delightful and good for the soul. Amen.

Mark 5:24-34 - Reaching Out to One who Cares

At that time, a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." And immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, "Who touched my garments?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.

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O Lord, give me the faith of the woman with an issue of blood. She, in her desperation, knew of only one place to turn. In faith, she grabbed the hem of your garment and in faith she received the healing she desired. In Your Humanity, O Christ, You did not perceive who touched You, nor did you ascertain for whom Your power left Your body.  But, this woman, O Lord, seeing she could not keep her action a secret, fell at Your feet and sought Your Mercy.  Your Mercy, O Lord, is exactly what was received and Your healing touch endured as she left.  Grant that I might, this day, touch the hem of Your garment. In Faith, I prostrate myself before You, asking for Your healing for You, in Your Mercy, delight to heal those approach You in Faith. Amen.

Matthew 7:24-29; 8:1-4 - And Great is the Fall of it!

The Lord said, "Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. When he came, down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them."

A house built on sand is like a house made of sand!
...it's not going to last!
photo by José Carlos Cortizo Pérez,
used under the creative commons license.
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The Words that Jesus used when teaching the people were unlike another of His time. The teachers of the law quoted "the Fathers" and other learned people when they were trying to  prove their point. They pointed to the authority of someone else. But when Jesus speaks, He can speak of His own Authority, for it is rightfully His.  Happy is the man who follows the Words of Jesus, Who, speaking from a position of Authority, can deliver to us, life-giving Words.

Jesus taught that Words were, indeed, life-giving and if we would heed them, our lives would be like a house that was built upon a strong foundation. Yet, the person who ignores Jesus and all of His teaching will not stand when the storm comes because his house is built upon shifting sand. The wind will blow, the rain will come and the house will fall. And great will be that fall! How much better it is to have a house built upon the strong foundation of Jesus' Words and commandments. For when storms come (and they will) that person shall endure, in Hope and in God's Faithfulness.

O Lord, I do not want to have my house collapse around me! Help me to follow You and Your teachings, knowing that such a strong foundation will support me in all times! This day, O Lord, help me to meditate on the house that stood and the house that fell and, in Your mercy, let my house stand! Amen.

Luke 7:36-50 - Washing Feet with tears

At that time, one of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house, and took his place at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "What is it, Teacher?" "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

That' s one way to wash your feet...photo by Chris Dillon,used under the creative commons license
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How fortunate the woman is, who, knowing her own sinfulness, knew exactly where to go to obtain forgiveness. How dangerous it is for Simon, who, thinking he is better than the sinful woman, doesn't realize his own sins.  We are all sinners. It is better for me not to point out the fault of my brother when, it is obvious I have enough faults of my own to keep me occupied.

May I always turn to Jesus with deep contrition and full knowledge of not only my sins but of His great forgiveness. May my tears be used to wash the feet of my Master and may I always know that He is ready to forgive.

Oh Lord, keep me humble and, in my humility, let me never judge another. Amen.

Matthew 7:21-23 - Don't want to hear the words: GET OUT OF HERE!

The Lord said, "Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.

Don't wanna hear: DO NOT COME IN
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You can hear the surprise in the voices of those talking to the Lord: What do you mean I am not going into the Kingdom? There has got to be some mistake! I went to Church every Sunday. I did lots of religious things and others around me kept telling me how religious I was! I was baptized, I went to communion, I even watched religious shows on television. But the Lord will reply, I don't know.  We don't have a relationship because you were doing things that had to do with the Kingdom of God.

For me to enter into the kingdom of Heaven, I have to live in repentance. In a lot of ways that is easy because I can see daily my shortcomings and failures.  The Kingdom of Heaven is all about loving my neighbor, looking for God in every moment in every situation that He sends my way. Surely, the trials of my life are sent for my salvation.  Jesus wants to say to me on that day, "I Do know you! You are the one who loved his neighbor, who repented daily, who sought to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to be conformed to My Image. Enter into the Kingdom of God!"

O Lord, I do not want to be among those who are surprised, who thought they were serving You, yet they were only serving themselves. Help me to live in repentance and to seek to serve the Image of God in others. Amen. 

Matthew 5:33-41 - Take a long walk!

The Lord said, "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil. You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

walk the extra mile
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The Lord wants me to trust Him.  He does not want me to take oaths or promise to do things when, in reality, I have no idea what a day may hold for me. Instead, it is all as the Lord wills.  I cannot swear by God that I will do anything because I do not have the power to even change the color of my hair. So, I simply say, "yes" or "no" and leave the rest to God.  I should live for the moment that God has given to me and react to what is before me, as coming from Him.

Therefore, if someone tries to take my stuff, it's no big deal. If someone compels me to walk a mile with him, I can volunteer another mile. For I trust in the Lord and seek to find Him in the world around me.  I should not be moved by events that trouble others but, instead, trust in the Lord!

O Lord, help me to have a humble heart and to walk with my neighbor when they ask. For in walking with Him, I shall find You. Amen.

Matthew 5:20-26 - Live in Harmony

 

20

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

21

You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’

22

But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

23

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24

leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

25

Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.

26

Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

An example of Best Buddies!
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How important it is to live in harmony with my brother. If I know that I am "fighting" with someone and I try to pray or worship God in Church or do any kind of communal act with God, then it is hindered if I am not reconciled to my brother.  Surely, in my brother is the Image of God. To be out of harmony with my brother is to be out of harmony with God.  Did not the Apostle Peter say that we should be united with our wives, lest our prayers be hindered? Thus, I must strive at all times to live in harmony with those whom God has placed in my life. There, is the Kingdom of God.

Lord, Grant that I may always see Jesus in the face of my brother. Amen.

John 17:18-26 - The Father shows His Love!

At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "As you, Father, did send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.

"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you; and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

The Father Loves the Son
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God is Love. He shows the world that even as He has loved His Son, so also He loves the world.  The Son makes known the Father to the world and it is in the Son, that we know the Father.  O Lord, I want to behold the Glory of Christ, given Him by His Father, given in Love before the foundation of the world.  May the Love of the Father be in me, this day, and may I reflect the Glory of the Son. Amen. 

John 17:1-13 - Know God!

At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made.

"I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."

O Lord, I thank You that You have prayed for me. You gave glory to Your Father for giving You the disciples who have kept Your Word.  You ask that the Father would keep Your disciples in Him and thus preserve them till the end. I pray that I would be numbered with them, O Lord, confident in Your love and living in Your Hope. Surely, it is eternal life to know God the Father and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.

Keep me in Your Name, this day, I pray, Amen.

John 14:1-11 - The Way

The Lord said to his disciples, "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him."

Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father?' Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me."

Jesus, the Way!photo by Dawn Ashley, used under the creative commons licesne
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 Do I really want to know God as Thomas did? He asked Jesus, "Show us the Father." Jesus replied that if he has seen Jesus, than he has seen the Father.  Yes, what I need to do, in order to know God, is to know Jesus. For Jesus is God and Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him.

Oh, the divine, unfathomable mystery! God is in Three Persons yet there is One God! The way to know this God is to know Jesus. Jesus declares Himself to be the Way. It's not that Jesus presents a spiritual techique or any 12 step program in order to Know God. Rather, Since He is the Way to God, we need to get to know Him. Jesus is the Way to the Father and happy is the man who discovers that!

O Lord, Help me to know Jesus.  May I be united in Him and, by being so, we I know God. Amen.

Luke 10:16-21 - Name Written in Heaven :Rejoice!

The Lord said to his disciples, "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name! " And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. " In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Name written in Heaven?photo by flickr user spaceamoeba, used under the creative commons license.
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Yes, how truly importatnt it is to rejoice over the right things! Jesus wanted the 70 to make sure they rejoiced not because of the miracles they performed but rather because their names were written in heaven. That means, they are known and loved by the Father. Jesus rejoiced that His Father revealed Himself and His will to the humble and least of all.

O Lord, keep me humble so that I can be like these seventy who counted it pure joy to know the Father.
May my name be found to be written in heaven. Amen!

John 11:47-57 - Being Gathered

47

Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.

48

If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.

49

And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,

50

nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.

51

Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

52

and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

53

Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

54

Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

55

And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.

56

Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think – that He will not come to the feast?”

57

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

Gathered by the Lord, as fruit is gathered by this child
photo by Danielle Roberts, used under the creative commons license.
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   I thank You, Lord, that the prophecy of the High Priest, though he worked against You, actually came to pass. You have gathered for Yourself a people from all the lands. Surely, it is not just Israel You call Your own but those who were scattered abroad. In fact, You have made Your Church, the new Israel and they are those Whom You call Your own.  Grant, I pray Thee, that I may be numbered with them in the Kingdom of God.  Have mercy upon me and all who call upon Your Name.  Amen.

Matthew 10:16-22 - Sheep on the look out for wolves!

The Lord said to his disciples, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."

looking out for wolves!
photo by Flickr user Nicolas L, used under the creative commons license.
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It's rough out there! Family members turning on each other. Government authorities arresting people for the sake of Christ. We are like sheep in the middle of a pack of wolves. Therefore, we should be wise in our dealings with them yet maintain our innocence. And, if our wisdom fails to keep us from being brought before the authorities with charges against us, we should not worry about our defense. Rather, trusting in the Holy Spirit, He will speak through us and our words will convict them, either in this life or the next.  The key is not to worry but, to instead, endure to the end.

O Lord, Help me to be wise as a serpent when dealing with those who defame You. I am a defenseless sheep among predators who hate You.  Help me always to take Your side on all issues, showing Your love yet keep Your commandments.  And, by Your Grace, keep me till the end. Amen.  

John 7:1-13 - Do not love the evil deeds of the world

At that time, Jesus went about in Galilee; he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jews' feast of Tabernacles was at hand. So his brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples may see the works you are doing. For no man works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." For even his brothers did not believe in him. Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify of it that its works are evil. Go to the feast yourselves; I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come." So saying, he remained in Galilee.

But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, "Where is he?" And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, "He is a good man," others said, "No, he is leading the people astray." Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.

Do NOT love evil deeds
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 O Lord, the world hated You because You spoke the truth about their deeds. Yes, their deeds were evil and You did not relent from proclaiming it. Help me, this day, O Lord, to boldly confess You, as Lord. Help me never to me in agreement with evil. Would that I would suffer with You then be loved by the world. For this, I need Your Holy Spirit's strength. Amen.

Luke 24:13-35 - A Bible Study, led by Jesus!

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

A well studied Bible!
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What a thing it must be to have a Bible study, led by Jesus Himself. Yet, that is exactly what happened as Cleopas and his companion were walking to Emmaus. Jesus appeared to them yet kept His identity from them. He noticed they were downcast and asked why. Cleopas answered Jesus, telling Him things He already knew. That He had been tried and crucified. Cleopas did mention the testimony of the myrrh-bearing women but, clearly, Cleopas and his companion did not believe it. Then Jesus. slowly and methodically, went through the Torah and all the prophets and He explained how He had to suffer first.  The hearts of Cleopas and his companion burned within them as they heard the Word of God.  Later, He broke bread with them and, as He did that, they realized it was Jesus! Then He disappeared and the two disciples returned to Jerusalem to add their testimony to that of the myrrh-bearing women. Christ is Risen, they proclaimed!

O Lord, make my heart open as I read the Scriptures. May Your Holy Spirit open up the Word to me so that I can see Your Passion and Resurrection in the Law and the Prophets.  How important it is to read Your Word yet, without Your Holy Spirit's guidance, then surely I will not understand.  And reveal Yourself to me, I pray, in the breaking of the Bread, in Your Holy Eucharist in which You said, "This is my Body."

Happy is the man to whom the Lord opens His Word and Happy is the man who knows communion with Christ in the breaking of the Bread. Amen.