Become Like Children

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me."

​Consideration: Jesus explains to his disciples how one must live their lives in order to enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Imagine, people of the world living with the love and humility of a child. Evil exists because hatred and pride have entered into our hearts causing the peril we find ourselves in today. Today is the day of salvation; may we together as one people of God with humble hearts live and proclaim the Kingdom of God so that one day we will be welcomed into his glory in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

"Follow Me"

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head." And to another he said, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God." And another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go say farewell to my family at home." Jesus answered him, "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God."

Consideration: Jesus makes it very clear to those who wish to follow him; we must be willing to put everything else behind us and move forward with faith. The road to the Kingdom of God is very narrow and winding. Not all are able to put aside all of their obligations; but it will take much sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance on our part to live a life to proclaim the Kingdom of God to those we come in contact with on a daily basis, and to our families and friends as well. Amen.

Fire from Heaven

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village. 

Consideration: Jesus rebuked his disciples for attempting to use the power he gave to them for act of violence against the Samaritan village. Jesus will never force others to do his will. This is a good lesson for us today to ponder. We have a free will that was given to us by God. He expects us to use it wisely and exercise sound judgement; not for evil or sinful purposes, but for the good of ourselves and for others as well. Amen.

Least Among You

An argument arose among the disciples about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention or their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest."  Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

Consideration: The disciples may have been very surprised at the answer Jesus gave them regarding who among them was the greatest. Being humbled with words the least among you is the greatest. 

Do we seek recognition and praise for the works we do for the kingdom? Remember, to serve God is to serve our neighbor with the greatest gift of all, love! Amen.

Tax Collectors and Prostitutes

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "What is your opinion? A man has two sons. He came to first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not.' but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."

Consideration: We are called to do the Father's will always. At times, our hearts speak to us to do the right thing; do we respond yes and drift off to other things; or respond no, then complete the task because it was the right thing to do. Others may be caught up in things not pleasing to God. We may also cast judgment upon them because they do not hide their shame. Shame on us for doing so; we do not know their state in life. The Lord is the only one who can see into the depths of the heart. Unrepented hypocrites may not enter into the kingdom of God; but contrite sinners who love the Lord with all of their heart, by the grace of God certainly will. Amen.

At the Cross

There are no roses at the cross; no smiles only tears

There are no roses at the cross; sweet Jesus is there

No roses sweet Jesus: there are no smiles only tears

No roses sweet Jesus: at the cross...my Jesus is there

It's so hard, to carry this heavy load; so hard, to do it on my own

Burden of sin, so overwhelming; how do I start, where do I begin

My Jesus, my Jesus, help me, help me, please

My Jesus, my Jesus, from this sin and misery

My Jesus, my Jesus, help me, help me, please

My Jesus, I know you are there...rescue me!

No roses at the cross; I know your mercy is there

No roses at the cross; only grace to have no fear

It's so hard, to carry this heavy load; so hard, to do it on my own

Burden of sin, so overwhelming; how do I start, where do I begin

My Jesus, my Jesus, there is hope at the cross

My Jesus, my Jesus, there is mercy for the lost

My Jesus, my Jesus, I'm down upon my knees

My sweet Jesus I believe...you can set me free!

Praise the name of Jesus for the crosses we bear

Praise the name of Jesus for weakness and despair

Praise the name of Jesus for the shedding of tears

Praise the name of Jesus at the cross...he is there!

Pay Attention

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, "Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men." But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Consideration: The disciples believed in Jesus, but they did not understand all things because it was hidden from them. They could not comprehend the magnitude of what was to soon take place. Jesus allowed things to be revealed before them a piece at a time so they would clearly see the truth when the time arrived.  

Over two thousand years later, we have seen the story revealed to us through the Gospel. We have the grace of wisdom because it has been given to us. The time is at hand for us to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, with love. Many still do not understand the truth. People are caught up in the world and all of its vices and webs of destruction. If we spend the time to help others to understand, the Holy Spirit will infuse their hearts with truth; the truth will set them free. Amen.

"Love"

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for everything under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to morn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them. A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task that God has appointed that the sons of men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate for its time and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man's ever discovering, from the beginning to end, the work which God has done. 

Consideration: There is an appointed time for everything as described in reading from Ecclesiastes. With all the difficulties that daily life may send our way, this is a great time to reflect on what time it is in our own personal lives. We as individuals cannot control the big picture of worldly circumstances, but we can control the life we have been blessed with in most cases. Today, the Lord is speaking to us through this reading. Together, let us pray for one another, let us pray for peace; our families, friends, and those who are sick and have needs; the leaders of nations; and our spiritual leaders. Most of all, let us pray to our God for the blessing of "Love." Only with "Love," can we as people of God carry out the mission that He has prepared for all of His children. Amen.

The Christ of God

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am? " They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, 'One of the ancient prophets has arisen.' "Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said in reply, "The Christ of God." He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. He said, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."

Consideration: Peter, a fisherman, was the only disciple who recognized Jesus as the Christ. Jesus knew that Peter with all of his failings and shortcomings was to be the one that he would choose to lead his church. 

We too, with all of our failings and shortcomings, are called by Jesus for a role as well. We are the body of the church; called to live our lives in a way to draw others to the Kingdom of God. This is not possible without the grace of God. We must pray for the grace of perseverance, that no matter what obstacle the evil one uses to cause us to stumble, we will not waiver; arise and fight on. Amen.

The Rock

 

One Friday a man walking along a riverbank picked up a rock, but this rock was like no other. He imagined that he was able to lay upon the rock the difficulties that consumed his heart; all of life’s burdens, troubles, pain, and suffering.

 He took the rock home, placed it before the cross in his room and said a prayer. He asked the Lord to help him to deal with all the many burdens and troubles that he had placed before Him. With faith and trust, he believed the Lord heard and would answer his plea for help.

 Sometime later the man awoke; filled with the healing power of the Lord’s compassion and love. For the first time, in a long time, he no longer felt overwhelmed by all that had troubled him for so long. He felt that he was given the grace to be able to deal with the obstacles that everyday life would impose on him. The man was overjoyed that he was now free.

 One Friday our Lord Jesus Christ picked up a cross. Upon it lay the weight of all the burdens, troubles, and sinfulness of mankind. With true love and compassion, he carried this cross to its destination. He carried with him all the pain that this world would ever endure. On Friday afternoon he bowed his head and breathed His last. It was finished.

 On Easter Sunday morning many prayers were answered. Jesus moved away the large rock that locked Him in the tomb. He walked past the rock that was meant to close Him in forever and never looked back. He conquered sin and death for all eternity.

 Once we cast away our burdens and troubles, we too must never look back. Free from the things that weighed us down, we must now look forward to our heavenly crown. With His passion and death, our Lord opened the Golden Gates. As we journey home, evading the many obstacles in our way, he patiently waits.

 Our Lord Jesus Christ said to Peter, “You are rock, and upon this rock I will build my church.” It’s amazing that Jesus used the rock to describe his church. No two rocks are the same. Each has its own unique beauty and imperfections. But together, each supports the ones that follow bonded together they become one. The finished product is a mosaic of beauty laid upon the throne of Almighty God.

A rock is only a rock when it stands alone. But The Kingdom of God is built stone by precious stone!

God’s Servant,

Anthony

The Good News

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.

Consideration: Jesus knew that his time was at hand, and it was time to send out those he had chosen. He blessed them and sent out as sheep among wolves to proclaim the Good News and to do the Father's will. Directing them on how they were to carry out the mission. Normal men were given extraordinary gifts to do amazing things. 

This is exactly what Jesus is calling us to do as well. We are his boots on the ground in the world today. We are called carry out directive just as the Twelve were called. We must be brave and expect push back from the forces of darkness who live contrary to the Gospel of Christ. Go forward and boldly proclaim the Good News to those that hunger and thirst for righteousness; and those in darkness as well. Amen.

Act on the Word

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they wish to see you." He said to them in reply, "My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it."

Consideration: These words of our Lord, Jesus, should bring us to the realization of how we must react to his teachings. If we hear his words and keep on the road to laziness and continue on the worldly path, then we are separated from him. But if we hear his words and become one with them; we become one with him as well and share a family relationship with our Lord. Amen.

See the Light

Jesus said to the crowd: "No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone that has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away."

Consideration: Jesus gives us truth in plain language. Our actions that we may think will not become exposed and can be kept secret is foolish thinking on our part. Also, Jesus tells us that if we are faithful and make every effort to follow his truth and live in righteousness then we shall be blessed. Together, let us remain faithful and live lives full of gratitude to our Lord and to follow his teachings. Amen.

Cynical as Hell

Look in every direction, it’s there,

In people, places, things, so beware,

A sugar-coated treat so it's sweet,

In the handshake of people we meet,

In the headlines of morning papers,

Big screen movie smiling faces,

Words of nonsense from the wise, 

Voices on the radio spewing lies,

​

Not a cynical man, you may say that I am, listen up my friends, understand.

Cloth in beauty covered with lace, 

Or behind a smile of pretty face,

A fragrance with a tempting smell,

That may be coming out of hell,

​

Not a cynical man; you may not believe it, just my opinion, I call it as I see it.

Enticing words from a speaker, 

Sound like everything is fine,

That once in a lifetime deal,

Read twice between the lines

​

Not a cynical man, that’s the truth, just hard facts, that I learned as a youth.

​

Much more to look out for; circumstances to tell, you would say I’m cynical, Cynical as Hell.

Life is Christ

Brothers and sisters: Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I gone on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I will choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Consideration: Paul persecuted Christ with an intensity of no other man at the time. His conversion was so extreme that he became leader of professing Jesus as the Christ and helped to convert many to the Christian faith, both then and now. He wanted dearly to depart this world and to be with Jesus in paradise, yet he knew how important it was for him to remain and continue on converting people to Christ. Amen.

Rich Soil

 When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town to another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. "A Sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold." After saying this he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear." "This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the path are ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are one's the who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation. As for the seed that fell among the thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are chocked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word , embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance." 

Consideration: Jesus gives this treasured parable to us for inner reflection. Hearing the word of God, with all the richness contained in it, do we allow it to penetrate our hearts to the point of bursting with love for him. Do we take the treasure and bury it for another time more convenient for us; wasting away its value? Or, when hearing it, become so inflamed with the content that we are infused with to share it with everyone we come in contact with. We are the light of the world that has been overcome by darkness. We need to go out and sow seeds of faith, hope, trust, and love. We must nurture, condition, and cultivate the seeds we sow. This is an act of love; time invested will bring forth a harvest of souls for the Lord. Amen.

The Good News

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve, and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities. Mary, called Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out. Joanna the wife of Herod's steward Churza, Susanna and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Consideration: Lord, Jesus, only you knew how much time was available to fulfill the Father's plan. Touching the hearts of all you came in contact with, and those who heard the good news. Healing countless numbers of people, both physically and spiritually as well. You chose the Twelve to carry on the work you started so that those who followed and believed in you would not be left orphaned. Send us the graces necessary to continue the journey of faith and salvation in the world today. Christianity must flourish and remain faithful to the Gospel if we are to heal as a people of God. Amen.

Totally Free

It's all on t​​he line; we're out of time; no more hiding behind...mystery

The sun shines; moon lights the night; stars glisten bright...beautifully

Living on the edge; truth or nonsense; life is so intense...set us free!

The one that sees though it all; will guide us if we stand tall...patiently

Words of despair, spreading fear, electronic screens...frightful scenes 

Wars explode; silver and gold; oil price overload...families taken a toll

Take up the cross; spiritual force; line drawn in the sand...yes, we can

We are not alone; time to stand tall; the one sees all...will set us free!

One thing is for sure; there is a cure; a remedy is on the way...Pray

The sun shines; moon lights the night; stars glisten bright...beautifully

The one that sees though it all; will guide us if we stand tall...patiently

Living in harmony; peacefully; beautifully; divine mystery; totally free!

Go in Peace

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with ointment. When the Pharisee invited had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "if this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner." Jesus said to him in reply, "Simon I have something to say to you."  "Tell me, teacher," he said. "Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the dept, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?" Simon said in reply, "The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven." He said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But to the one whom little is forgiven, loves little." He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." the others at table said to themselves, "Who is this that even forgives sins?" But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Consideration: This reading gives us great hope. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We may think that our sins are so great that they are beyond forgiveness. Jesus tells us that if we love, show compassion and forgiveness to others, seek his mercy with humility and sincerity that we shall be forgiven. He is calling us; we need only to respond; "Lord, have mercy on me a sinner." Amen.

Wisdom is Vindicated

Jesus said to the crowds: "To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.' "For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by all of her children."

Consideration: Hypocrisy once again is shown by the people of this generation that Jesus is speaking about. Speaking falsely about John the Baptist, and Jesus as well. But wisdom will win out in time, and truth will be vindicated when the generation passes and truth is revealed to her offspring. Amen.

Do not Weep

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "Do not weep." He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, "Young man, I tell you arise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, "A great prophet has arisen in our midst," and "God has visited his people." This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

Consideration: Jesus said, "Do not weep." This tremendous miracle not only raised a dead man to new life but should open the eyes of all people to see Jesus as the Son of Man. As we are known for the works that we do, Jesus, with this act that no mortal being is capable of now or ever, clearly defines him as the "Son of God." Amen.

Pleasing to God

Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and Apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

Consideration: Saint Paul tells us that there is one mediator between God and men, he who gave himself as ransom for all, Jesus Christ. Our faith, hope, and trust are in the Lord; His grace is the guiding light that will lead us to His beloved Son, Jesus. Amen.

He Shall Reign

Looking for answers in a world of distress; is there any hope left?

Empty promises to clean up the mess; we walk in the wilderness.

Chatter says the end is near; walking on the edge of endless fear.

Never give in, never lose hope, never cave; the King is on the way.

Everything we need; healing misery; transform darkness to light; all in a moment's time.

The wait is over, keep the faith, blessings will shower amazing grace.

Tears will dry, the lame healed, in a moment's time his glory revealed! 

All will witness, every eye shall see, the Son of Man in all his majesty.

The promise, magnificent splendor, choir of Angels chanting glory be.

In a moment's time, the earth will be still, the power of darkness shaken down by his will.

 
He shall reign, he shall reign, he shall reign, with all his power, all his glory, he shall reign!

He shall reign, he shall reign, he shall reign, with all his power, all his glory, he shall reign!

He shall reign, in all his splendor he shall reign, the Son of Man in all his majesty shall reign!

The choir of Angels chanting glory be; Christ the King in all his majesty..."He Shall Reign"!!!

Set Enmity Aside

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the Lord's vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from Lord the Lord? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins? Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin! Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; Remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults. 

Consideration: This very important message from the Book of Sirach is explained in simple and understandable words. Vengeance is not the way the Lord expects us to deal with adversity and pain in our lives that may have come from others in our families or meet along the journey of life. We are told to extend mercy and forgiveness to our offenders if we expect to be pardoned from the Lord for our shortcomings as well. Love always wins in the end, set enmity aside, and the peace you seek inside of you will be released through mercy. Amen.

Rotten Fruit and Structure

Jesus said to his disciples, "A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but do not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like that comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid a foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against the house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it , it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed." 

Consideration: A man who has spent a lifetime toiling in the soil and building structures understands fully that the words of Jesus are so true. To produce good fruit the poor soil must be cultivated and nourished to bring forth a healthy harvest. In the same way a structure will only resist the forces of nature if it is built on a solid foundation. The end result will only produce a positive result only if there was sacrifice, effort, and hard work applied through the entire process. Nothing worthwhile is easy, but when all is said and done, a bounty of fruit will shine forth, and the structures built on solid ground will endure for a lifetime and beyond. Amen.

A Blind Guide

Jesus told his disciples a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into the pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brothers eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,' when you do not notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your own eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye."

Consideration: Jesus once again points out the hypocrisy of people. Are we guilty of this serious sin? Before we condemn another person for any reason we should reflect on our actions as well. If we were guilty of the same sin and acknowledged our sinfulness to the Lord, we may be in a better position to help another person trapped in the same way to a way of freedom from the issue. Amen.

Love Your Enemies

Jesus said to his disciples, "To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person that strikes you on the cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person that takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love only those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your father is merciful. "Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."

​

Consideration: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." These words sum up this entire scripture message. To follow this message is not easy for us to understand because Jesus is telling us to extend love in all of its many forms even when we have been victims of those we are called to love. May God extend to us the graces necessary to overcome the voices in our hearts that will demand us to expect what is ours in return, rather than extend to others what is of God; total surrender and love. Amen.

The Great Reward

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. "Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in the same way

Consideration: Does Jesus want us to be poor, hungry, weeping, hated, excluded, insulted, denounced; no, he does not. He is telling us that if we endure all of these things on his account; if we are slandered and ridiculed because we profess our love for him; we should rejoice and leap for joy. He tells us, " Behold, your reward will be great in heaven." How many saints are enjoying their eternal reward because they were steadfast in their faith in our Lord, Jesus. How many?...Amen!

Prayer to God

Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also called Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholeomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all of Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.

Consideration: After spending the night in prayer to his Father; Jesus chose his Twelve Apostles. We should learn from this action of our Lord. Our decisions must be made with faith that the Lord will send the Holy Spirit to inspire and enlighten us to make the proper decisions in life. Amen.

Stretch out your hand

On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a certain man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up and stand before us." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

Consideration: if we have the opportunity to do good to help another person, we should always help the person. The Lord expects us to help those in need, regardless of the timing of the act. Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you." Jesus performed this act of love and compassion knowing that he would be ridiculed for it. We must learn from this beautiful action of or Lord. Amen.

Together in My Name

Jesus said to his disciples, "if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Consideration: Jesus speaks very clearly about prayer and reconciliation. Making an effort to forgive one and other; and praying together in his name to his Father; telling us that the Lord will grant the request.

New Beginning

Brothers and sisters: You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds: God has now reconciled you in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, and without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.

Consideration: Paul, a minister of the Lord, Jesus; and the once persecutor of Jesus, speaks of redemption. We too, have turned our backs on the Lord, but have been washed anew in the blood of the Lamb. Today we are called to persevere through all of the turmoil and trials of this world; this is easier said than done. Put on the armor of faith in the Lord, and the freshness of a new beginning will transform your life, and those around you. Amen.

The Things God Has Prepared

 

You can't believe it, you can't dream it, no eye has seen it, it's waiting for real!

Not on the radio, any streaming show, AI would overload, if it was made known!

​

It has never entered into the heart of man; no mind could ever imagine the plan; what is waiting for you; what is waiting for me; the things God has prepared for those who love Him in eternity...for those who love Him; it's waiting for real, believe!

​

Open your heart, now is the time, put all passing things aside, for the real thing!

Turn off the tube, shut down the screens, the artificial mind-blowing fake realities!

​

​It has never entered into the heart of man; no mind could ever imagine the plan; what is waiting for you; what is waiting for me; the things God has prepared for those who love Him in eternity...for those who love Him; it's waiting for real, believe!

​

Eye has not seen, no ear has heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man...the things that God has prepared for those that love Him! 

Do you love Him? Is He your everything? Are you empty, lonely, searching for love...God has prepared a place for you!

The Old is Good

The scribes and the Pharisees said to Jesus, "The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink." Jesus answered them, "Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days." And he also told them a parable. "No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled and the skins ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. And no one who has been drinking old desires new, for he says, "The old is good."

Consideration: When everything in life is going well, and we are experiencing peace, negativity is the furthest thing from our minds. Then when we least expect it, difficulty of one form or another enters into our lives. We start to look at things in a different way; and there is only one place to turn for comfort...our Lord, Jesus. When Jesus carried his cross, it contained all the sinfulness of mankind; also, every pain, suffering, and difficulty we would endure in our lives. Sounds impossible to believe; yes, it does. Remember the words: "Be not afraid, I go before always, come follow me, and I will give you peace!" Amen.

Catching Men

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus, and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they made had seized him and those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Consideration: Seeing this remarkable event, Simon Peter tells Jesus, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." 

We too are sinners; not worthy of the love of our Lord. But Jesus is calling us as well, to drop all of the attachments that are binding us from freedom to live out our faith. Once we listen to the call of Jesus in our hearts and respond to his will, we too will be free to touch those in our lives by the way we live and lead them to the Lord of all. Amen.

Demons knew he was the Christ

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew he was the Christ. At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent." And he was preaching in the synagogue of Judea.

Consideration: Over two thousand years ago the demons knew that Jesus was the Christ; and today, nothing has changed. The demons now attack everything that is of Christ here on earth. The battle for souls is real; demons do not sleep and are confronting humanity with a relentless war for the destruction of souls. Be on guard always and know that this battle we are in is being fought for the glory of God. Stand firm in Christ; the reward is everlasting and for all of eternity. Amen.

Holy One of God

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In a synagogue there was a man there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a load voice, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, "What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

Consideration: Lord, Jesus, your wisdom and teaching astonished all who heard your words. You commanded the demon spirit to come out of the man, and it immediately left him. Yes, you are the Holy One of God! Amen.

Proclaim Jesus Christ and Him Crucified

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. 

Consideration: Saint Paul tells the Corinthian people his gift of speech and testimony was to proclaim Jesus Christ, and him crucified; proclaiming that their faith was through the power of God. Amen.

Eternity!

 

Fires raging out of control, mass destruction tornados, reservoirs dangerously low, no one seems to care.

Earthquake death tolls, tidal wave destructive blows, flash flood catastrophes, nature's force is on a tear. 

 

Wars are raging around the world, nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and so it goes.

Sons and daughters with families, of all nationalities, many become casualties; so it goes the oil flows.

 

The mighty forces rage, nothing stays the same, in a blink of an eye everything can change, so quickly.

The power of storms, the pain rages on, tears and fears never ending, the Imagery of disaster, sickening.

 

When will an era of peace find its way to us; when will the poison of hell on earth run its course...when?

Freedom from the natural order; freedom from the world order; freedom from all powers that be...Eternity!