Have pity on me Lord

At that time, Jesus withdrew to region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus' disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "it is not right to take the food of children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.

Consideration: Jesus tells the woman that her faith is great; then he grants her request that the demon that tormented her daughter would be gone from her. 

Jesus tells us to ask and will shall receive; but we must ask with faith that request will be granted. We must always approach our Lord, with a contrite heart and a faithful spirit. Knowing that our Lord always hears and answers the prayers of his loving children. And if it pleases the Lord, he will grant our request in the way that it gives glory and honor to him and in a way that is best for the salvation of his children as well. Amen.

Let the Children come to Me

Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away.

Lord, Jesus, fill us with the grace of understanding and humility, that we who long for the Kingdom of heaven in our hearts, will indeed come to you with the hearts of children; when the human heart is at its purist form. Amen.

Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

St. Maximilian (1894-1941) became a Franciscan and devoted his life to fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a priest, publisher, and founder of the "City of the Immaculate." Sentenced to hard manual labor at the death camp in Auschwitz, he offered his life in exchange for that of a family man. He is remembered for his prophetic words, "Hatred is not a creative force. Only love is a creative power."  

Consideration: This holy man offered up his own life that another man would live. There is no greater love than this act of total surrender, that he gave his life voluntarily for another man who had a wife and children. Amen!

Seventy-Seven Times

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times." 

Consideration: This scripture passage is powerful. We have all been offended by others in one way or another. Jesus is clear when he tells Peter, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times." Remember, we have also offended others as well; and we are in need of forgiveness. 

In this troubled and unperfect world, there is plenty of pain and difficulty. Forgiveness is the key to unlock the freedom of peace that every heart longs for. In the end, it will be the mercy of our Lord, Jesus, that will free us from the darkness of this life; to the freedom of the light when we enter into his light. Amen.

Prayer in the name of Jesus

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 even to listen 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. 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 I am in the midst of them."

Consideration: Jesus speaks to disciples about forgiveness, and community prayer. The power of praying together as a group reaches the heavenly Father; promising to grant our request.

Amazing Peace

 

The days there are no clouds in the sky, and the sunshine is magnificent and bright; not one ripple on the lake; the seashore takes your breath away.

The air is clean, crisp and fresh; the river flows with tenderness; the wind is calm, resting for a time; you realize how wonderful, and beautiful, is life.

Just for a time, it all goes away; mother nature in all its splendor on display; everything seems right; there is peace and quiet; birds in playful delight. 

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of the day; magnificent in every way; this is how it was meant to be; today, your blessings glorify all things. 

In this moment, heaven is very near; everything perfectly clear; in an instant everything can change; that’s OK; now, and forever, we give you praise…thank you Lord, for another day of life; and this amazing peace!

Greatest in the Kingdom

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." "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go search for the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost."

Consideration: To be childlike is truly a grace. The adult life brings many challenges and difficulties. Prayer is the way to maintain a close relationship with the Lord. When you talk with humility, you love; and when you love, you maintain the childlike qualities that are required to enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Amen.

The Hand of a Fisherman

As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were overwhelmed with grief. When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, "Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes," he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, "What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?" When he said, "From foreigners," Jesus said to him, "Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you." 

Consideration: Jesus is told by Simon that it was the foreigners who were to pay the census tax. So, Jesus, not wanting to offend the tax collectors, tells Simon where he would find the coin to satisfy the sum for Simon and himself. Of all places, in the mouth of a fish; to the hand of a fisherman.

Glory, Honor, and Praise!

Awesomeness of the Father; Glory of His Son; fullness of the Spirit of Life; the Triune God is One.

 

Majesty, honor and praise; blessed be Thy Holy Name; all that is and will forever be; for all of eternity. 

When time is no more; your children are home; the last tear has been cried; infused with your love.

 

Thy will be done; Thy Kingdom come; together in Paradise...Glory of Peace!

The voices of Angels; ageless melodies; glory, honor, and praise; joyous things fulfilled and revealed.

Divine exaltation; all things will and forever be; as was intended…Glory and Peace!

Awesomeness of the Father; Glory of His Son; fullness of the Spirit of Life; the Triune God is One.

 

Majesty, honor and praise; blessed be Thy Holy Name; all that is and will forever be…Glory and Peace!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the Triune God is One; awesomeness of Paradise...Glory, Honor, and Peace!!!

I Search My Soul

 

 The many roads I’ve traveled,

Days and nights thinking of you,

My restless mind was unsettled,

From the pain I put you through,

 There’s one thing I want you to know,

There’s a feeling deep inside me,

That keeps me from losing control,

When I’m down on bended knees,

 I search my soul for answers,

When questions fill up my heart,

Away from all life’s romancers,

That’ve caused us to drift apart,

 At times I need to gather my senses,

To live out the truth inside of me,

Cast away all my defenses,

So I’ll be free, with eyes to see,

 I search my soul for answers,

Looking deep within my heart,

Away from all life’s romancers,

Nothing could ever keep us apart,

 I search my soul and find you,

From selfish ambitions I’m set free,

 Nothing is impossible to get through,

With you in my soul… am I… truly free!

Walking on the Sea

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

Consideration: When the storms of life cast us to and fro, do we panic, lose faith and trust in the Lord? Or do we call upon the name of the Lord, to come to our aid and assist us in our time of need? The Lord is the true Shepherd; never will he abandon us when we are in need or have lost our way. Amen.

A Mustard Seed

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, "Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him." Jesus said in reply, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me." Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, "Why could we not drive it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Consideration: Jesus explains to his disciples that their lack faith prohibited them from healing a severely ill boy. 

Do we possess the faith the size of a mustard seed? When we are confronted with a situation that will require us to put our trust totally with the Lord; will we have the faith to do so? 

Lord Jesus, we pray that you will bless us beyond the earthly limitations that bind our faith and trust. That even with our limited faith, the size of a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for us to achieve. Amen.

Coming in His Kingdom

Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and to forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and there he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

Consideration: This remarkable scripture passage is one of great hope and trust in the Lord. Jesus tells his disciples that there were some among him that would not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom. It takes deep faith to enter into what Jesus is telling his disciples. Will some be given to the grace to fall asleep in Jesus, and awake to see his glory without experiencing death? Will we also be given this grace as well? We shall see! Amen.

I Will Forgive Their Evildoing

The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers: the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt; for they broke my covenant, and I had to show myself their master, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer will they need to teach their friends and relatives how to know the Lord. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the Lord, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:31-34

The Remnant of Israel

At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the Lord: the people that escaped the sword have found favor in the desert. As Israel comes forward to be given its rest, the Lord appears to him from afar: With age-old love have I loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Again I will restore you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel; Carrying your festive tambourines, you will go forth dancing with the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; those who plant them shall enjoy the fruits. Yes, a day will come when the watchmen will call out on Mount Ephraim: "Rise up, let us go to Zion, to the Lord, our God." For thus says the Lord: Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The Lord has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. Jeremiah 31:1-7

Vessels to Truth

Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal." He summoned the crowd and said to them, "Hear and understand. It is not what enters one's mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out that defiles one," Then his disciples approached and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?" He said in reply, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit."  

Consideration: At times we are advised to conduct our lives in a certain way by people in the public eye. Then we are ridiculed when we decide on our own to move in a different direction. When we base our decisions on sound doctrine and wisdom, we need not second guess ourselves but rejoice that God is with us. A heart beating in rhythm with the word of the Lord opens the vessels to truth. Amen.

The Love of God in Christ Jesus

Brothers and sisters; What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Consideration: There is nothing in this world or beyond; and never be in the future, anything that will ever separate us from the love of Christ. Amen! Amen! Amen!

Five Loaves and Two Fish

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew to a deserted place by himself. The crowd heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the large crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have." Then he said, "Bring them here to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over - twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

Lord Jesus, you nourished the crowds with five loaves and two fish, and they were completely satisfied. Fill us with the graces necessary to satisfy the many things in this life that we hunger for; that we may be satisfied and remain in total union with your will. Amen.

Post Editing

 

My apologies to the viewers of my blog. I have no control over the editing of the post. Something does not want this effective blog to be viewed as I try to present it; and I have no ability to correct the post. It also does not allow commenting on the post; again, I have no control over that as well. Thank you reading the posts. God bless you all.

Anthony 

John the Baptist

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, "This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him." Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, "it is not lawful for you to have her." Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter performed a dance before the guests, and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she may ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oath and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came in and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

Consideration: The sin of lust and pride entered into Herod; and he allowed himself to be duped by Herodias. This act caused the violent death of John the Baptist.

Wisdom and Mighty Deeds

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house." And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith. 

Consideration: Jesus returned to his native place only to be rejected. Though they marveled at his wisdom and deeds. 

We know the history of Jesus through the Gospel. All of his words and deeds have been documented for all people. Yet, even with the vast information able to reach all people around the world many still reject him today.

Lord Jesus, shower your graces upon all Christians that we may never waver in our duty to make you known and loved in a world where many still reject you today. Amen.

The Collection Net

Jesus said to the disciples: "The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus, it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." "Do you understand all of these things?" They answered, "Yes." And he replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old." When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

Consideration: From the time of Jesus to the time we live in today very little has changed. Though, violence, hatred, murder, and every other form of sin, have expanded to levels that have the cup of abominations overflowing. The world is at the brink of disaster. The analogy that Jesus describes in this parable is very fitting for the times we live in. We have two choices: To work for the good of mankind, or for its destruction. We are free to choose our direction with no strings attached. When the angels are sent to separate the wicked from the righteous; decisions we make today will determine the destination where we will spend all of eternity. We are free to choose! Amen.

Radiant Face of Moses

As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the Lord. When Aaron, then, and the other children of Israel saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin on his face had become, they were afraid to come near him. Only after Moses called to them did Aaron and the other rulers of the community come back to him. Moses then spoke to them. Later on, all the children of Israel came up to him, and he enjoined on them all that the Lord had told him on Mount Sinai. When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses entered the presence of the Lord to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the children of Israel all that had been commanded. Then the children of Israel would see that the skin of Moses was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the Lord. 

​Consideration: The Glory of the Lord was radiating from the face of Moses when he came down from Mount Sinai. Was this grace given to Moses as a foreshadowing of the glory of heaven? Will we too shine as brilliant as the stars of heaven when we enter into his glory?

Weeds in the Field

Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are the angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear."

​Consideration: Jesus explains to his disciples the parable of the weeds in the field. In doing so, he is telling his children to be righteous; and lead good lives. Also, Jesus warns those who are unrighteous evildoers and lead others to sin that the angels will gather them at the end of the age; the good will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father; and the evildoers will be thrown into the fiery furnace. Whoever has ears ought to hear.

Leavened by Nature

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. "The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.' " He spoke to them in another parable. "The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened."

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.

Consideration: Once again Jesus speaks in parables to the crowds. Many of his parables speak of sowing seeds in good soil and the abundance it brings forth. The mixing of yeast with the flour and how it becomes leavened. It is clear to see through these words of Jesus; all of these require the gifts of the earth that come from God; and the labor of man to bring forth the abundance of all good things that we are blest with in our lives. The natural order of things is truly a blessing from our Father. Amen.

Come up to Me

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them." So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. And he said to the elders, "Wait here for us until we come back to you.
Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and a cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called Moses out of the midst of the cloud. The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. 
So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Consideration: Moses is totally obedient to the Lord. Forty days and nights in the awesome presence of Almighty God!!! 

Heaven is a Treasure

Jesus said to his disciples: "The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys the field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."

Consideration: God is giving to all of his children who love him, a treasure like nothing that anyone is capable of comprehending. We need only to love him more than anything this passing world has to offer us. Remember these words, "No eye can see; no ear has heard; or has it entered into the heart and mind of any person, what God has prepared for those who love him." Amen.

Exodus 20

20:1 The Ten Commandments 

 

And God spoke all these words, saying: 

 

2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 

 

3 "You shall have no other gods before Me. 

 

4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image — any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. 

 

7 "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. 

 

8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore, the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. 

 

12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you. 

 

13 "You shall not murder. 

 

14 "You shall not commit adultery. 

 

15 "You shall not steal. 

 

16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 

 

17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's." 

 

18 The People Afraid of God's Presence 

  

Now all the people witnessed the thundering, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19 Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." 

 

20 And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." 21 So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.  

 

22 The Law of the Altar 

 

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'You have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 You shall not make anything to be with Me — gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make for yourselves. 24 An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you. 25 And if you make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone; for if you use your tool on it, you have profaned it. 26 Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.' 

Exodus 19:21-25

And the Lord said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. "Also, let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them." But Moses said to the Lord, "The people cannot come up the Mount Sinai; For You warned us, saying, 'Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it." Then the Lord said to him, "Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them." So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them. 

Consideration: The Lord, God, sets bounds around Mount Sinai; smoke, thunder, and lightning shake the mountain. Moses tells the commands of God to the people and priests. Moses goes back up the Mountain as commanded by God.

Moses was not prepared for what was about to occur on Mount Sinai.

See and Hear Truth

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Why do speak to the crowd in parables?" He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look and do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaish's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: 

You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them. "But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." 

Consideration: Jesus clearly explains that many will see and hear things, but will not understand, because they lack the true faith. This continues to be true in the world today; people see but are blinded by their own passions and concerns; and hear but are deaf to the truth and pretend not to hear. But there are those who are blessed with the true faith, because they see and hear with their hearts that beat in rhythm with the Lord.

God Summons Moses

In the third month after their departure from the land of Egypt, on its first day, the children came to the desert of Sinai. After the journey from Rephidim to the desert of Sinai, they pitched camp. 

While Israel was encamped here in front of the Mountain, the Lord told Moses, "I am coming to you in a dense cloud, so that when the people hear me speaking to you, they may always have faith in you also." When Moses, then, had reported to the Lord the response of the people, the Lord added, "Go to the people and have them sanctify themselves today and tomorrow. Make them wash their garments and be ready for the third day; for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of the people." 
On the morning of the third day there were peals of thunder and lighting, so all the people in the camp trembled. But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke, for the Lord came down upon it in fire. The smoke rose from it as though from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. The Trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking and God answered him with thunder. When the Lord came down to the top of the Mount Sinai, he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain.

Consideration: The Lord, God, made himself known to the people of Israel, so that they would have faith in Moses; and his testimony, when he returned to them from the top of the mountain; and his encounter with God.

The Will of the Father

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you." But he said in reply to the one that told him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Consideration: When we are in tune with the will of our Lord, we are one with him. The family of our Father in heaven is comprised of those who have lived their life doing his will, and caring for, and loving, one and other. Amen.

A Sign

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." He said to them in reply, "An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights. At the judgement, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgement the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here."

Consideration: An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign. Jesus seeks repentance from people who need to repent for their sinfulness. In repentance we will see the sign of mercy, transformation, and redemption. Amen.

The Good Seed

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: "The kingdom of God may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. When everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?' He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' His slaves said to him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' He replied, "No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, "First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn. "'" 

Consideration: While the good have been complacent and unconcerned, the weeds have gathered among them. The enemy has now intertwined itself into the root system of every aspect of life. We must return to the Master Sower and pray for the remedy for this situation we are in today. In the end we shall be separated; the good from the bad. The good shall inherit everlasting life; and the bad thrown into the fire for burning. Amen.

Behold, My Servant

The Pharisees went out took council against Jesus to him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he wanted them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet. Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope. 

Consideration: Jesus, knowing that the council conspiring to put him to death withdrew. Out of love and compassion he cured all that followed him out of that place; because his time had not yet come.

Lord of the Sabbath

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him. "See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are not innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath. 

Lord, Jesus, you are the Lord of all things. The Father has handed over all things of heaven and earth to you. The sun is your lamplight; the stars, galaxies, and beyond are the masterpiece mosaic of the cosmos; each placed by the hand of God; and all was given to you by the Father. Grant us the grace of understanding to realize, the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath; and the Lord of mercy as well. Amen. 

Take My Yoke Upon you

Jesus said: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." 

​Consideration: Do we labor and carry heavy burdens in this life? If so, we have a friend in Jesus. He tells us to yoke with him, and he will guide and direct us through this cumbersome time. Jesus loves us so much that he invites us to yoke with him, not to go it alone. He carried the cross for our sins, and the yoke for are difficulties. Amen.

Revealed

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." 

Consideration: To be childlike at heart is truly a blessing. The pure at heart have not been influenced by this troubled world. And the Father reveals his desires and love to hearts conformed to his will. Amen.

Woe to You

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of the mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. "Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgement than for you. And as for you, Capernaum: Will you be exalted to Heaven? Will you go down into the nether world. For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the lands of Sodom on the day of judgement than for you."

Consideration: We are all guilty of doing deeds not pleasing to God. But the love of God surpasses all human understanding; and his mercy is from generation to generation. We need to humble ourselves and call upon his holy name for forgiveness. If we do so, our loving Lord will never abandon us, and his mercy will flourish in our lives. Amen.  

"Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it"

Jesus said to his Apostles: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's enemies will be those of his household. "Whoever loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."  

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.

Consideration: The message of Jesus is clear; we are to sacrifice everything; all the lures, temptations, comforts, and relationships in this world; even family relationships, if we love him. We must endure all things; the pains, sufferings, and disappointments this world has prepared for us; to enter into the "Divine Love" of our Lord. Amen.

Within These Walls

There, the life-giving water flowed
Upon my head, it set me on fire
There, the Holy Spirit sowed
A lifetime of love filled with desire
 Within these walls 
Upon my knees
Within my soul 
You give me peace
And I'm aware…I’m aware…I’m aware
Lord, you are there
 There, in the arms of my loving mother
There, at my father's side passion grew
There I learned to love you as no other
There, my Lord, I fell in love with you
 Within these walls 
Upon my knees
Within my soul 
You give me peace
And I'm aware…I’m aware…I’m aware
Lord, you are there
 There, the Spirit’s presence felt 
There, mercy cleansed sin away
There, my heart began to melt
There, love took my breath away
 There, in the arms of my loving mother
There, at my father's side passion grew
There I learned to love you as no other
There, my Lord, I fell in love with you
 Within these walls 
Upon my knees
Within my soul 
You give me peace 
And I'm aware…I’m aware…I’m aware
How much I love you…My Lord, Jesus…I love you!

Seeds for the Kingdom of God

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into the boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: "A Sower went out to sow; And as he sowed; some seeds fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Ome fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear."

Consideration: The parable of the talents tells us that we are all blessed with gifts; and we are not to waste them, but to use them to bear fruit for God's Kingdom. We are to go forth into the places the Spirit of the Lord may choose to lead us; and to use the talents that the Lord has given us for his glory. Every one of us is able to go out and to sow the seeds of faith with trust in the Lord. Our efforts will not go unnoticed: and will bear fruit according to God's will. Amen.

Proclaim on Housetops

Jesus said to his disciples, "No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he should become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! "Therefore, do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on housetops. And do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father." 

Consideration: We are children of our heavenly Father. He knows that we are imperfect and flawed in many ways. But, if we heed his words, and trust in his will, then shall be made new. We will boldly proclaim his words without fear and acknowledge him before all people. Be not afraid, in the end all will be revealed; and because of our faith and trust, he will call us home to proclaim his glory for ever and ever. Amen.