A Mustard Seed

Jesus said to the crowds: "This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come." He said, "To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of the seeds on earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Lord Jesus, again you use a parable to explain the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, yet, when it is grown it is the largest of plants. 

When we sow a seed of faith, we may never see the fruit that it will produce over time. Bless us with the grace of courage to be witnesses of faith and truth to others. One day, we shall see the fruit manifested abundantly from the seeds we have sown on earth, in the Kingdom of God. Amen.

A Child of God

Jesus said to his disciples, "Is a lamp brought in to be placed a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear." He also told them, "Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

Consideration: Jesus tells us that everything that appears to be concealed will be revealed. Also, the way we conduct our everyday lives and how we treat our fellowman is being measured. 

Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to do your will so we may be found worthy to be called a child of God. Amen.

The Mystery of the Kingdom of God

And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, "The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see and not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and forgiven." Jesus said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the seeds are sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word that was sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last for only a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold."

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Lord Jesus, the Mystery of the Kingdom of God has been simply explained by your words in this parable. May we receive the graces necessary to go out into the world where we live and boldly proclaim the Kingdom of God to our fellow man. We pray for strength and courage to do your Holy Will. Amen.

Food for the Life of the World

One another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. and the whole crowed was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, "Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed 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 withered for the lack of roots. Some seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold." He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."

Lord Jesus, help us to understand your words, they are food for the life of the world. Grant us the grace to meditate and contemplate with deep sincerity and love the mystery that you wish to unfold to us. Amen.

The Right Hand of God

Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying: "This is the covenant I will establish with them after those days, says the Lord: "I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them upon their minds," he also says: "Their sins and their evildoing I will remember no more." Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.

Lord Jesus, you are seated at the right hand of God the Father. Most loving Savior, you made the ultimate sacrifice by willingly giving your life to ransom all of God's children from their sinfulness. You promised to put your laws in our hearts and write them upon our minds. We need only to repent and seek your Divine Mercy. For your covenant says: "Their sins and evildoing I will remember no more." Amen.

The Wisdom of Jesus

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, "He is possessed by Beelzebub," and "By the prince of demons he drives out demons." Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, "How can Satan drive out Satan?" If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man's house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness but is guilty of an everlasting sin. "For they had said, "He has an unclean spirit."

Lord Jesus, the scribes accused you of demon possession. It gives credence to the ignorance of the scribes and their followers. Lord, you are the Son of God; demons tremble at the utterance of you Holy Name. 

This is a perfect example of what is transpiring in the world today. Those causing much of the discord around the globe are truly united to the evil spirit that they claim you are possessed by. Your words are the way, the truth, and the life, and for this the hate you by continuing to blaspheme your Holy Name. 

May the Wisdom of Jesus the Christ give us comfort and lead us all to everlasting life. Amen.

God's Kingdom

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 

Consideration: Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." These words spoken by Jesus were true then and are true today. The world is in turmoil, sinfulness has become common place, and lawlessness has found its way to the leadership of nations. There is only one direction for mankind to take: With sincere humility, we must repent of all that is antichrist in our lives; seek out the mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and live for the glory of God's Kingdom here on earth. Peace!

No Worries

Living in a place called New England, awaiting this monster of a storm.

The temperature is close to zero, so many are trying to stay warm.

Forecasters are calling this the big one, we've heard this all before.

I guess we will see how it all plays out, no worries, I trust in the Lord.

I think about my sisters and brothers, I may never see them at all.

Though we may not share the same colors, we are one in the Lord.

No matter the place you call home, everyone struggles from day to day.

One thing we have in common, every day, we fold our hands and pray.

We pray for blessings, for friends and family, or we may not know at all.

We pray for healings, for those struggling with pains of every sort.

We pray for strength at times, overwhelmed and trying to find our way.

We pray, I pray for you, you pray for me, we pray because...we believe.

Together, from every place on earth, we will endure life and all its storms.

Climates, hot or cold, the raging rivers, or waves pounding the shores.

One thing is for certain; we all have had to deal with our share of these.

I pray for you; you pray for me; Trust in the Lord...No Worries!

The Apostles of Jesus

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed the twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and that he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, son of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. 

Lord Jesus, send us your blessing, that we too may go forth in this great time of distress to make you known to those in need of redemption. We acknowledge that we are powerless to convey your words to others as the Apostles were called to do. Bless us, send us, and strengthen us, to humbly proclaim you as Lord and Savior of all of mankind. Amen.

The Will of the Father

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, "You are the Son of God." He warned them sternly not to make him known. 

Lord Jesus, so many people came to you from long distances to hear your words and possibly be healed by you as well. Even the unclean spirits would fall down before you, shouting out, "You are the Son of God." Yet you sternly rebuked them not to make you known. Knowing all things, it was not the appointed time; you still had much to do. Thank you, Lord, for carrying out the Will of your Father. Amen.

"Come to Me"

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there that had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up here before us." Then he said to the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than do evil, to save life rather than destroy it?" But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death. 

Lord Jesus, you know all things before they happen, and you grieved at the Pharisees hardness of heart. Then commanding the man to stretch out his hand, you restored it. At that point the Pharisees and the Herodians conspired to put you to death.

Today, Lord, your message is clearer than ever. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 

Our salvation and healing are guaranteed if we heed the calling of our Lord Jesus. And just as it was two thousand years ago, the wolves gather together to devour the Lamb. Lord Jesus, we do come to you, we repent of our sinfulness, and we pray for the grace of strength never to offend you again. Amen.

Lord of the Sabbath

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?" He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How they went into the house of God when Abiathar was a high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and share it with his companions? Then he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath." 

Consideration: It is in our human nature, a desire of the flesh to have certain needs. God created His children with the ability satisfy those needs. One of those things is to satisfy our desire for nutrition. When a person is hungry, they need to eat to satisfy that desire. The ability for the body to survive without food is very difficult. 

In this Gospel reflection we see that people will do whatever is necessary to satisfy the desire for hunger. Jesus understands this and is quick to point this out to the Pharisees.

We, as well, should keep this in mind when we encounter those who hunger in our daily lives. Remember: "I was hungry and you gave me food to eat."

Peace! 

United in Glory

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins." 

Lord Jesus, you have removed yourself from us for a time. We long to see you and spend eternity with you in heaven. While we await this everlasting joy, we long for your presence. The disciples of John and the Pharisees were awaiting the promises foretold, so they fasted. Lord Jesus, your disciples believed that you were the promise foretold, so they had no reason to sacrifice because you were with them. We, in turn, Lord, are awaiting your return to us, so we fast. When we are united in glory there will be no reason to fast; we shall be with you always, never to be separated again. Amen.

"Pray for Peace"

 

The Morning After 

The morning after a day of snow in New England USA. 

The sky is perfectly blue, and peace is in the air. 

This is the Holiday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Maybe there is a message being sent to us. 

Maybe this is a special time to pray for peace!

Martin Luther King's message was one of peace and unity. 

Let's all say a special prayer for peace on this day.

No matter where our place is on the earth.

We all share one common Dream...PEACE!!!

Amen.

  

 

"Behold, the Lamb of God"

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

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Consideration: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." And these words as well, spoken by John the Baptist, "Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God." Amen, no further explanation is necessary.

The Blood of the Lamb

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus heard this and said to them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Lord Jesus, you came to call sinners to repentance and to give sight to the blind. The righteous acknowledge that they too have fallen short of your glory and seek out your mercy. We deserve to be punished for our shortcomings; heal the wounds we inflict upon ourselves and cleanse us in the blood of the Lamb. Amen.

Your Sins are Forgiven

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, "Child, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, "Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?" Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has the authority to forgive sins on earth" - he said to the paralytic, I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."

Lord Jesus, your mercy is endless and has no limits. We need only to humble ourselves and with sincerity seek your compassion and forgiveness. In turn, we must forgive anyone that has wronged and hurt us in any way. The world would heal itself if forgiveness was extended to people who wish to live in peace. May the peace and love of Christ be with us all. Amen. 

"Obedience"

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, "I do Will it. Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, "See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them." The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Lord Jesus, again you show compassion and healed the man with leprosy. Yet, the man did not follow your command not to tell anyone. How many times have you healed us from our sinfulness, and we have returned back to our offending ways. Help us, Lord, to heed your words so in our obedience we will glorify you and live out the commandments that guide us through life. Amen.

Jesus Cures Sickness and Disease

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her, and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose, I have come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Lord Jesus, compassionate and loving God, many were cured, demons were driven out, and many were redeemed by your preaching. To this day, people are being cured, demons are being cast out, and your words are still transforming lives. None of us are worthy, yet, if you Will it, then it will be accomplished through Divine Grace. We pray for all those in need, and those who do not have a personal relationship with you. All we need to do is say, "Jesus, we love you." "Jesus, we love you." Amen!

Holy One of God

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "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, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Lord Jesus, the unclean spirit cried out, "Jesus of Nazareth." The Demons recognized you as the Holy One of God immediately. Do we recognize you Lord in the many ways that you reveal yourself to us? Help us to see you in the many ways your majestic rays of light illuminate the blessed things, and also things of darkness. Even in times of peril and unrighteousness you are there ministering to our suffering and pain. Amen. 

The Call of the Lord

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel."
As he passed by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fisherman. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

Lord Jesus, if we hear your voice, would we have the courage to listen with our hearts and discern your calling. Help us through prayer to meditate on the reality of obtaining the grace of your calling and acting upon it. Amen.

Satan Tempts Jesus

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He answered and said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you, and, in their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone." Jesus said to him, "It is written again, you shall not tempt the LORD your God." Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve." Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Father, help us to resist the temptations we encounter in life every day. The evil one is cunning and never rests. Give us the grace to persevere through the dark times, so we will give you glory saying no to the father of lies and his endless persuasions of sin. Amen.

Heaven on Earth

We live in a world that is on the edge. There does not seem to be a safe zone anywhere. The mountain cones are steaming and bleeding. The ground beneath our feet is rattling and rolling. Fires are scorching the earth leaving it barren. The winds are causing havoc and destructive, chaotic blowing. And if that's not enough, the inhabitants of the nation's continue to persecute their fellow man and wage war. 

It's time for believers to double down on prayer. Time to get on our knees and call upon the name of the Lord. To seek out His mercy and ask for forgiveness. Only with God's grace will we be able to see clearly through the time of falsehoods. This is not occurring by chance. The evil one has set the table of injustice and hatred that is manifesting itself in every land and people on earth.

We have one God, our Father in heaven. He loves us and has given ample time to correct and to heal what is broken. It is now up to each person to move forward with faith, hope, and trust. It's time for believers to be an example for non-believers and those who are lukewarm in faith. Today is the day of salvation...tomorrow is not guaranteed. Time to set out and proclaim the goodness of the Lord. Heaven awaits us all; there we will all be together as one and live in peace. Let's choose together to make this place where we exist now...Heaven on Earth. Peace!

The Baptism of the Lord

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were open for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. and a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Jesus the Son of God: "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." 

God the Father: "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." 

"Be Clean!"

While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, “Lord, if you Will, you can make me clean.” And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one; but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.” But so much the more the report went abroad concerning him; and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their infirmities. But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

Jesus, so many have physical and spiritual ailments effecting the body and soul. All things are possible if You so Will it. Compassionate and loving God, our prayers rise up to You; and with faith we trust that you will answers them and bestow a blessing upon all those in need of healing. Amen.

The Mission

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”

Father, Your Son Jesus proclaims that He was anointed to preach the Good News to the poor, to release the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. This was His mandate as He journeyed out on His mission to proclaim the good news. This is an awesome example of how we should conduct our lives as we journey through life as well. Amen.

The Temptation and Fall of Man

Genesis 3 

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree, which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'" Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" So, he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?" Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." And the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." So, the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you." Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are, and to dust you shall return." And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Also, for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin and clothed them. Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. 

The Seventh Day

Thus, the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. These [are] the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.

Consideration: God is amazing! From the creation of the earth and the heavens He gives us the blueprint of how we should conduct our lives. We are to provide for ourselves and our families as best we can. We are to use the gifts, talents, and all of His blessings in thanksgiving for the ability to do so. We are to put aside the seventh day to praise and honor God in prayer and relaxing with our families. Not everyone is able to work, but everyone is able to pray and give thanks. We must always pray for those who do not know God, and those who are sick, suffering, or physically disabled. Amen.     

Magi Visit Jesus

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn

King of the Jews?" We saw his star rising and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and bring him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

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Father, guided by a star the magi came to the place where Your Son Jesus was found lying in a manger with Mary and Joseph at His Side. Then in a dream told them not to return to Herod because he would have killed the Child. Help us to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit when it is heard in the depths of our hearts, the place where you speak to your children. Amen. 

Beautiful Wolf Moon

The beginning of a new year and a new dawn. Under the moon lit night of the beautiful Wolf Moon. Just three days into the calendar change and the ushering in of a new time on the world stage. Major events have literally shaken the grounds of many nations and therefore the world. 

The Book of Genesis describes the creation of the Universe and everything that came to be from nothingness. It gives an account of how our loving God and Master Creator from His Divine intellect put all the pieces that be into place. Then the ultimate creation of our Creator and God was giving life to humanity. God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness." So, God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.

So, we have entered a new year, filled with tremendous possibilities. It appears that our loving God, has continued putting the pieces into place to now fine tune and repair what many inhabitants of the earth have attempted to alter. We as children of God must come to the realization that we are here by His grace and love alone. If we are to continue on, we will need to come to grips with the fact of our mortality. We have reached the point of no return. Live together in peace and survive or continue on this destructive direction and die. The choice is for us to decide.

Father, thank You for this new year and new dawn. Create in us a new heart and spirit in this time of grace. We understand that we have offended and turned away from Your many blessings. May we shine as brightly as the beautiful Wolf Moon to become lights to those around us in darkness. Amen. 

Creation of God

In the beginning God created the heavens and earth. God put lights in the sky; it was good, so very good. Grass and fruit yielding seed in the fruit of the trees; it was good, so very good. Lights in the firmament of the heavens, signs for the seasons; for the days and the years; it was good, so very good. Two great lights: the greater for the day and lesser for the night; it was good, so very good. Let the waters abound with many living creatures and let the birds fly across the heavens. God created sea creatures and all that moves in the waters and the birds of the air in abundance of their own kind. Let the earth bring forth cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth; it was good, so very good. Then God said, "Let Us make man in our image and likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. "See, I have given you every herb that yields which is on the face over all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you that shall be for food." Then God saw everything that He made, and indeed and indeed it was very good. Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which he had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all the work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all of His work which God had created and made.

Jesus in the Temple

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought you anxiously." And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. 

Consideration: Your father and I have sought you anxiously." And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
Jesus respectfully conveys to His mother that the Will of His Father is the reason why He came into the world. It appears that Mary and Joseph did not understand His answer. 

Father, help us to understand the many things we do not fully comprehend so we may do Your Will, and give glory to you always. Amen.