The "Reward" Of Courage

Matthew 14: 1-12

John the Baptist Beheaded

14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, ² and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

³ Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ⁴ for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” ⁵ Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.

⁶ On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much ⁷ that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. ⁸ Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” ⁹ The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted ¹⁰ and had John beheaded in the prison. ¹¹ His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. ¹² John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

We admire the courage of John the Baptist who bravely spoke out about Herod's illicit "marriage" and paid a dear price, his life, for his fearless denouncement. We can easily say, "Yes, that was John the Baptist, but I could never do anything like that!"  Maybe so, but we can do "little things" to shed light on our ever-darkening world which seems to have gone haywire. Our fidelity to daily prayer and Sunday Worship, our participation in drives and efforts to help the poor, our good example to youth, the simple living of a good clean life...We may be subject to ridicule, or admiration, but we can do some good while keeping our heads!

Bro. Rene

 

 

Disbelief

  

Matthew 13: 54-58

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

⁵⁴ He came to his hometown and began to teach the people^[a] in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? ⁵⁵ Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? ⁵⁶ And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” ⁵⁷ And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” ⁵⁸ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

How hard it mus have been for Jesus to face rejection in his own home town!  Yet, he knew those things having witnessed their stiff-necked ancestors for centuries.  Now it was happening to him.  When he deals with us and our resistance, he's in familiar territory.  Let us take the hint from these short verses, to give God his due, his way, while praying for a deepening of trust that his way is best or that our prayers will eventually be answered.

Bro Rene

 

Balance

John 10: 38-42

Martha and Mary

³⁸ Now as they went on their way, Jesus^[a] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary.^[b] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

The key to balancing serving and "the better part" chosen by Mary is "listening to him."  It puts both "contemplation" and action into perspective.  Mary's "better part" indeed is her focus on Jesus and what he is sharing with her, but at the same time, food must be prepared and served, so Martha too makes a valid point. We get caught up with activity which sometimes becomes and end in itself, but we can achieve a balance by "listening" to Jesus in the midst of our activity; or asking him to be present as we work, or do our household chores. Today is a good time to begin.

Bro. Rene

 

Enough

 

Matthew 13: 44-46

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, ⁴⁶ who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Two short verses carrying  a powerful message:  the Kingdom of heaven is worth more than a treasure or "pearl of great price" How many conversion stories, such as the St. Francis of Assisi or St. Ignatius of Loyala relate dramatic changes in the direction of lives? When people find these treasures they are willing to give up everything to obtain them. What stands in the way in my life to prevent such a dramatic and wholehearted move? Where is my treasure? "Where your heart is, there is your treasure." (cf. Mt 5:21)

Bro. Rene.

The Final Harvest

Matthew 13: 36-43

The Parable of the Weeds Explained

³⁶ Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

³⁷ He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

⁴⁰ “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. ⁴² They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Naturally, we want to be with the good wheat when the final harvest is reaped, but as we look back at the end of the day, we see yet many weeds in our field. May we not be discouraged by them, but use them as an incentive for "tomorrow.."  We can always do better, with God's help and with the proper focus.  We are not alone; if we ask for God's help, he will grant it.  In combination with him, we can ultimately bring about a good harvest.Dear God, help me to allow you to plant and cultivate in the fields of my heart and together bring about a bountiful harvest.

Bro. Rene

 

Planting and Kneading

 Matthew 13: 31-35

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

³¹ He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³² Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

³³ He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

³⁴ Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. ³⁵ So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:

“I will open my mouth in parables,
    I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

These examples are pretty powerful in themselves,  but anyone experienced in gardening or bread-making can appreciate them more. (Perhaps this is a "call" for you to try one of these or both yourself!).  How small, almost invisible seeds yield huge plants, or how that harmless packet of yeast can puff up a quart of flour and some water (in one, or preferably, two "risings") delicious loaves of light bread is always a source of wonder.  God example, Jesus, of how our tiny prayers of faith, or acts of kindness (such as simply listening) can yield the effect exactly needed.  Such "success" makes one want to "do it again" just to see the effects.  May we fill our day with such mustard seeds or grains of yeast, and let their salutary results take effect. How many "loaves"  will we bring to the table tonight, or how many "sheaves of tall wheat" will go into our barn?

Bro. Rene

Generosity

 

John 6:3-15

Sharing 

³ Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. ⁴ Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. ⁵ When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. ⁷ Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” ⁸ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ⁹ “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” ¹⁰ Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. ¹¹ Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. ¹² When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” ¹³ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. ¹⁴ When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”

¹⁵ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

What was were five loaves and two fish among this huge throng? Yes, a few people might benefit from the boy's generous offering, but how could everyone receive even a crumb? Yet, everyone was satisfied and 12 baskets of "left-overs" were gathered. A miracle for sure. Does this happen today?  Can it happen today?

If we think, "What difference will my poor contribution make?" and hold back, yes, we will help no one, but if we give even a little of ourselves, especially our time, we will see a chain reaction inspired by  our generosity. United with Jesus, no gift is too small and will go further than we ever thought possible We all have something to give.  Let's not hold back.

Bro. Rene

The Good and the Bad

Matthew 13:24-30

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

²⁴ Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; ²⁵ but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. ²⁶ But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. ²⁷ So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ ²⁸ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ 

We know from the daily headlines and our own experience that the world is a mixture or people whose behavior we can label as "good", and others, "bad".  We rub shoulders with them all the time, and often see them prospering despite their bad behavior. Does it make us jealous?  we might be tempted to say "yes" when our efforts to be good are often peppered with "bad luck", frustration and disappointment.  But who's keeping score?  Let's ask for patience and perseverance till the "Master" steps in and doles out the rewards. May we find joy in knowing that he, if anyone can tell the difference between the wheat and the tares.

Bro. Rene

 

Where Do I Fit?

 

Matthew 13:18-23

Jesus Explains the Parable

¹⁸ “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. ²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. ²² The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. ²³ But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

We like to think of ourselves as "good soil", but a close look at our thoughts and actions reveals that we harbor more thorns  and rocks than we'd like interfering with what we might be capable of yielding. May we, like good cultivators, continue to till and weed until these "intruders" are all gone.  Seems like this would be the task of a lifetime, ans so it is.  May we not be discouraged, but work diligently and patiently to cultivate the soil of our hearts alongside the Good Sower.

Bro. Rene   

Called By Name

John 20: 1-2, 11-18

The Empty Tomb

20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. ² So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

¹¹ Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹² and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

¹³ They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” ¹⁴ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

¹⁵ He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

¹⁷ Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Sorrow turned to joy:  the weeping, disconsolate Mary Magdalene finds new joy, new life, as she hears the beloved voice of Jesus pronounce her name,  :"Mary!"  Shakespeare's question, "What's in a name?" is answered in this touching scene.  What power in a name, especially when spoken by Jesus.  How would (will) we react when he calls us by name?   Let's take time today (stop what we are doing right now) to hear his voice pronounce our name. Our day will not be the same. And let us tell others what he said to us.

Bro, Rene

 

Sewing Good Crops

 

Matthew 13: 1-9

The Parable of the Sower

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. ² And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. ³ And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. ⁴ And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. ⁵ Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, ⁶ but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. ⁷ Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. ⁸ Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. ⁹ He who has ears, let him hear.”

Two approaches to this parable: 1: Jesus is the seed; sometimes he catches attention, but loses to the flashing lights of current fads or even the ignorance of pop culture.  Others profess a faith that has not substance, and soon weary of the way that leads nowhere.  Others are choked by materialism and die before they can take rook...Others bear fruit.

2.The good seed are the self-less, generous uses of the gifts God has given to us.  We spread hope and life by our deeds, and our "crops" flourish.

May we put our seed to good use today.

Bro. Rene

 

Our Family

 

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

Matthew 12: 46=50

⁴⁶ While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. ⁴⁷ Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

⁴⁸ He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” ⁴⁹ Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. ⁵⁰ For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Family is one of the most precious gifts God has given us.  All may not be "perfect",  but family cares, supports, encourages, comforts, challenges.  Family makes "home" and that's where we received most of what makes us who we are today. Then how much more does it mean to be a part of the family of Jesus?  Mary as our Mother, Joseph, our father, and the rest of us, brothers and sisters.  Doesn't get much better than that!

Bro. Rene

The Ultimate Sign

Matthew 12: 38-42

The Sign of Jonah

³⁸ Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” ³⁹ But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ⁴⁰ For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ⁴¹ The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. ⁴² The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

 Receiving "a sign" would put our doubts to rest, or so we think. We are not alone, as we read that the Scribes and Pharisees thought the same way, but they incurred this strong condemnation from Jesus:  "an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign".  We don't want to be part of them, so the answer lies in what has already been given. Jonah emerged unharmed from the belly of the whale, and Jesus arose after three days from the tomb.  Why do we keep looking, asking?  We have Jesus, the ultimate "Sign".  May our faith be built on this ROCK  He will not disappoint us.

Bro. Rene

Compassion

 

Mark 6:30-34

No Rest

  ³⁰The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." ³²So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 

What does Jesus teach us when the obvious need for rest and refreshment was so evident?  The needs of others take precedence over personal needs,  A tough formula to follow! We can feel the fatigue and weariness of the hungry, tired apostles, and yet the needs of the people came first.  We can imagine that eventually the Apostles had their rest, even if it were years later when they entered Paradise.  A sobering thought when we find ourselves weary and wondering how much more we can offer to others. God knows our needs and provides, often in ways that surprise us.  May we attempt to find rest and refreshment on this day of rest, but if we don't, let us be assured that God knows our need and will eventually satisfy it.

Bro. Rene

THE Reason for Hope

 

¹⁴ But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

Matthew 12: 14-21

God’s Chosen Servant

¹⁵ Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. ¹⁶ He warned them not to tell others about him. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸ “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
²⁰ A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
²¹     In his name the nations will put their hope.”

The  "News" we hear or read is more often than not filled with disasters, shootings, crimes, dishonesty and little to boost one's soul.It's centuries since Jesus walked this earth but verse 21 continues to remind us that there is HOPE:  In Jesus there is hope; he cannot and will not fail us.  If we are upset or uneasy, it is because we lack the faith he is looking for.  May we continue to strive to put our hope in HIS name!

Bro. Rene

Compassion over Rigidity

 Matthew 12: 1-8

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

12 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. ² When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

³ He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ⁴ He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. ⁵ Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? ⁶ I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. ⁷ If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. ⁸ For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

We usually don't approve of breaking the law for it leads to chaos..."everyone for him or herself."  But as Jesus points out, there are times when commonsense and compassion blend together starving oneself  tp keep the Law does not recognize the respect for life that surpasses the law, or rather is the Law that must be obeyed. Rigidity for its own sake is not what God has in mind; rather,  the Law is to promote harmony and peace.  The Law works best on a full stomach and following Jesus is what we are here for, not to do spiritual push-ups.

Bro Rene 

True Rest

^{Matthew 11: 28-30} 

^{Come to me}

²⁸ Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

As short as these verses are, they are wide-spread favorites and very familiar to Christians and non-Christians alike.  There's something soothing, comforting and refreshing about them.  Jesus knows that the earthly life of each one of us is laden with situations and demands that we can hardly bear. It is these burdens that Jesus wants to help us carry. Would that he would just make them disappear, but that is not the case, for they are occasions for us to acknowledge our need for him, and to realize that without his help, we would be crushed. May we not simply ponder this command/invitation, but put it into practice daily. 

Bro. Rene 

 

With Childlike Wonder

 Matthew 11: 25-27

The Father Revealed in the Son

²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

How we long for a deeper knowledge of God and a more spontaneous, intimate and childlike relationship with him!  Watching children running after butterflies, or delighting themselves in the waves at the beach, reminds us of a treasured  innocence and spontaneity that really makes life a joy.  Too often we are bogged down in worry or anticipation of the worst, forgetting that God is at our side to support and encourage us, and yes, help us regain that "lost innocence." Our Father cares for his children and reveals himself more than he does to the "wise and learned."  Lord, help me to learn again what it means to have childlike trust and wonder.   

Bro. Rene

Be Open To Repent

 Matthew 11: 20-24

Woe on Unrepentant Towns

²⁰ Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. ²¹ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²² But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ²³ And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. ²⁴ But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Strong words of condemnation for those who refused to "clean up their acts", especially after Jesus had worked so many marvels for them. We wonder how blind and ungrateful these people could have been to miss the message of repentance, and yet, when we look at ourselves and all the wonders Jesus has worked for us and find ourselves still unrepentant or lukewarm, we realize that Jesus could be directing his sharp words to us as well. These few verses are a call to us to put the message of Jesus into action in our own lives. Let's take time today to visualize how we would do this and then JUST DO IT!

Bro. Rene

 

Not An Easy Path

 Matthew 10: 34-11:1

Finding and Losing Life

³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
³⁶     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

11 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

Following Jesus is not easy. It is not a popularity contest, but a contest of stamina, conviction, and challenge. It is the "narrow road", the steep climb, and the daily test, but one that comes with the reward  of eternal life. We can become so distracted with seeking the "easy way" and not take up our daily cross, that we are ready to sacrifice a sack of diamonds for a sack of pebbles. When the opportunity comes to give that cup of water, let's "Just Do It"  and by so doing assure the quenching of our own thirst.

Bro. Rene 

Keeping It Simple

 Mark 6: 7-11

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

⁷ And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. ⁸ He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— ⁹ but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. ¹⁰ And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. ¹¹ And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”

In typical direct and simple language, Jesus gives his apostles, the first missionaries,  the  basic instructions  for their inaugural journey. We recently read Matthew's version, a bit more "fleshed out" but basically the same:  KEEP IT SIMPLE! From their luggage to their word and deeds, stick with the basics.

We too are called to evangelize and can do it not with eloquent sermons, but by simple acts of kindness, or with simple explanations, or with quiet presence and listening.  When people expand on their problems, they are not always looking for solutions, but rather for the listening ear that allows them to "get things off their chest".  How many times have you heard, "Thanks for listening.".?    That's all that was wanted. May we learn to keep our mouths shut and not try to come up with answers; just stick with simple listening..

Bro. Rene 

More Than Many Sparrows

^{Matthew 10: 24-33} 

^{Speak In The Daylight}

²⁴ “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows

³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

Behold a stark,direct and often-needed reminder that we are in the care of a loving God, who, as he cares so well for the sparrows, certainly cares for us. We need his assurance constantly, for we are weak and falter easily.  This  passage, like the rest of chapter 10 should be a staple in our prayer life. We fret and fear the worst, but for the most part, it never happens the way we imagine, and those false fears drain our energy and block our progress in living an active faith-life. May God grant us the grace to live our faith in the open and experience how God strengthens us to be fearless witnesses.

Bro Rene

 

A Dangerous Mission

^{Matthew 10: 16-23} 

^{A Stark Warning}

¹⁶ “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. ¹⁷ Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. ¹⁸ On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ¹⁹ But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, ²⁰ for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

²¹ “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ²² You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³ When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

The old song, "I Never Promised You A Rose Garden", comes to mind as Jesus describes what's in store for his followers.  History has verified these predictions over and over, even the promise that the Spirit of our Father speaks through us and helps us bear it all,  We may not find ourselves flogged or imprisoned, but the promised sufferings come in various ways, even simple ways, but the call to remain faithful and trusting holds true and will see us through whatever adverse conditions we may be called to face. As we begin this day, let us ask God for the strength and stamina to remain faithful and willing to follow in the the footsteps of Jesus who endured these things himself.

Bro. Rene

 

Mission Specifics

 

Matthew 10: 7-15

 

Freely Have Your Received; Freely Give

⁷ As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

⁹ “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— ¹⁰ no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. ¹¹ Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. ¹² As you enter the home, give it your greeting. ¹³ If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. ¹⁴ If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

As we have received, so should we give.  Basic advice for any "apostle", then or now.  All is gift, and what we have received is not for our exclusive use, but to be shared with all. The other stringent directives Jesus gave we can observe "in spirit" if not literally, for they are meant to free us from attachments that might hinder the spread of the Gospel.  The great missionary saints, such as St. Francis Xavier set the bar high for us, by giving totally of themselves/  Jesus meant what he said, and can still work in and through us when we "let go and let God." work through us.

Bro. Rene

The Selection and Mission

(Note:  I was "off line"  all day yesterday, so here is yesterday's slice along with today's)

Matt 10: 1-7

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

² These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; ³ Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ⁴ Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

⁵ These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. ⁶ Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. ⁷ As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 

Jesus selected his Twelve and sent them on a "test mission."   Interestingly enough, he sends them not to the Gentiles,but to the House of Israel, which did not receive him well, as it turns out.  Later, the mission to the Gentiles proves more fruitful, as we know. May we not reject the invitation to follow Jesus and bear the fruit promised to the House of Israel.  Their loss is our gain.

Bro. Rene 

 

Help Wanted

 Matthew 9: 32-38

³² While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. ³³ And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

³⁴ But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

The Workers Are Few.

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Even when Jesus was alive working miracles everywhere, there was still a dirth of laborers to work with him, as there is today. What holds so many of us back from joining Jesus in his marvelous mission of teaching, healing, encouraging, or witnessing by our simple presence that God is with us, wants nothing but our good, and would love to have us as part of his "band of brothers or sisters?"  We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Where and how can I pitch in today to help Jesus?  Dear God, help me to be generous with the gifts you have given me; give me the eyes and ears to discover where my simple gifts might do more good than I can imagine!

Bro. Rene

Faith First, Healing Second

 

 Matthew 9: 18-26

Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

¹⁸ While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” ¹⁹ Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

²⁰ Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. ²¹ She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

²² Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

²³ When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, ²⁴ he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. ²⁵ After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. ²⁶ News of this spread through all that region

We recently heard these two stories of faith and healing, but we can always profit from further reflection.  We know from Mark's Gospel (see entry for June 27) that the father of the dead girl is Jairus.  The woman who is healed of bleeding remains anonymous, but the essentials are still there: Faith first, then healing.  When we, as so often we do, ask for favors,be they healing or relief from distress, do we pray with the deep faith and conviction displayed by these two petitioners?  If we did, our prayers would be answered in a flash..  Why do we have so little faith?  Is God trying to show us that it's our lack of faith he wishes to heal, and not the person for whom we are praying? Lord, purify me, cleanse me and increase my faith! 

Bro. Rene

Where Is My Faith?

A Prophet Without Honor

6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. ² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” ⁵ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶ He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Like the people of Nazareth, we too can come up with rationalizations to dismiss the powerful presence of Jesus in our lives and rationalize our way out of responding to what he is asking of us. See how that lack of acceptance, that lack of faith,  hampered Jesus. Do I share that same skepticism or am I one of the faith-filled?

Today, let us open our hearts to receive Jesus with greater faith and gratitude as we in the United States celebrate the birth of our nation. What faith, what determination, what courage it took to set out on the path of revolt to a new path of liberty and justice for all!

Bro. Rene

 

 

Stop Doubting And Believe

 

John 20: 24-29

Jesus Appears to Thomas

²⁴ Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

When we walk in the dark challenge of unanswered prayers, we might want concrete evidence, as did Thomas. We want answers and they do not come; we feel lost and shaky, "Why, Lord?  Where are you?  Answer me." Thomas refused to believe the word of his companions and demanded concrete evidence. That he received with such clarity, that his obstinacy melted and he acknowledged the living presence of Jesus, who used this moment to teach us that "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (Jn 20: 29). We ought to make this our mantra when we find ourselves plagued with doubt and fatigue from repeating the same prayer over and over and apparently receiving no answer. May Thomas pray for us of little faith, and may we come to believe as he did, even when we do not see as he did.

Bro. Rene.

 

To Call Sinners

 (Note:  If you did not receive a slice yesterday, look for it today with this slice...Not sure why it did not appear.)

Matthew 9: 9-13

The Calling of Matthew

⁹ As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

¹⁰ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. ¹¹ When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

¹² On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

The familiar tale of Matthew's vocation can have a powerful impact on us since it reveals the power of God's invitation and what becomes possible when it is accepted.  What magnet drew Matthew from his lucrative chair at the tax table?  Jesus did not offer him money, so Matthew must have seen that "something more" that he was looking for and responded without question or hesitation.  One can sense his joy and new found freedom, and can understand his banquet which included other tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees, Jesus and his disciples who would become Matthew's close companions in the years ahead. When the Pharisees objected to the presence of "unclean" sinners and other tax collectors, Jesus took the opportunity to pinpoint his mission: to call sinners to repentance and new life.

What do we hear Jesus saying to us?  Follow me?  Accept all as I do?  Can you welcome "sinners and tax collectors" to your table?  To your circle of friends?  Can you be as open to my will for you as Matthew was to my will for him?  Take time to reflect at length on these questions during the day...and beyond, if so moved.

Bro. Rene

 

The Power To Forgive Sins

 

Matthew 9: 1-8

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic

9 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. ² Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

³ And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”

⁴ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? ⁵ For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? ⁶ But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” ⁷ And he arose and departed to his house.

⁸ Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

In this powerful and convincing scenario, Jesus assure us that he has the power to forgive sins. This is truly a "blessed assurance", for the weight of our sins and sinfulness can be crushing. Here, in this simple healing, Jesus demonstrates that as he heals a crippled body, so can he heal a crippled soul. May we not hesitate to seek his healing even before we feel overwhelmed by our sinful thoughts and deeds.This is what he came to do.

Bro. Rene