Podcasts about 12jesus

Today's 11th chapter in John's Gospel has that wonderful account of the raising of Lazarus. The ministry of Jesus, covering about 3 ½ years, is now approaching its' climax.  The authorities are intensifying their efforts to arrest and kill him and Jesus and his disciples are staying out of Judea.On getting news about Lazarus' sickness Jesus waits 2 days longer before saying to the disciples, ““Let us go to Judea again'.  The disciples said to him, ‘Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you and are you going there again?''” [v.7,8]  Jesus makes a strange answer, “If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world” [v.9]  This world!?  This world is in spiritual darkness and the one who walks “in the night” says Jesus, “stumbles because the light is not in him” [v.10]  Are you in danger of stumbling?  Is the “light” in you?  What does Jesus mean?  In ch, 12 we will read, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” [v.46]  Remember also what we read in ch. 8 v.12Jesus tells his disciples, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe..  But let us go to him” [v.15]   We then have the well-known account of the remarkable raising of Lazarus after he had been dead for 4 days; and, as a result, “many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did believed in him.”[v.45]   The Pharisees were told of this incredible miracle and the affect it had had; they became even more determined to put him to death – they saw his popularity as a threat that would “take away both our place and our nation.” [v.48]Now consider, over the last 96 years a modern miracle has occurred, it is 103 years since Jerusalem and the land of Israel was delivered from the control of the Turks, the Muslims – and 72 years ago the U.N. voted in favour of at least part of the promised land becoming a Jewish nation, but the U.N. had no powers to enforce their decision: however, against overwhelming odds the Jews triumphed! It was the resurrection miracle of a nation, destroyed 1,878 years preciously,  which God's word had foretold. (Luke 21 v.24  Romans 11 v.25)This modern resurrection miracle has occurred as prophesied “that you may be believe”  that is, those who read and really know God's word. May you be among them?  Do you really see “the light of the world” with the eyes of true faith – for as this world plunges into deeper darkness – only those with genuine faith will endure.

+ Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 23: 1 – 12Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens (hard to carry) and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."The Gospel of The Lord

Mt 23:1-12Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,"The scribes and the Phariseeshave taken their seat on the chair of Moses.Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,but do not follow their example.For they preach but they do not practice.They tie up heavy burdens hard to carryand lay them on people's shoulders,but they will not lift a finger to move them.All their works are performed to be seen.They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.Call no one on earth your father;you have but one Father in heaven.Do not be called 'Master';you have but one master, the Christ.The greatest among you must be your servant.Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Thursday of the First Week in LentMatthew 7:7-12Jesus said to his disciples:"Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Mt 7:7-12Jesus said to his disciples:"Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Which one of you would hand his son a stonewhen he asked for a loaf of bread,or a snake when he asked for a fish?If you then, who are wicked,know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your heavenly Father give good thingsto those who ask him."Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.This is the law and the prophets."

Mk 10:1-12Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan.Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom,he again taught them.The Pharisees approached him and asked,""Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?""They were testing him.He said to them in reply, ""What did Moses command you?""They replied,""Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorceand dismiss her.""But Jesus told them,""Because of the hardness of your heartshe wrote you this commandment.But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.For this reason a man shall leave his father and motherand be joined to his wife,and the two shall become one flesh.So they are no longer two but one flesh.Therefore what God has joined together,no human being must separate.""In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.He said to them,“Whoever divorces his wife and marries anothercommits adultery against her;and if she divorces her husband and marries another,she commits adultery.”

Read OnlineThe Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”  Mark 8:11–12Jesus had performed many miracles. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and fed thousands with only a few fish and loaves of bread. But even after all of that, the Pharisees came to argue with Jesus and demanded a sign from Heaven.The response of Jesus is quite unique. “He sighed from the depth of his spirit…” This sigh was an expression of His holy sorrow over the hardness of hearts of the Pharisees. If they had the eyes of faith, they would have no need for yet another miracle. And if Jesus would have performed a “sign from heaven” for them, even that would not have helped them. And so Jesus does the only thing He can—He sighed.At times, this type of reaction is the only good one. We may all face situations in life where others confront us with harshness and stubbornness. When this happens, we will be tempted to argue with them, condemn them, try to convince them we are right, and the like. But sometimes one of the holiest reactions we can have to the hardness of the heart of another is to experience a deep and holy sorrow. We must also “sigh” from the depths of our spirits.When one is hard of heart, rational talking and arguing will prove to be of little avail. Hardness of heart is also what we traditionally call the “sin against the Holy Spirit.” It's a sin of obstinacy and stubbornness. In that case, there is little or no openness to the truth. When you experience this in the life of another, silence and a sorrowful heart are often the best reaction. Their hearts need to be softened and your deep sorrow, shared with compassion, may be one of the only responses that can help make a difference.Reflect, today, upon any person in your life with whom you regularly argue, especially regarding matters of faith. Examine your approach and consider changing how you relate to them. Dismiss their irrational arguments and let them see your heart in the same way that Jesus allowed His divine heart to shine forth in a holy sigh. Pray for them, have hope, and allow your sorrow to help melt the most stubborn of hearts.My compassionate Jesus, Your heart was filled with the deepest compassion for the Pharisees. That compassion led You to express a holy sorrow over their stubbornness. Give me Your same heart, dear Lord, and help me to grieve not only over the sins of others, but also over my own sins, especially when I am stubborn of heart. Melt my heart, dear Lord, and help me to also be an instrument of Your holy sorrow to those in need of this grace. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Jacob Jordaens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary TimeMk 3:7-12Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.A large number of people followed from Galilee and from 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.

+ Holy Gospel according to St. Mark 3: 7 – 12Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from 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.The Gospel of the Lord

December 21, 2024Today's Reading: John 20:24-29Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We call Thomas by his nickname even though it's never in the Bible at all. This story isn't walking-through-a-wall-risen-from-the-dead-peace-giving-Jesus. This is doubting Thomas. Except it's not just Christian shorthand that describes the Bible story. We say more than we really mean to. We say Thomas' sins were died for on the cross. Forgiven… but not forgotten. Forgiven… but he should be remembered for all eternity by his sin of wanting to boop the Lord. Forgiven… but… not really. Then we take this fun new idea out with us and talk about each other the same way because talking about forgiveness is all well and good, but we still remember. Whatever else happens for the rest of their life, we know them by their weakest moment. That is an interesting take from the text that literally gives us the Absolution of sins.  What if this story isn't about one guy who expresses doubt in his weakness and is marked for the rest of us as a warning of what happens when we accidentally confess to being sinners, too? What if it's about Jesus? What if it's about a God who loves us so much that after dying for all of these sins we carry around, all of the labels we wear, all of the scars we bear, He rises from the dead to show that they really are brought to nothing? What if this same Jesus actually loved sinners enough to show up not for the worthy but for sinners and doubters? What if He said stuff like, “Peace be with you?” Jesus didn't show up to guilt trip Thomas but to give the peace Thomas was so desperate for.The marks on Christ's hands are not just the proof of His love and forgiveness and peace. They are Christ's burdens to bear. Those scars Jesus bears for you are the scars of all of your sins that He bled for, paid for, and died for. He still has those scars because He doesn't just take your sins from you to die on the cross and then give them back to you afterward for you to deal with. They aren't your scars to carry. He doesn't give them back. So be at peace. Stop trying to wrestle your old scars out of Jesus' hands. Jesus won't let go of them. All you get instead is peace.  This is why we speak confession. God wants you to have the very same peace He gave in that room. He sends pastors bearing it, speaking forgiveness, pointing to He who forgives sin by bearing Himself. We confess because now we hear Absolution. Peace be with you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.That night the_apostles met in fear; Among them came their master dear And said, "My peace be with you here." Alleluia! (LSB 471:4)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Bible Study and Commentary on John 17:6-12Jesus's Intercessory PrayerPraying for His disciples

Read OnlineWhen they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” Luke 12:11–12Jesus lived this Gospel passage in His own life to perfection. He was arrested, interrogated, falsely condemned and questioned by the Chief Priest, Herod and Pontius Pilate. During His interrogations, sometimes He spoke and at other times He remained silent. In preparation for these interrogations, Jesus did not study each ruler ahead of time, trying to figure out what He should say and not say. He did not prepare a defense but relied upon His perfect union with the Holy Spirit and with the Father to be led at every moment in His human nature.Though it may be unlikely that you will be arrested for your faith and put on trial for being Christian by the civil authorities, it is possible that you will experience various other forms of interrogation and condemnation at times during which you are challenged to respond. And more likely, if you are judged by another, you may be tempted to defend yourself in anger, attacking back.This Gospel passage, when clearly understood and lived, should have the effect of calming you and reassuring you during any and every experience of judgment. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor's thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way” (# 2478). And though you must always strive to do this yourself, there will most likely be times when others do not act in this careful and truthful way toward you. Thus, if you are judged by another, even if what they say has truth to it, it is important that you not react with defensiveness and anger, unless the Holy Spirit has unmistakably led you to do so. The key message Jesus gives is that you must trust that the Holy Spirit will always lead you as you humbly and continually seek to follow His every prompting. This is only possible if you have built a firm habit of attentiveness to the Voice of God within your conscience.Because the experience of rash judgment, detraction, calumny and the like are painful to encounter, you must prepare your defense ahead of time by learning to only rely upon the Holy Spirit in all things. Jesus exhorts us to do so! Therefore, if you daily and humbly seek to fulfill God's will, hear His voice, and respond with generosity, then you can be certain that when the time comes and you experience these forms of judgment, you will be ready. The Holy Spirit will speak to you, inspire you, console you and give you every grace you need to respond in accord with God's will. Do not doubt this. Have faith and confidence in these words and this promise of our Lord.Reflect, today, upon the ways that you have responded in the past to the judgment of another. Try to call to mind specific moments when this has happened. Did you respond with similar judgments? Were you filled with anger? Did you brood over injury? Did you lose your peace of heart? If you have fallen into these temptations, then commit yourself in faith to believe what Jesus says today. Trust Him. Trust that He will be with you in those difficult moments in the future and pray that you will be graced to respond only as the Holy Spirit directs you.My innocent Lord, You were put on trial, judged and falsely condemned. Yet in all of that, You were the Innocent Lamb Who always loved and spoke truth with perfection. When I experience judgment in my life, please fill me with peace of heart and trust in Your promise that the Holy Spirit will be with me, inspiring me and leading me in accord with Your perfect will. Holy Spirit, I abandon myself to You now and always. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Christ in front of Pilate by Mihály Munkácsy, via Wikimedia Commons

October 3, 2024Homily: Longing for the InfiniteFr. SousaGospelLK 10:1-12Jesus appointed seventy-two other discipleswhom he sent ahead of him in pairsto every town and place he intended to visit.He said to them,“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest.Go on your way;behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;and greet no one along the way.Into whatever house you enter, first say,‘Peace to this household.'If a peaceful person lives there,your peace will rest on him;but if not, it will return to you.Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,for the laborer deserves his payment.Do not move about from one house to another.Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,eat what is set before you,cure the sick in it and say to them,‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,go out into the streets and say,‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet,even that we shake off against you.'Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.I tell you,it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that daythan for that town.”ST JOSEPH'S ONLINE:Web: https://www.stjmod.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjmod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stjmod/Giving: https://ppay.co/yohL5SoVCT8

Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary TimeLK 10:1-12Jesus appointed seventy-two other discipleswhom he sent ahead of him in pairsto every town and place he intended to visit.He said to them,“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest."

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Wenn du nun isst und satt wirst, so hüte dich, dass du nicht den HERRN vergisst.5. Mose 6,11-12Jesus sprach: Wahrlich, wahrlich, ich sage euch: Nicht Mose hat euch das Brot vom Himmel gegeben, sondern mein Vater gibt euch das wahre Brot vom Himmel.Johannes 6,32Titel der Andacht: "Der Kreislauf der Liebe"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Der Tag des HERRN ist groß und voller Schrecken, wer kann ihn ertragen? Doch auch jetzt noch, spricht der HERR, kehrt um zu mir von ganzem Herzen!Joel 2,11-12Jesus predigte das Evangelium Gottes und sprach: Die Zeit ist erfüllt, und das Reich Gottes ist nahe herbeigekommen. Tut Buße und glaubt an das Evangelium!Markus 1,14-15Titel der Andacht: "Die frohe Botschaft "Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Welcome to Divine Savior ChurchSeries: 1 Peter - The Living Hope of EasterMessage: The Greatest Building, The Greatest StoryPreacher: Pastor Ben KuerthService Schedule: Sunday at 9:30am1 Peter 2:1-12Jesus purified us and made us new - God's special possession! So it doesn't make sense to keep living the way we used to. Let's live new lives, imitating Him. Loving the hard-to-love. Let's grow in our faith by continuing to be fed with his Word. Devour it! He is building us into a building – the greatest building – a spiritual building – His Church! The greatest building with the greatest story! He is the cornerstone and foundation. Our purpose is to glorify God in the world around us with our lives, our words, and our witness!Prayer Request: http://dschurch.link/praydoral Connect with us: http://dschurch.link/connectdoralMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/#divinesaviorchurch   #divinesaviorfamily   #dscdoral   #jesus   #bible   #church   #evangelicalchurch  #lutheranchurch  #lutheranchurchinmiami  #lutheranchurch    #wels   #welschurch  #churchonline   #livestream   #christianity   #hope   #faith   #love   #forgiveness   #heaven   #christianity   #lutheranchurch   #family   #changingliveswithjesus   #doral   #doralfl    #miami   #miamifl  #miamisprings  #hialeah  #kendall  #miramar  #pembrokepines  #tamiami  #sweetwater  #gospelSupport the Show.

Tuesday of the Second Week of LentMt 23:1-12Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,"The scribes and the Phariseeshave taken their seat on the chair of Moses.Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,but do not follow their example.For they preach but they do not practice.They tie up heavy burdens hard to carryand lay them on people's shoulders,but they will not lift a finger to move them."

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.I've recently seen several videos online of children laying hands on siblings in prayer or praying with deep and passionate charisma. It's adorable because they are acts not normally seen in children who are more likely to swipe their friend's toy than lay hands on them in prayer. But I learned a long time ago that children are mirrors of the environment around them. When Benjamin William Hastings sings "Abandoned," he longs to mirror the complete abandon he sees in the life of Christ. As an adopted child into the family of God, I, too, want to mirror Christ's life of abandonment to the purpose and will of God. Let's explore the entire gospel of Mark together to see what acts we can emulate. In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on readingRead in contextSet a timerStudy a topicMark up the textMeditate on ScriptureEpisode Guide DownloadBenjamin's comments on the heart behind the song - Air1 ArticleReading and interacting with the entire gospel of Mark to examine Christ's life of complete abandonThe journal I use to study whole books of the Bible - ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: Mark - Amazon Paid LinkWanting to have the mind (and surrender) of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16How Jesus was yielded to God's plan completely from the beginning of His ministry - Mark 1:11-12Jesus doing the thing He came to do - Mark 1:38-39Jesus operating in the authority He had been given - Mark 2:10-11How Jesus about things/people that God cared about - Mark 2:17How Jesus' life of abandon led to rejection - Mark 6:2-3Christ's abandoned life was a life of prayer - Mark 6:46An abandoned life honors God with our lips AND our hearts and doesn't elevate tradition over the heart of God - Mark 7:6-8An abandoned life sets his/her mind on the thing of God, NOT the things of man - Mark 8:33The cross Jesus called us to bear before He surrendered to His own cross - Mark 8:34-38‌An abandoned life is content with God's timing - Mark 9:9An abandoned life is a life of servitude - Mark 9:35An abandoned life isn't a reckless life -- it still has customs - Mark 10:1An abandoned life is yielded to the truth of Scripture - Mark 11:17‌An example prayer RelationshipRehearseRequestRelinquishAdditional ResourcesLyrics - NewReleaseToday.comFavorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead the gospel of Mark. Read with a highlighter and pen in hand. Don't take apart every verse, but look for the pattern of the life of Christ — a life abandoned to the will of God above all else. Then pray as Jesus did in the garden. Call on your relationship with God, rehearse his character, make your request, and relinquish your will in exchange for His. You won't regret it.Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Mark 8:11–12Jesus had performed many miracles. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and fed thousands with only a few fish and loaves of bread. But even after all of that, the Pharisees came to argue with Jesus and demanded a sign from Heaven.The response of Jesus is quite unique. “He sighed from the depth of his spirit…” This sigh was an expression of His holy sorrow over the hardness of hearts of the Pharisees. If they had the eyes of faith, they would have no need for yet another miracle. And if Jesus would have performed a “sign from heaven” for them, even that would not have helped them. And so Jesus does the only thing He can—He sighed.At times, this type of reaction is the only good one. We may all face situations in life where others confront us with harshness and stubbornness. When this happens, we will be tempted to argue with them, condemn them, try to convince them we are right, and the like. But sometimes one of the holiest reactions we can have to the hardness of our heart of another is to experience a deep and holy sorrow. We must also “sigh” from the depths of our spirits.When one is hard of heart, rational talking and arguing will prove to be of little avail. Hardness of heart is also what we traditionally call the “sin against the Holy Spirit.” It's a sin of obstinacy and stubbornness. In that case, there is little or no openness to the truth. When you experience this in the life of another, silence and a sorrowful heart are often the best reaction. Their hearts need to be softened and your deep sorrow, shared with compassion, may be one of the only responses that can help make a difference. Reflect, today, upon any person in your life with whom you regularly argue, especially regarding matters of faith. Examine your approach and consider changing how you relate to them. Dismiss their irrational arguments and let them see your heart in the same way that Jesus allowed His divine heart to shine forth in a holy sigh. Pray for them, have hope, and allow your sorrow to help melt the most stubborn of hearts. My compassionate Jesus, Your heart was filled with the deepest compassion for the Pharisees. That compassion led You to express a holy sorrow over their stubbornness. Give me Your same heart, dear Lord, and help me to grieve not only over the sins of others, but also over my own sins, especially when I am stubborn of heart. Melt my heart, dear Lord, and help me to also be an instrument of Your holy sorrow to those in need of this grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Matthew 7:7-12Jesus has another simple statement to us: "Ask, and it will be given to you." We continue allowing God's Word to speak to us as we explore a Nature given for us. A Nature that has confidence and full certainty that when it asks, it has already received (Mark 11:24).

Fredrik LignellFristående predikningarhttps://www.ryttargardskyrkan.se/app/undervisning/stjarntydarna-herodes-och-kungen-i-krubban-arcgeMatt 2:1-12Jesus kommer underifrån, från utsidan, från marginalen. Han föds i utsatthet på nuvarande Västbanken, i Betlehem, senast år 4 f Kr. Gud träder in i en plats och i en tid. Det är ingen tanke som besöker oss, ingen god idé eller lära, utan en person. Gud får kropp och landar i historien, mitt i berättelsen om människan. === Stjärntydarna ===Vi vet inte hur många de var. Det är de tre olika gåvorna guld, rökelse och myrra som gjort att vi tänkt tre, men det är inget vi har en aning om. Profeten Hosea förutsäger på 800-talet f Kr hur folket ska bestå av andra än endast judar. (Samma text citeras av Paulus i Rom 9). I Matteus inledning ser vi en liten hint av vad som ska komma: Gud kallar människor på ett sätt de kan förstå för att de ska falla ner inför Jesus i tillbedjan. Rom 9:23-26Gud leder stjärntydarna till den nyfödde Jesus med hjälp av deras hedniska riter och erfarenheter. Jesus är Vägen, och ingen annan frälsning finns än hos Honom. Men Gud verkar dra i folk lite som Han vill, och framförallt utifrån vad de har med sig för förutsättningar att upptäcka Honom. Vår tvärsäkerhet kring hur Gud verkar i människors liv får sig en törn i berättelsen om männen från öster. Gud talar till några flummiga New Age-snubbar och använder sig av deras tveksamma metoder för att föra dem till Jesus. === De skriftlärda ===Om nu ledarna i Jerusalem hade koll på texterna och löftena, varför tog inte de sig till Betlehem? Det är tio km emellan, men varken Herodes eller de religiösa ledarna med full kunskap om GT:s profetiska skrifter begav sig dit. Är de slöa, har längtan i dem dött? Löftet om Messias hade funnits i många hundra år. Var de avmätta och avtrubbade? V 3. Herodes rädsla verkar ha smittat av sig. Märk hur den ständigt gör det. Översteprästerna och de skriftlärda är helt på det klara med att kungen ska födas i Betlehem (brödhuset). De citerar profeten Mika, och Matteus tar sig friheter. Den minsta staden, obetydlig och oansenlig, blir i Matteus omskrivning inte längre obetydlig. Kungen har fötts i Betlehem, och platsens betydelse ”levlar upp”. === Herodes ===Herodes blir inte maktfullkomlig och våldsam i samband med Jesu födelse, utan har varit det länge. I maktkampen om tronen har han låtit mörda sina tre egna söner, och kejsar Augustus har en gång sagt: ”Det är bättre att vara Herodes gris än hans son.” Han är orolig över nyheten om en kung. För honom är inte en Messias goda nyheter, då han önskar fortsätta regera utan störningsmoment. Matteus refererar till kung Herodes tills Skrifterna citerats och det blir tydligt vem som fötts. Efter det kallas han endast Herodes. I Matteus världsbild är det nu en annan som är Kung. === Kungen i krubban ===Matteus hjälper oss att se: Den som fötts i krubban i Betlehem är Guds Son, Kungars Kung, den som ska vända världens öde rätt. Gud kommer till världen i utsatthet och maktlöshet, medan Herodes regerar med våld och maktfullkomlighet. Guds Messias, född som en liten bebis utan plats i härbärget, blir flyktingbarn i norra Afrika. Här framträder två kungar, och två olika gensvar:Kungen i krubban och Herodes på sin tron. De skriftlärda som borde stått först i kön att tillbe Messias och de osannolika stjärntydarna från österlandet som inte visste något om löftena och Guds utlovade Kung. Kungen som fötts i krubban ska så småningom ställas inför världens största supermakt, representerad av Pontius Pilatus. Hans soldater blir de första sedan...

When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” Luke 12:11–12Jesus lived this Gospel passage in His own life to perfection. He was arrested, interrogated, falsely condemned and questioned by the Chief Priest, Herod and Pontius Pilate. During His interrogations, sometimes He spoke and at other times He remained silent. In preparation for these interrogations, Jesus did not study each ruler ahead of time, trying to figure out what He should say and not say. He did not prepare a defense but relied upon His perfect union with the Holy Spirit and with the Father to be led at every moment in His human nature.Though it may be unlikely that you will be arrested for your faith and put on trial for being Christian by the civil authorities, it is possible that you will experience various other forms of interrogation and condemnation at times during which you are challenged to respond. And more likely, if you are judged by another, you may be tempted to defend yourself in anger, attacking back.This Gospel passage, when clearly understood and lived, should have the effect of calming you and reassuring you during any and every experience of judgment. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor's thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way” (# 2478). And though you must always strive to do this yourself, there will most likely be times when others do not act in this careful and truthful way toward you. Thus, if you are judged by another, even if what they say has truth to it, it is important that you not react with defensiveness and anger, unless the Holy Spirit has unmistakably led you to do so. The key message Jesus gives is that you must trust that the Holy Spirit will always lead you as you humbly and continually seek to follow His every prompting. This is only possible if you have built a firm habit of attentiveness to the Voice of God within your conscience.Because the experience of rash judgment, detraction, calumny and the like are painful to encounter, you must prepare your defense ahead of time by learning to only rely upon the Holy Spirit in all things. Jesus exhorts us to do so! Therefore, if you daily and humbly seek to fulfill God's will, hear His voice, and respond with generosity, then you can be certain that when the time comes and you experience these forms of judgment, you will be ready. The Holy Spirit will speak to you, inspire you, console you and give you every grace you need to respond in accord with God's will. Do not doubt this. Have faith and confidence in these words and this promise of our Lord. Reflect, today, upon the ways that you have responded in the past to the judgment of another. Try to call to mind specific moments when this has happened. Did you respond with similar judgments? Were you filled with anger? Did you brood over injury? Did you lose your peace of heart? If you have fallen into these temptations, then commit yourself in faith to believe what Jesus says today. Trust Him. Trust that He will be with you in those difficult moments in the future and pray that you will be graced to respond only as the Holy Spirit directs you. My innocent Lord, You were put on trial, judged and falsely condemned. Yet in all of that, You were the Innocent Lamb Who always loved and spoke truth with perfection. When I experience judgment in my life, please fill me with peace of heart and trust in Your promise that the Holy Spirit will be with me, inspiring me and leading me in accord with Your perfect will. Holy Spirit, I abandon myself to You now and always. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Revealed the Miracles of Jesus Part Ten: Something Fishy Here By Louie Marsh, 10-15-2023     1) Jesus gives a STRANGE command.   “5Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” (John 21:5–6, ESV)   “3Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.  (Luke 5:3–7, ESV   ·       God loves to sound FOOLISH.   “8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)   ·       But His “foolishness” is actually the height of WISDOM.   “18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”” (1 Corinthians 1:18–19, ESV)   2) Peter has a REVELATION.   “7That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.” (John 21:7–8, ESV)   8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:8–11, ESV)   3) Everyone FELLOWSHIP with Jesus.   “10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:10–12, ESV)   4) Jesus REAFFIRMS His Call on the Apostles.   “18While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18–20, ESV)   “18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20, ESV)    

Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary TimeLk 10:1-12Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Primeira Leitura: Efésios 4,1-7.11-13 Leitura da carta de São Paulo aos Efésios – Irmãos, 1eu, prisioneiro no Senhor, vos exorto a caminhardes de acordo com a vocação que recebestes: 2com toda a humildade e mansidão, suportai-vos uns aos outros com paciência, no amor. 3Aplicai-vos a guardar a unidade do espírito pelo vínculo da paz. 4Há um só corpo e um só Espírito, como também é uma só a esperança à qual fostes chamados. 5Há um só Senhor, uma só fé, um só batismo, 6um só Deus e Pai de todos, que reina sobre todos, age por meio de todos e permanece em todos. 7Cada um de nós recebeu a graça na medida em que Cristo lha deu. 11E foi ele quem instituiu alguns como apóstolos, outros como profetas, outros ainda como evangelistas, outros, enfim, como pastores e mestres. 12Assim, ele capacitou os santos para o ministério, para edificar o corpo de Cristo, 13até que cheguemos todos juntos à unidade da fé e do conhecimento do Filho de Deus, ao estado do homem perfeito e à estatura de Cristo em sua plenitude. – Palavra do Senhor. Salmo Responsorial: 18(19A) Seu som ressoa e se espalha em toda a terra. 1. Os céus proclamam a glória do Senhor, / e o firmamento, a obra de suas mãos; / o dia ao dia transmite essa mensagem, / a noite à noite publica essa notícia. – R. 2. Não são discursos nem frases ou palavras, / nem são vozes que possam ser ouvidas; / seu som ressoa e se espalha em toda a terra, / chega aos confins do universo a sua voz. – R. Evangelho: Mateus 9,9-13 Aleluia, aleluia, aleluia. A vós, ó Deus, louvamos, a vós, Senhor, cantamos; / vos louva, ó Senhor, o coro dos apóstolos. – R. Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Mateus – Naquele tempo, 9Jesus viu um homem, chamado Mateus, sentado na coletoria de impostos e disse-lhe: “Segue-me!” Ele se levantou e seguiu a Jesus. 10Enquanto Jesus estava à mesa, em casa de Mateus, vieram muitos cobradores de impostos e pecadores e sentaram-se à mesa com Jesus e seus discípulos. 11Alguns fariseus viram isso e perguntaram aos discípulos: “Por que vosso mestre come com os cobradores de impostos e pecadores?” 12Jesus ouviu a pergunta e respondeu: “Aqueles que têm saúde não precisam de médico, mas sim os doentes. 13Aprendei, pois, o que significa: ‘Quero misericórdia e não sacrifício'. De fato, eu não vim para chamar os justos, mas os pecadores”. – Palavra da salvação.

21 SET 2023 COR LITÚRGICA: VERMELHO São Mateus, Apóstolo e Evangelista - Festa | Quinta-feira Evangelho (Mt 9,9-13)— Aleluia, Aleluia, Aleluia.— A vós, ó Deus, louvamos; a vós, Senhor, cantamos; vos louva, ó Senhor, o coro dos apóstolos! — Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo + segundo Mateus.— Glória a vós, Senhor.Naquele tempo, 9Jesus viu um homem chamado Mateus, sentado na coletoria de impostos, e disse-lhe: “Segue-me!” Ele se levantou e seguiu a Jesus.10Enquanto Jesus estava à mesa, na casa de Mateus, vieram muitos cobradores de impostos e pecadores e sentaram-se à mesa com Jesus e seus discípulos. 11Alguns fariseus viram isso e perguntaram aos discípulos: “Por que vosso mestre come com os cobradores de impostos e pecadores?”12Jesus ouviu a pergunta e respondeu: “Aqueles que têm saúde não precisam de médico, mas sim os doentes. 13Aprendei, pois, o que significa: ‘Quero misericórdia e não sacrifício'. De fato, eu não vim para chamar os justos, mas os pecadores”. — Palavra da Salvação.— Glória a vós, Senhor. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pe-jose-vicente/message

Naquele tempo, 9Jesus viu um homem chamado Mateus, sentado na coletoria de impostos, e disse-lhe: “Segue-me!” Ele se levantou e seguiu a Jesus. 10Enquanto Jesus estava à mesa, na casa de Mateus, vieram muitos cobradores de impostos e pecadores e sentaram-se à mesa com Jesus e seus discípulos. 11Alguns fariseus viram isso e perguntaram aos discípulos: “Por que vosso mestre come com os cobradores de impostos e pecadores?” 12Jesus ouviu a pergunta e respondeu: “Aqueles que têm saúde não precisam de médico, mas sim os doentes. 13Aprendei, pois, o que significa: ‘Quero misericórdia e não sacrifício'. De fato, eu não vim para chamar os justos, mas os pecadores”.

Leitura do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Mateus 9,9-13 Naquele tempo, 9Jesus viu um homem chamado Mateus, sentado na coletoria de impostos, e disse-lhe: “Segue-me!” Ele se levantou e seguiu Jesus. 10Enquanto Jesus estava à mesa, em casa de Mateus, vieram muitos cobradores de impostos e pecadores e sentaram-se à mesa com Jesus e seus discípulos. 11Alguns fariseus viram isso e perguntaram aos discípulos: “Por que vosso mestre come com os cobradores de impostos e pecadores?” 12Jesus ouviu a pergunta e respondeu: “Aqueles que têm saúde não precisam de médico, mas sim os doentes. 13Aprendei, pois, o que significa: “Quero misericórdia e não sacrifício”. De fato, eu não vim para chamar os justos, mas os pecadores” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amigocatolico/message

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Wenn ich auch noch so viele meiner Gebote aufschreibe, so werden sie doch geachtet wie eine fremde Lehre.Hosea 8,12Jesus spricht: Wer diese meine Rede hört und tut sie, der gleicht einem klugen Mann, der sein Haus auf Fels baute.Matthäus 7,24Titel der Andacht: "Auf Fels gebaut"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Without Faith We Fail | July 9, 2023Leave us a comment and share with a friend.Are you a Guest? We would love to know you. Text CONNECT to 615-551-9800 or submit the Connect Form — https://lifept.org/guestIf you wish to give online visit https://lifept.org/give

Salmo Responsorial: 105(106) Dai graças ao Senhor, porque ele é bom. 1. Dai graças ao Senhor, porque ele é bom, / porque eterna é a sua misericórdia! / Quem contará os grandes feitos do Senhor? / Quem cantará todo o louvor que ele merece? – R. 2. Felizes os que guardam seus preceitos / e praticam a justiça em todo o tempo! / Lembrai-vos, ó Senhor, de mim, lembrai-vos / pelo amor que demonstrais ao vosso povo! – R. 3. Visitai-me com a vossa salvação, / para que eu veja o bem-estar do vosso povo, / e exulte na alegria dos eleitos, / e me glorie com os que são vossa herança. – R. Segunda Leitura: Gênesis 23,1-4.19; 24,1-8.62-67 Leitura do livro do Gênesis – 1Sara viveu cento e vinte e sete anos 2e morreu em Cariat Arbe, que é Hebron, em Canaã. Abraão veio fazer luto por Sara e chorá-la. 3Depois, levantou-se de junto da morta e falou aos hititas: 4“Sou um estrangeiro e hóspede no vosso meio. Cedei-me como propriedade entre vós um lugar de sepultura, onde possa sepultar minha esposa que morreu”. 19Assim, Abraão sepultou Sara, sua mulher, na caverna do campo de Macpela, em frente de Mambré, que é Hebron, na terra de Canaã. 24,1Abraão já era velho, de idade avançada, e o Senhor o havia abençoado em tudo. 2Abraão disse ao servo mais antigo da sua casa, administrador de todos os seus bens: “Põe a mão debaixo da minha coxa 3e jura-me pelo Senhor, Deus do céu e da terra, que não escolherás para meu filho uma mulher entre as filhas dos cananeus, no meio dos quais eu moro; 4mas tu irás à minha terra natal, buscar entre os meus parentes uma mulher para o meu filho Isaac”. 5E o servo respondeu: “E se a mulher não quiser vir comigo para esta terra, deverei levar teu filho para a terra de onde saíste?” 6Abraão respondeu: “Guarda-te de levar meu filho de volta para lá. 7O Senhor, Deus do céu, que me tirou da casa do meu pai e da minha terra natal e que me falou e jurou, dizendo: ‘À tua descendência darei esta terra', ele mesmo enviará seu anjo diante de ti e trarás de lá uma mulher para meu filho. 8Porém, se a mulher não quiser vir contigo, ficarás livre deste juramento; mas de maneira alguma levarás meu filho de volta para lá”. 62Isaac tinha voltado da região do poço de Laai-Rói e morava na terra do Negueb. 63Ao cair da tarde, Isaac saiu para o campo a passear. Levantando os olhos, viu camelos que chegavam. 64Rebeca também, erguendo os olhos, viu Isaac. Desceu do camelo 65e perguntou ao servo: “Quem é aquele homem que vem pelo campo ao nosso encontro?” O servo respondeu: “É o meu senhor”. Ela puxou o véu e cobriu o rosto. 66Então o servo contou a Isaac tudo o que tinha feito. 67Ele introduziu Rebeca na tenda de Sara, sua mãe, e recebeu-a por esposa. Isaac amou-a, consolando-se assim da morte da mãe. – Palavra do Senhor. Evangelho: Mateus 9,9-13 Aleluia, aleluia, aleluia. Vinde a mim, todos vós que estais cansados, / e descanso eu vos darei, diz o Senhor (Mt 11,28). – R. Proclamação do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Mateus – Naquele tempo, 9Jesus viu um homem, chamado Mateus, sentado na coletoria de impostos e disse-lhe: “Segue-me!” Ele se levantou e seguiu a Jesus. 10Enquanto Jesus estava à mesa, em casa de Mateus, vieram muitos cobradores de impostos e pecadores e sentaram-se à mesa com Jesus e seus discípulos. 11Alguns fariseus viram isso e perguntaram aos discípulos: “Por que vosso mestre come com os cobradores de impostos e pecadores?” 12Jesus ouviu a pergunta e respondeu: “Aqueles que têm saúde não precisam de médico, mas, sim, os doentes. 13Aprendei, pois, o que significa: ‘Quero misericórdia e não sacrifício'. De fato, eu não vim para chamar os justos, mas os pecadores”. – Palavra da salvação.

Leitura do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Mateus 9,9-13 Naquele tempo, 9Jesus viu um homem chamado Mateus, sentado na coletoria de impostos, e disse-lhe: “Segue-me!” Ele se levantou e seguiu Jesus. 10Enquanto Jesus estava à mesa, em casa de Mateus, vieram muitos cobradores de impostos e pecadores e sentaram-se à mesa com Jesus e seus discípulos. 11Alguns fariseus viram isso e perguntaram aos discípulos: “Por que vosso mestre come com os cobradores de impostos e pecadores?” 12Jesus ouviu a pergunta e respondeu: “Aqueles que têm saúde não precisam de médico, mas sim os doentes. 13Aprendei, pois, o que significa: “Quero misericórdia e não sacrifício”. De fato, eu não vim para chamar os justos, mas os pecadores”. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amigocatolico/message

Naquele tempo, 9Jesus viu um homem chamado Mateus, sentado na coletoria de impostos, e disse-lhe: “Segue-me!” Ele se levantou e seguiu a Jesus. 10Enquanto Jesus estava à mesa, na casa de Mateus, vieram muitos cobradores de impostos e pecadores e sentaram-se à mesa com Jesus e seus discípulos. 11Alguns fariseus viram isso e perguntaram aos discípulos: “Por que vosso mestre come com os cobradores de impostos e pecadores?” 12Jesus ouviu a pergunta e respondeu: “Aqueles que têm saúde não precisam de médico, mas sim os doentes. 13Aprendei, pois, o que significa: ‘Quero misericórdia e não sacrifício'. De fato, eu não vim para chamar os justos, mas os pecadores”.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Mark 10:2-3, 10-12Jesus is quizzed. Where does he stand on the divorce issue?Mark indicates absolutely no exceptions!Don't read through filter of other passages (like 1 Cor or Matt). Mark was writing for a Roman audience. It is doubtful they had access to Matthew—if Matthew was even written yet—and the Jewish issues addressed in Matthew would not have been all that relevant to them.Matthew gives more information, alluding to the “any cause” divorces common in the 1st. Notice how Matthew differs from Mark 10:2-12: “I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery” (Matt 19:9).See a parallel in Mark 8:11-12 / Matt 12:39, where Mark indicates to exception, but Matthew does.Just as Mark doesn't give the whole story, neither does Matthew. We need to get behind the scenes. It's easy to draw incorrect conclusions if we don't realize the nature of gospel writing—abbreviation, arrangement, simplification. It won't do to just quote a passage and claim the Bible "means what it says." Rather, we need to be careful interpreters.It turns out that what appears to be both simple and absolute (Jesus' words on divorce in Mark 10) turns out to be neither absolute—there are exceptions—nor as simple as we may have thought. Back in those days, there were no law firms such as Jensen Family Law, and that is why topics such as divorces resided in grey areas.Matt 19:3-11Here's the backstory Matthew leaves out—as it would have been of little benefit to his readership.House of Shammai (50 BC – AD 30)Limited grounds for divorce to the four in Deut 24 and Exod 21.“The indecency of the matter” (the wording in Deut 24) they took to mean sexual infidelity.Their influence was waning in Jesus' day, though divorce for broken marriage vows (once the infidelity was proven in court) was still practiced up to 70 AD (when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, along with its temple).By Jesus' day, no-fault divorce (“any cause”) was predominant. What's that?House of Hillel (110 BC – AD 10) – grandfather of Gamaliel, tutor of the apostle Paul.“Any cause” divorce. If your wife burned the dinner, or you no longer found her attractive, you can get a new one.This "no fault" divorce was often considered more righteous than Shammai's stricter ruling, since it brought less shame on the family.It was in the ascendant in Jesus' day. “Any cause” divorce was the new normal.Listen again to the question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?” Is the question about legality of divorce? Of course not, since divorce is lawful—it's in the Torah. Or is the question about “divorce… for any cause”? No quote marks in original ancient languages.NET: “For any cause.” NJKV: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” NASB: “for any reason at all.” NIV: “for any and every reason” (helpfully paraphrased) NLT: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?” “Just any reason” shows better understanding of the ancient disagreement than does “for any cause.”Asked where he stands on divorce issue: Liberal, any-cause? or Conservative, grounds-required?Jesus agrees with Shammaites (divorce must have grounds) and repudiates Hillelites.Yet he goes farther, pleading for return to spirit of God's original plan.“Jesus used the same terminology as the Shammaites, in the same context, at the same period, and in a debate where Shammaites or their rivals the Hillelites were present. We may therefore confidently conclude that… when the Shammaites said ‘except… for a matter of indecency' in the context of this debate about ‘any matter' divorces, they meant that Deuteronomy 24:1 allows no type of divorce except that for indecency. They did not mean that Scripture allows no divorce except that for indecency—because they allowed other divorces on the grounds in Exodus 21.” (David Instone-Brewer)Also, in commenting on Deut 24, Jesus is not ruling out remarriage.He does not explicitly state that a person can remarry after divorcing someone for marital unfaithfulness. Perhaps this is because it was assumed.In 1st C Judaism, if a person divorced another person for any reason (Hillel) or only for cause (Shammai), they were allowed to remarry. Shammaites disagreed with Hillelites, but recognized their marriages as valid, even if lamentable.No 1st century Jewish group prohibited remarriage after divorce. In the Roman world, remarriage was mandatory after 18 months; not to remarry was to break the law. Thus it would be quite strange if Jesus and Paul taught against remarriage.Nor is Jesus explicitly ruling out other grounds for divorce.Keep in mind:The language of Matt 19 is compact and simplified: all grounds v. specific grounds. That is the debate—whether no-fault divorce is allowed, not whether divorce is allowed.Mark 10 and Luke (16:18) are even more compact—no exceptions at all. In the Roman (Mark) and Greek (Luke) worlds, divorce was separation. It was easy and it did not afford protection to the vulnerable. The Jewish world (Matthew) was different.The Bible is easily misunderstood if we fail to take into account the nature of biblical language, or if we don't read these texts with an understanding of the background situation.Does this make us uncomfortable: the claim we need history, geography, and language to understand the text?Goal: to understand issues like the original recipients of the Scriptures.There are significant gaps in our knowledge of ancient world. Are we surprised there are some things in the ancient world we don't understand?Similarly, there are gaps in the theology of the Bible.In Scripture we don't have a developed theology of the afterlife, or the communion meal, or how often Christians assembled. The Bible has nothing directly to say about marijuana.And there's no comprehensive doctrine of marriage, divorce, and remarriage—which means we have homework to do if we want to come to informed conclusions.ConclusionI'm not saying we can't understand scripture unless we are theologians, or must know the biblical languages, or that the scriptures are generally murky, or self-contradictory.Quite the contrary: We can understand them, some quite easily and quickly, but others only with serious spadework.

Watch the video to this reflection by CLICKING HEREGOSPEL- John 14: 1-12Jesus said to his disciples:"Do not let your hearts be troubled.You have faith in God; have faith also in me.In my Father's house there are many dwelling places.If there were not,would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you,I will come back again and take you to myself,so that where I am you also may be.Where I am going you know the way."Thomas said to him,"Master, we do not know where you are going;how can we know the way?"Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.If you know me, then you will also know my Father.From now on you do know him and have seen him."Philip said to him,"Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a timeand you still do not know me, Philip?Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,or else, believe because of the works themselves.Amen, amen, I say to you,whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,and will do greater ones than these,because I am going to the Father."

1After this Jesusrevealed himselfagain to the disciples bythe Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.2Simon Peter,Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael ofCana in Galilee,the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.3Simon Peter said to them, I am going fishing. They said to him, We will go with you. They went out and got into the boat, butthat night they caught nothing. 4Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciplesdid not know that it was Jesus.5Jesus said to them,Children, do you have any fish?They answered him, No.6He said to them,Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.7That disciplewhom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, It is the Lord! When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord,he put on his outer garment, for he wasstripped for work, andthrew himself into the sea.8The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[a]off. 9When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.10Jesus said to them,Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.12Jesus said to them,Come andhave breakfast.Nownone of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? They knew it was the Lord.13Jesus came andtook the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.14This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. Jesus and Peter 15When they hadfinished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,Simon,son of John,do you love me more than these?He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him,Feedmy lambs.16He said to him a second time,Simon, son of John, do you love me?He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him,Tendmy sheep.17He said to him the third time,Simon, son of John, do you love me?Peter was grieved because he said to himthe third time,Do you love me?and he said to him, Lord,you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him,Feedmy sheep.

JESUS IN THE WILD Part 5: THE POWER OF “IT IS WRITTEN”Luke 4:4, 8, 12Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.'” “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'” “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” Jesus has been tempted. And the Word-of-God-Made-Flesh begins his answer to each temptation with a form of one, small, universe-bending statement: “It is written.” In a world full of indignation, alarm, and shock, with a social media population reacting online with anger, angst, and argument to all manner of news and offenses, we read that Jesus responded to the devil. In my imagination, Jesus was calm, he was cool, and he was unequivocally clear in those moments. In this wild, Jesus is not reacting to the temptations, the struggle, his own fears, or the attack. He is not controlled by the devil's plays or moves. Jesus has chosen to answer the devil in his own way, on his own terms.What promise or passage from the Word of God has most strengthened you in your seasons of battle in the last few years? What word have you hidden deep in your heart that is serving you in this season you are in? What word are you using to address the enemy who seeks to unseat you from your royal throne? What is your “It is written” word for this season? Grace and Peace,Stephen

Thursday of the First Week in LentMt 7:7-12Jesus said to his disciples: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”  Mark 8:11–12Jesus had performed many miracles. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and fed thousands with only a few fish and loaves of bread. But even after all of that, the Pharisees came to argue with Jesus and demanded a sign from Heaven.The response of Jesus is quite unique. “He sighed from the depth of his spirit…” This sigh was an expression of His holy sorrow over the hardness of hearts of the Pharisees. If they had the eyes of faith, they would have no need for yet another miracle. And if Jesus would have performed a “sign from heaven” for them, even that would not have helped them. And so Jesus does the only thing He can—He sighed.At times, this type of reaction is the only good one. We may all face situations in life where others confront us with harshness and stubbornness. When this happens, we will be tempted to argue with them, condemn them, try to convince them we are right, and the like. But sometimes one of the holiest reactions we can have to the hardness of our heart of another is to experience a deep and holy sorrow. We must also “sigh” from the depths of our spirits.When one is hard of heart, rational talking and arguing will prove to be of little avail. Hardness of heart is also what we traditionally call the “sin against the Holy Spirit.” It's a sin of obstinacy and stubbornness. In that case, there is little or no openness to the truth. When you experience this in the life of another, silence and a sorrowful heart are often the best reaction. Their hearts need to be softened and your deep sorrow, shared with compassion, may be one of the only responses that can help make a difference.Reflect, today, upon any person in your life with whom you regularly argue, especially regarding matters of faith. Examine your approach and consider changing how you relate to them. Dismiss their irrational arguments and let them see your heart in the same way that Jesus allowed His divine heart to shine forth in a holy sigh. Pray for them, have hope, and allow your sorrow to help melt the most stubborn of hearts.My compassionate Jesus, Your heart was filled with the deepest compassion for the Pharisees. That compassion led You to express a holy sorrow over their stubbornness. Give me Your same heart, dear Lord, and help me to grieve not only over the sins of others, but also over my own sins, especially when I am stubborn of heart. Melt my heart, dear Lord, and help me to also be an instrument of Your holy sorrow to those in need of this grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary TimeMk 3:7-12Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from 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.

Summary:Do you think that anyone can have a shepherds heart?A true shepherd does not have a position, yet has given all for the sheep.Show Notes:• One cannot shepherd God's sheep without having His heart• There is a balance that is not so easy to see without that heart• A good shepherd will lay down his life for his sheepReferences:Psalm 51A sinner's prayer for pardon.Hebrews 13:20 ESVNow may the God of peace who brought again from the dead ourLord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of theeternal covenant,John 13:4-12Jesus washes the disciples feet.Jeremiah 3:15 NLTAnd I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guideyou with knowledge and understanding.Luke 15:4-7The Parable of the Lost Sheep.John 16:12 NKJV“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannotbear them now”.Romans 8:34 BLBWho is the one condemning? For it is Christ Jesus,the one having died, now rather having been raised up, who isalso at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.Quotes:• Jesus is considered our Great Shepherd• Jacob, one of the great shepherds of all time• The shepherd is responsible to find the greenest pasture for hissheepTake Away:There are few who come to know how to balance everything needed ina sheep fold, the milk for the babes, the meat for the mature, how fastto lead them so that no one lags behind, and no one is jumping way outfront. God bless those with a true shepherds heart.

God works through us most powerfully when our FEELINGS align with the FACTS of spirituality.Things that Mask (the facts)We are in a spiritual war. Ephesians 6:10-12Jesus has already won. Hebrews 10:11-14Things that Magnify (feelings). Fear is a major feeling that hinders our spirituality. Mark 4:40. Mark 5:35-36. Mark 6:50Things that MatterPreached by Jaren Singh on 8/28/22

Fr. Jim wants us to notice the importance of the opening line in today's Gospel passage. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Or put another way Jesus says, "Do not be afraid" that I will be leaving because I will return to you.Excerpt from John 14:1-12Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not let your hearts be troubled.You have faith in God; have faith also in me.In my Father's house there are many dwelling places.If there were not,would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you,I will come back again and take you to myself,so that where I am you also may be.Where I am going you know the way.”Read the full Gospel passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051020.cfmGospel Study: Fr. Jim WilligGospel Narration: Fr. J Michael Sparough, SJPrimary Music: Michael KramerAdditional Music: Gettin Through It by Brent Wood licensed to Nathaniel Stubblefield via SoundstripeProducer: Nathaniel Stubblefield

Fifth Wednesday in Lent, March 30, 2022Wednesday Evening ServiceLenten Series: The Crucial Hours “They Bound Him”Sermon Text: John 18:12Jesus was bound in place of us so we are free—free to serve him and honor and love him.Pastor Ryan Heiman

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 23, verses 1-12Jesus makes an example of who else? The Pharisees and Scribes to invite us to look at how not to act. Don't seek out lofty titles or places of honor. Want to get ahead in the Kingdom of God? Step down. Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 7, verses 7-12Jesus speaks to us of God's magnanimity...but also of our need to be involved in working for the Kingdom. It's not magic. God doesn't do all the work. We have to choose our level of involvement.Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

The temptations of Jesus, a challenge for Jesus, may not seem like a challenge to us who have heard the story time and time again.   Is it so hard to resist not worshipping Satan, or throwing yourself off a cliff?  Listen as the temptations of Jesus are brought forward to our time, and we see a champion who faced every temptation we face, and in our place, remained the Undefeated Champion. Wield the Sword of the Spirit Luke 4:1–13  (EHV)  Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. He did not eat anything during those days. When they came to an end, he was hungry. 3The Devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4Jesus answered him, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'” 5The Devil led him up to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6The Devil told him, “I will give you all this power and the glory of these kingdoms, because it has been entrusted to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. 7So, if you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8Jesus answered him, “It is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'” 9The Devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here, 10because it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you. 11And, they will lift you up with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 12Jesus answered him, “It says: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.'” 13When the Devil had finished every temptation, he left him until an opportune time.  

In our new three-week series, Found, we'll explore the depth and breath of God's love. You'll discover that you're never too far or too lost to experience his grace and forgiveness. I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Find Community • https://willamette.cc/community • Growth happens best in community. Community Life starts this week! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - September 12th, 2021Found Son - Dayne ScanlonGod has reconciled himself to us through Jesus. But receiving that gift means living a life of reconciliation. Luke 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:11-12Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. Luke 15:13-16“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country, and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. Luke 15:13-16So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Luke 15:17-19“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. Luke 15:17-19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' Luke 15:20-24So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20-24“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. Luke 15:20-24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.Luke 15:25-30“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,' he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' Luke 15:25-30“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. Luke 15:25-30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' When our identity is rooted in our works, its impossible to celebrate God's grace for others. We're all in need of the father. Do you have the heart of the father?2 Corinthians 5:17-18Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. Reconcile yourself to God. Become an active reconciler. Luke 15:31-32“‘My son,' the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'”

Teaching NotesIn one short week we move from the crowd shouting“Hosanna” “Crucify Him”The Last Week of Jesus' life on Earth Sunday The Triumphal Entry“Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?' say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'” Mark 11:2-3Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 Jesus fulfilled 351 prophecies. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,“Hosanna!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”Mark 11:8-10The word “Hosanna” means “to save, to rescue”. They saw Jesus as the one who would save Israel from the Roman rule and restore them to dignity and political as a people. But Jesus came to save them for something bigger, way bigger. He wants to give them eternal life. He wants to remove the death penalty that hangs over every human. How is he going to do it? By dying for them…even though they don't know this yet. Monday Jesus clears the temple of money changers On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'Mark 11:15-17 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.Mark 11:18TuesdayJesus' authority questioned Jesus told a parable that exposed the Pharisees Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.Mark 12:12Jesus is challenged on paying taxes to CaesarLater they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?Mark 12:13-14Jesus is challenged on the resurrection and marriageJesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.Mark 12:24-25And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.Mark 12:34 Wednesday Judas' decision to betray JesusThen Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.Mark 14:10-11 ApplicationCan you handle the truth? Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/OnlineForever Free- Westside WorshipWhat A Beautiful Name- Hillsong WorshipThere Is A King- Elevation WorshipIt is Well- Bethel MusicWFC SpeedwayRaise A Hallelujah- Bethel MusicO The Blood- Mitch LangleyMove Your Heart- Maverick City Jesus Is Our King- The Collective KCBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set! Watching Group Content + DiscussionFind weekly watching group content here.What stood out to you from today's viewing?How would you summarize these chapters in a sentence or two?What did you learn about Jesus in these chapters?What did you learn about people/humanity in these chapters?What is God asking you to do, be, embrace, change and/or believe from these chapters?