Follow Me

But Jesus answered him, 

“Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” 

(Matthew 8:22)

Following Jesus requires a willingness to face discomfort and uncertainty. We must be prepared for the sacrifices and challenges that come with true discipleship. Discipleship requires placing Jesus above all other obligations and relationships. Our commitment to Him must be our highest priority. This doesn’t mean neglecting your duties but recognizing the supreme importance of your faith. Let us reflect on what it means to follow Jesus, the seriousness and dedication required, and be prepared for the sacrifices it entails. 

18 When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side. 19 A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” 21 Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8:18-22)

Following Jesus, a journey so bold, embracing discomfort, as stories unfold. Prepared for the trials, the challenges we face, in true discipleship, we find our place. Above all obligations, above every tie, our commitment to Jesus, we cannot deny. He stands as our beacon, our guiding light, in His love and grace, we find our might. Not neglecting our duties, but faith held supreme, in the heart of our lives, He reigns as our dream. Reflecting on His path, the dedication it takes, for the sacrifices made, our spirit awakes. With seriousness and fervor, we walk this road, bearing the weight of the cross, a sacred load. Let us be prepared, with hearts open wide, for in following Jesus, true peace will abide.

Lord Jesus, grant us the courage to follow You, even when the path is uncertain and filled with discomfort. Help us to embrace the sacrifices and challenges that come with true discipleship.

May we place You above all other obligations and relationships, recognizing that our commitment to You must be our highest priority. Guide us to balance our duties with the supreme importance of our faith and let us never forget the seriousness and dedication required to follow You. As we reflect on what it means to be Your disciples, prepare our hearts for the sacrifices it entails. Strengthen our resolve, deepen our faith, and fill us with Your grace and love, so that we may walk this journey with unwavering devotion. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

God values justice and expects His people to act with integrity and compassion. We should treat others fairly and stand up for the oppressed. 

Sin has consequences. Idolatry and immorality leads to God’s judgment. No one can escape God’s judgment. Regardless of one’s strength or status, everyone is accountable to God. Our actions have repercussions, and we must strive to live righteously, with humility, and in accordance with God’s will.

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God is patient with us and His desire is for us to repent. Repentance is a crucial step in restoring our relationship with God. We should heed God’s warnings and turn back to Him when we stray. Let us examine our lives, acknowledge our sins, and seek God’s forgiveness. 

6 Thus says the Lord: For three crimes of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke my word; because they sell the just man for silver, and the poor man for a pair of sandals. 7 They trample the heads of the weak into the dust of the earth, and force the lowly out of the way. Son and father go to the same prostitute, profaning my holy name. 8 Upon garments taken in pledge they recline beside any altar; and the wine of those who have been fined they drink in the house of their god. 9 Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorites before them, who were as tall as the cedars, and as strong as the oak trees. I destroyed their fruit above, and their roots beneath. 10 It was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt, and who led you through the desert for forty years, to occupy the land of the Amorites. 13 Beware, I will crush you into the ground as a wagon crushes when laden with sheaves. 14 Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong man shall not retain his strength; the warrior shall not save his life, 15 nor the bowman stand his ground; the swift of foot shall not escape, nor the horseman save his life. 16 And the most stouthearted of warriors shall flee naked on that day, says the Lord. (Amos 2:6-10, 13-16)

God values justice, expects integrity, Compassionate hearts, acting faithfully. Treat others fairly, stand for the oppressed, In God’s eyes, we must give our best. Sin has consequences, idolatry’s snare, Immorality leads to judgment’s glare. No one escapes, regardless of might, All are accountable in God’s sight. Our actions have weight, repercussions clear, Live righteously, with humility near. In accordance with God’s holy will, Strive to be just, our hearts to fill. God is patient, His desire is clear, Repentance restores, brings us near. Heed His warnings, turn back when we stray, Examine our lives, seek forgiveness today. Let us acknowledge our sins, confess, Seek God’s mercy, His love to bless. In His grace, find a new start, With justice and mercy, live from the heart.

Heavenly Father, You value justice and call us to act with integrity and compassion. Help us to treat others fairly and to stand up for the oppressed. Guide our hearts to reflect Your love and righteousness in all we do. We acknowledge that sin has consequences. Idolatry and immorality lead to Your judgment, and no one can escape it. Regardless of our strength or status, we are all accountable to You. Our actions have repercussions, and we must strive to live righteously, with humility, and in accordance with Your will. Lord, we are grateful for Your patience with us. Your desire is for us to repent and restore our relationship with You. Help us to heed Your warnings and turn back to You when we stray. Let us examine our lives, acknowledge our sins, and seek Your forgiveness. Grant us the strength to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. May Your grace transform our hearts and lead us on the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God calls us to consider our sinful ways and repent, warning of it's severe consequences if we do not. He rebukes those who recite His laws but hate His discipline and ignore His words. We should align our actions with our professed beliefs. It is important to live a life of integrity, honesty and respect in our relationships, and avoid complicity in sinful behavior. True worship comes from a sincere heart, not just outward rituals. It involves thanksgiving and living rightly. Let us offer genuine praise and live in a way that honors God.

16 “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, 17 though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” (R) 18 “When you see a thief, you keep pace with him, and with adulterers you throw in your lot. 19 To your mouth you give free rein for evil, you harness your tongue to deceit.” (R) 20 “You sit speaking against your brother; against your mother’s son you spread rumors. 21 When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.” (R) 22 “Consider this, you who forget God, lest I rend you and there be no one to rescue you. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:16-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23)

God calls us to consider our ways, To turn from sin, to seek His face. He warns of consequences grave, For those who stray, for those who crave. He rebukes the hearts that know His law, Yet shun His discipline, find flaw. In words they speak, but actions stray, From truth and light, they turn away. Align your deeds with what you profess, Live with integrity, nothing less. In every bond, with honesty, Respect and love, let these be key. Avoid the path of sinful snare, In all you do, be just and fair. True worship springs from hearts sincere, Not empty rites, but love and fear. With gratitude, our lives we bring, In righteousness, let praises ring. Let actions speak, let hearts be pure, In all we do, let God endure. Offer praise from depths within, Live a life free from sin. Honor God in every way, Let His light guide your day.

Heavenly Father, You call us to examine our hearts and turn away from our sinful ways. We acknowledge the severe consequences of ignoring Your warnings and rebukes. Help us to align our actions with our professed beliefs, living lives of integrity, honesty, and respect in all our relationships. Lord, we confess that we have often recited Your laws but failed to embrace Your discipline and heed Your words. Forgive us for our hypocrisy and guide us to live in a way that truly honors You. May our worship be genuine, stemming from sincere hearts rather than mere outward rituals. Teach us to offer thanksgiving and live rightly, avoiding complicity in sinful behavior. Let our lives be a testament to Your grace and truth, reflecting Your love and righteousness in all we do. We offer You our genuine praise and commit to living in a way that glorifies Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

Gospel

III: Ministry and Mission in Galilee

THE WOULD-BE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

Matthew 8:18-22

First Reading 

I: Judgment of the Nations

ISRAEL

Amos 2:6-16

Responsorial Psalm

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE

Psalm 50:1-23

Related Blogs:

https://pursueyourpurposeinlife.blogspot.com/2024/07/follow-me.html 

https://justiceandjudgmentrevealed.blogspot.com/2024/06/justice-for-weak-and-lowly.html

https://runtotherisenlord.blogspot.com/2024/07/go-right-way.html

Reflection Source:

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Published: 

July 01, 2024, 6:35 AM

“Follow Me”

As He passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, 

sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, 

“Follow me.” 

And he got up and followed Jesus.

MARK 2:14

Jesus came not for the righteous but for the broken and the lost. He came not for the perfect but for the ones who need the cross. He came to heal the sick, give sight to the blind, free the captives and renew the weary mind. He came to seek and save the ones who went astray, to show the way, the truth and the life. He came to die for sinners and to rise again in power. He came to offer grace and to be our Savior.

Follow Jesus. Trust Him and believe in His love and His grace. Obey Him and walk in His footsteps and His ways. Serve Him and share His gospel and His light, Worship Him and praise His name and His might. Know Him and grow in His word and His spirit. Love Him and cherish His presence and His gift.

13 Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. 14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. 15 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16 Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mark 2:1-12)

To be anointed by the Lord is to be chosen to fulfill His purpose and His plan. If you are anointed by the Lord, you shall be His servant and His friend. You shall be empowered by the Lord to overcome the enemy and the world. He will protect you to be His witness and His herald. You shall be loved by the Lord to reflect His glory and His grace and blessed by the Lord to enjoy His presence and His praise.

You are called by the Lord to lead His people and His flock. You are anointed by the Lord to be His shepherd and His rock. You are equipped by the Lord to face the challenges and the trials. You are guided by the Lord to follow His wisdom and His will. You are honored by the Lord to steward His heritage and His treasure. You are accountable to the Lord to serve Him faithfully and with pleasure.

1 There was a stalwart man from Benjamin named Kish, who was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite. 2 He had a son named Saul, who was a handsome young man. There was no other child of Israel more handsome than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people. 3 Now the asses of Saul’s father, Kish, had wandered off. Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go out and hunt for the asses.” 4 Accordingly they went through the hill country of Ephraim, and through the land of Shalishah. Not finding them there, they continued through the land of Shaalim without success. They also went through the land of Benjamin, but they failed to find the animals.17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord assured him, “This is the man of whom I told you; he is to govern my people.” 18 Saul met Samuel in the gateway and said, “Please tell me where the seer lives.” 19 Samuel answered Saul: “I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today. In the morning, before dismissing you, I will tell you whatever you wish. 10:1 Then, from a flask he had with him, Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head; he also kissed him, saying: “The Lord anoints you commander over his heritage. You are to govern the Lord’s people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies roundabout. “This will be the sign for you that the Lord has anointed you commander over his heritage.” (1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1)

God welcomes you with open arms. He embraces you with His love and He showers you with goodly blessings. He fills you with His joy and with tender mercy, He forgives you with His grace. He heals you with goodly blessings and restores you with His peace. With faithful promise He guides you with His word and equips you with goodly blessings. Great is His glory in your victory, great is His power in your weakness, great is His grace in your need, great is His praise in your witness.

2 O Lord, in your strength the king is glad; in your victory how greatly he rejoices! 3 You have granted him his heart’s desire; you refused not the wish of his lips. 4 For you welcomed him with goodly blessings, you placed on his head a crown of pure gold. 5 He asked life of you: you gave him length of days forever and ever. 6 Great is his glory in your victory; majesty and splendor you conferred upon him. 7 For you made him a blessing forever; you gladdened him with the joy of your face. (Psalm 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7)

Lord Jesus, You came not for the righteous but for the broken and the lost. Please make me whole again and show me the right way. Thank You so much for being my Lord and Savior. I shall follow You all the days of my life knowing and believing that only You can bring to fulfillment all of my lifes wishes and desires. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE CALL OF LEVI

Mark 2:13-17

II: Establishment of the Monarch in Israel

PERSISTENT DEMAND / THE LOST ASSES / SAMUEL'S REVELATION ABOUT SAUL

1 Samuel 9:1-2 / 3-10 / 14-26

First Book of Psalms 1-41

THANKSGIVING AND ASSURANCES FOR THE KING

Psalm 21:14

Reflection Source:

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You will See Greater Things

Jesus answered and said to him, 

“Do you believe because I told you 

that I saw you under the fig tree? 

You will see greater things than this.” 

JOHN 1:50

Jesus sees you in your darkest hour. He knows your pain and sorrow. He is the one who can heal and restore, the hope, the joy, the tomorrow. Jesus sees you in your brightest day. He shares your happiness and gratitude. He is the one who can bless and multiply, the grace, the peace, the attitude. Jesus sees you in your every moment. He cares for your soul and spirit. He is the one who can guide and empower, the faith, the love, the merit.

In Jesus, you shall see greater things than what this world can offer you. He is the source of life and truth, the way, the light, the king of kings. You shall see greater things than miracles and signs and wonders. He is the one who loves and cares, the friend, the shepherd, the savior. You shall see greater things than what your eyes can comprehend. He is the alpha and omega, the first, the last, the very end.

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:43-51)

Jesus is the love of your life. He gave his life for you on the cross. He is the one who paid the price, the gift, the ransom, the loss. He rose again from the grave. He is the one who conquered death, the power, the victory, the brave. He lives in you by His spirit. He is the one who makes you whole, the truth, the beauty, the merit.

Love not in word or speech but in deed and truth for words are cheap and speeches are vain but deeds are real and truth is plain. Words can hurt and speeches can deceive but deeds can heal and truth can relieve. Words can fade and speeches can bore but deeds can last and truth can soar.

This is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another, unlike Cain who belonged to the Evil One and slaughtered his brother. Why did he slaughter him? Because his own works were evil, and those of his brother righteous. Do not be amazed, then, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God. (1 John 3:11-21)

The Lord is good: the Lord, whose kindness endures forever. He is the one who shows us mercy and grace, the rock, the refuge, the shelter. He is the one who keeps His promises and covenants, the faithful, the true, the giver. He is the one who loves us with an everlasting love, the Father, the Son, the Spirit.

Serve the Lord with gladness for He is worthy of all praise. He is the one who made us and saved us, the creator, the redeemer, the grace. He is faithful and good who sustains us and guides us, the provider, the protector, the food. He is holy and awesome, the one who reigns over us and loves us, the king, the lord, the bridegroom.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song. Know that the Lord is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; Give thanks to him; bless his name. The Lord is good: the Lord, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. (Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 4, 5)

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love and grace that You have shown me in my life. You are the one who gives me hope and faith, the way, the truth, the life. I trust You for your plan and purpose that you have prepared for me. You are the one who leads me and guides me, the shepherd, the friend, the key. I ask You for Your power and presence that You would fill me with Your spirit. You are the one who enables me and equips me, the helper, the teacher, the gift. I believe You for Your promise and prophecy that I shall see greater things. You are the one who reveals to me and inspires me, the vision, the glory, the king. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE FIRST DISCIPLES

John 1:35-51

III: Love for One Another

AVOIDING SIN / CONFIDENCE BEFORE GOD

1 John 3:4-18 / 19-24

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

PROCESSIONAL HYMN

Psalm 100:1-5

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