"And if your right hand causes you to sin,
cut it off and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one of your members
than to have your whole body go into Gehenna."
(Matthew 5:30)
Our lives should be according to the values of the Kingdom of God, which involves not just external obedience to the law, but also the inner transformation of the heart. We should strive for purity not just in our actions, but also in our thoughts and desires. We all fall short, but through Jesus, we can receive forgiveness and the power to live righteously. Let us examine our hearts, our relationships, and our commitment to living out these values.
27 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. 31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. 32 But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:27-32)
In the Kingdom of God, we find our place, not just in actions, but in grace. A life of obedience, externally shown, yet, transformation within, in seeds sown. Strive for purity, in thought and deed, in every desire, in every need. Not just actions that others see, but in our hearts, where thoughts run free. We all fall short, in ways untold, yet, through Jesus, we're in the fold. Forgiveness received, power anew, to live righteously, to virtues true. Examine our hearts, take a look within, where does righteousness begin? In our relationships, commitments made, in living out values, not letting them fade. so let us walk, in this journey of life, amidst the joy, amidst the strife. With hearts transformed, and values pure, in the Kingdom of God, we are secure.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today, acknowledging that our lives should be according to the values of Your Kingdom. We understand that this involves not just external obedience to Your law, but also the inner transformation of our hearts. Help us, Lord, to strive for purity, not just in our actions, but also in our thoughts and desires. We know that we often fall short, but we are grateful that through You, we can receive forgiveness and the power to live righteously. We ask You to help us examine our hearts, our relationships, and our commitment to living out these values. Guide us in our journey, and help us to reflect Your love and grace in all that we do. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.
God has a plan for each of us, even when we can’t see it. He communicates in various ways. He can speak to us in quiet and subtle ways, not just through dramatic events. Even in our despair and in the lowest moments of our lives, we are not alone, He is with us. Despite our fears and doubts, God patiently deals with us, providing us with the reassurance and direction we needed. Let us trust in God’s plan, seek His voice in our lives, and find comfort in His presence.
9 At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the word of the Lord came to him, 11 “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was fire— but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. 13 When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, why are you here?” 14 He replied, “I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. But the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go, take the road back to the desert near Damascus. When you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king of Aram. 16 Then you shall anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as king of Israel, and Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you.” (1 Kings 19:9, 11-16)
In the canvas of life, unseen by us, God paints a plan, in Him we trust. Through whispers soft and moments grand, He communicates, extending His hand. Not just in thunder, not just in rain, in quiet moments, His voice remains. In subtle signs, in gentle breeze, in silent prayers, on bended knees. In depths of despair, in nights so long, in weakest moments, He makes us strong. We are not alone, in Him we confide, in every step, He is our guide. Despite our fears, doubts that unwind, God deals with us, patient and kind. He reassures us, shows the way, in His direction, we never stray. So let us trust in His divine plan, seek His voice, His love so grand. In His presence, comfort we'll find, God's love for us, forever kind.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You have a plan for each of us, even when we can’t see it. We trust in Your divine wisdom and guidance, knowing that Your ways are higher than ours. You communicate with us in various ways, speaking not just through dramatic events, but also in quiet and subtle ways. Help us to listen, to be still, and to discern Your voice amidst the noise of the world. Even in our despair and in the lowest moments of our lives, we are not alone. You are with us, our ever-present help in times of trouble. You walk with us through the valley, and Your rod and staff comfort us. Despite our fears and doubts, You patiently deal with us, providing us with the reassurance and direction we need. You are our Shepherd, leading us beside still waters, restoring our souls, and guiding us along the right paths. Help us to trust in Your plan, to seek Your voice in our lives, and to find comfort in Your presence. May we always remember that You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God has a plan for us and that His plans are for our good. Waiting for the Lord means trusting in His timing and not rushing ahead of His plans. It requires courage and a stout heart, but it brings the assurance that God is in control. He is always with us, guiding us through every step of our journey. Let us strive to seek God's presence in our daily lives, trust in His saving grace, believe and have faith in His goodness and love, and patiently wait for His guidance, even when we face difficulties. or especially during challenging times.
7 Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me. 8 Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks. (R) Your presence, O Lord, I seek. 9 Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper: cast me not off. (R) 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:7-8, 8-9, 13-14)
In the grand design of life, under His watchful eye, God has a plan for us, reaching to the sky. His plans are for our good, a blueprint divine, waiting for the Lord means trusting in His time. Not rushing ahead of His plans, we stand, with courage and a stout heart, hand in hand. Assurance it brings, that God is in control, guiding us through every step, towards our goal. He is always with us, in joy and in strife, guiding us gently, through the journey of life. Strive we must, in our daily lives, to seek God's presence, where love thrives. Trust in His saving grace, so pure and bright, believe and have faith, in His goodness and light. Patiently we wait, for His guidance so clear, even when we face difficulties, or when challenges are near. Especially during challenging times, when hope seems to wane, remember His love, like a comforting rain. For God is our refuge, our strength, and our song, with Him by our side, we are never alone, we are strong.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You have a plan for us, and we trust that Your plans are for our good. We understand that waiting for You means trusting in Your perfect timing and not rushing ahead of Your plans. We pray for courage and a stout heart, knowing that this brings the assurance that You are in control. We are grateful that You are always with us, guiding us through every step of our journey. Help us to strive to seek Your presence in our daily lives. We trust in Your saving grace and believe in Your goodness and love. We pray for patience as we wait for Your guidance, especially during challenging times. Even when we face difficulties, help us to remember that You are with us. Your love and mercy are our refuge and strength. We thank You for Your faithfulness and for the promise of Your presence in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
TEACHING ABOUT ADULTERY / TEACHING ABOUT DIVORCE
Matthew 5:27-30 / 31-32
First Reading
III: Stories of the Prophets
FLIGHT TO HOREB / CALL OF ELISHA
1 Kings 19:1-18
Responsorial Psalm
First Book of Psalms 1-41
TRUST IN GOD
Psalm 27:1-14
Related Blogs:
https://slaveryofsintofreedomoflove.blogspot.com/2024/06/cut-it-off.html
https://thepoweroftheholyspirit.blogspot.com/2024/06/chosen-successor.html
https://kapitlangkapatid.blogspot.com/2024/06/wait-for-lord.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
