#Isaiah's grief over Jerusalem

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Burden Against the Valley of Vision

1 The burden concerning the Valley of Vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops, 2 Thou that art full of uproar, a tumultuous city, a joyous town? Thy slain are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle. 3 All thy rulers are fled together, Without the bow they are bound; All that are found of thee are bound together, they are fled afar off. 4 Therefore said I: ‘Look away from me, I will weep bitterly; Strain not to comfort me, for the destruction of the daughter of my people.’ 5 For it is a day of trouble, and of trampling, and of perplexity, From the Lord, the GOD of hosts, in the Valley of Vision; Kir shouting, and Shoa at the mount. 6 And Elam bore the quiver, with troops of men, even horsemen; And Kir uncovered the shield. 7 And it came to pass, when thy choicest valleys were full of chariots, And the horsemen set themselves in array at the gate, 8 And the covering of Judah was laid bare, that thou didst look in that day to the armour in the house of the forest. 9 And ye saw the breaches of the city of David, that they were many; and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 10 And ye numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and ye broke down the houses to fortify the wall; 11 ye made also a basin between the two walls for the water of the old pool— But ye looked not unto Him that had done this, Neither had ye respect unto Him that fashioned it long ago.

12 And in that day did the Lord, the GOD of hosts, call To weeping, and to lamentation, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth; 13 And behold joy and gladness, Slaying oxen and killing sheep, Eating flesh and drinking wine— ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die!’ 14 And the LORD of hosts revealed Himself in mine ears: Surely this iniquity shall not be expiated by you till ye die, Saith the Lord, the GOD of hosts.

15 Thus saith the Lord, the GOD of hosts: Go, get thee unto this steward, Even unto Shebna, who is over the house: 16 What hast thou here, and whom hast thou here, That thou hast hewed thee out here a sepulchre, Thou that hewest thee out a sepulchre on high, And gravest a habitation for thyself in the rock? 17 Behold, the LORD will hurl thee up and down with a man’s throw; Yea, He will wind thee round and round; 18 He will violently roll and toss thee like a ball into a large country; There shalt thou die, and there shall be the chariots of thy glory, Thou shame of the lord’s house. 19 And I will thrust thee from thy post, And from thy station shalt thou be pulled down. 20 And it shall come to pass in that day, That I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; 21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, And bind him with thy girdle, And I will commit thy government into his hand; And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; And he shall open, and none shall shut; And he shall shut, and none shall open. 23 And I will fasten him as a peg in a sure place; And he shall be for a throne of honour to his father’s house.

24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flagons. 25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the peg that was fastened in a sure place give way; and it shall be hewn down, and fall, and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off; for the LORD hath spoken it. — Isaiah 22 | JPS Tanakh 1917 (JPST) The Holy Scriptures according to the Masoretic text; Jewish Publication Society 1917. Cross References: Genesis 45:8; Genesis 50:5; 1 Samuel 2:8; 1 Samuel 3:14; 1 Kings 7:2; 2 Kings 16:9; 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Kings 20:20; 2 Kings 25:4; Esther 9:24-25; Job 18:18; Job 40:11-12; Psalm 52:5; Isaiah 3:24; Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 10:4; Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 21:15; Isaiah 36:3; Jeremiah 1:15; Zechariah 6:13; Matthew 10:27; Matthew 16:19; Matthew 27:60; Luke 17:26; Luke 19:41; Revelation 3:7

[yhwhrulz]

Worthy Brief - May 7, 2024

He understands our sufferings more than you know!

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted (me-u-neh). But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Romans 8:16-18 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

When I studied Isaiah 53 earnestly in the ancient Hebrew, I was taken back by the Hebrew word for "afflicted" (me-u-neh). In modern Hebrew, this word means "tortured". When I was young, and first learned what torture actually involved, my soul was shocked that this could happen to people; in fact that it was happening to people. That a person could be kept alive for the purpose of intentionally causing him intense agonizing pain was an astounding enigma for my young soul. It really frightened me; and I think that fear of torture is probably the greatest fear that humans can experience. We read about people who have been tortured, with a kind of horrified awe. And quietly we wonder inside, "How can this be?" And, "Could this ever happen to me?"

Crucifixion was a form of torture which the ancient Romans used frequently. And while I had a concept of the suffering that our Messiah endured for us, for some reason, the understanding that He was tortured for our iniquities brought my awareness to a new level. I did not begin to appreciate or fathom the suffering Yeshua went through. His identification with our suffering and our sin was total, and His experience of this torture so fully absorbed Him that He experienced what must have felt like infinite isolation and pain. Somehow, this is a deep comfort; to know that the Son of God understands by experience, torture, and suffering unthinkable.

But then, I suddenly realized that I also could not begin to comprehend the glory that awaited Him after His suffering. And that His suffering purchased for me a portion in that glory as well. It was the other side of the story, and somehow, these two extremes complement one another; suffering, and glory. The apostle Paul states his revelation about our sufferings with almost light-hearted conviction; that they are not even “worthy” to be compared with the glory that awaits us. This, to me, could be the most amazing promise in all of scripture.

Suffering is everywhere, a constant part of this life; it may be you, or someone you love, or people you don't even know but are agonizing over and praying for. This world casts suffering in every direction at every level of intensity. But all of it, every flaming ounce of it has been successfully absorbed into the body of Yeshua the Messiah. He was tortured for us – suffered death for us – so that our sufferings are trifles in the light of eternity. It's been said this way: from heaven the most miserable earthly life will look like one bad night in a cheap hotel. Thank the Lord.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka (Jerusalem), Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX) (Baltimore, Maryland)

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. - https://t.me/worthywatch/ Be sure to check it out!

Editor's Note: We are planning our summer Tour so if you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.

[fearlesswriterblog]

Important facts about God

In Isaiah Chapters 61 adn 62, the prophet us a glimpse into God’s love for the city of Jerusalem. He had dwelt in the temple and was present with the people for years. He had left because of their rampant sinfulness but God cherished this city. You can hear the grief in scripture over the distruction of the city that was to come at the hands of the Babylonians. He wanted the exiled Jews to know…

[princeofgod-2021]

LIGHT OF LIFE 373

John 1:4

UNDERSTANDING PROPHETIC MANDATES 7: SECRETS THINGS 7

Amo 3:7 CERTAINLY, THE ALMIGHTY LORD DOESN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS HE FIRST REVEALS HIS SECRET TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. GW

I am inspired to go further about God, fooling satan, beloved.

Do you remember Jesus saying things that gave the impression that we were going to have an extremely difficult time making progress?

Joh 15:19-20 If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you. REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU: 'SLAVES ARE NOT GREATER THAN THEIR MASTER.' IF PEOPLE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU TOO; IF THEY OBEYED MY TEACHING, THEY WILL OBEY YOURS TOO. NET

It sounded like He was saying: “we are so few in the world and hated; they won’t listen to us or obey us. Just manage to preach and work anyhow and make as much progress as you can”.

Yet the word says: “They listened to and accepted what Peter said, and 3000 souls responded.

Act 2:41 Then THOSE WHO ACCEPTED WHAT PETER SAID were baptized. ON THAT DAY about 3000 PEOPLE WERE ADDED TO THE GROUP OF BELIEVERS. ERV

Isaiah’s prophecy even suggested that Jesus would be quite ugly, disdained and avoided, right?

Isa 53:2-4 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and WHEN WE SHALL SEE HIM, THERE IS NO BEAUTY THAT WE SHOULD DESIRE HIM. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and WE HID AS IT WERE OUR FACES FROM HIM; HE WAS DESPISED, AND WE ESTEEMED HIM NOT. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: YET WE DID ESTEEM HIM STRICKEN, SMITTEN OF GOD, AND AFFLICTED. KJV

Indeed, at a time near the end of His Ministry on Earth, Jesus did suffer all those things, but you realize that it doesn’t mean that the Gospel wasn’t a blessing most sought-for, was it?

Mat 4:23,25 AND JESUS WENT ABOUT ALL GALILEE, TEACHING IN THEIR SYNAGOGUES AND PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people…AND GREAT MULTITUDES OF PEOPLE FOLLOWED HIM, FROM GALILEE AND DECAPOLIS AND JERUSALEM AND JUDEA AND BEYOND JORDAN. MKJV

That surely doesn’t look like someone despised and forsaken, don’t you think?

You thence realize that many of such prophecies were written but with intent to CLOUD the most crucial essence of God’s programme and throw satan off-balance.

1Co 1:22-24 Jews ask for miraculous signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, but OUR MESSAGE IS THAT CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED. THIS OFFENDS JEWISH PEOPLE AND MAKES NO SENSE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT JEWISH. But to those Jews and Greeks WHO ARE CALLED, HE IS CHRIST, GOD'S POWER AND GOD'S WISDOM. GW

Yes! The Crucified Christ is God’s ultimate Wisdom, hidden from all satanic vices and minions.

Imagine how far back God had kept the secret, even from all angels.

1Co 2:7 But WE GIVE THE NEWS OF THE SECRET WISDOM OF GOD, WHICH HE HAD KEPT IN STORE BEFORE THE WORLD CAME INTO EXISTENCE, for our glory; BBE

Meanwhile, the death and resurrection of Christ wasn’t secret, both in Old and New Testaments

Psa 16:10 because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and YOU WILL NOT ABANDON ME TO THE WORLD OF THE DEAD. GNB

Mar 9:31-32 He said to them, “The Son of Man is destined to be betrayed and turned over to those who will execute him. But after three days he will rise again.” But THE DISCIPLES DIDN’T HAVE A CLUE WHAT HE MEANT AND WERE TOO EMBARRASSED TO ASK HIM TO EXPLAIN IT. TPT

His disciples didn’t understand then but satan did, and he tried to work against it. Remember?

Mat 27:63-64 They said, "Sir, we remember what that liar said while he was still alive. HE CLAIMED THAT IN THREE DAYS HE WOULD COME BACK FROM DEATH. SO PLEASE ORDER THE TOMB TO BE CAREFULLY GUARDED FOR THREE DAYS. If you don't, his disciples may come and steal his body. THEY WILL TELL THE PEOPLE THAT HE HAS BEEN RAISED TO LIFE, and this last lie will be worse than the first one." CEV

Indeed, the resurrection of Christ is pivotal to the Christian Faith and indispensable.

It is the Foundation upon which we build the Christian Faith and belief that we too will rise on that day.

1Co 15:14 And IF CHRIST HAS NEVER BEEN RAISED, THEN THE MESSAGE WE TELL IS WORTH NOTHING. AND YOUR FAITH IS WORTH NOTHING. ERV

So, apart from the main secret God kept hidden, if Resurrection was that important, why did satan yet kill Jesus, knowing He might rise up again?

Let’s find out next lesson, shall we?

I pray that God will blind satan to all the processes of your Life and Destiny, IN JESUS NAME.

Join us on Monday for progress in this enlightening and explosive Subtopic.

Keep Shinning!

Brother Prince

Friday, June 30, 2023

08055125517; 08023904307

[seekfirst-community]

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2022. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.net

Meditation: Do you believe that the world as we know it is going to end just as Jesus foretold? Jesus' prophetic description of the destruction of the holy city Jerusalem, the destruction of the world, and the day of final judgment, was not new to the people of Israel. The prophets had foretold these events many centuries before. Behold the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it (Isaiah 13:9-13; see also Joel 2:1-2; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18).

Indifference and rejection of the Gospel lead to destruction

Jesus warns of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the rejection of the Gospel. According to the historian Josephus, over a million inhabitants died when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem with its temple in 70 A.D. Jerusalem's vengeance resulted from her indifference to the visitation of God in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:44).

Jesus also speaks about the judgment at the end of the world. Only spiritual blindness can keep us from recognizing the obvious signs of approaching disaster which awaits the day of judgment for those who refuse to heed God's word of grace and salvation. Jesus was completely honest. He told his disciples what it would cost to follow him. And he promised that he would never leave them alone, even in their time of tribulation. The saints and martyrs who underwent torment and death made their prisons a temple of praise and their scaffolds a throne to the glory of God. They knew the saving presence of Jesus Christ with them in all circumstances. Jesus offers us safety in the face of earth's threats. Not a hair of your head will perish (Luke 21:18). The disciple who walks with Christ may lose their body but not their soul.

We hope for what is to come - full redemption of our bodies and a new heavens and earth

The greatest gift which no one can take from us and which we can be most thankful for is our redemption through the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross for our sins, and our adoption through Christ as children of God our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from slavery to sin, from fear of death, and from final destruction. We can be eternally thankful because our hope is anchored in heaven and in the promise that Jesus will return to fully establish his reign of peace and righteousness. The Lord Jesus will raise our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body which is no longer subject to illness, death and corruption.

Jesus speaks of his second coming as a known fact, a for certain event which we can confidently expect to take place in the Lord's time of choosing. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize - signs which will strike terror and grief in those who are unprepared and wonder and joy in those who are ready to meet the Lord. When the Lord Jesus returns he will fully establish his kingdom of justice and righteousness and he will vindicate all who have been faithful to him. His judgment is a sign of hope for those who have placed their trust in him. Do you hope in God and in the promise of Christ to return again to create new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17 and Revelation 21:1)?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with gratitude for the gift of redemption and increase my hope and longing for your return again in glory. May that day bring joy to my heart rather than sorrow. Help me to serve you faithfully and to make the best use of my time now in the light of your coming again."

The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2022.

r. s. v. p.

“Happy are they who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” —Revelation 19:9

Today is a day of Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. Many people are invited to sumptuous feasts with family and friends, and they happily look forward to the Thanksgiving meal. You can imagine the joy of the hosts when their invited guests appear at the door.

God also has prepared a feast today that by comparison makes a Thanksgiving turkey look like a “disgusting bird” (Rv 18:2). In fact, He has also prepared this feast tomorrow, this weekend, and for all eternity. This feast is the ultimate: “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rv 19:9). It is celebrated without pause in heaven, and it is celebrated on earth in the Holy Mass.

As with a Thanksgiving meal, it is easy to imagine God eagerly anticipating the arrival of His guests, for “He invited many” (Lk 14:16). Instead of being thrilled at being invited, the guests incredibly begin “to excuse themselves, one and all” (Lk 14:18). Some simply ignore “the invitation and [go] their way” (see Mt 22:5). Many of the guests are more bothered than thankful to be invited.

Let’s happily and thankfully accept God’s invitation and go to Mass today. As we enter the Church for the feast, let us “enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise” (Ps 100:4). “Happy are those who are called to His supper!”

Prayer:  “I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all of my heart...I will worship at Your holy temple” (Ps 138:1, 2).

Promise:  “When these things begin to happen, stand erect and hold your heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand.” —Lk 21:28

Praise:  St. Anthony Peter Dich, a Vietnamese farmer who sowed in the seed-ground of the Spirit (Gal 6:8), was beheaded for sheltering Fr. James Nam and now rejoices in God’s heavenly Kingdom.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 3, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

[coolksaposts]

Luke 18:31-33

Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time

31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him;33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Luke 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

Luke 24:44-46 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me…

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Thu., March 24, 2022

March 24_March 11

SAINT SOPHRONIOS, PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM (638)

Saint Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, was born in Damascus around 560. From his youth he was distinguished for his piety and his love for classical studies. He was especially proficient in philosophy, and so he was known as Sophronius the Wise. The future hierarch, however, sought the true philosophy of monasticism, and conversations with the desert-dwellers.

He arrived in Jerusalem at the monastery of Saint Theodosius, and there he became close with the hieromonk John Moschus, becoming his spiritual son and submitting himself to him in obedience. They visited several monasteries, writing down the lives and spiritual wisdom of the ascetics they met. From these notes emerged their renowned book, the LEIMONARION or SPIRITUAL MEADOW, which was highly esteemed at the Seventh Ecumenical Council.

To save themselves from the devastating incursions of the Persians, Saints John and Sophronius left Palestine and went to Antioch, and from there they went to Egypt. In Egypt, Saint Sophronius became seriously ill. During this time he decided to become a monk and was tonsured by Saint John Moschus.

After Saint Sophronius recovered his health, they both decided to remain in Alexandria. There they were received by the holy Patriarch John the Merciful (November 12), to whom they rendered great aid in the struggle against the Monophysite heresy. At Alexandria Saint Sophronius had an affliction of the eyes, and he turned with prayer and faith to the holy Unmercenaries Cyrus and John (January 31), and he received healing in a church named for them. In gratitude, Saint Sophronius then wrote the Lives of these holy Unmercenaries.

When the barbarians began to threaten Alexandria, Patriarch John, accompanied by Saints Sophronius and John Moschus, set out for Constantinople, but he died along the way. Saints John Moschus and Sophronius then set out for Rome with eighteen other monks. Saint John Moschus died at Rome. His body was taken to Jerusalem by Saint Sophronius and buried at the monastery of Saint Theodosius.

In the year 628, Patriarch Zacharias of Jerusalem (609-633) returned from his captivity in Persia. After his death, the patriarchal throne was occupied for two years by Saint Modestus (December 18). After the death of Saint Modestus, Saint Sophronius was chosen Patriarch. Saint Sophronius toiled much for the welfare of the Jerusalem Church as its primate (634-644).

Toward the end of his life, Saint Sophronius and his flock lived through a two year siege of Jerusalem by the Moslems. Worn down by hunger, the Christians finally agreed to open the city gates, on the condition that the enemy spare the holy places. But this condition was not fulfilled, and Saint Sophronius died in grief over the desecration of the Christian holy places.

Written works by Patriarch Sophronius have come down to us in the area of dogmatics, and likewise his “Excursus on the Liturgy,” the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (April 1), and also about 950 troparia and stikheras from Pascha to the Ascension.

While still a hieromonk, Saint Sophronius reviewed and made corrections to the Rule of the monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified (December 5). The saint’s three Canons for the Holy Forty Day Great Fast are included in the contemporary Lenten Triodion.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

ISAIAH 11:10-12:2 

10 “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” 11 It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea. 12 He will set up a banner for the nations, And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, And gather together the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth. 13 Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart, And the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, And Judah shall not harass Ephraim. 14 But they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; Together they shall plunder the people of the East; They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; And the people of Ammon shall obey them. 15 The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; With His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, And strike it in the seven streams, And make men cross over dry-shod. 16 There will be a highway for the remnant of His people Who will be left from Assyria, As it was for Israel In the day that he came up from the land of Egypt.

1 And in that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”

PROVERBS 10:1-22 

1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked. 4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. 6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. 8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall. 9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. 10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins. 13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. 14 Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin. 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray. 18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

[araitsume]

The Desire of Ages, pp. 788-794: Chapter (82) “Why Weepest Thou?”

This chapter is based on Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.

The women who had stood by the cross of Christ waited and watched for the hours of the Sabbath to pass. On the first day of the week, very early, they made their way to the tomb, taking with them precious spices to anoint the Saviour's body. They did not think about His rising from the dead. The sun of their hope had set, and night had settled down on their hearts. As they walked, they recounted Christ's works of mercy and His words of comfort. But they remembered not His words, “I will see you again.” John 16:22.

Ignorant of what was even then taking place, they drew near the garden, saying as they went, “Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” They knew that they could not remove the stone, yet they kept on their way. And lo, the heavens were suddenly alight with glory that came not from the rising sun. The earth trembled. They saw that the great stone was rolled away. The grave was empty.

The women had not all come to the tomb from the same direction. Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place; and upon seeing that the stone was removed, she hurried away to tell the disciples. Meanwhile the other women came up. A light was shining about the tomb, but the body of Jesus was not there. As they lingered about the place, suddenly they saw that they were not alone. A young man clothed in shining garments was sitting by the tomb. It was the angel who had rolled away the stone. He had taken the guise of humanity that he might not alarm these friends of Jesus. Yet about him the light of the heavenly glory was still shining, and the women were afraid. They turned to flee, but the angel's words stayed their steps. “Fear not ye,” he said; “for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.” Again they look into the tomb, and again they hear the wonderful news. Another angel in human form is there, and he says, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

He is risen, He is risen! The women repeat the words again and again. No need now for the anointing spices. The Saviour is living, and not dead. They remember now that when speaking of His death He said that He would rise again. What a day is this to the world! Quickly the women departed from the sepulcher “with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.”

Mary had not heard the good news. She went to Peter and John with the sorrowful message, “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid Him.” The disciples hurried to the tomb, and found it as Mary had said. They saw the shroud and the napkin, but they did not find their Lord. Yet even here was testimony that He had risen. The graveclothes were not thrown heedlessly aside, but carefully folded, each in a place by itself. John “saw, and believed.” He did not yet understand the scripture that Christ must rise from the dead; but he now remembered the Saviour's words foretelling His resurrection.

It was Christ Himself who had placed those graveclothes with such care. When the mighty angel came down to the tomb, he was joined by another, who with his company had been keeping guard over the Lord's body. As the angel from heaven rolled away the stone, the other entered the tomb, and unbound the wrappings from the body of Jesus. But it was the Saviour's hand that folded each, and laid it in its place. In His sight who guides alike the star and the atom, there is nothing unimportant. Order and perfection are seen in all His work.

Mary had followed John and Peter to the tomb; when they returned to Jerusalem, she remained. As she looked into the empty tomb, grief filled her heart. Looking in, she saw the two angels, one at the head and the other at the foot where Jesus had lain. “Woman, why weepest thou?” they asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she answered, “and I know not where they have laid Him.”

Then she turned away, even from the angels, thinking that she must find someone who could tell her what had been done with the body of Jesus. Another voice addressed her, “Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” Through her tear-dimmed eyes, Mary saw the form of a man, and thinking that it was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away.” If this rich man's tomb was thought too honorable a burial place for Jesus, she herself would provide a place for Him. There was a grave that Christ's own voice had made vacant, the grave where Lazarus had lain. Might she not there find a burial place for her Lord? She felt that to care for His precious crucified body would be a great consolation to her in her grief.

But now in His own familiar voice Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Now she knew that it was not a stranger who was addressing her, and turning she saw before her the living Christ. In her joy she forgot that He had been crucified. Springing toward Him, as if to embrace His feet, she said, “Rabboni.” But Christ raised His hand, saying, Detain Me not; “for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” And Mary went her way to the disciples with the joyful message.

Jesus refused to receive the homage of His people until He had the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. He ascended to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life. The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ, that He would receive repentant and obedient men, and would love them even as He loves His Son. Christ was to complete His work, and fulfill His pledge to “make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” Isaiah 13:12. All power in heaven and on earth was given to the Prince of Life, and He returned to His followers in a world of sin, that He might impart to them of His power and glory.

While the Saviour was in God's presence, receiving gifts for His church, the disciples thought upon His empty tomb, and mourned and wept. The day that was a day of rejoicing to all heaven was to the disciples a day of uncertainty, confusion, and perplexity. Their unbelief in the testimony of the women gives evidence of how low their faith had sunk. The news of Christ's resurrection was so different from what they had anticipated that they could not believe it. It was too good to be true, they thought. They had heard so much of the doctrines and the so-called scientific theories of the Sadducees that the impression made on their minds in regard to the resurrection was vague. They scarcely knew what the resurrection from the dead could mean. They were unable to take in the great subject.

“Go your way,” the angels had said to the women, “tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you.” These angels had been with Christ as guardian angels throughout His life on earth. They had witnessed His trial and crucifixion. They had heard His words to His disciples. This was shown by their message to the disciples, and should have convinced them of its truth. Such words could have come only from the messengers of their risen Lord.

“Tell His disciples and Peter,” the angels said. Since the death of Christ, Peter had been bowed down with remorse. His shameful denial of the Lord, and the Saviour's look of love and anguish, were ever before him. Of all the disciples he had suffered most bitterly. To him the assurance is given that his repentance is accepted and his sin forgiven. He is mentioned by name.

“Tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him.” All the disciples had forsaken Jesus, and the call to meet Him again includes them all. He has not cast them off. When Mary Magdalene told them she had seen the Lord, she repeated the call to the meeting in Galilee. And a third time the message was sent to them. After He had ascended to the Father, Jesus appeared to the other women, saying, “All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me.”

Christ's first work on earth after His resurrection was to convince His disciples of His undiminished love and tender regard for them. To give them proof that He was their living Saviour, that He had broken the fetters of the tomb, and could no longer be held by the enemy death; to reveal that He had the same heart of love as when He was with them as their beloved Teacher, He appeared to them again and again. He would draw the bonds of love still closer around them. Go tell My brethren, He said, that they meet Me in Galilee.

As they heard this appointment, so definitely given, the disciples began to think of Christ's words to them foretelling His resurrection. But even now they did not rejoice. They could not cast off their doubt and perplexity. Even when the women declared that they had seen the Lord, the disciples would not believe. They thought them under an illusion.

Trouble seemed crowding upon trouble. On the sixth day of the week they had seen their Master die; on the first day of the next week they found themselves deprived of His body, and they were accused of having stolen it away for the sake of deceiving the people. They despaired of ever correcting the false impressions that were gaining ground against them. They feared the enmity of the priests and the wrath of the people. They longed for the presence of Jesus, who had helped them in every perplexity.

Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” Lonely and sick at heart they remembered His words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 24:21; 23:31. They met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might at any time be theirs.

And all the time they might have been rejoicing in the knowledge of a risen Saviour. In the garden, Mary had stood weeping, when Jesus was close beside her. Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not discern Him. And the hearts of the disciples were so full of grief that they did not believe the angels’ message or the words of Christ Himself.

How many are still doing what these disciples did! How many echo Mary's despairing cry, “They have taken away the Lord, ... and we know not where they have laid Him”! To how many might the Saviour's words be spoken, “Why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” He is close beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes do not discern Him. He speaks to them, but they do not understand.

Oh that the bowed head might be lifted, that the eyes might be opened to behold Him, that the ears might listen to His voice! “Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen.” Bid them look not to Joseph's new tomb, that was closed with a great stone, and sealed with the Roman seal. Christ is not there. Look not to the empty sepulcher. Mourn not as those who are hopeless and helpless. Jesus lives, and because He lives, we shall live also. From grateful hearts, from lips touched with holy fire, let the glad song ring out, Christ is risen! He lives to make intercession for us. Grasp this hope, and it will hold the soul like a sure, tried anchor. Believe, and thou shalt see the glory of God.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

23rd November >> Mass Reading (USA)

Saturday, Thirty Third Week in Ordinary Time 

or Saint Clement I, Pope, Martyr 

or Saint Columbanus, Abbot and Missionary 

or Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, Martyr 

or Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday, Thirty Third Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green)

First Reading

1 Maccabees 6:1-13

On account of the evils I did in Jerusalem, I am dying in bitter grief.

As King Antiochus was traversing the inland provinces, he heard that in Persia there was a city called Elymais, famous for its wealth in silver and gold, and that its temple was very rich, containing gold helmets, breastplates, and weapons left there by Alexander, son of Philip, king of Macedon, the first king of the Greeks. He went therefore and tried to capture and pillage the city. But he could not do so, because his plan became known to the people of the city who rose up in battle against him. So he retreated and in great dismay withdrew from there to return to Babylon.

While he was in Persia, a messenger brought him news that the armies sent into the land of Judah had been put to flight; that Lysias had gone at first with a strong army and been driven back by the children of Israel; that they had grown strong by reason of the arms, men, and abundant possessions taken from the armies they had destroyed; that they had pulled down the Abomination which he had built upon the altar in Jerusalem; and that they had surrounded with high walls both the sanctuary, as it had been before, and his city of Beth-zur.

When the king heard this news, he was struck with fear and very much shaken. Sick with grief because his designs had failed, he took to his bed. There he remained many days, overwhelmed with sorrow, for he knew he was going to die.

So he called in all his Friends and said to them: “Sleep has departed from my eyes, for my heart is sinking with anxiety. I said to myself: ‘Into what tribulation have I come, and in what floods of sorrow am I now! Yet I was kindly and beloved in my rule.’ But I now recall the evils I did in Jerusalem, when I carried away all the vessels of gold and silver that were in it, and for no cause gave orders that the inhabitants of Judah be destroyed. I know that this is why these evils have overtaken me; and now I am dying, in bitter grief, in a foreign land.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 9:2-3, 4 and 6, 16 and 19

R/ I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart;

I will declare all your wondrous deeds.

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, Most High.

R/ I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.

Because my enemies are turned back,

overthrown and destroyed before you.

You rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;

their name you blotted out forever and ever.

R/ I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.

The nations are sunk in the pit they have made;

in the snare they set, their foot is caught.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten,

nor shall the hope of the afflicted forever perish.

R/ I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

cf. 2 Timothy 1:10

Alleluia, alleluia.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death

and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 20:27-40

He is not God of the dead, but of the living.

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called  ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Some of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.” And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

———————-

Saint Clement I, Pope, Martyr 

(Liturgical Colour: Red)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading

1 Peter 5:1-4

Tend the flock of God in your midst!

Beloved: I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing it not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The favors of the Lord I will sing forever;

through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.

For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;

in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,

I have sworn to David my servant:

Forever will I confirm your posterity

and establish your throne for all generations.”

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have found David, my servant;

with my holy oil I have anointed him,

That my hand may be always with him,

and that my arm may make him strong.”

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,

and through my name shall his horn be exalted.

He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,

my God, the rock, my savior.’”

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Mark 1:17

Alleluia, alleluia.

Come after me, says the Lord,

and I will make you fishers of men.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 16:13-19

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

————————-

Saint Columbanus, Abbot and Missionary 

(Liturgical Colour: White)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading

Isaiah 52:7-10

All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,

Announcing peace, bearing good news,

announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,

“Your God is King!”

Hark!  Your sentinels raise a cry,

together they shout for joy,

For they see directly, before their eyes,

the Lord restoring Zion.

Break out together in song,

O ruins of Jerusalem!

For the Lord comforts his people,

he redeems Jerusalem.

The Lord has bared his holy arm

in the sight of all the nations;

All the ends of the earth will behold

the salvation of our God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all you lands.

Sing to the Lord; bless his name.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day.

Tell his glory among the nations;

among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the Lord, you families of nations,

give to the Lord glory and praise;

give to the Lord the glory due his name!

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Say among the nations: The Lord is king.

He has made the world firm, not to be moved;

he governs the peoples with equity.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Gospel Acclamation

John 8:12

Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;

whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 9:57-62

I will follow you wherever you go.

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” He said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

———————

Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, Martyr 

(Liturgical Colour: Red)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading

2 Chronicles 24:18-22

Zechariah was stoned to death in the court of the Lord’s temple.

The princes of Judah forsook the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the Lord, the people would not listen to their warnings. Then the spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the Lord’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the Lord, he has abandoned you.’” But the people conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the Lord’s temple. Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as he was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge.”

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge,

a stronghold to give me safety.

You are my rock and my fortress;

for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;

you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors,

Let your face shine upon your servant;

save me in your kindness.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 5:10

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

John 17:19

Alleluia, alleluia.

I consecrate myself for them,

so that they also may be consecrated in the truth.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

2 Corinthians 1:3b-4a

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed be the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement,

who encourages us in our every affliction.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

James 1:12

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation,

for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

1 Peter 4:14

Alleluia, alleluia.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you,

for the Spirit of God rests upon you.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

see Te Deum

Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God,

we acclaim you as Lord;

the white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 9:23-26

Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

Jesus said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

————————

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

(Liturgical Colour: White)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading

Genesis 3:9-15, 20

I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the Lord God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me– she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The Lord God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”

Then the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned

from all the animals

and from all the wild creatures;

On your belly shall you crawl,

and dirt shall you eat

all the days of your life.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

He will strike at your head,

while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

Responsorial Psalm

1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“My heart exults in the Lord,

my horn is exalted in my God.

I have swallowed up my enemies;

I rejoice in my victory.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The bows of the mighty are broken,

while the tottering gird on strength.

The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,

while the hungry batten on spoil.

The barren wife bears seven sons,

while the mother of many languishes.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The Lord puts to death and gives life;

he casts down to the nether world;

he raises up again.

The Lord makes poor and makes rich,

he humbles, he also exalts.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“He raises the needy from the dust;

from the dung heap he lifts up the poor,

To seat them with nobles

and make a glorious throne their heritage.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Gospel Acclamation

see Luke 1:28

Alleluia, alleluia.

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;

blessed are you among women.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

see Luke 1:45

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed

that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

see Luke 2:19

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God

and pondered it in her heart.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

Luke 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God

and observe it.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise;

from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary;

without dying you won the martyr’s crown

beneath the Cross of the Lord.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 12:46-50

Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, here are my mother and my brothers.

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

[inspiringminna-2583-blog]

Prayer rejoice strength bible verses

Prayer bible verses

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually, NIV

Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." NIV

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. NIV

1 Timothy 4:5 Because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. NIV

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. NIV

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. NIV

Isaiah 56:7 "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." NIV

Rejoice bible verses

Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. NIV

Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." NIV

1 Peter 1:6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. NIV

Psalms 118:24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. NIV

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! NIV

Luke 1:14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth NIV

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. NIV

John 14:28 "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I." NIV

2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. NIV

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always NIV

Strength bible verses

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. NIV

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. NIV

Luke 10:27 He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." NIV

Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. NIV

Psalms 46:1 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. NIV

Psalms 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? NIV

Psalms 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. NIV

[loveofyhwh]

January 6: Genesis 11–12; Matthew 4:12–25; Psalm 6; Proverbs 3:1–4

New Post has been published on https://loveofyhwh.com/january-6-genesis-11-12-matthew-412-25-psalm-6-proverbs-31-4/

January 6: Genesis 11–12; Matthew 4:12–25; Psalm 6; Proverbs 3:1–4

Old Testament:

Genesis 11–12

Genesis 11–12 (Listen)

The Tower of Babel

11 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confusedBabel sounds like the Hebrew for confused‘>1 the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Shem’s Descendants

10 These are the generations of Shem. When Shem was 100 years old, he fathered Arpachshad two years after the flood. 11 And Shem lived after he fathered Arpachshad 500 years and had other sons and daughters.

12 When Arpachshad had lived 35 years, he fathered Shelah. 13 And Arpachshad lived after he fathered Shelah 403 years and had other sons and daughters.

14 When Shelah had lived 30 years, he fathered Eber. 15 And Shelah lived after he fathered Eber 403 years and had other sons and daughters.

16 When Eber had lived 34 years, he fathered Peleg. 17 And Eber lived after he fathered Peleg 430 years and had other sons and daughters.

18 When Peleg had lived 30 years, he fathered Reu. 19 And Peleg lived after he fathered Reu 209 years and had other sons and daughters.

20 When Reu had lived 32 years, he fathered Serug. 21 And Reu lived after he fathered Serug 207 years and had other sons and daughters.

22 When Serug had lived 30 years, he fathered Nahor. 23 And Serug lived after he fathered Nahor 200 years and had other sons and daughters.

24 When Nahor had lived 29 years, he fathered Terah. 25 And Nahor lived after he fathered Terah 119 years and had other sons and daughters.

26 When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

Terah’s Descendants

27 Now these are the generations of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot. 28 Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his kindred, in Ur of the Chaldeans. 29 And Abram and Nahor took wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and Iscah. 30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no child.

31 Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there. 32 The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran.

The Call of Abram

12 Now the LORD saidOr had said‘>2 to Abram, “Go from your countryOr land‘>3 and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”Or by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves‘>4

4 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oakOr terebinth‘>5 of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. 9 And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.

Abram and Sarai in Egypt

10 Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.” 14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16 And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

17 But the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18 So Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her, and go.” 20 And Pharaoh gave men orders concerning him, and they sent him away with his wife and all that he had.

Footnotes

[1] 11:9 Babel sounds like the Hebrew for confused [2] 12:1 Or had said [3] 12:1 Or land [4] 12:3 Or by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves [5] 12:6 Or terebinth

(ESV)

New Testament:

Matthew 4:12–25

Matthew 4:12–25 (Listen)

Jesus Begins His Ministry

12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15   “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,     the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16   the people dwelling in darkness     have seen a great light,   and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,     on them a light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Or the kingdom of heaven has come near‘>1

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

18 While 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. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women‘>2 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds

23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

Footnotes

[1] 4:17 Or the kingdom of heaven has come near [2] 4:19 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women

(ESV)

Psalm:

Psalm 6

Psalm 6 (Listen)

O Lord, Deliver My Life

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith.Probably a musical or liturgical term‘>1 A Psalm of David.

6   O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,     nor discipline me in your wrath. 2   Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;     heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. 3   My soul also is greatly troubled.     But you, O LORD—how long? 4   Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;     save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 5   For in death there is no remembrance of you;     in Sheol who will give you praise? 6   I am weary with my moaning;     every night I flood my bed with tears;     I drench my couch with my weeping. 7   My eye wastes away because of grief;     it grows weak because of all my foes. 8   Depart from me, all you workers of evil,     for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. 9   The LORD has heard my plea;     the LORD accepts my prayer. 10   All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;     they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.

Footnotes

[1] 6:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term

(ESV)

Proverb:

Proverbs 3:1–4

Proverbs 3:1–4 (Listen)

Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

3   My son, do not forget my teaching,     but let your heart keep my commandments, 2   for length of days and years of life     and peace they will add to you. 3   Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;     bind them around your neck;     write them on the tablet of your heart. 4   So you will find favor and good successOr repute‘>1     in the sight of God and man.

Footnotes

[1] 3:4 Or repute

(ESV)

[mtalviharju022583-blog]

Prayer rejoice strength bible verses

Prayer bible verses

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. NIV

Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. NIV

John 17:20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message," NIV

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. NIV

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually, NIV

Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." NIV

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. NIV

1 Timothy 4:5 Because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. NIV

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. NIV

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. NIV

Isaiah 56:7 "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." NIV

Rejoice bible verses

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! NIV

Luke 1:14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth NIV

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. NIV

John 14:28 "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I." NIV

2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. NIV

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always NIV

Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." NIV

1 Peter 1:6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. NIV

Strength bible verses

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. NIV

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. NIV

Luke 10:27 He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." NIV

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. NIV

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. NIV

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. NIV

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' NIV

[mtalviharju1983]

Prayer rejoice strength bible verses 8-25-2017

Prayer bible verses

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. NIV

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually, NIV

Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." NIV

1 Timothy 4:5 Because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. NIV

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. NIV

Rejoice bible verses

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. NIV

2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. NIV

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always NIV

Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. NIV

Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." NIV

1 Peter 1:6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. NIV

Psalms 118:24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. NIV

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! NIV

Luke 1:14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth NIV

Strength bible verses

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. NIV

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. NIV

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. NIV

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' NIV

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. NIV

Luke 10:27 He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." NIV

[seekfirstme]

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2021. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.net

Meditation: What enables us to live in peace and harmony with our families, neighbors, local communities, and the wider community of peoples and nations? The Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to reconcile us with God and to unite us with one another in a bond of peace and mutual love.

Jesus' earthly ministry centers and culminates in Jerusalem, which Scripture describes as the holy city, the throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17);and the place which God chose for his name to dwell there (1 Kings 11:13; 2 Kings 21:4; 2 Kings 23:27); and the holy mountain upon which God has set his king (Psalm 2:6). Jerusalem derives its name from the word "salem" which mean "peace". The temple in Jerusalem was a constant reminder to the people of God's presence with them.

Tears of mourning and sorrow over sin and refusal to believe in God

When Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the multitude of homes surrounding the holy temple, he wept over it because it inhabitants did not "know the things that make for peace" (Luke 19:42). As he poured out his heart to the Father in heaven, Jesus shed tears of sorrow, grief, and mourning for his people.He knew that he would soon pour out his blood for the people of Jerusalem and for the whole world as well.

Why does Jesus weep and lament over the city of Jerusalem? Throughout its history, many of the rulers and inhabitants - because of their pride and unbelief - had rejected the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Now they refuse to listen to Jesus who comes as their Messiah - whom God has anointed to be their Savior and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus is our only hope - the only one who can save us and the world

Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem was a gracious visitation of God's anointed Son and King to his holy city. Jerusalem's lack of faith and rejection of the Messiah, however, leads to its eventual downfall and destruction by the Romans in 70 A.D. Jesus' lamentation and prophecy echoes the lamentation of Jeremiah who prophesied the first destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Jeremiah's prayer of lamentation offered a prophetic word of hope, deliverance, and restoration:

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies are new every morning ...For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men" (Lamentations 3:21-22, 31-32).

Jesus is the hope of the world because he is the only one who can truly reconcile us with God and with one another. Through his death and resurrection Jesus breaks down the walls of hostility and division by reconciling us with God. He gives us his Holy Spirit both to purify us and restore us as a holy people of God. Through Jesus Christ we become living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). God has visited his people in the past and he continues to visit us through the gift and working of his Holy Spirit. Do you recognize God's gracious visitation of healing and restoration today?

God judges, pardons, heals, and restores us to new life

When God visits his people he comes to establish peace and justice by rooting out our enemies - the world (which stands in opposition to God), the flesh (our own sinful cravings and inordinate desires), and the devil (who is Satan, the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning - John 8:44) who enslave us to fear and pride, rebellion and hatred, envy and covetousness, strife and violence, and every form of evil and wrong-doing. That is why God both judges and purifies his people - to lead us from our sinful ways to his way of justice, peace, love, and holiness. God actively works among his people to teach us his ways and to save us from the destruction of our own pride and sin and from Satan's snares and lies.

Are God's judgments unjust or unloving? Scripture tells us that "when God's judgments are revealed in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9). To pronounce judgment on sin is much less harsh than what will happen if those who sin are not warned to repent. The Lord in his mercy gives us grace and time to turn away from sin, but that time is right now. If we delay, even for a moment, we may discover that grace has passed us by and our time is up. Do you accept the grace to turn away from sin and to walk in God's way of peace and holiness?

"Lord Jesus, you have visited and redeemed your people. May I not miss the grace of your visitation today as you move to bring your people into greater righteousness and holiness of life. Purify my heart and mind that I may I understand your ways and conform my life more fully to your will."

The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2021.

sorrow, zeal, and victory

“He was filled with zeal; his heart was moved and his just fury was aroused.” —1 Maccabees 2:24

Jesus “wept over” Jerusalem (Lk 19:41). “Just look at the fruit of this sorrow” (2 Cor 7:11). “What a measure of holy zeal!” (2 Cor 7:11) Jesus’ tears fell like sparks igniting a fire on the earth (see Lk 12:49). Jesus’ sorrow did not lead to despondence. Rather, His sorrow motivated Him to run to Jerusalem and die on the cross to take away the sins of every person.

Mattathias was grieved at the sins of God’s people (see 1 Mc 2:14). His godly sorrow resulted in zeal (1 Mc 2:24). Mattathias refused to apostatize. He began a revolution against the Seleucid empire and “fled to the mountains with his sons, leaving behind in the city all their possessions” (1 Mc 2:28).

Nehemiah wept over Jerusalem (Neh 1:4). In his sorrow, he prayed and asked King Artaxerxes for the means to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Neh 2:5ff). His request was granted, and Nehemiah did one of the greatest works in salvation history. Zeal for the city of God’s house consumed Nehemiah (see Ps 69:10; Jn 2:17).

I hope you are weeping over our culture of death. I pray that your sorrow will be godly and thereby motivate you to be zealous for the Lord. May your sorrow and zeal renew the face of the earth.

Prayer:  Father, give me a deep contrition.

Promise:  “We will not obey the words of the king nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.” —1 Mc 2:22

Praise:  St. Rose Philippine trusted in divine providence. She entered a religious order, but the nuns had to disband because of the French Revolution. Ten years later she again became a nun.

Reference:  

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2021 through November 30, 2021. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 14, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

[princeofgod-2021]

LIGHT OF LIFE 372

John 1:4

UNDERSTANDING PROPHETIC MANDATES 6: SECRETS THINGS 6

Amo 3:7 CERTAINLY, THE ALMIGHTY LORD DOESN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS HE FIRST REVEALS HIS SECRET TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. GW

Last lesson, we discussed how God hood winked the devil. But do you also know that this same CODE was hidden in Prophecy of old through Isaiah?

Read the following scripture please.

Isa 53:7-8 HE WAS TREATED HARSHLY AND AFFLICTED, BUT HE DID NOT EVEN OPEN HIS MOUTH. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, LIKE A SHEEP SILENT BEFORE HER SHEARERS, HE DID NOT EVEN OPEN HIS MOUTH. He was led away after an unjust trial – but who even cared? Indeed, HE WAS CUT OFF FROM THE LAND OF THE LIVING; because of the rebellion of his own people he was wounded. NET

When you read that He said nothing, you are quick to assume that it [only] depicted Jesus’ humility and total surrender to God’s will, but there is something deeper: He was quiet because he had something “up his sleeves”; a plot to unfold by His death.

Vs 8 gives an impression of a pitiable death, but God was just making a fool of satan and the kingdom of darkness.

Joh 18:4-6 JESUS, KNOWING FULL WELL WHAT WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, WENT OUT TO THE GARDEN ENTRANCE TO MEET THEM. STEPPING FORWARD, he asked, “Who are you looking for?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. (Now Judas, the traitor, was among them.) He replied, “I am he.” AND THE MOMENT JESUS SPOKE THE WORDS, “I AM HE,” THE MOB FELL BACKWARD TO THE GROUND! TPT

That was John’s account of Jesus’ arrest in the garden. satan should have seen that He was eager to be arrested.

He went out to hand Himself over them to but they couldn’t even handle Him because the anointing was too strong on Him.

If they can’t arrest Him, the “Plan” fails.

Joh 18:7-8 Again Jesus asked them, "Who is it you are looking for?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they said. "I HAVE ALREADY TOLD YOU THAT I AM HE," Jesus said. "If, then, you are looking for me, let these others go." GNB

It’s evident that God reduced Jesus’ anointing then, just to let them hold and take him away.

Read now the “indirect” proclamation of that Secret Code behind the death of Jesus.

Isa 53:10 YET IT PLEASED THE LORD TO BRUISE HIM; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, HE SHALL SEE HIS SEED, HE SHALL PROLONG HIS DAYS, AND THE PLEASURE OF THE LORD SHALL PROSPER IN HIS HAND. KJV

Why should it please God to bruise Him?

Because His death will cause God’s PURPOSE to prosper.

That Power beyond the Cross, beloved, is also a Principle, but unknown to satan.

It is the Power released when innocent blood is shed; the blood of a God!

Let’s read the above verse in New English Translation, shall we?

Isa 53:10 Though the LORD desired to crush him and make him ill, ONCE RESTITUTION IS MADE, he will see descendants and ENJOY LONG LIFE, AND THE LORD’S PURPOSE WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH HIM. NET

Once He has Paid the Price, His descendants will live long “and” God Purpose is fulfilled [after His death].

The death of our Lord Jesus was simply a means to an end, greater than just the Propitiation of our sins.

The [end] Purpose was not His death but the Power it was to release.

Act 1:8 But I promise you this—THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL COME UPON YOU AND YOU WILL BE FILLED WITH POWER. And you will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!” TPT

Not only will the Believers receive Power but they will let everyone else who believes, in on this great opportunity.

Mission accomplished and satan failed woefully.

Did you ever imagine why despite all Jesus preached on Earth, he seemed not to make much IMPACT?

Joh 6:65-67 Then Jesus said, "YOU CANNOT COME TO ME, UNLESS THE FATHER MAKES YOU WANT TO COME. That is why I have told these things to all of you." BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS SAID, MANY OF HIS DISCIPLES TURNED THEIR BACKS ON HIM AND STOPPED FOLLOWING HIM. Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they were going to leave him. CEV

It was important not to let the evil spirits see much progress and hence be over-apprehensive about what the Apostles can do after Jesus is gone.

Joh 14:12 "I can assure you that whoever believes in me will do the same things I have done. AND THEY WILL DO EVEN GREATER THINGS THAN I HAVE DONE, because I am going to the Father. ERV

Satan felt that if people kept leaving Jesus, the Apostles couldn’t do much more.

But then, POWER came, and…

Act 2:41 THEN THOSE WHO GAVE HEARING TO HIS WORDS HAD BAPTISM: AND ABOUT THREE THOUSAND SOULS WERE JOINED TO THEM THAT DAY. BBE

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, unimaginable exploits suddenly sprung up.

May the all-powerful God deliberately perplex, frustrate and confuse your enemies, IN JESUS NAME.

Join us on Friday for progress in this enlightening and explosive Subtopic.

Keep Shinning!

Brother Prince

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

08055125517; 08023904307

[seekfirst-community]

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2022. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.net

Meditation: What enables us to live in peace and harmony with our families, neighbors, local communities, and the wider community of peoples and nations? The Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to reconcile us with God and to unite us with one another in a bond of peace and mutual love.

Jesus' earthly ministry centers and culminates in Jerusalem, which Scripture describes as the holy city, the throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17);and the place which God chose for his name to dwell there (1 Kings 11:13; 2 Kings 21:4; 2 Kings 23:27); and the holy mountain upon which God has set his king (Psalm 2:6). Jerusalem derives its name from the word "salem" which mean "peace". The temple in Jerusalem was a constant reminder to the people of God's presence with them.

Tears of mourning and sorrow over sin and refusal to believe in God

When Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the multitude of homes surrounding the holy temple, he wept over it because it inhabitants did not "know the things that make for peace" (Luke 19:42). As he poured out his heart to the Father in heaven, Jesus shed tears of sorrow, grief, and mourning for his people.He knew that he would soon pour out his blood for the people of Jerusalem and for the whole world as well.

Why does Jesus weep and lament over the city of Jerusalem? Throughout its history, many of the rulers and inhabitants - because of their pride and unbelief - had rejected the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Now they refuse to listen to Jesus who comes as their Messiah - whom God has anointed to be their Savior and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus is our only hope - the only one who can save us and the world

Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem was a gracious visitation of God's anointed Son and King to his holy city. Jerusalem's lack of faith and rejection of the Messiah, however, leads to its eventual downfall and destruction by the Romans in 70 A.D. Jesus' lamentation and prophecy echoes the lamentation of Jeremiah who prophesied the first destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Jeremiah's prayer of lamentation offered a prophetic word of hope, deliverance, and restoration:

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies are new every morning ...For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men" (Lamentations 3:21-22, 31-32).

Jesus is the hope of the world because he is the only one who can truly reconcile us with God and with one another. Through his death and resurrection Jesus breaks down the walls of hostility and division by reconciling us with God. He gives us his Holy Spirit both to purify us and restore us as a holy people of God. Through Jesus Christ we become living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). God has visited his people in the past and he continues to visit us through the gift and working of his Holy Spirit. Do you recognize God's gracious visitation of healing and restoration today?

God judges, pardons, heals, and restores us to new life

When God visits his people he comes to establish peace and justice by rooting out our enemies - the world (which stands in opposition to God), the flesh (our own sinful cravings and inordinate desires), and the devil (who is Satan, the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning - John 8:44) who enslave us to fear and pride, rebellion and hatred, envy and covetousness, strife and violence, and every form of evil and wrong-doing. That is why God both judges and purifies his people - to lead us from our sinful ways to his way of justice, peace, love, and holiness. God actively works among his people to teach us his ways and to save us from the destruction of our own pride and sin and from Satan's snares and lies.

Are God's judgments unjust or unloving? Scripture tells us that "when God's judgments are revealed in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9). To pronounce judgment on sin is much less harsh than what will happen if those who sin are not warned to repent. The Lord in his mercy gives us grace and time to turn away from sin, but that time is right now. If we delay, even for a moment, we may discover that grace has passed us by and our time is up. Do you accept the grace to turn away from sin and to walk in God's way of peace and holiness?

"Lord Jesus, you have visited and redeemed your people. May I not miss the grace of your visitation today as you move to bring your people into greater righteousness and holiness of life. Purify my heart and mind that I may I understand your ways and conform my life more fully to your will."

The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2022.

sounding, smelling, and flying prayers

“Along with their harps, the elders were holding vessels of gold filled with aromatic spices, which were the prayers of God’s holy people.” —Revelation 5:8

John called the prayers of God’s people “aromatic spices,” that is, incense. Figuratively speaking, our prayers have a pleasing smell, are surrounded by others’ prayers, and rise to God. Our prayers sound, smell, and move. Moreover, our prayers are contained in “vessels of gold” (Rv 5:8). Because what a container holds is usually more valuable than the container, our prayers are said to be more valuable than golden vessels.

Our precious prayers are held by the elders, that is, the leaders of the Church, who have fallen down in adoration before Jesus, the Lamb (Rv 5:8). Our prayers are in the context of submission to the Church, which is in submission to Jesus. The elders of the Church are holding our prayers in one hand and holding harps in the other (Rv 5:8). This shows that our prayers are always in the context of the heavenly praises.  We are all members of the communion of saints.

When we understand the context of prayer, when we see prayer in all its heavenly glory, we come to the conclusion that there is “the necessity of praying always and not losing heart” (Lk 18:1). Pray!

Prayer:  Father, send the Holy Spirit to help me to pray in my weakness (Rm 8:26).

Promise:  “Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful.” —Ps 149:1

Praise:  St. Elizabeth had such great love for the poor and suffering that she is the patron saint of Catholic Charities and the Secular Franciscan Order.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Lord, Teach Us to Pray, listen to, download or order our CD 57-3 or DVD 57 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 3, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements