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dailyaudiobible · 4 years ago

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07/23/2020 DAB Transcript

2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19, Romans 8:9-25, Psalms 18:16-36, Proverbs 19:26

Today is the 23rd day of July welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian and it is wonderful, it’s a joy and an honor to be here with you today as we dive in and take our next step forward on the journey that carries us from the first page of the Bible to the last page of the Bible in a year. And this is the 205th day of that journey. So, we are well on our way but there is so much yet out in front of us before we conclude our journey at the end of this year. So, let's take that next step. We’re reading from the New English Translation this week. Second Chronicles chapter 8 verse 11 through 10 verse 19 today.

Commentary:

Okay. So, in the book of Romans, the letter to the Romans, we’ve been kinda working day by day through the things that Paul is saying as he lays out his…his argument or his persuasion, his interpretation of the Hebrew believers, but I mean…but today it's like buckle your seatbelt because what he's saying here, this changes everything. Like, if what Paul is saying is true, and as believers in Jesus, we believe this is true, then it's so much of a game changer that that’s not even the right way…like there's no proper way to describe the implications. So, let’s just listen…let’s just listen to what Paul says. “If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Right? So, Paul’s saying, “you died to who you were and everything that had claim to that person is dead. And when your dead there's nothing that has claim to you anymore. So, you will become free but dead. But not left dead because the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is raising you up as well into this whole new spiritual family that God is raising up on the earth of which Jesus is the firstborn.” O my gosh! Like…this…if we just stop there. That's like crazy. What would it change if we like acknowledged and lived from that place? Like, how could we be abandoned by God if He is within us animating our very life like we’re not even alive without His Spirit present? How could He abandon us? And that's just the beginning. If you just sit and think about what that would change…like what that would change if we understood it, and what it does change because it's the truth, it's phenomenal! Paul goes on to describe the implications. “We are under obligation not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God, like…like the children of God, like members of God's divine family.” So, Paul’s saying, “the spirit of God is within us. This is how we live. And because we become aware that this is what's going on and how we live, we become aware that we are a part of God's family - sons and daughters of the most-high God.” And that's not something we sing in a worship song, that's who we are. And Paul says, “you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry Abba Father.” Like Abba, this is Aramaic, it’s like papa or daddy. “The Spirit”, Paul says, “the Spirit Himself bears witness to our Spirit that we are God's children. And if children, then heirs, namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him so we may also be glorified with Him.” So, we’re effectively saying, “life…life has challenges. This is a broken place. We are here. Even Jesus, God in the flesh, faced considerable challenges. This is a challenging refining place. So, this is part of it. But when we become aware that God is within us, reclaiming this broken place through us then we realize we are collaborating, that we are in lockstep with our papa and we can run to our Father at any moment constantly. He is within us, inviting us to participate in the redemption of this broken place.” I think…I don't I know what…I mean…we need to meditate on this. Like we need to think about what that looks like for us, what this means for us, what it means to live into that fully. But I think that one thing that we could come out of this today understanding at the depths of our being is that God is here, he is present, we’re gonna make it, we’re gonna be okay. And when get this big picture view that Paul is giving us, we realize there’s way more going on than just us. Like we live self-absorbed so much of the time. It's all about what's happening to us. But when we get this view that we are joint heirs with Jesus to the kingdom of God…well…man that changes perspective in a hurry. And we realize the Spirit of God is within us and within all of our brothers and sisters around the world and this makes up the body of Christ and the work of Christ continues in this world through us because of us because we’re here, we then begin to realize we are participating in holding this whole thing together. We are here to reclaim and restore. It’s a way bigger picture and a way bigger story than…than the story of the world that continues to try to be divisive in our lives, dividing us. So, let's give that some thought today as we move in and through this day.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, as we so often do, we open ourselves to become aware of Your presence that is already here, already within us. Well up within us. Come, reveal the way forward. Let these truths sink in and sink into the depths of our soul so that we can't look at anything the same anymore. Come into this we ask in Your mighty name we pray. Amen.

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If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, you can do that at dailyaudiobible.com. There is a link on the homepage. And I thank you. I thank you that that we're in this together and that we remain in this together and that the mission that we share as a Global Campfire community to bring God's spoken word every day to anyone who will listen to it, because I believe if we hear the words of God then we’re hearing…we’re hearing…we have this opportunity to hear from God. And it's striking how much we need it on a daily basis. And, so, to bring it to whoever will listen to it. And because it's a rhythm because it's daily. We build community around this. And if that has been a life-giving source for you then thank you for being life-giving. So, there’s a link on the homepage. If you’re using the app you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or, if you prefer, the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

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And that's it for today. I'm Brian. I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi this is Teresa from Indiana and I’m calling to say that I love you guys so much. And Esther from Orlando Florida, I just love you. I love the way you pray. You’ll say, “in the name of Jesus! In the name of Jesus!” And I just love that. And I’ve picked that up. So, I just love you guys so much and I just wanted you to know I’m praying for you, each and every one of you, I’m praying for you. I love you. God bless you.

Hi this is Oleanna from Delray Beach. I wanted to say hello everybody and thank you for your amazing prayers. I cannot stop listening. It’s going to be two years soon and I’m just so excited that I’m part of this community and just know that I’m always praying for you. And I want to pray for Veronica today, the Veronica that was praying 10 years for her husband to be saved and to be equally yoked with her. And I wanted to…I wanted to also say to you that God is our biggest antidepressant. He took me off my state of depression and He put me where I met today and even my husband is not saved and I’m praying two years for him to be and we are on equally yoked as well. But the joy of the Lord remains in me as I abide in Him. And I just…I know that I am praying for you and I know that God is going to do that for you. In the name of Jesus, He’s gonna restore you and He’s gonna restore your marriage and He’s gonna…He’s gonna give you all of the peace and all of the joy. And I wanted to…to read a Psalm to you. Create in me a pure heart O, God and renew a steadfast Spirit in me. Restore me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Lord you are sustaining us, and we thank you for it. You are enough. And Veronica I pray for your journey. It’s going to be the journey…the journey of giving away your antidepressants and just relying on God. And I believe God is going to be with you. In that moment that you prayed He answered your prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. Love you guys.

Hi guys this is Silver Lining Cindy from Seattle. Harold, I cannot believe they canceled the Chicago Marathon. I am so sorry. I know that you had a goal but I have to say that I’m happy and God always has a plan for us and we don’t always know what it is but just by way of training for that marathon you stumbled upon this community and I’m so happy you’re a part of it. I wanted to tell you that you’ve been inspiring me all year and I actually planned a run this year similar to the run I did last year, and I no longer sign up for marathons. I run and I plan runs that are just meaningful to me. So, I’m running to see my dad on Vashon island later this summer. It’s about a 15-mile run and then I’m gonna spend the night and run home the next day. So, it’s…but it’s…again a run that’s meaningful to me. And I…I just challenge you to find a 26.2-mile course somewhere that’s meaningful and really special and make it your own Haroldathon. Also wanted to pray for the woman whose son was just diagnosed with autism who is 14. I happen to be the mother of the 14-year-old daughter with awesometism, that’s what we call it around my house. And wow it’s really answered a lot of questions and opened a lot of doors and really helped me to discover what a unique and wonderful individual she is. So, I am praying that the problems will be solved and that you will find special and wonderful ways to work with your son. Also want to pray for the woman who is really trying to get pregnant with her husband. I’m praying for you for fertility and I’m also praying for the woman who is having neck pain, that peace surrounds you. Thanks.

Hello Daily Audio Bible this is Duane from Wisconsin. All praise and glory to our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Calling in today for a couple of the DABbers. Roy called in and would like us to pray for his sister Robbie who is struggling with a…with a number of issues from a suicide attempt that she attempted a number of years ago. So, I lift her up. I want to lift up her daughters. We ask for the Lord’s intervention. We ask for the Lord’s healing. We ask of the Lord’s understanding. Lord, we bring Robbie to you, we lift her up to you. We ask for your intervention. We ask the Holy Spirit to come upon her, to give her direction, to give her light, to let her understand that she is still a child of Yours. Be with her daughters as well as we go through this time as well is Roy. Gigi called in. We want to lift you up. We heard that your father has passed away. So, our blessings go out to you, our sympathies, our prayers, our condolences. We ask the Lord to give you strength during this time you’re still going to school, and we praise You for that Lord and give Gigi strength during this time so she can continue her efforts in her school. Give her compassion and grace and uplift are to you. We want to lift this all up to our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. I want to thank you all. Praying for you all continuously and God bless.

Let’s pray. My dear Lord I depend completely on You. Please take away all other dependencies. You are my all. You rule over all and You delight in me. You are the foundation of goodness. How can I distrust You? How can I be anxious about what happens to me? In the light of Your preciousness the world and all of its enjoyments are infinitely poor. I value the favor of men no more than pebbles. Among the blessings I receive from You may I never lose the heart of a stranger. May I love You, Your benefits above all not forgetting that my greatest danger arises from my advantages. Produce in me self-despair that will make Jesus precious to me delighting in all His authority taking pleasure in all His ways. O that I would love His commands as well as His promises. Help me discern between true and false love, the true one consisting of extreme supreme love to You the other not. The true love uniting Your glory with man’s happiness that they become one common interest, the other disconnecting and separating them both seeking the false neglecting the true. Teach me that genuine love is different, not produced by genuine arguments or the motive of self-interest. This true love is a pleasing passion giving joy to the mind where it resides. Give me grace to distinguish between the genuine and the false and to rest in You who is all love.

Hello Daily Audio Bible family of God. Thank you Pastor Brian for your insight, your wisdom and your desire to serve the Lord with all your heart, soul mind and strength and your beautiful wife Jill and your fabulous daughter and all of the examples that we are given daily to see what it looks like to stand in the grace of God and to be patiently enduring under trial and joyfully rejoicing in that endurance. And it is that spirit of mind that I have to say when I hear parents call in and act as if a death sentence has been pronounced upon them by hearing that their child is on the spectrum of autism, it breaks my heart. There so many people that have been born by the grace of God and under His direction with autism that have changed our world. Albert Einstein, Temple Grandin. So many people. Those are just a couple. So, I encourage you parents to look at this as a blessing from God, not a curse. Each one of your children is going to demand things of you and bring things out of you that God had intentioned. None of us gets our own way. We all have to work together with the spirit of love and unity. And usually when there’s a problem it’s something sensory, too much noise and it’s asking for quiet in some way. I love you guys. I lift up the Lord and praise His name for the way that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you, Jesus. Treasured Possession.

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no1else-but-me · 6 years ago

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Book Recs if you love Jaime and Brienne

This is a collection of all the book recs I could find from @briennesjaime tumblr books rec, the reddit, and my own. Please reblog your own if you have some.

1. The Queen of Attolia which is book#2 of the The Queen’s Thief series

This is definitely more for the enemies to lovers trope. The thief even loses a hand like Jaime but under much different circumstances. The Queen is like the colder version of Brienne.

Revenge When Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, stole Hamiathes’s Gift, the Queen of Attolia lost more than a mythical relic. She lost face. Everyone knew that Eugenides had outwitted and escaped her. To restore her reputation and reassert her power, the Queen of Attolia will go to any length and accept any help that is offered…she will risk her country to execute the perfect revenge. …but Eugenides can steal anything. And he taunts the Queen of Attolia, moving through her strongholds seemingly at will. So Attolia waits, secure in the knowledge that the Thief will slip, that he will haunt her palace one too many times. …at what price? When Eugenides finds his small mountain country at war with Attolia, he must steal a man, he must steal a queen, he must steal peace. But his greatest triumph, and his greatest loss, comes in capturing something that the Queen of Attolia thought she had sacrificed long ago…

2. The Lumatere Chronicles

One of my favorite series of all time. It’s character driven and it’s has many surprises. Starts off with Finnikin has lost hope like Jaime but gains it slowly over time. Evanjalin her honor and her pursuit of her quest reminds me very much of Brienne.

Finnikin of the Rock and his guardian, Sir Topher, have not been home to their beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young woman with an incredible claim: the heir to the throne of Lumatere, Prince Balthazar, is alive. Evanjalin is determined to return home and she is the only one who can lead them to the heir. As they journey together, Finnikin is affected by her arrogance … and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. And that their cursed people will be able to enter Lumatere and be reunited with those trapped inside. He even believes he will find his imprisoned father. But Evanjalin is not what she seems. And the truth will test not only Finnikin’s faith in her … but in himself.

3. Howl’s Moving Castle

This one might be a stretch but hear me out. Howl is pretty much the embodiment of Jaime but probably more vain. While, Sophie really conveys Brienne self-esteem issues but still noble in her own right. Plus, their banter very reminiscent to Jaime and Brienne.

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl’s castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there’s far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

@temporiibus recommends The Raven Cycle!!

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.” It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore. From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.

The Winners Trilogy

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone recommended by @realduality

Errand requiring immediate attention. Come. The note was on vellum, pierced by the talons of the almost-crow that delivered it. Karou read the message. 'He never says please', she sighed, but she gathered up her things. When Brimstone called, she always came. In general, Karou has managed to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she's a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a monstrous creature who is the closest thing she has to family. Raised half in our world, half in 'Elsewhere', she has never understood Brimstone's dark work - buying teeth from hunters and murderers - nor how she came into his keeping. She is a secret even to herself, plagued by the sensation that she isn't whole. Now the doors to Elsewhere are closing, and Karou must choose between the safety of her human life and the dangers of a war-ravaged world that may hold the answers she has always sought.

The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson. Hard SF, and the romance is definitely not a major plot, but one of the characters involved in the trope is legit my favorite fictional character of all time and that journey from enemy to friend to lover is a big part of it.

In his most ambitious project to date, award-winning author Kim Stanley Robinson utilizes years of research & cutting-edge science in the 1st of a trilogy chronicling the colonization of Mars: For eons, sandstorms have swept the desolate landscape. For centuries, Mars has beckoned humans to conquer its hostile climate. Now, in 2026, a group of 100 colonists is about to fulfill that destiny. John Boone, Maya Toitavna, Frank Chalmers & Arkady Bogdanov lead a terraforming mission. For some, Mars will become a passion driving them to daring acts of courage & madness. For others it offers an opportunity to strip the planet of its riches. For the genetic alchemists, it presents a chance to create a biomedical miracle, a breakthrough that could change all we know about life & death. The colonists orbit giant satellite mirrors to reflect light to the surface. Black dust sprinkled on the polar caps will capture warmth. Massive tunnels, kilometers deep, will be drilled into the mantle to create stupendous vents of hot gases. Against this backdrop of epic upheaval, rivalries, loves & friendships will form & fall to pieces--for there are those who will fight to the death to prevent Mars from ever being changed. Brilliantly imagined, breathtaking in scope & ingenuity, Red Mars is an epic scientific saga, chronicling the next step in evolution, creating a world in its entirety. It shows a future, with both glory & tarnish, that awes with complexity & inspires with vision.

The Folk of the Air

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe. Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences. As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ... Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.

@swainlake recommends the darkest powers trilogy by kelley armstrong is really good

My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again. All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost - and the ghost saw me. Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House... before its skeletons come back to haunt me

@imladriss recommends: We hunt the flame by hafsah faizal

People lived because she killed. People died because he lived. Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways. Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be. War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine. Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands.

@moirindeclermont recommends anything from Jacqueline Carey (she is a goddess and my favourite writer) but also Deborah Harkness (A discovery of witches) which is amazing, I’m obsessed with it. Nemesis by Isaac Asimov touches some themes similar to Brienne’s. Arn the knight

The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good... and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission... and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair... and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear. Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart-a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

In a hail of fire and flashing sword, as the burning city of Acre falls from the hands of the West in 1291, The Last Templar opens with a young Templar knight, his mentor, and a handful of others escaping to the sea carrying a mysterious chest entrusted to them by the Order's dying Grand Master. The ship vanishes without a trace. In present day Manhattan, four masked horsemen dressed as Templar Knights emerge from Central Park and ride up the Fifth Avenue steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the blacktie opening of a Treasures of the Vatican exhibit. Storming through the crowds, the horsemen brutally attack anyone standing between them and their prize. Attending the gala, archaeologist Tess Chaykin watches in silent terror as the leader of the horsemen hones in on one piece in particular, a strange geared device. He utters a few cryptic Latin words as he takes hold of it with reverence before leading the horsemen out and disappearing into the night. In the aftermath, an FBI investigation is led by anti-terrorist specialist Sean Reilly. Soon, he and Tess are drawn into the dark, hidden history of the crusading Knights, plunging them into a deadly game of cat and mouse with ruthless killers as they race across three continents to recover the lost secret of the Templars.

Irissa and Kendric Series

Irissa was the last of the sorcerous Torlocs, untutored in magic and abandoned upon this decaying world by her people. Kendric was one of the Six of Swords, gifted with a legendary weapon to guard the Realms from harm. But now he was an outcast, and his death was sought with reason by the other Five. Sorceress and swordsman, they were thrown together; each filled with ancient prejudices against the other. But only by combining her uncertain powers with his remaining skills could they survive. Survive they must, however. Rule was a world formed upon magic - but now magic was failing and there would soon be no place for it. And destiny in strange guise had chosen them to make one last stand against the dark forces that were waiting at the Gate of Valna, seeking to destroy their world

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Orphaned as a child, Jane has felt an outcast her whole young life. Her courage is tested once again when she arrives at Thornfield Hall, where she has been hired by the brooding, proud Edward Rochester to care for his ward Adèle. Jane finds herself drawn to his troubled yet kind spirit. She falls in love. Hard.

But there is a terrifying secret inside the gloomy, forbidding Thornfield Hall. Is Rochester hiding from Jane? Will Jane be left heartbroken and exiled once again?

Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work "her own darling child" and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print." The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England

In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits women to train for knighthood. But not everyone in Tortall believes a woman is up to the task, and Kel faces harsh discrimination. With unparalleled determination and a knack for leadership, she captures the hearts of her peers and proves that she is not a girl to underestimate!

#jaime x brienne #braime #brienne of tarth #jaime lannister #We should start a book club #only half joking #but for real we should #next up does anyone have shows and movies that fit the dynamic of Jaime and Brienne #long post

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johnhardinsawyer · 3 years ago

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On-the-Job Training

John Sawyer

Bedford Presbyterian Church

7 / 4 / 21

Mark 6:1-13

“On the Job Training”[1]

(Sufficient Grace for Reluctant Disciples)

On this Fourth of July, I wonder if you’ve ever wondered about the famous founding fathers (and mothers) of our country. I mean, how confident do you think they were that they were going to be successful? I wonder if they ever wished that they had been able to take some classes like “How to Start a New Country: 101” or “How to Fight a War With a World Power When You Have No Money and No Experience, for Beginners.” Most historians would be hard-pressed to find either course in the school curriculum of the 1700’s. Instead, the people who founded our country brought whatever gifts they had and learned as they went – call it “on the job training” if you will – and we, as a grateful nation, are their heirs.

Just about everyone has an experience of “on the job training” at least once in their life and profession. They may have been through years of schooling – or, maybe, just a few brief minutes of orientation – when all of a sudden, there they are, doing a job they have never done before, claiming their authority and learning along the way. Whether you are a neurosurgeon, or a cashier at the grocery, or the pastor of a church, sometimes, there’s nothing to it but to do it. On the job.

In today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark, we find a marvelous story of on-the-job training for the followers of Jesus. As the story goes, Jesus begins to send his twelve disciples out, two by two, giving them “authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7b) He tells them to not take any extra supplies with them – so important is their mission – but just to go and rely upon the power and authority that he has given them. Then they go out and preach with “joyful urgency that life [in God’s kingdom] can be radically different”[2] and they cast out many evil spirits, and anoint with oil many who are sick and cure them. (6:13)

Just in case you’re wondering, prior to this story there is no mention of the disciples taking any kind of classes in “Casting Out Evil Spirits for Beginners” or “Anointing: 101”. They had seen Jesus do some of these things, but it’s one thing to watch someone else do something and it’s another thing, entirely, to do it yourself. There is no mention of the disciples applying to licensing boards, or taking any tests, or even coming before a Presbytery Committee on Ministry. They have no experience. And yet, these common fishermen, tradesmen, and tax collectors, are sent out to work mighty acts of power. And you know what? They do. People’s spirits are restored to health. People who were sick are cured – cured and cared for by God – through the touch of these common folk. And we, as Jesus’ disciples, twenty-one centuries later, are their grateful spiritual heirs.

There are many who wonder what – if anything – God can do through common folk like us, and yet, we believe that in our baptism, that which is common about us becomes holy. The Holy Spirit grants us all that we need to become vessels of God’s grace, and healing, and wholeness in this often-broken world.

Just so you know, in the early church, the first Christians would often visit the sick and anoint them with oil. Sometimes the oil was expensive and perfumed. Sometimes it was just common olive oil or even animal fat. This is a practice that has not been carried over much in the Protestant tradition. Most of us would rather just bake some brownies or a casserole for someone. The oil used by the early church did not have special healing powers, but it was usually accompanied by prayers and the laying on of hands. It was common for Elders – “presbuberos” in the original Greek, that root word for “Presbyterians” – in the church to go and visit people. “Are any among you sick?” we read in the Book of James (5:14), “They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” I wonder, what would happen if we Presbyterians were to reclaim our anointing with oil heritage? What if it became kind of a Presbyterian calling card? “Did you hear that so-and-so was sick? Well those Presbyterians showed up with some oil and you know what happened next. . .”

The last time you were sick, did you call for someone to pray for you? Did you ask to be anointed with oil? Most of you probably didn’t, and that’s okay, but a risk that so many communities of faith run is thinking, strangely enough, that God cannot really solve their problems. This is what happens – to a degree – in the first part of today’s scripture reading when Jesus arrives in his hometown of Nazareth.

Jesus goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath – his home church – and begins to teach. Eugene Peterson translates what happens in this way:

[Jesus] made a real hit, impressing everyone. “We had no idea he was this good!” they said. “How did he get so wise all of a sudden, get such ability?” But in the next breath they were cutting him down: “He’s just a carpenter – Mary’s boy. We’ve known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers. . . and his sisters. Who does he think he is?”[3] (Mark 6:2-3 paraphrased)

The people can’t get over what they think they know about Jesus and it colors their entire view of him. Here is this commoner, this carpenter who had fixed their shelves, built their cabinets, constructed their wooden fences, their water troughs, and their mangers. How could someone so simple, so common, become so great? They did not believe in him. I wonder this says about our perceptions of other people or of ourselves. I mean, I know that none of you have never ever doubted your own abilities. Have you?

And then, in the story, there’s this interesting and kind of frightening line in the text:

And [Jesus] could do no deed of power there [in Nazareth], except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. (6:5-6)

It’s almost as if the unbelief of the people of Nazareth causes Jesus to not be able to accomplish much there. It gives one cause to wonder – if unbelief or disbelief is the overwhelming feeling in a group of people, then what does that do to God’s power for change, God’s power for good. Jesus lays his hands on a few sick people and cures them, so God’s power is not stopped cold – it just doesn’t catch the whole town on fire with excitement and hope that Jesus is capable of far greater things. Jesus was and is capable of doing far greater things.

It is sad how often people of so-called “faith” do not have the faith to see God at work and to trust that God does work marvelous acts of power in the world and in their individual lives. God takes ordinary, everyday, common people in this world and makes them extraordinary, special, and capable of doing marvelous acts of ministry. Sometimes they carry oil with them, sometimes it is a plate of brownies, sometimes they go empty-handed but with a prayer on their lips and faith deep down in their souls. Sometimes, they go with fear and uncertainty – not feeling confident at all – but in their weakness they lean upon Jesus, and Christ is present with them just the same – present with them all the more. You know, sometimes, a visit or a quiet prayer from a friend can be more healing for one’s body and soul than we will ever know. When it comes to talking about God or praying with someone, it pains me to think that some Christians honestly believe that these tasks have become professionalized – that only a seminary degree or a prayer from a Minister of Word and Sacrament will work, when any prayer offered in faith by anyone will work, when all of us – in our baptism – have been given the authority to work amazing acts of healing and restoration in God’s name. Now, I’m not going to say there’s nothing to it but to do it, but there is nothing more to it than to rely on the Holy Spirit for what you need in the moment and to trust that the Spirit will work even when you feel totally inadequate.

The Gospel of Mark does not describe how the disciples feel about being sent by Jesus, the text just tells us that they go. I am certain that there were times when they wondered if they were truly qualified or really had authority. In those moments, I wonder if they were able to do anything at all. But when they remembered that Jesus had given them authority and power they were able to work wonders, an important lesson in their divine on-the-job training.

I’ll close with this. . .

About ten years ago, I was downtown in my hometown with some friends of mine in the late afternoon. The street was mostly deserted but there were a few people milling around. A woman approached us, shuffling slowly. “Here we go. . .” I thought, knowing that we were about to be panhandled. I’m sorry to say that I tried not to make eye contact with her but then she shouted “God is good!” and I looked. She was overweight, had unkempt hair, and she smelled. She was obviously mentally ill. In Jesus’ day, they would have said that she had an unclean spirit.

Her speech was loud and difficult to understand but, as I had predicted, she asked us for money. “Are you going to use it to buy alcohol?” one of my friends asked her. “I don’t drank! I don’t drank!” she said, her breath smelling strongly of alcohol. We thought that she would move on – we kind of wanted her to – but she stayed and talked for a while. Finally, she said. “Pray for me!” “Ummm. . . I’ll pray for you right now,” I said. She put her arms around the shoulders of two of my friends and said, “Pray for my leg! Pray for my leg!” She stuck her leg out and I laid my hand on it and prayed. It was not an eloquent prayer or a prayer that I was proud of. I did not feel properly prepared. There were plenty of pauses, stops, and starts. When I said “Amen,” she hugged us and shuffled on down the street shouting “God is good! God is good!”

I tell you this story for several reasons. First, as the woman said, God is good – especially to the most desperate among us. And second, there are times when you and I are called to be Christ, to be a vessel of grace to someone else, even if we do not feel prepared or wonder if it will do any good.

Later on that evening, long after the woman had gone, one of my friends said, “John, I really appreciate you praying for that woman. I wouldn’t have known what to say.” “It’s okay,” I responded, way-too-flippantly, “I’m in the business.”

“I’m in the business.”?! What a weak and pride-filled remark. What I should have said was “My bumbling prayer did not mean any more than any bumbling – or eloquent – prayer that you would have prayed. We are all called to be in the business of following Jesus and loving our neighbors. As flawed as my faith may be, my prayer was offered in faith. That’s what matters.”

Did my prayer heal that woman? I honestly don’t know how much good my prayer did for her, but I earnestly hope and pray that God made a difference and will continue to make a difference in her life until the day that she is finally healed and made whole. God is good.

Friends, whatever we might wonder if we can do for God is never as powerful as what God can actually do through us. Those disciples who went out two by two were probably frightened to death at times and yet God worked through them and their fragile, humbling, and bumbling faith, and that’s what matters. That’s what we remember when we read this story.

We believe in a God who takes the common and makes it holy. It happens in the bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper, it happens in acts of compassion, through prayers lifted in faith, through brownies, through anointing with oil, through regular people like you and me who have been given power and authority to be vessels of grace, of good news, of healing and wholeness, to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

Being a disciple means believing that God’s grace is sufficient, that God’s grace provides all that we need to give us the strength and courage to step out in faith, even when our faith is weak and faltering, for whenever we are weak, Christ is strong for us. God is on the job for us and with us. And God’s grace is all that we need.

Do not be afraid, for God’s grace is sufficient. God’s grace is sufficient. Thanks be to God.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

[1] Adapted from a sermon preached in July of 2009.

[2] Peterson, Eugene. The Message – Numbered Edition. Colorado Springs: NAV Press, 2005. Mark 6:12. p. 1384.

[3] Peterson. Mark 6:2-3. p. 1384.

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tpanan · 6 years ago

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My First Friday Daily Blessings

July 6, 2018 (First Friday Devotion to the SACRED HEART OF JESUS)

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Roman Rite Calendar)

Lectionary: 381

First Reading: Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12

Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! "When will the new moon be over," you ask, "that we may sell our grain, and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat?" We will diminish the containers for measuring, add to the weights, and fix our scales for cheating! We will buy the lowly man for silver,and the poor man for a pair of sandals;even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!"

On that day, says the Lord GOD, I will make the sun set at midday and cover the earth with darkness in broad daylight. I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentations. I will cover the loins of all with sackcloth and make every head bald. I will make them mourn as for an only son, and bring their day to a bitter end.

Yes, days are coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send famine upon the land: Not a famine of bread, or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of the LORD. Then shall they wander from sea to sea and rove from the north to the east In search of the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119: 2, 20, 30, 40, 131

"One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of GOD."

Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 11: 28

Alleluia, Alleluia

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord."

Alleluia, Alleluia

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

**Meditation:

What is God's call on your life? Jesus chose Matthew to be his follower and friend, not because Matthew was religious or learned, popular or saintly. Matthew appeared to be none of those. He chose to live a life of wealth and ease. His profession was probably the most corrupted and despised by everyone because tax collectors made themselves wealthy by over-charging and threatening people if they did not hand over their money to them.

God searches our heart What did Jesus see in Matthew that others did not see? When the prophet Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint the future heir to the throne of Israel, he bypassed all the first seven sons and chose the last! "God looks at the heart and not at the appearance of a man" he declared (1 Samuel 16:7). David's heart was like a compass looking for true north - it pointed to God. Matthew's heart must have yearned for God, even though he dare not show his face in a synagogue - the Jewish house of prayer and the study of Torah - God's law. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax office - no doubt counting his day's profit - Jesus spoke only two words - "follow me". Those two words changed Matthew from a self-serving profiteer to a God-serving apostle who would bring the treasures of God's kingdom to the poor and needy.

John Chrysostom, the great 5th century church father, describes Matthew's calling: "Why did Jesus not call Matthew at the same time as he called Peter and John and the rest? He came to each one at a particular time when he knew that they would respond to him. He came at a different time to call Matthew when he was assured that Matthew would surrender to his call. Similarly, he called Paul at a different time when he was vulnerable, after the resurrection, something like a hunter going after his quarry. For he who is acquainted with our inmost hearts and knows the secrets of our minds knows when each one of us is ready to respond fully. Therefore he did not call them all together at the beginning, when Matthew was still in a hardened condition. Rather, only after countless miracles, after his fame spread abroad, did he call Matthew. He knew Matthew had been softened for full responsiveness."

Jesus- the divine physician When the Pharisees challenged Jesus' unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defense was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to visit healthy people - instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life. The orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed spiritual care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

On more than one occasion Jesus quoted the saying from the prophet Hosea: For I desire mercy and not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). Do you thank the Lord Jesus for the great mercy he has shown to you? And do you show mercy to your neighbor as well?

**Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself." (Prayer of Augustine, 354-430)

Sources:

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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dungeonforecaster-blog · 8 years ago

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The Road So Far

The Journey so far…

It has only been a short while since the party was brought together, hired on a mission to investigate and – hopefully – rid the city of Escellia of a corrupting influence set deep into the city's underground. Their first task as a group was to find their way out of a dungeon, crafted out of a pocket dimension that their boss had thrown them into. It was a team building exercise that succeeded… for most. The battle with the merfolk, picking of locks, and dodging of darts were the least of their worries however, as they descended towards the end of the dungeon where a dangerous enemy could have been made. A Gold Dragon was revealed to be the creator of this pocket dimension, and he had connected it to his lair. All he asked was for a simple answer, a single truth that represented each party member as a whole, and then he set them free. If they lied or failed to speak their truth… Well, its best it hadn't come to that.

During a down time while they waited for an assignment some party members did some digging, others some shopping, and eventually they even took on a small day trip to aid a nearby village being tormented by roving band of Orcs. After saving the village from an Orc party that had set fire to many of the village's buildings, the heroes discovered that the Orcs were coming from an old tower on the edge of the village's property. This old tower – the last remaining remnant of the Brightsword Castle – turned out to be a sanctuary for the last remaining heir to the Brightsword name. The Orcs were being sent to kill the heiress, Zell, as a Night Hag's revenge against her and her family for stealing her heartstone to heal the young heiress as a toddler. The party traveled to the Hag's lair, one nearly seducing the woman by accident while she was in her “more appealing” form. In the end the Hag was defeated, and the rogue spent most of the battle looting her house. As one does.

After resting the night at Zell's home within the village the party headed back to Escellia to find a warm meal and welcoming beds at the Inn where they had befriended the owner. Not long after, their first task tied to their mission was given to them. The party traveled with a merchant and his cargo to the country's capital city of Sonsra. Along the way they discovered a clue towards the mystery surrounding Escellia's problems. A painting that the merchant had bought from the city was not really a painting at all, but a vessel containing the soul of the leader of the underground himself, the Rogue King. Woo!

The visit to Sonsra ended in a few festival games, a ball, meeting some old friends, and of course a battle to save some helpless citizens, and some not to helpless too.

On the return trip to Escellia the party stopped at Amalia's (the party's druid) home, a hidden city that guarded one of the open portals on this world that led to another plane, the Feywild. There Amalia's fears that something had gone wrong with her kingdom were proven correct. The party discovered that both of Amalia's parents, the Queen and King of Tel'eregnan, had fallen under the control of some curse and that Amalia's eldest sibling Eladria had disappeared beyond the portal. Further venturing into the Feywild discovered that the fey kingdom that had been Tel'eregnan's sister guardian city on the other side of the portal had been wiped out, it's once vibrantly colored buildings and terrain now turned to a mixture of dull greys and harsh blacks.

An crazed Archfey called Cuin had spotted Eladria during one of her journeys into the Feywild's kingdom and had believed her to be his long lost wife, stolen from him by his enemies. He had fought the Archfey that guarded the portal and slaughtered the rest of the small Kingdom, replacing it with his own phantom palace. He placed a spell on Eladria that charmed her and wooed her until her every thought was of Cuin and no one else. Luckily the party managed to find her in time, or she may have been lost forever. However, finding her also meant that they found Cuin.

The battle that ensued was difficult, and would have easily been deadly had unexpected aid not come from a woman, a witch of some kind she seemed at first as she appeared in a mirror and ordered Cuin to leave. With a great amount of reluctance Cuin followed the order, taking his palace with it. That was not the end of it however. While Eladria was saved from Cuin, her percieved betrayal to him had granted her the very same favor that he had granted her parents. Upon returning to Tel'eregnan Eladria fell into a deep cursed sleep.

The party then discussed what they were going to do next. After quite the chilled argument happened between the party's rogue (Tanith) and their current boss (Aleara) over trust and protocol – which only one other member of the party was witness to – Aleara left to return to Escellia, assuming that she would either finish the job alone, or that the party would catch up with her when they could.

Our adventurers traveled into the Feywild once more after Amalia's eldest brother (Alaris) found three powerful beings who had agreed to help cure their ill family members of whatever curse had befallen them (and no a Greater Restoration didn't help). The first was an Archfey who reigned over a portion of the Feywild that the Seelie and Unseelie Queens avoided. Queen Vivicka Valdas, as she was named, turned out to be the least helpful and the most violent of the three would be aids. The Archfey Queen held a deep grudge against one of Amalia's ancestors for her beauty that was often thought to surpass Valdas's own. To cure the Monarchs and their next heir Valdas required Amalia's blood, and didn't specify how much would actually be needed in order to satisfy. The party barely escaped by the skin of their teeth.

The second and third aids turned out to be much more then expected, for they were gods whose curious gazes had been drawn to the adventurers over their journeys. The Traveler, a masked and unknown god of chaos and change, turned out to be more then they appeared. Long ago, before they had become a diety, The Traveler had been known as Zaleria Treeseeker: an archfey, a Champion of the realm, founder of Tel'eregnan, and Amalia's ancestor. She would gladly have given her descendants aid, but she had to be careful of who and how she showed favor to because of her status as a god. She could only reward a favor for another favor. Even if it was her granddaughter whowas asking. All she wanted was a magical mirror, one that was strong enough to see beyond the boundaries of the planes. If they brought her this she would heal Amalia's parents and sister, and she would ensure that the party returned from the Feywild near the same time that they had left.

So the party performed the summoning ritual to bring the third aid to them, another god. This one was named Aureon, a god who watched ovr wizards and was as intelligent as he was obsessed with learning about magic. He gladly gave the party a magical mirror that did as they wanted, but in return he asked for a lock of Amalia's hair. He also traded a kiss for some information the the party's swashbuckler (Vivienne) wanted.

Once given the mirror The Traveler took the party back to Tel'eregnan with the party only losing a few minutes of time. The god healed the Monarchs and Eladria, but the King and Queen took longer to recover and didn't wake up before the party had to leave the kingdom. Eladria did though, and was able to regain enough strength to perform the ritual Dryad Dance for the city's winter festival.

The day before the festival took place however, another member of the party left. Vivienne headed back to Escellia in order to offer Aleara any aid she could. She arrived only to find that Aleara had already left to finish the mission that they had been hired for… and had been unknowingly missing for a few days.

……

By the time the rest of the party left Tel'eregnan and made it half way back to Escellia nearly three weeks had passed. The city's connection to the Feywild caused a time displacement, meaning that for every day that passed within the city, two passed for the rest of the world. Luckily an old friend of the party's caught up with them on their way back or it would have been even longer. The Gold Dragon from their first task together, who had taken up a human form and ownership of a tavern in Escellia, arrived and quickly conjured a portal that lead them to the place where Aleara, and now Viv, had gone to complete their job.

In an old, dark, and decrept castle the party found some answers. As well as some zombies, undead ogres, a banshee, and a man who they knew to be the Rogue King's twin brother performing a ritual in the midst of it all. They also found Aleara, wounded and maimed but alive, and Viv… Viv had given her life in an attempt to get Aleara out of the death infused castle. The party managed to kill all the zombies and the banshee (all the while looting the place) before attempting to move the unconscious twin mid-ritual. This turned out to be the wrong, or maybe the right, thing to do as the ritual was broken and to the horror of the party and the necromancer, the man was force to conscousness and transformed into a hideous undead beast for his failure.

Now the party gathers around Viv's body, shaken and injured, hoping that they can somehow, some way bring her back…

#Everfall Campaign #to be properly named later #these little shits don't even know #*dm evil laughter*#nah #its not that bad really #...or is it?#D&D

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fevie168 · 6 years ago

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Saturday (July 7): "The day will come when they will fast"

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17

14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" 15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."

Meditation: Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating). To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss.

A time to rejoice and a time to mourn But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins?

The closed mind that refuses to learn Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience - new and old wineskins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wineskins, not bottles. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The gases exerted gave pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they had become hard and had lost their ability to expand and stretch. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new?

Treasuring the old and new wine of the Holy Spirit Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament or the New Testament books of the Bible, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like new wine skins - open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Help me to seek you earnestly in prayer and fasting that I may turn away from sin and willfulness and conform my life more fully to your will. May I always find joy in knowing, loving, and serving you."

Psalm 85:9,11-13

9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. 11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. 12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before him, and make his footsteps a way.

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: No need to fast in the presence of the Bridegroom, by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD)

"The Pharisees and John's disciples were fasting, and the apostles were not. But Jesus answered them in a spiritual way and indicated to John's disciples that he was a bridegroom. John taught that all hope in life lay in Christ. While he was still preaching, however, his disciples could not be received by the Lord. Up until the time of John, the law and the prophets prevailed, and unless the law came to an end, none of them would subscribe to faith in the gospel. The fact that he said there was no need for his disciples to fast as long as the bridegroom is with them illustrates the joy of his presence and the sacrament of the holy food, which no one need be without while he is present, that is, bearing Christ in the light of the mind. But once he is gone, Jesus says that they will fast, for all those who do not believe that Christ has risen will not have the food of life. By faith in the resurrection, the sacrament of the heavenly bread is received. Whoever is without Christ will be forsaken, fasting from the food of life." (excerpt from the commentary ON MATTHEW 9.3)

Friday (July 6): "I desire mercy - not sacrifice"

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. 10 And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Meditation: What is God's call on your life? Jesus chose Matthew to be his follower and friend, not because Matthew was religious or learned, popular or saintly. Matthew appeared to be none of those. He chose to live a life of wealth and ease. His profession was probably the most corrupted and despised by everyone because tax collectors made themselves wealthy by over-charging and threatening people if they did not hand over their money to them.

Psalm 119:2,10,20,30,40,131

2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,

10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

20 My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness, I set your ordinances before me.

40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

131 With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Matthew did not delay when called by Jesus, by Chromatius (died 406 AD)

"The Lord, about to give salvation to all sinners believing in him, willingly chose Matthew the former publican. The gift of his esteem for Matthew stands as an example for our salvation. Every sinner must be chosen by God and can receive the grace of eternal salvation if one is not without a religious mind and a devout heart. So Matthew was chosen willingly by God. And though he is immersed in worldly affairs, because of his sincere religious devotion he is judged worthy to be called forth by the Lord ("Follow me"), who by virtue of his divine nature knows the hidden recesses of the heart. From what follows, we know that Matthew was accepted by the Lord not by reason of his status but of his faith and devotion. As soon as the Lord says to him, "Follow me," he does not linger or delay, but thereupon "he arose and followed him." (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 45.1)

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tpanan · 5 years ago

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My Saturday Daily Blessings

September 21, 2019

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist Lectionary: 643

First Reading: Ephesians 4: 1-7, 11-13

Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19: 2-3, 4-5

"Their message goes out through all the earth."

Verse before the Gospel:

Alleluia, Alleluia.

"We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you."

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 9: 9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me."

And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

**Meditation:

God searches our heart What did Jesus see in Matthew that others did not see? When the prophet Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint the future heir to the throne of Israel, he bypassed all the first seven sons and chose the last! "God looks at the heart and not at the appearance of a man" he declared (1 Samuel 16:7-13). David's heart was like a compass looking for true north - it pointed to God. Matthew's heart must have yearned for God, even though he dare not show his face in a synagogue - the Jewish house of prayer and the study of Torah - God's law. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax office - no doubt counting his day's profit - Jesus spoke only two words - "follow me". Those two words changed Matthew from a self-serving profiteer to a God-serving apostle who would bring the treasures of God's kingdom to the poor and needy.

Jesus- the divine physician When the Pharisees challenged Jesus' unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defense was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life. The orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed spiritual care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Sources:

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tpanan · 6 years ago

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My Monday Daily Blessings

January 14, 2019

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (Roman Rite Calendar) Lectionary: 305

First Reading: Hebrew 1: 1-6

Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a Son to me? And again, when he leads the first born into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.

Responsorial: Psalm 97: 1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9

"Let all his angels worship him."

Verse before the Gospel: Mark 1: 15

Alleluia, Alleluia

"The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel."

Alleluia, Alleluia

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel."

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them,

**Meditation:

What is the Gospel of God which Jesus came to preach? The word "gospel" literally means "good news". When a king had good news to deliver to his subjects he sent messengers or heralds throughout the land to make a public announcement - such as the birth of a newborn king or the victory over an invading army or occupied force. God sent his prophets to announce the coming of God's anointed King and Messiah. After Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan and anointed by the Spirit he begins his ministry of preaching the Gospel - the good news that the kingdom of God was now at hand for all who were ready to receive it.

God rules over all What is the kingdom of God? The word "kingdom" means something more than a territory or an area of land. It literally means "sovereignty" or "reign" and the power to "rule" and exercise authority. The prophets announced that God would establish a kingdom not just for one nation or people but for the whole world. The Scriptures tell us that God's throne is in heaven and his rule is over all (Psalm 103:19). His kingdom is bigger and more powerful than anything we can imagine because it is universal and everlasting (Daniel 4:3). His kingdom is full of glory, power, and splendor (Psalm 145:11-13).

In the Book of Daniel we are told that this kingdom is given to the Son of Man (Daniel 7:14,18,22,27). The Son of Man is a Messianic title for God's anointed King. The New Testament word for "Messiah" is "Christ" which literally means the "Anointed One" or the "Anointed King". God sent us his Son not to establish an earthly kingdom but to bring us into his heavenly kingdom - a kingdom ruled by truth, justice, peace, and holiness. The kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus' mission. It's the core of his gospel message.

As soon as John the Baptist had finished his testimony, Jesus began his in Galilee, his home district. John's enemies had sought to silence him, but the gospel cannot be silenced. Jesus proclaimed that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus takes up John's message of repentance and calls disciples to believe in the gospel - the good news he has come to deliver.

What is the good news which Jesus delivers? It is the good news of peace (restoration of relationship with God - Ephesians 6:15), of hope (the hope of heaven and everlasting life - Colossians 1:23 ), of truth (God's word is true and reliable - Colossians 1:5), of promise (he rewards those who seek him - Ephesians 3:6)), of immortality (God gives everlasting life - 2 Timothy 1:10), and the good news of salvation (liberty from sin and freedom to live as sons and daughters of God - Ephesians 1:13).

Two conditions for the kingdom - repent and believe How do we enter the kingdom of God? In announcing the good news, Jesus gave two explicit things each of us must do to in order to receive the kingdom of God: repent and believe. When we submit to Christ's rule in our lives and believe the gospel message the Lord Jesus gives us the grace and power to live a new way of life as citizens of his kingdom. He gives us grace to renounce the kingdom of darkness ruled by sin and Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44) and the ruler of this present world (John 12:31). That is why repentance is the first step.

Repentance means to change - to change my way of thinking, my attitude, disposition, and life choices so that Christ can be the Lord and Master of my heart rather than sin, selfishness, and greed. If we are only sorry for the consequences of our sins, we will very likely keep repeating the sin that is mastering us. True repentance requires a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17) and sorrow for sin and a firm resolution to avoid it in the future. The Lord Jesus gives us grace to see sin for what it really is - a rejection of his love and wisdom for our lives and a refusal to do what is good and in accord with his will. His grace brings pardon and help for turning away from everything that would keep us from his love and truth.

To believe is to take Jesus at his word and to recognize that God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to free us from bondage to sin and harmful desires. God made the supreme sacrifice of his Son on the cross to bring us back to a relationship of peace and friendship with himself. He is our Father and he wants us to live as his sons and daughters. God loved us first and he invites us in love to surrender our lives to him. Do you believe that the gospel -the good news of Jesus - has power to free you from bondage to sin and fear?

Like fishermen - we are called to gather in people for the kingdom of Christ When Jesus preached the gospel message he called others to follow as his disciples and he gave them a mission - "to catch people for the kingdom of God." What kind of disciples did he choose? Smelly fishermen! In the choice of the first apostles we see a characteristic feature of Jesus' work: he chose very ordinary people. They were non-professionals, had no wealth or position. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, had no special education, and no social advantages. Jesus wanted ordinary people who could take an assignment and do it extraordinarily well. He chose these individuals, not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of becoming under his direction and power.

When the Lord calls us to serve, we must not think we have nothing to offer. The Lord takes what ordinary people, like us, can offer and uses it for greatness in his kingdom. Do you believe that God wants to work in and through you for his glory?

Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the gospel. Paul the Apostles says, But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15). Do you witness to those around you the joy of the Gospel and do you pray for your neighbors, co-workers, and relatives that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of his love?

**Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, you have called me personally by name, just as you called your first disciples, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Help me to believe your word and follow you faithfully. Fill me with the joy of the gospel that your light may shine through me to many others."

Sources:

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tpanan · 7 years ago

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My Monday Daily Blessings

March 19, 2018

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Catholic Observance)

Lectionary: 543, Liturgical Year B

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16

The LORD spoke to Nathan and said: "Go, tell my servant David, "When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,

I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.'"

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29

"The Son of David will live."

Second Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, as it is written, I have made you father of many nations.

He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist.

He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be.

That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.

Verse before the Gospel: Psalm 84:5

"Blessed are those who dwell in your house, O Lord; they never cease to praise you.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.

For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

**Meditation:

Are you prepared to obey the Lord in everything? Faith in God's word and obedience to his commands go hand in hand. Joseph, like Mary, is a model of faith and justice. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a "just man". John Chrysostom (347-407 AD), a gifted preacher and bishop of Constantinople, comments on the great virtue we see in Joseph which qualified him to be a worthy guardian and foster father for the child Jesus:

"The concept of 'just' here signifies the man who possesses all the virtues. By 'justice' one at times understands only one virtue in particular, as in the phrase: the one who is not avaricious (greedy) is just. But 'justice' also refers to virtue in general. And it is in this sense, above all, that scripture uses the word 'justice'. For example, it refers to: a just man and true (cf. Job 1:1), or the two were just (cf. Luke 1:6). Joseph, then, being just, that is to say good and charitable..."

Joseph believed and obeyed God's instruction Joseph's faith was put to the test when he discovered that his espoused wife Mary was pregnant. Joseph, being a just and God-fearing man, did not wish to embarrass, punish, or expose Mary to harm. To all outward appearances it looked as if she had broken their solemn pledge to be chaste and faithful to one another. Joseph, no doubt took this troubling matter to God in prayer. He was not hasty to judge or to react with hurt or anger.

God rewarded him not only with guidance and consolation, but with the divine assurance that he had indeed called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to assume a mission that would require the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in Almighty God. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah, who is both the only begotten Son of God and son of Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Joseph is a man of faith and fatherly care Joseph was a worthy successor to the great patriarchs of the old covenant - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joseph followed the call of God through the mysterious circumstances that surrounded the coming of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah who fulfilled all the promises made to Abraham and his offspring. God entrusted this silent, humble man with the unique privilege of raising, protecting, teaching, and training Jesus as a growing child. Joseph accepted his role of fatherly care with faith, trust, and obedience to the will of God. He is a model for all who are entrusted with the care, instruction, and protection of the young. Joseph is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption.

The Lord guides and strengthens all who trust in him Are you ready to put your trust in the Lord to give you his help and guidance in fulfilling your responsibilities? God gives strength and guidance to those who seek his help, especially when we face trials, doubts, fears, perplexing circumstances, and what seems like insurmountable problems and challenges in our personal lives. God our heavenly Father has not left us alone, but has given us his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to be our savior, teacher, lord, and healer. Where do you need God's help, strength, and guidance? Ask the Lord to increase your faith and trust in his promises and in his guiding hand in your life.

**Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, you came to free us from the power of sin, fear, and death, and to heal and restore us to wholeness of life. May I always trust in your saving help, guidance, wisdom, and plan for my life."

Sources:

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tpanan · 7 years ago

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My Thursday Daily Blessings

September 21, 2017

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Catholic Observance)

Lectionary: 643

First Reading: Ephesians 4:

Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6

"How great are the works of the LORD."

Verse before the Gospel: John 6:63c, 68c

Alelluia, Alelluia

"Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life, you have the words of everlasting life."

Alelluia, Alelluia

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:31-35

Jesus said to the crowds: "To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.' For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by all her children."

**Meditation:

God searches our heart What did Jesus see in Matthew that others did not see? When the prophet Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint the future heir to the throne of Israel, he bypassed all the first seven sons and chose the last! "God looks at the heart and not at the appearance of a man" he declared. David's heart was like a compass looking for true north - it pointed to God. Matthew's heart must have yearned for God, even though he dare not show his face in a synagogue - the Jewish house of prayer and the study of Torah - God's law. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax office - no doubt counting his day's profit - Jesus spoke only two words - "follow me". Those two words changed Matthew from a self-serving profiteer to a God-serving apostle who would bring the treasures of God's kingdom to the poor and needy.

John Chrysostom, the great 5th century church father, describes Matthew's calling: "Why did Jesus not call Matthew at the same time as he called Peter and John and the rest? He came to each one at a particular time when he knew that they would respond to him. He came at a different time to call Matthew when he was assured that Matthew would surrender to his call. Similarly, he called Paul at a different time when he was vulnerable, after the resurrection, something like a hunter going after his quarry. for he who is acquainted with our inmost hearts and knows the secrets of our minds knows when each one of us is ready to respond fully. Therefore he did not call them all together at the beginning, when Matthew was still in a hardened condition. Rather, only after countless miracles, after his fame spread abroad, did he call Matthew. He knew Matthew had been softened for full responsiveness."

God searches our heart What did Jesus see in Matthew that others did not see? When the prophet Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint the future heir to the throne of Israel, he bypassed all the first seven sons and chose the last! "God looks at the heart and not at the appearance of a man" he declared. David's heart was like a compass looking for true north - it pointed to God. Matthew's heart must have yearned for God, even though he dare not show his face in a synagogue - the Jewish house of prayer and the study of Torah - God's law. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax office - no doubt counting his day's profit - Jesus spoke only two words - "follow me". Those two words changed Matthew from a self-serving profiteer to a God-serving apostle who would bring the treasures of God's kingdom to the poor and needy.

John Chrysostom, the great 5th century church father, describes Matthew's calling: "Why did Jesus not call Matthew at the same time as he called Peter and John and the rest? He came to each one at a particular time when he knew that they would respond to him. He came at a different time to call Matthew when he was assured that Matthew would surrender to his call. Similarly, he called Paul at a different time when he was vulnerable, after the resurrection, something like a hunter going after his quarry. for he who is acquainted with our inmost hearts and knows the secrets of our minds knows when each one of us is ready to respond fully. Therefore he did not call them all together at the beginning, when Matthew was still in a hardened condition. Rather, only after countless miracles, after his fame spread abroad, did he call Matthew. He knew Matthew had been softened for full responsiveness."

Jesus- the divine physician When the Pharisees challenged Jesus' unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defense was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life. The orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed spiritual care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

**Prayer:

Sources:

** Meditations may be freely reprinted for non-commercial use. Cite copyright & source: www.dailyscripture.net van

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tpanan · 7 years ago

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My Friday Daily Blessings

July 7, 2017

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Roman Rite Calendar)

Lectionary: 381

First Reading: Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67

The span of Sarah's life was one hundred and twenty-seven years.She died in Kiriatharba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham performed the customary mourning rites for her. Then he left the side of his dead one and addressed the Hittites:

"Although I am a resident alien among you, sell me from your holdings a piece of property for a burial ground, that I may bury my dead wife." After the transaction, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah, facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. Abraham had now reached a ripe old age, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. Abraham said to the senior servant of his household, who had charge of all his possessions: "Put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not procure a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I live, but that you will go to my own land and to my kindred to get a wife for my son Isaac." The servant asked him: "What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land?

Should I then take your son back to the land from which you migrated?" "Never take my son back there for any reason," Abraham told him.

"The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and the land of my kin, and who confirmed by oath the promise he then made to me, 'I will give this land to your descendants'–he will send his messenger before you, and you will obtain a wife for my son there.

If the woman is unwilling to follow you, you will be released from this oath. But never take my son back there!" A long time later, Isaac went to live in the region of the Negeb. One day toward evening he went out . . . in the field, and as he looked around, he noticed that camels were approaching. Rebekah, too, was looking about, and when she saw him, she alighted from her camel and asked the servant, "Who is the man out there, walking through the fields toward us?" "That is my master," replied the servant. Then she covered herself with her veil. The servant recounted to Isaac all the things he had done. Then Isaac took Rebekah into his tent; he married her, and thus she became his wife. In his love for her, Isaac found solace after the death of his mother Sarah.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good."

Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 11:28

Alleluia, Alleluia

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord."

Alleluia, Allelluia

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.

While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words,I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

**Meditation:

Prayer:

Sources:

0 notes