Monday | July 4, 2022
Matthew 9:18-26:
Two stories of Jesus’ power over death and illness are intertwined. At the heart of these two miracles is the absolute faith of both the official and the woman. Unlike the “crowd,” they believe in Jesus’ power over death and disease and in him they place their trust.
As I look back, I see that every time I called you answered me; every time I reached out you pulled me to you; every time I fell you picked me up. I place my trust in you. God bless us all this day and all days.
Sunday | July 3, 2022
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20:
The disciples have gone out on a second mission in today’s Gospel. The number 72 is significant in that there were thought to be that many nations in the known world. Jesus sends them ahead of him with detailed instructions about what to take, how to greet those they encounter and what to do if rejected.
This makes me think about parents whose child is leaving home for the first time. I am thankful that you are a loving parent.
Saturday | July 2, 2022
Matthew 9:14-17:
Jesus tells John’s disciples and the Pharisees that there is no reason to fast as is done while in mourning. The time for fasting will come when he is taken from them. Jesus uses the parables of the cloth and wine skins, not to reject the old ways, but to point out the incompatibility between the piety rituals of old and his message.
How often do I think and/or say, “We’ve always done it that way,” without considering the value of adapting the old to the new circumstances?
Friday | July 1, 2022
Matthew 9:9-13:
Jesus calls Matthew to follow him. Tax collectors were not held in high regard by the Jews. They were thought to collaborate with Roman officials and to extort people’s money. Jesus’ acceptance of all people, especially his dining with tax collectors, scandalized the Pharisees. Jesus’ explanation of this is simple, they are the ones who need him most.
Thank you, for this lesson about relationship and acceptance of all, no matter their lifestyle or profession. Perhaps they need our example, our friendship.
Thursday | June 30, 2022
Matthew 9:1-8:
In previous passages, Jesus has shown his power over nature and demons. In this passage from Matthew’s Gospel, he exercises power over sin making clear his authority to forgive and to heal. It is important to note the faith of the friends of the paralytic evidenced by the lengths to which they went to get him to Jesus.
It is through the gift of faith that you have blessed me with that I see my need to seek forgiveness and to forgive.
Wednesday | June 29, 2022
John 21:15-19:
Paul humbly outlines his conversion in his letter to the Galatians. We hear in the Gospel that although Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus gives him the opportunity to profess his faith by answering a question posed three times. Jesus entrusts Peter with his mission as shepherd of his flock.
Matthew 16:13-19:
In his letter to Timothy, Paul speaks of what he has been able to accomplish by God’s grace. In the Gospel, Jesus’ first asks what people are saying about him. Then he directs a question to the disciples asking for their assessment. Peter, the spokesperson, confesses his faith that Jesus is the Messiah.
Tuesday | June 28, 2022
Matthew 8:23-27:
The disciples’ faith is not yet enough to help them weather a storm. Jesus is with them and calms the sea thus calming their fear. Faith is essential to discipleship and this test of their faith is an opportunity to grow toward perfect faith.
I am thankful that I am never alone in the boat, I am safe in the storms, and I have you to calm the sea.
Sunday| June 26, 2022
Luke 9:51-62:
Jesus’ resolute determination to go to Jerusalem does not interfere in any way with his mission on the way. Though unwelcome by the Samaritans, Jesus chastises his disciples for their reaction to the treatment. Those along the way who express their desire to be Jesus ’disciples do not understand what it meant to commit to following him.
Though I want to be who you call me to be, I realize that I fall short of having that determination required of a disciple. Please show me the way.
Monday| June 27, 2022
Matthew 8:18-22:
In today’s Gospel, we hear the same message from Matthew about discipleship as we heard from Luke. The demands of discipleship are radical and must be held above all else. The Jewish people found this difficult. Family obligation was a priority.
Let us remember that putting God first does not take away from our obligation to family. Rather it serves our care for others, especially our families.
Saturday | June 25, 2022
Luke 2:41-51:
What parent would not be able to relate to the feelings that Mary and Joseph had from the moment when they realized Jesus was missing, to finding him safe and well. Seeing their son teaching in the temple must have given them not only a sense of pride but also insight into his mission.
We pray for parents to recognize their children’s abilities and to guide their growth and development, using those God-given gifts throughout their lives.
