Saturday | July 9, 2022
Matthew 10:24-33:
Jesus encourages his disciples by telling them not to be afraid but rather to profess their faith courageously. God’s Kingdom is coming no matter what their hypocritical opponents say and do. God is with them through it all and will care for them because of their fidelity to him.
May God’s Spirit rest upon me blessing me with the courage and strength to speak the truth before all.
Friday | July 8, 2022
Matthew 10:16-23:
Jesus tells the apostles that it is a hostile world into which they are going. They have seen how he is treated and can expect the same. They are to be shrewd yet simple. When the inevitable happens know that they are not alone. The Spirit of truth is with them.
The hostility in the world is overwhelming. Division has eliminated unity and yet we remember your “blessed assurance.”
Thursday | July 7, 2022
Matthew 10:7-15:
Jesus tells the apostles what they are to do, how they are to act and react, what to take and more. At the heart of his instruction is that they are to be faithful to their task and rely solely on God for all that they need.
I pray for all, including myself, who today continue to live out your mission. Fill us with your Spirit.
Wednesday | July 6, 2022
Matthew 10:1-7:
The disciples are witness to Jesus’ healing power. They are now called to do the same by Jesus giving them authority over disease and demons. They are apostles, those sent out. Jesus instructs them to focus on the Jewish people, “the lost sheep of Israel.”
Your own people rejected you, but you did not abandon them. I believe you love the Jewish people as much today as you did then and wait for their awakening to you.
Tuesday | July 5, 2022
Matthew 9:32-38:
The astonishment of people by this miracle is countered by the cynicism of the Pharisees. Jesus continues teaching, proclaiming and curing. He is deeply touched by all those in need and tells the disciples that there is a lot of work still to be done.
I look around and see so many people troubled and abandoned. Show me the way to shepherd them to you.
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.
