Sunday | June 19, 2022
Luke 9:11-17:
Jesus knows both the physical and spiritual needs of the people. Though they have just returned from a fruitful mission, the apostles do not see that they must respond to this opportunity to serve. Jesus ignores their suggestion to send the people home involving the apostles directly in caring for the people.
We are fed by Word and Sacrament and are grateful that you invite us to participate with you doing the same for our sisters and brother.
Saturday | June 18, 2022
Matthew 6:24-34:
Jesus tells his disciples that they must seek and serve God first and above all else. Turn from worry to complete trust. There is no need to be concerned about their “wants.” God provides all that they need as he does for all creation.
I look at the past and feel regret, to the future, anxiety. Help me to let go of anything that pulls me from centering my life on you.
Friday | June 17, 2022
Matthew 6:19-23:
True riches have nothing to do with earthly wealth, which is fragile and will not last. It is God’s eternal treasure that must be sought. Prayer, fasting and giving to those in need must be done with eyes focused on God and God alone.
I am guilty of “storing up” things to secure my future. I pray to be able to shift my focus to you and you alone, O God.
Thursday | June 16, 2022
Matthew 6:7-15:
Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by modeling the words and the proper order. His prayer is offered on behalf of all and begins by invoking God’s holy name. A series of petitions follow including asking that the forgiveness received from God leads to a willingness to forgive others.
You are our Father. You created us in your image and likeness. May we live each day according to your will.
Wednesday | June 15, 2022
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18:
Jesus is not criticizing the good works of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. He is chastising those who do these things to draw attention to themselves. Jesus tells his disciples that God rewards good works that are genuine, done with the proper attitude.
To follow you in loving others and to live according to your will is what you ask of me. You know how I struggle, often more focused on my own needs. Free me from my self.
Tuesday | June 14, 2022
Matthew 5:43-38:
Relationship in divine life is very different from that in the lives of humans. We are not called by God to respond in kind to our enemies; to put up with their behavior or even simply to ignore them. We are called to love as God loves, both the wheat and the weeds.
There are so many angry, hateful, spiteful people, and their relationships are toxic. The “us and them” mentality is our undoing. Help me to love and to be a unifying force for those divided.
Monday | June 13, 2022
Matthew 5:38-42:
The fifth antithesis concerns the Jewish law of retaliation intended to control vengeance so that the punishment that does not exceed the injury. Jesus tells his disciples that they must not retaliate at all. He offers four practical examples of non-retaliatory actions.
Jesus, sadly everything you tell your disciples seems even more radical in today’s world. When will we learn? I pray for the mind and heart to understand your way and act according to your truth.
Sunday | June 12, 2022
John 16:12-15:
In his final teaching to his disciples, Jesus tells his disciples that though his time with them is at an end, he will continue to teach them through the Paraclete, the Spirit of truth. The Spirit will be their constant guide and those who listen, hear Jesus’ words received from the Father.
We pray, “Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be.”
Saturday | June 11, 2022
Matthew 5:33-37:
Though oath and vows are common practice for the Jewish people, Jesus tells his disciples that they are not necessary. It is better to be honest and straightforward. If not done so honestly, it is wrong to swear on all that is holy.
That time in Antioch when Christianity was formally named is holy. Thank you, God, for guiding your community then and now.
Friday | June 10, 2022
Matthew 5:27-32:
As anger is the root cause of murder, lust is the root cause of adultery. Jesus’ sayings that follow mean that any part that jeopardizes the salvation of the whole must be eliminated. When teaching about the prohibition of divorce, Jesus adds in Matthew’s Gospel, that divorce is allowed in the case of an “unlawful” marriage.
Sadly, divorce has become an easy out in today’s world. It shows a lack of understanding about the covenant of marriage. We pray for those married couples who are struggling. We pray especially for all preparing for marriage.
