Tuesday | August 24, 2021
John 1:45-51:
Scholars believe that Nathaniel and Bartholomew are one in the same. In the Gospel, Nathaniel seems skeptical about Phillip’s testimony that Jesus is the one who has been written about in Scripture. He follows him nonetheless and in meeting Jesus for the first time, discovers to his surprise that Jesus already knows him.
I praise and thank you Jesus. By your grace I have moved from simple awareness of you to relationship that grows and develops in ways I never imagined.
Monday | August 23, 2021
Matthew 23:13-22:
Through the seven “woes” Jesus expresses his upset about the words and actions of the scribes and Pharisees. What they say and do may seem righteous, but their intentions are anything but. He calls them hypocrites, blind guides and warns them about the consequences they face.
I know there are times when I am no less guilty then the scribes and Pharisees. I am thankful for your voice within me, leading and guiding me rightly.
Sunday | August 22, 2021
John 6:60-69:
The disciples realize what a difficult road they travel with Jesus. Some experience a crisis of faith and turn back. Jesus asks the twelve if they want to go back. Peter speaks for all professing their belief that he is the “Holy One of God” and therefore following him is the only way to go.
I don’t always walk the walk wholeheartedly. I often stray off the path but I do believe you are the way, the only way.
Saturday | August 21, 2021
Matthew 23:1-12:
Jesus warns the crowd, his disciples included, to avoid the hypocritical piety of the scribes and Pharisees. They are completely caught up in themselves and do not practice what they preach. He reminds his listeners that a leader must be at the service of others.
Help me to be a better leader, confident in your vision, committed to your mission, humble and kind.
Friday | August 20, 2021
Matthew 22:34-40:
The question posed by the scribe had nothing to do with concern or interest. It was meant to test Jesus. In response Jesus, a good Jewish teacher, sums up the Torah in a very simple statement. Love of God is made manifest by loving neighbor. This is not meant to disregard other laws but rather to point to what is at the heart of God’s law.
May we be attentive also to love of self and pray for all those who are burdened by a negative self- image.
Thursday | August 19, 2021
Matthew 19:13-15:
Jesus directs this parable to the chief priests and elders. The king and his son extend an invitation to the feast, which some refuse, some ignore and some respond in a hostile way. There are those who accept the invitation but attend without proper attire. God invites all people into relationship with him. Accepting involves a proper disposition and a willingness to change.
O God, create in me a heart, humble and contrite. I long to be with you forever and pray to be made worthy.
Wednesday | August 18, 2021
Matthew 20:1-16:
In this parable, Jesus presents the kingdom of God in a powerfully counter cultural way. Last first, first last; a person who works part of the day is given a full day’s wage. It is completely out of line with human justice, yet absolutely in line with God’s justice and mercy.
You are fair and just. Your generosity is astounding. I pray that I do not see myself deserving more and others deserving less.
Tuesday | August 17, 2021
Matthew 19:23-30:
Jesus tells the disciples that riches can be an obstacle to entrance to the kingdom in much the same way that it would be impossible for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. No one can buy passage into the kingdom, no matter how rich. It is God’s gift, freely given.
I know that I am weighted down by what I have and concerned about what I do not have. I want to feel free. Lift this burden from me.
Monday | August 16, 2021
Matthew 19:16-22:
The young man in the parable seems sincere about understanding the importance of observing that which is at the heart of the Ten Commandments, loving God and neighbor. When Jesus calls him to a new and more radical dimension of this he is not able to accept the challenge.
That proverbial “leap of faith” can be so hard especially. Let my trust in you and your will for me
silence my “what ifs.”
Sunday | August 15, 2021
Luke 1:39-56:
In Luke’s Gospel, there are two holy and faith-filled women; two babies; two prophets, one preparing the way for the other who is to initiate the coming of the kingdom of God. What an extraordinary encounter. Mary’s prayer of praise and thanksgiving is a beautiful expression of her fidelity, humility and love of God.
Oh how we need models of fidelity, humility and faith. May we learn from these women and become what we have learned.
