Wednesday | June 23, 2021
Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus cautions his disciples about those who seem to have good intentions. Is there genuine truth and integrity in what they say and do? He tells them to be prudent and look carefully at the effects of their work, a good indicator of their character.
I pray for the continued strengthening of the fruits of your Spirit. May my words and actions spring forth from all you have given me.
Tuesday | June 22, 2021
Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Jesus tells his disciples not to judge others but reminds them that discernment is necessary when dealing with those who do not believe. The Golden Rule is at the center of the Gospel, literally and figuratively. It is the summation of God’s law. Jesus concludes with a warning about the eternal consequences of not following him.
I know you are always in my corner willing me to hear your “still small voice,” to listen with my heart and follow you.
Monday | June 21, 2021
Matthew 7:1-5
Jesus warns the disciples about the hypocrisy of judging others more so than themselves. He tells them to love and serve God and neighbor. God knows what is in their hearts and the hearts of others. Let God be the judge.
Since I do not know as God knows what is in the minds and hearts of others, I need to spend less time criticizing what they say and do and work on my own motivations and behaviors.
Sunday | June 20, 2021
Mark 4:35-41
Jesus’ disciples have been with him through so much. They have seen him drive out demons and heal sickness. They have heard him teach and preach in the name of his Father. And now they are together in a boat on a stormy sea. Jesus is asleep. What’s going to happen to them? Their fear and doubts show that they are not there yet.
I imagine that I would panic just as the disciples did. When I look back at the times when I have doubted your care, I remember that you quieted the stormy sea of my life. Thank you.
Saturday | June 19, 2021
Matthew 6:24-34
Jesus’ sayings are timeless and very timely. Worry does not add to the quality or the length of life. If anything worry diminishes the quality and shortens life. Jesus tells his disciples to look to nature to see God’s abundant care for all that God has created. Seek and serve God first. The rest will be given.
If ever there was a time I/we needed to hear the words of this Gospel, it is now. Anxiety and worry have a way of capturing minds and hearts. Listen to him. He knows what you need and will provide.
Friday | June 18, 2021
Matthew 6:19-23
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about what he calls worldly and heavenly wealth. As hard as they might try to hold on to earthly things, those will not last. That which is important to their relationship with God will endure on earth and in heaven because it is the true treasure.
We do our best to work hard, to get ahead. We plan for a secure future, saving and investing and yet at any given moment it could all be gone. The better way is to invest in relationship with you God
Thursday | June 17, 2021
Matthew 6:7-15
Prayers of petition were very important to the Jewish people. Jesus emphasizes the importance of the quality of prayer. Too many words are not necessary. God knows what is on the heart and asks that the requests of the person praying be made in confidence and trust. Jesus prays the Our Father, the example of a perfect prayer and reminds the disciples that forgiveness is the key.
Old hurts and grievances weigh me down. I give them to you only to take them back. The longer I hold on to them the less inclined I am to forgive. Please free me once and for all.
Wednesday | June 16, 2021
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Prayer, fasting and almsgiving were as much a part of the Jewish religious practices then as our Christian practices today. Do not undertake these practices to be seen and admired. They are to be done as a means of self-emptying and as a way of offering praise and thanksgiving to God and God alone.
I pray to remain in you with my attention to others more important than attention to myself.
Tuesday | June 15, 2021
Matthew 5:43-48
The final antithesis of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel is no doubt the most demanding. Love must not be reserved only for friends and fellow citizens. Just as the sun rises and the rain falls by God’s design, so must love and care be offered to all people whether deserving or not.
Your ways do not always make me comfortable. They challenge me. Help me to accept that challenge knowing that with you all things are possible.
Monday | June 14, 2021
Matthew 5:38-42
Even minimal retaliation feeds the cycle of vengeance. Jesus tells his disciples to avoid falling into the attitudes and behaviors of their enemies but rather rise above the inclination to strike back. Turning the other cheek, giving your cloak, going the extra mile is far more effective then revenge in God’s eyes.
It is not easy to challenge others peacefully and yet I think how different our world might be if this was a more common practice then retaliation and revenge.
