6th Ordinary Sunday: Deuteronomy 30:11-20; Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37 ~ from the heart

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

All-seeing God, you alone judge rightly our inmost thoughts. Teach us to observe your law from the heart even as we keep it outwardly. Purify our desires, calm every anger, and reconcile us to one another. Then will our worship render you perfect praise.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 30:11-20 (NLT)

“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.

"Love" Sculpture in the snow. (Robert Indiana, artist) — “Love” Sculpture in the snow.
(Robert Indiana, artist)

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.

“But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34 (NLT)

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.

You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (NLT)

Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:17-37 (NLT)

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you — unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Intercessions:

God of all wisdom, hear my prayer:

+ For all who follow Christ, that they may follow his example of right living…
+ For people who have fallen out with each other, that they may hear the Gospel call to make peace…
+ For those outside the fold, that they may be drawn in by the goodness of Christians…
+ For people facing difficult decisions, that God’s gift of wisdom may be given them…
+ For those suffering as a result of the bad weather, that they may have the help they need…
+ For my own needs and for the needs of those I love…
+ For those who have asked prayer…
+ For those who have died and those who mourn their loss that together they may share in all that God has prepared for those who love him.

Gracious God, you lead your people along the right path, hear my prayers and give us the help we need today, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: City of God by Dan Schutte

Awake from your slumber, arise from your sleep / A new day is dawning for all those who weep.

The people in darkness have seen a great light. / The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.

Let us build the city of God; / May our tears be turned into dancing, / For the Lord Our light and our love / Has turned the night into day.

We are sons of the morning we are daughters of day / The One who has loved us has brightened our way.

The Lord of all kindness has called us to be / A light for His people: to set their hearts free.

God is light in Him there is no darkness / Let us walk in His light His children one and all

O Comfort my People . Make gentle your words / Proclaim to my city the day of her birth.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

5th Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112:4-9; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 ~ do some good

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

Praise the Lord! Let everything that has breath praise His name!
__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 58:7-10 (NLT)

“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 112:4-9 (NLT)

Light shines in the darkness for the godly.

They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)

When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness — timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

mt st michel A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Intercessions:

Placing our trust in our faithful God, let us pray with confidence:

+ For Christians, that our examples of right living may shine as bright lights of hope in our world…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For Christian missions around the world, that all who labor may work together in a spirit of unity, respect, and co-operation…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For a spirit of generosity in sharing what we have with those in need – in particular, food, clothing and shelter…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For the courage to do what is right, that God may be glorified – in particular, freedom for captives, and justice for the exploited and oppressed…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For older people, that the Church may recognise their experience and wisdom….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For younger people, that the Church may welcome their energy and enthusiasm…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who share the cross, that their sufferings may not wear them out – in particular, the sick, the lonely, the abandoned…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who have died and for those who mourn their loss, that together they may one day praise God for ever in heaven…
Lord, hear my prayer.

O God, You are the light that makes clear our way before us: Hear my prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Light of the World” – Hillsong

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Presentation of the Lord: Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-32 ~ a glorious light

The Presentation of the Lord

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Most powerful Holy Spirit, come down upon us and subdue us. Bathe us with the brilliance of Your light like dew from heaven, where the ordinary is made glorious, and glory seems but ordinary.

candles-arranged-in-a-heart-shape

A Reading from the Old Testament: Malachi 3:1-4 (NLT)

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 24:7-10 (NLT)

Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.

Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.

Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.

Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies — he is the King of glory.

__________

Spiritual Song: “King of Glory” – Third Day

__________

A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 2:14-18 (NLT)

Because God’s children are human beings — made of flesh and blood — the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 2:22-32 (NLT)

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord — “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Intercessions:

Believing the promises of the God, I cry out to Jesus my Savior, the Light of the world:

+ That God’s people will shine brightly with the light of Christ, particularly those suffering great hardship and persecution because of their Christian faith… Lord, hear my prayer.

+ That God’s people will recognise the light of Christ in each other, particularly across denominational and cultural divides… Lord, hear my prayer.

+ That God’s people will live a life of service – motivated by love for God and love for people, all of whom have been created in God’s image… Lord, hear my prayer.

+ That God’s people will be filled with the Spirit to see and hear all that God is doing in their midst, even in the most unlikely circumstances… Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all those who are afflicted: those mourning the loss of loved ones… those carrying heavy burdens and feeling hopeless… those who are weary and broken-hearted… that they may exprerience mercy and healing, grace and forgiveness… Lord, hear my prayer.

Come, Lord Jesus, in this our hour of need… hear the cries of Your people – Jesus Savior, the Light of the world. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Cry Out to Jesus” – Third Day

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Third Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 9:1-3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23 ~ new day dawning

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Most powerful Holy Spirit, come down upon us and subdue us. Bathe us with the brilliance of Your light like dew from heaven, where the ordinary is made glorious, and glory seems but ordinary.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 9:1-3 (NLT)

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 (NLT)

The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
__________

The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most — is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
__________

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
__________

Spiritual Song: One Thing – Hillsong

One thing I desire / One thing I seek / To gaze upon Your beauty / And Your Majesty / God of my salvation / Lifter of my head / Teach me how to live oh Lord / And Your righteousness / So I pray to You / So I pray to You

Lord, Your name / Is higher than the heavens / Lord, Your name / Is higher than all created things / Higher than hope / Higher than dreams / The name of the Lord

In the days of trouble / You cover me / In the secret place of refuge / Lord, I will sing / So I pray to You, I pray / So I pray to You

Lord, Your name / Is higher than the heavens / Lord, Your name / Is higher than all created things / Higher than hope / Higher than dreams / The name of the Lord

A Reading from the Letters of Paul: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 (NLT)

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”

Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!
__________

For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News — and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 4:12-23 (NLT)

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers — Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew — throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.

Intercessions:

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Heavenly Father – Let the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ, shine on us.

+ That the people of God may be like greats light shining in the darkness – announcing the Good News of Your Kingdom to every tribe and nation.

+ That the leaders of this world may turn away from the darkness of evil in all its forms – abandoning all self-interest to follow Jesus.

+ That the people of God may bring rays of hope into the lives of those who suffer – giving justice to the oppressed, human dignity to every person, and aid and comfort to those who cannot help themselves.

+ That those who search and grope in life may discover Christ as the answer to their quest for love, goodness and truth – experiencing for themselves Your healing mercies.

+ That the people of God may become one in You – bringing peace and unity into our homes, our communities, our nation.

+ That the world-wide community of faith may live together in harmony in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives… delighting in Your beauty and dwelling in Your presence.

Most powerful Holy Spirit, come down upon us and subdue us. Bathe us with the brilliance of Your light like dew from heaven, where the ordinary is made glorious, and glory seems but ordinary. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Until The Whole World Hears” – Casting Crowns

Lord, I want to feel your heart / And see the world through your eyes / I want to be your hands and feet / I want to live a life that leads / Ready yourselves, ready yourselves / Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night / Ready yourselves, ready yourselves / May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise

Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out / Lifting up your name for all to hear the sound / Like voices in the wilderness, we’re crying out / And as the day draws near / We’ll sing until the whole world hears

Lord, let your sleeping giant rise / Catch the demons by surprise / Holy nation sanctified / Let this be our battle cry

Ready yourselves, ready yourselves / Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night / Ready yourselves, ready yourselves / May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise

We’ll sing until the whole world hears / We’ll sing until the whole world hears

I want to be your hands and feet / I want live a life that leads / To see you set the captive free / Until the whole world hears / And I pray that they will see / More of you and less of me / Lord, I want my life to be / The song You sing

Until the whole world hears, Lord, we are calling out / Lifting your name up for all to hear the sound / Like voices in the wilderness, we’re crying out / And as the day draws near / We’ll sing until the whole world hears…

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday: Genesis 1:26-28, 31; Psalm 139:13-16; 1 John 1:5-10; Matthew 25:34-40 ~ be a voice

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence:

Spread love everywhere you go: First of all in your own house… let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.

Each one of them is Jesus in disguise. (Mother Theresa)

A Reading from the Old Testament: Genesis 1:26-28, 31 (NLT)

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
__________

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 139:13-16 (NLT)

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Reflection:

(This is a copyrighted video; please do not copy or redistribute in any form. Copyright permission may be obtained at this link – click here. Thank you.)

A Reading from the Letters of John: 1 John 1:5-10 (NLT)

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

Reflections:

Dear friend,

I would like to personally welcome you to Rachel’s Vineyard!

If the emotional and spiritual wounds of a past abortion have been sapping faith, love and joy from your life, I can promise, that if you enter this process for healing, your life will begin to change.

A journey into Rachel’s Vineyard is a gift only you can open your heart to receive. The spiritual process of reconciliation with yourself, with God and your lost child will truly result in wholeness and freedom and a difference you will be able to feel inside your heart. This healing process will give you a deeper compassion for yourself. It’s also a journey that will give you a new appreciation of your strength and courage.

By traveling a path of healing in Rachel’s Vineyard, you will experience an end to isolation, despair and hopelessness. You will have the potential to revisit abandoned goals and dreams, and articulate your truest and deepest desires for your future.

Whatever your fears or hesitations may be, I encourage you to take the steps toward receiving the healing and peace that you deserve. Rachel’s Vineyard provides a tried and true journey that over 100,000 women and men have traveled. You can be confident that there are wonderful people in Rachel’s Vineyard who are ready and eager to accompany you.

You are not alone. A new chapter of your life awaits you. Take courage, God is calling you towards peace, love, hope, and freedom.

Dr. Theresa Burke
Founder, Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 25:34-40 (NLT)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”

Reflection:

At the end of our lives, We will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in’. Mother Theresa

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: