Friday Morning, 11 Oct 2019 – Matthew 20:29-21:11 ~ “Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 20:29-21:11 (NLT)

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

“Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.

But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

“Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.

Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Praise God in highest heaven!”

The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
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Morning Reflection:

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!””
– Matthew 21:9 –

The praises of the crowd on Palm Sunday are woven into the Eucharistic Liturgy as The Sanctus, whether sung or spoken –

“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord”

And just as Jesus had compassion on the two blind men shouting at him, so too, I suspect, he had compassion on the crowds in Jerusalem, and, in turn, on us who are seeking “eyes to see” and “ears to hear,” and an open heart to receive King Jesus. But what happens when Jesus doesn’t fulfill our expectations of Kingship –

riding on a donkey’s colt instead of a war horse,
suffering torture and death at the hands of the governing authorities,
rising from the dead (wonder of wonders)
ascending into heaven (gone from sight)

It’s easy to fault the crowd for their obtuseness and obstinacy, but are we so different even though we know how the story ends? To welcome Jesus into our hearts, whether for the first time, or weekly through the Eucharistic Liturgy, requires that we take Him as He is, not as we would like Him to be.

Questions for consideration

How have your expectations regarding Jesus changed over time? Please explain.
How have you been disappointed; how have you been happily surprised by Jesus? Please explain.
What would it mean for you to allow Jesus to completely rule and reign in your heart? Please explain.
What would change? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – For the Coming of God’s Kingdom

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

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“King Of My Heart” -John Mark McMillan, Sarah McMillan

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

Friday Morning: 27 Sep 2019 – Matthew 15:1-28 ~ teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 15:1-28 (NLT)

Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity

Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.”

Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’”

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?”

Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.”

“Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asked. “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”

The Faith of a Gentile Woman

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
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Morning Reflection:

teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

“The words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.
– Matthew 1:18 –

In today’s reading, Jesus was speaking of ceremonial, or ritual, defilement – making the point that eating certain foods does not make one unclean. His point was that to God what proceeds from the heart is more important than what enters the mouth. Motives and attitudes are more significant than food and drink.

That shouldn’t be a new thought to us since we know that God looks at our hearts rather than outward appearances. Why then do we get so caught up in outward appearances – trusting in the blind guides of our time to tell us what to think, feel, and do? Simply put, I think it’s because it’s easier – to go along to get along in our religious communities. It’s hard work examining the inner workings and motivations of our own hearts – especially when the gold standard is the heart of Jesus.

We are tough nuts to crack because – human beings have an infinite capacity for self-deception.

On the one hand, the human heart is incurably religious; on the other hand the human heart is incurably evil apart from the grace and mercy of God.

Questions for consideration

Jesus identified these defiling (evil) thoughts as coming from our hearts – murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. Do any of these apply to you? Please explain.
Jesus also quoted Isaiah, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce.” Have you ever gone through the motions of worship while your heart and mind was somewhere else? Please explain.
Where do you need God’s healing, cleansing, and forgiveness in your secret heart? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – For a Virtuous Heart (Thomas Aquinas)

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

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Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart) -Shane & Shane

Behold I was brought forth in iniquity
and in sin did my mother conceive me
Behold you delight in the truth and the inward me
and you teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

My sin is not far but right in front of me
against you and you alone God I am guilty
Wash me thoroughly cleanse me from iniquity
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence
take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Send me the chief of sinners to proclaim
come be forgiven the sin of the lamb of God was slain
Open my lips and my mouth will declare your endless praise
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

The Lord is gracious
and slow to anger
Rich in love, He is good to all
good to all

Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 20 Sep 2019 – Matthew 12:38-50 ~ family ties

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 12:38-50 (NLT)

The Sign of Jonah

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.”

But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.

“The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent. The queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen.

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.”

The True Family of Jesus

As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.”

Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”
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Morning Reflection:

family ties
Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
– Matthew 12:48 –

Jesus’ question did not depreciate His physical mother and brothers. His answer showed that He simply gave priority to His heavenly Father and doing His will. Spiritual relationships take precedence over physical relationships Note that the word “whoever,” referring to those who do the will of God by believing on His Son, left the possibility of salvation open to anyone.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever had to make either/or choices between your physical family and your spiritual family? Please explain.
Have you ever had to choose between doing the will of your family and doing the will of God? Please explain.
In general, how do you determine God’s will for your life? Please explain.
Do you consider yourself a sibling of Christ? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For God’s Will to be Done in Me –

Lord Jesus: As I start this day, help me remember that I belong to you, and that my desire is to act accordingly. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions that could steal precious time and energy from the most important things you have designed for me. I’m proud to be your sibling, Lord. Thank you for dying for me and rising again—so that every day could be filled with the wonder of your love, the freedom of your Spirit, and the joy of knowing you. Lead me on the path of life – full, satisfying, and eternal – for your names’ sake. Amen.

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“Christ Be All Around Me” -All Sons & Daughters

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 23 Aug 2019 – Matthew 6:19-34 ~ Jesus’ teaching on Wealth and Worry.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 6:19-34 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about Money and Possessions

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Wealth and Worry.

“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.”
– Matthew 6:32b-33 –

How much is enough? When does preoccupation with the accumulation of wealth become a diversion from our single-minded pursuit of the Kingdom of God – from trusting God with our lives?

There is nothing wrong with wealth per se. Wise people work hard and plan for the future; they provide for their families; and they give generously to the needy. Jesus’ concern here is the accumulation of wealth (storing up treasures on earth) as a life goal.

+ Foolish people accumulate material goods that are perishable – vulnerable to wear and tear, theft, and the vagaries of world events and markets.The more they have, the more they want, and the more they worry about losing it. But the heart of their problem is trusting in what they own, instead of God.

+ Wise people accumulate spiritual wealth that is imperishable – doesn’t wear out, no one can take it away, and is based on the economy of heaven. The more they seek God, the more content they are, and the more freedom and joy they experience in life. Their hearts are focused on deepening their relationship with God – putting him first in their lives.

The thing that a person values most highly inevitably occupies the center of his or her heart. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will.

Questions for consideration:

What are some of your worries? What keeps you up at night worrying? Please explain.
Do any of your worries have to do with money? Please explain?
How does materialism influence your life? How does it affect your relationship with God? Please explain.
What would it take for you to be content with what you have, and live worry free? How would trusting God make that possible? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Contentment

Heavenly Father: Thank you for never failing or abandoning your children; and thank you for knowing our needs and providing for them abundantly. Thank you for your loving-kindness and generosity.

Help me to grow in the grace of contentment that I may be grateful for what I have and not worry about what I don’t have. May I be quick to acknowledge that everything I have is a gift from you. Free me from bondage to material comforts, that I may respond in faith to your leading, trusting for your gracious provision in all things.

Heavenly Father: Fill me with awe and wonder at the love you have shown me by sending your Son, Jesus Christ, that I might be adopted into your family. And give me his heart, that I might seek your Kingdom first before all else. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Seek First” – Fellowship Music

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 16 Aug 2019 – Matthew 4:1-11 ~ Jesus overcomes temptation.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus overcomes temptation.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.
– Matthew 4:1 –

Jesus’ genealogy and virgin birth prove His legal human qualification as Israel’s King. His baptism was the occasion of His divine approval. His temptation demonstrated His moral fitness to reign.

The substance of each temptation has to do with Jesus’ devotion, or obedience, to God. The intent of Satan in each test is to entice Jesus to break faith with God, his Father, and thus disavow his divine Sonship.

Jesus faced Satan as a man, not as God. He did not use His own divine powers to overcome the enemy, which is just what Satan tempted Him to do. Rather He used the spiritual resources that are available to all people, including us, namely, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is for this reason that He is an example for us of one who successfully endured temptation, and it is this victory that qualified Him to become both our King and our Great High Priest.

Questions for consideration:

What forms of temptation have you personally experienced? Please explain.
What forms of temptation have you resisted? Please explain.
To what forms of temptation have you succumbed? Have you asked for and received God’s forgiveness? Please explain.
Where do you need God’s help to overcome the temptations you are currently facing? What does God’s Word say about your temptations? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – For Overcoming Temptations

Heavenly Father, I can no longer make it alone in this world. Lord, I need you each and every second, every minute, every hour of my life.

+ Holy Spirit, come alongside me and mold me in my journey to become more like Christ Jesus. Guide my thoughts, my words, my deeds. Empower me to resist temptation.

+ Lord Jesus, the battle against temptations is so strong, I struggle at times to fight it. Give me strength, Oh Lord, to walk away from the evil that tries to lure me in.

+ Father, cleanse my mind, body and soul of anything that is not pleasing to You. Help me to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus and remain pure and holy, for my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

+ Lead me to the cross, Oh gentle Savior. Rid me of myself because I belong to You. In Your presence is where I want to be.

Heavenly Father, lead me to victory as I overcome the battle of sin and become a mighty, righteous warrior for You. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen!
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“Lead Us Not Into Temptation” – Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire

Lead us not into temptation
Keep us from the snare of that wicked one
Lead us not into temptation
Deliver us from evil for your Name’s sake

Satan’s like a roaring lion
Seeking whom he may devour
Lord let your Spirit be a hedge about us
Protect us with your supernatural power

We fight not with flesh and blood
But with spiritual wickedness
The great red dragon and his army’s making war
Clothe us with armor, we’ll come forth victorious
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Closing:

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