God, through Malachi, warns his priests: If they—the persons who bring God’s blessings into the world—turn away from God’s ways, they provoke the opposite. We’ve witnessed this to be true. We’ve been hurt and scandalized by the sins of some errant priests and certain leaders. The fallout has been devastating.
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs us to disregard religious leaders who abuse their offices: “…do not follow their example” (Matthew 23:3). These verses remind us that there will always be some leaders who do evil. Amid these challenges we are all—priests and laity—called to follow God and his Word, even when it seems hard or unpopular
Good morning LFF. May God Bless us richly today, this Beautiful Sunday.
Thank you, Pat for a thoughtful reflection today. Dear Lord Jesus, we pray for strength to stay in our borders and follow your path. Happy Sunday to all the LFF and their families. Praying for the suffering and war torn people of our world. Lord Jesus, please give them comfort in these dark times.
Thank you Pat for the reminder that leading by example is more powerful than any words we say. Amen.
Yes Ken…. I love that one!!!
Jane and Peggy thank you for always reminding us about the people who need our help and prayers. I would also like to include the souls in purgatory and those souls who have no one to pray for them. Living faith family this quote came to my feeble brain. Christianity when referring to evangelism is one that is most often attributed to St. Francis Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words”. Ken
Lord, please hear our continued prayers for those in the Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Amen
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Indeed Pat, “Amid these challenges we are all—priests and laity—called to follow God and his Word, even when it seems hard or unpopular!” Even to the point of being cancelled or erased… *** God’s warning from His Word in Malachi’s days and it is just as true today in Malachi 2:7-8, “The lips of a priest should guard knowledge. After all, he is the messenger of the Lord who rules over all. And people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned away from the right path. Your teaching has caused many people to trip and fall. You have broken my covenant with Levi,” says the Lord who rules over all.” Leaders of Christian denominations and churches, take heed!!! *** The results and the reasons of the warning above for the Christian leaders in Malachi 2:9, “So I have caused all the people to hate you. They have lost respect for you. You have not done what I told you to do. Instead, you have favored one person over another in matters of the law.” *** What they did wrong in Malachi 2:10, “People of Judah, all of us have one Father. One God created us. So why do we break the covenant the Lord made with our people of long ago? We do this by being unfaithful to one another.” ******* How the Christian leaders promote all religions go to heaven for peace sake and that telling the truth about sin is hurting others’ feelings!!! Here is Jesus’ Words to enhearten His disciples (and us today) in Matthew 23:9-11, “Do not call anyone on earth ‘father.’ You have one Father, and He is in heaven. You shouldn’t be called ‘teacher.’ You have one Teacher, and He is the Messiah. The most important person among you will be your servant.” *** God the Father! *** Jesus the Messiah! *** His disciples - servant leaders! ******* We don’t call ourselves volunteers or teachers at BSF, we are servant leaders who lead our members, children and students to know God, to love God, to enjoy God and to glorify God through His Word, Scripture!!! Praying for our servant leaders in this country ✝️