Once they realized Jesus saw through their posturing, these scholars did not know how to talk to him or even come near. What the shepherds and the magi knew, what the broken and the repentant knew, what the children and the humble knew, was hidden from them.
So it is with us all. My self-satisfaction and preening might fool many around me and seem like my best protection, but these things won’t help me reach my heart’s desire, that is Christ. Indeed, they will only weigh me down.
The One who sees me as I am reaches out to free me of that burden. His touch lets everything that’s unimportant fall away and everything that’s true and beautiful shine forth.
*** Freedom in Christ alone! John 8:35, “ So if the Son of Man sets you free, you will really be free!” *** What is marriage relationship like after death in heaven? Luke 20:32-33, “Finally, the woman died too. Now then, when the dead rise, whose wife will she be? All seven brothers were married to her.” *** Jesus answered and the scholars had no ideas what Jesus was talking about! John 20:34-36, “ Jesus replied, “People in this world get married. And their parents give them to be married. But it will not be like that when the dead rise. Those who are considered worthy to take part in the world to come won’t get married. And their parents won’t give them to be married. They can’t die anymore. They are like the angels. They are God’s children. They will be given a new form of life when the dead rise!” ******* Do you know what Jesus was talking about? What questions do you have that you dare to ask Him unlike the scholars? I do, “You mean the earthly relationships I have established and the people I love on earth do not mean anything in heaven? Really? Why not?” *** We will not be dead but alive in Christ when we die! There is only one relationship that matters in heaven - God and I, not my husband and not my children! Luke 20:37-38, “Remember the story of Moses and the burning bush. Even Moses showed that the dead rise. The Lord said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham. I am the God of Isaac. And I am the God of Jacob.’ (Exodus 3:6) He is not the God of the dead. He is the God of the living. In His eyes, everyone is alive.” *** We won’t be married in heaven! Matthew 22:30, “When the dead rise, they won’t get married. And their parents won’t give them to be married. They will be like the angels in heaven!” *** Why did I not understand? Matthew 22:29, “Jesus replied, “You are mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures. And you do not know the power of God!”
DMN, offering prayers for Denise now. May God’s strength and healing embrace her and all who care for her in her recovery. Amen.
Good morning LFF, Asking prayers for my wife Denise(of 51yrs), who just suffered from a mini stroke. We both read and pray along everyday with the LFF families requests. Thank you and have a Blessed Day
Dear Lord, please send your healing to Denise. Be with her and DMN as they walk this journey. Let them feel. Your strength and care. Provide them with courage and persistence for the days ahead. Amen.
I will add you and your wife Denise to my nightly rosary, DMN, for a speedy recovery.
Dear DMN, lifting Denise up to our Lord, may he cradle her and speed her recovery. My husband and I also celebrated our 51st anniv. this year. Blessings, Rita.
Thank you, Mary. May we all be truly free! Trust in God: "Cast yourself into the arms of God & be very sure That if He wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work & give you strength." St. Philip Neri
Thank you Mary for those wise and comforting words. “His touch lets everything that’s unimportant fall away and everything that’s true and beautiful shine forth.” Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. He sees through all that we do to cover up our insecurities and weaknesses and he knows our deepest thoughts. He knows how we long to be worthy to invite him into our lives and by his Holy Spirit we learn that we are worthy because he suffered and died for our salvation. Jesus, live your life in me that I might reflect all that is true and beautiful.
Amen!
When I learned to look at myself rather than penetrate the masks of others it was a sobering experience, hard but rewarding. I found the “specs in my eye”, were as self deluding, deceitful and arrogant as the people I so easily judged. I had some logs of my own to chop. I now understand the meaning of “the truth will set you free”. After the challenges I faced admitting to myself, with Gods help, the truth about myself, I am more empathic of others. Truth and freedom are not destinations, they are a journeys that have to be continuously travelled, and protected. It’s easy to let ego slip back in. Thank you Mary I found your reflection inspiring.
Love this Patrick. As a recovering judger, I walk your journey with you. Amen.
Well-said Patrick.
Amen.
Amen
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. 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 Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur 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