The Book of Wisdom beautiful describes a life where God is preferred above all else. For when we place the Lord first in our lives, then the rest of our lives becomes focused, balanced and fulfilled.
The Lord teaches us today that we are blessed when we hear the Word of God and act on it. Easier said than done, but God will not ask us for the impossible; rather, we are called to continue to respond as disciples each and every day.
Jesus drives out a demon and then teaches others how to keep evil away from their hearts. It’s a good reminder for us as well; we are called each day to be vigilant in the spiritual battle as we guard the sanctity of our souls.
The Lord offers a couple of examples to highlight the crucial need to be persistent in prayer. May these words inspire us every day to open our hearts to the Lord as we ask for what we need to grow in faith, hope and love.
The Lord’s Prayer has shaped the lives of countless Christians over the centuries. May we find in this powerful prayer a way to articulate the needs in our hearts as we open our souls to the grace of God.
We all know the story of Mary and Martha, but sometimes we forget that the Lord gently chides Martha because she is “anxious and worried about many things.” When we fall into useless worry, our best prescription is to focus on Christ for the strength and wisdom we need.
The Lord’s answer to the question of divorce reminds us that this issue has been with humanity from the dawn of time. Our response through healing, community and engagement helps those who struggle with divorce to find new strength and direction.
The disciples return to Jesus with joy as they acknowledge his power at work in their ministry. This power continues today whenever we open our hearts to the grace of Jesus Christ.
Not everyone listened to the words of Jesus, and like the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum we have the opportunity to take the message of Christ to heart…or experience the natural consequences that result.