What kind of crop is growing in your heart? Do you like what you see? Does something need to be cultivated or planted? Every day we have a new opportunity to take the gift of our lives and raise a crop worthy of the Lord.
“Do not be afraid” is a statement that should be drilled into the hearts and minds of every disciple. Jesus gives us the example, empowers us with his Spirit, and guides us in the face of opposition and difficulty. May we hang on to his hand and carry out the work he sets before us today!
The Lord speaks bluntly when he tells his disciples about the opposition they will encounter: hatred, persecution, suffering, and ridicule will follow them. And yet this opposition only highlights what’s truly at stake: eternal life!
Having offered his personal example, the Lord now extends his authority to the Twelve Apostles so that they can continue his ministry. He calls them by name…just as he calls each one of us today.
The Gospel of Matthew offers a snap shot of the ministry of the Lord and helps us to focus on how our lives can participate in the ongoing mission of Jesus Christ.
The Lord tells us that he is “meek and humble of heart” and when we draw near to him we will find rest for our souls. May his grace touch our hearts and help us to become more like him every day.
Jesus explains to the disciples of John in the Gospel today that there is a time to feast and a time to fast…reminding us that in our journey of faith we are also called to respond to the situations and circumstances of life with the guidance of Jesus Christ.
The call and response of St. Matthew in the Gospel today offers us a pattern of discipleship. As we draw near to Christ may we bring as many people with us as we can!
“Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” As Jesus says these words to the paralytic we find that the mercy of Christ is greater than all our sins…and we are inspired to draw near to the one who loves us completely.
Jesus reveals his power as the Son of God as he casts out the demons in the Gospel of Matthew. The Lord continues to work in our world, and as his disciples we confront evil with his grace and strength.