Day: August 4, 2020

MATTHEW 15:1-2, 10-14 “Don’t Be Sharp of Tongue”

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

MATTHEW 15:1-2, 10-14 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (August 4, 2020)

Then, the Pharisees, and the teachers of the law, who had come from Jerusalem, gathered around Jesus. And they said to him. “Why don’t your disciples follow the tradition of the elders? For they, they don’t wash their hands before eating.”  Jesus then called the people to him, and said to them, “Listen and understand: What enters into the mouth does make a person unclean. What defiles a person is what comes out of his mouth.” After a while the disciples gathered around Jesus and said, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended by what you said?” Jesus answered, “Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted shall be uprooted. Pay no attention to them! They are blind, leading the blind. When a blind person leads another, the two will go into the pit.”

POINTS OF REFLECTION

What makes a person unclean is the one  that comes out of their mouth not the one who enters into their mouth. 

Brothers and sisters, this Bible reading teaches us that what we take in does not count or matter but what really counts are the tackles words that come out from the sharp tongue capable of hurting  anyone. 

Brothers and sisters it is better to become deaf and mute if you are sharp of tongue for it might be the cause of your going into hell.

Views: 115

MATTHEW 14:22-36 “Do Not Underestimate the Power of God”

by Roger, posted in Gospel Reading

 

MATTHEW 14:22-36 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (August 3, 2020)

Immediately, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, he went up the mountain by himself, to pray. At nightfall, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land, dangerously rocked by the waves, for the wind was against it.

At daybreak, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When they saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, thinking that is was a ghost. And they cried out in fear. But at once, Jesus said to them, “Courage! Don’t be afraid.  It’s me!” Peter answered, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said to him, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water to go to Jesus. But seeing the strong wind, he was afraid, and began to sink; and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, saying, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?”

As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God!”

They came ashore at Genesaret. The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region. So they brought to him all the sick people, begging him to let them touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched it became perfectly well.

 

POINTS OF REFLECTION

Our claim of oneness or being with the Lord is not the same as God’s claim  to us. That is why life is not totally free from any turbulence that most of the time rocks our faith with the Lord. Like Jesus disciples in the olden days, fear is abound within us  because of our human nature. This very nature of man is a whistle blower letting it know the quality of  faith. 

What is consoling brothers and sisters, human fear becomes a hotline for help unto Jesus. His feel of presence is also  a touch of safety and security that humans need. 

Fear also symbolizes lack of trust and faith in the Lord amidst challenges, trials, and problems  of this life. Despite this, Jesus is always on time to be in the rescue by stretching his arms for those who really believe in Him. His voice is a command of authority from which nature is bound to follow.

Brothers and sisters, fear is simply doubting God. Do not fear, not even doubt for by doing so, you underestimate the power of God. It is He  and no one else who takes control of everything in life. 

Views: 74