Category: Bible Reading & Meditation

Jesus “was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!” –Philippians 2:7-8 The cross, a means of executing a criminal and a symbol of cruelty and shame, was changed by Jesus into the greatest symbol of God’s love and glory. Jesus effected this transformation by what He did on the cross. On the cross, Jesus: • shed His blood to redeem us, wash away our sins (Eph 1:7), and deliver us from a futile way of life (1 Pt 1:18-19), • made it possible for us...

“Then in anger the master handed him over to the torturers until he paid back all that he owed. My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” —Matthew 18:34-35 If we don’t accept the grace to forgive those who have sinned against us: • the Lord remembers our sins in detail (see Sir 28:1), • we should not expect to be healed by the Lord (Sir 28:3), • we will not be forgiven (Sir 28:2, 4-5), and • we will be handed over to torturers, such as...

“It immediately fell in and was completely destroyed.” —Luke 6:49 Nineteen years ago yesterday, terrorists hijacked airplanes and flew them into the Twin Towers in New York City. Three thousand people died horrible deaths, and many people turned to the Lord in prayer. Prayers flooded electronic mail systems. Churches were full of anguished people who instinctively turned to God in prayer. People cried out “Lord, Lord” (Lk 6:46). How many people who turned to God nineteen years ago are still seeking Him today? Jesus is merciful, and He will never reject anyone who comes to Him (Jn 6:37). What Jesus...

Jesus “used images in speaking to them: ‘Can a blind man act as guide to a blind man?’ ” –Luke 6:39 Jesus noted the obvious: a blind person can’t lead a blind person. This can be applied spiritually. Those “blinded by the god of the present age” (2 Cor 4:4) disqualify themselves from being effective leaders in the secular world and especially in the Christian community. The blinding god of the present age is materialism, secular humanism, and the self-centered lifestyle. If we don’t let ourselves be crucified to this pleasure-seeking way of life (see Gal 6:14), then we cannot...

“Love your enemies.” –Luke 6:27 Jesus commanded His followers: “To you who hear Me, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Lk 6:27). A few verses later, Jesus repeated: “Love your enemy and do good” (Lk 6:35). This may be the use of the literary device called an inclusion. Ancient texts had no paragraphs. An inclusion is one way the author could indicate when the treatment of a subject begins and ends. The use of an inclusion greatly affects the interpretation of these verses. Jesus may be commanding us to show our love to our...