Category: Prayers

SUFFERING TOO MUCH?

“Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” –Matthew 16:25 Although Jeremiah had expected to suffer for being God’s prophet, the degree of suffering was much greater than he had expected. Thus, Jeremiah decided to quit serving the Lord (Jer 20:9). Jesus told His disciples He would “suffer greatly” and “be put to death” (Mt 16:21). Peter knew that disciples follow their masters and that he didn’t want to suffer. Consequently, Peter tried to talk Jesus out of suffering. Then “Jesus turned on Peter and said, ‘Get out of...

“COME, SHARE YOUR MASTER’S JOY!” (Mt 25:21, 23)

“Then He went away.” –Matthew 25:15 Mass Readings: September 2 First: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11; Resp: Psalm 98:1,7-9; Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 Listen to the Mass Readings Suppose you have five children, but you serve the Lord in several ministries. Jesus is pleased with you. To reward you, He says: “You have five kids? Here, I’ll give you five more. Come, share your Master’s joy!” (see Lk 19:18-19; Mt 25:21) Perhaps you are involved in two ministries, and the power of the Lord shines through your service. Jesus is pleased with you. To reward you, He says: “You did well in these...

THE PURE, UNADULTERATED GOSPEL

“It is God’s will that you grow in holiness: that you abstain from immorality, each of you guarding his member in sanctity and honor.” –1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 Mass Readings: September 1 First: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Resp: Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,10-12; Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13 Listen to the Mass Readings Paul insisted the Thessalonians make still greater progress in sexual purity (1 Thes 4:1). They were to live “in sanctity and honor, not in passionate desire as do the Gentiles who know not God” (1 Thes 4:4-5). “For the Lord is an Avenger of all such things” (1 Thes 4:6). “God has not called...

THE COURAGE TO LIVE ABUNDANTLY

“What thanks can we give to God for all the joy we feel in His presence because of you?” –1 Thessalonians 3:9 Mass Readings: August 31 First: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13; Resp: Psalm 90:3-5,12-14,17; Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51 Listen to the Mass Readings Christians experience much consolation through much distress (1 Thes 3:7). In addition to consolation and distress, Christians feel amazing joy (1 Thes 3:9). They also “overflow with love for one another and for all” (1 Thes 3:12). Life in Christ is exciting, dangerous, and joyful. All human beings have a natural fear of living abundantly (see Jn 10:10). Life...

ARE YOU SPIRITUALLY CONTRACEPTING?

“We encouraged and pleaded with you to make your lives worthy of the God Who calls you.” –1 Thessalonians 2:12 Mass Readings: August 30 First: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Resp: Psalm 139:7-12; Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32 Listen to the Mass Readings Jesus came that we might have abundant life (Jn 10:10). God is the God of the living (Lk 20:38). He wants His people to live “upright, just, and irreproachable” lives (1 Thes 2:10). The Lord wants His people to be life-giving and fruitful. In this way, He will add to our numbers daily those being saved (Acts 2:47). However, we are...