Category: Verse for the day
“The Lord took me from following the flock.” –Amos 7:15 Amos was a country boy, a shepherd, and a pruner of sycamore trees — a nobody chosen by God to prophesy to the nation of Israel (Am 7:14ff). Jesus likewise sent out His apostles as nobodies. He didn’t let them have the possessions and money by which many people try to command respect (see Mk 6:8-9). He didn’t even provide them with accommodations (see Mk 6:10). The apostles had about as much prestige as homeless people. Of course, without credentials, status, clout, or worldly power, they were almost certain to...
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“You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to give witness before them and before the Gentiles on My account.” –Matthew 10:18 Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6), the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth. He does not conceal from us the more difficult realities of following Him. He bluntly states we are sent out “like sheep among wolves” (Mt 10:16). The government will bring us to trial; the religious leaders will flog us; even our families will turn us over to the police because of our Christian witness (Mt 10:17, 18, 21). We “will be hated...
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“Have you a father?” –Genesis 44:19 Joseph had everything. He was talented, handsome, and rich. He was one of the most important people in the world. However, all this meant almost nothing to him. Joseph was heartbroken, not so much because of being rejected by his brothers, but from being separated from his father for several decades. Joseph expressed his longing for his father with loud sobs (Gn 45:2). As soon as Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, he first of all asked them: “Is my father still in good health?” (Gn 45:3) We all were conceived with Joseph’s...
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“Alas, we are being punished because of our brother.” –Genesis 42:21 When something bad happens to you, do you feel you’re being punished? The Lord may not be punishing you, but you may be punishing yourself because of guilt. For example, Joseph’s brothers were still arguing and feeling guilty decades after attempting to kill Joseph and finally selling him into slavery (Gn 42:22). Jesus wants to free you from the torture-chamber of guilt (see Mi 7:18-19). Maybe you feel guilty of sexual sin. If you have not confessed your sin, do so in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pray with David:...
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“Some people brought Him a mute who was possessed by a demon.” –Matthew 9:32 In Matthew’s Gospel, we go with Jesus on a miracle and healing tour (Mt 8 and 9). Matthew saves the best till last when Jesus loosens the tongue of a mute by expelling a demon (Mt 9:33). Three chapters later, Matthew recounts the healing and deliverance of another mute (Mt 12:22). The deliverance of the mute is very important to Matthew because he knows that all of us are tongue-tied by the devil in some way. We may not be able to spontaneously pray, enthusiastically praise,...
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