Tagged: memory verse

“Who will endure the day of His coming?” —Malachi 3:2 It was a normal day in the Temple. A first-born Baby was brought into the Temple to be presented to the Lord for consecration (Lk 2:22-23), as had been occurring for centuries. Then the normal day abruptly changed. God showed up in a new way. “Suddenly there will come to the Temple the Lord” (Mal 3:1). Who can endure His coming? (Mal 3:2) Who will be ready to greet the Lord? Will God come into our lives and once again have to ask, “Why was no one there when I...

“My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!” —2 Samuel 19:1 Absalom started a civil war and tried to kill his father, David. When Absalom was killed in battle, David was not relieved or happy. He wished that he would have died instead of Absalom. Who wants to die in place of his enemies? Jesus loves us, His enemies, for we all are sinners, and sinners are enemies of God. Jesus loves His enemies so much that He does not want us to get the wages of...

“They were seized with fear.” –Mark 5:15 In today’s first reading, Shimei curses, accuses, and continues to pursue King David. This is what the devil does, accusing us constantly (see Rv 12:10). The Gerasenes in today’s Gospel reading also chose the ways of the devil over the ways of the Lord. They preferred a man possessed with a Legion of demons (Mk 5:9) and a road closed to the public (Mt 8:28). In fact, when the Gerasenes saw that this man was “fully clothed and perfectly sane,” they were seized with fear (Mk 5:15) rather than rejoicing at his healing....

“I have sinned against the Lord.” –2 Samuel 12:13 King David’s public life was magnificent. He dealt shrewdly with troops, subjects, and with other powerful nations. God blessed him with great victories and peace from enemies. He was a man after God’s own heart (see Acts 13:22). David composed beautiful songs to give praise to God. He restored the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and his encouragement led the people of Israel into a time of prosperity as a nation. Unfortunately, David’s private life was a shambles. In yesterday’s reading, David’s troops were engaged in battle. Kings of other...