Luke 4:24

“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.”

Jesus had just told the leaders in the synagogue that He was the one the prophet Isaiah had foretold…who would “proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind,” and “let the oppressed go free.” But the leaders said, “Who does he think he is?” They all saw him grow up as just a carpenter’s son. Have you ever been prompted somewhere deep inside to speak up for someone who was unjustly treated or to tell someone in need about the love of Jesus? It’s sometimes more difficult when you’re with the people who know you best! Jesus felt this as well…but did it anyway. Turn to Him for help!

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.

If whatever we are doing or thinking is not “life-giving” or “loving” either to ourselves or to others then it is not leading us to “wholeness”…or holiness. God is always calling us to become whole…the full, complete, and unique expression of God’s love to the world. We are incapable of attaining wholeness…apart from God. Wherever you are struggling…God would love to join you there…to help. You cannot save yourself…but God can!

Matthew 23:27

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.”

Most of Jesus’ words were kind and gentle…except for the church leaders. The Pharisees liked to dress in fine garments and act in a self-righteous manner…holding the people to strict rules and codes without extending God’s unconditional love and mercy. God knows that each of us has impure thoughts and weaknesses…but instead of pushing us away…God draws us nearer. Jesus’ message was that God loves us anyway! Whatever it is inside of you that is messing with you…that isn’t “perfect”…God is aware of it…and wants to be with you precisely in that mess…to say, “I love you.” Lord…help me to extend that kind of love to others!

1 Thessalonians 2:4

But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please human beings, but rather God, who judges our hearts.

Worthiness is not something we earn with God. It is something freely given by our Creator who loves us unconditionally. We are all entrusted with the gospel to spread the message of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for all. But how often do we spend our time instead trying to please and impress other human beings? You don’t have to impress God…who loved you before you were born and never stops loving you…even in your weakness. Just look at the example of St. Paul…who was a fierce persecutor of Christians and at the very least an accomplice in their murders…who by God’s unearned Grace was transformed to one of the greatest gospel-spreaders ever!

“Our Father”

I think that means “all of us”…”everybody.”

“Who are in heaven”

I think we can agree on that one.

“Hallowed be thy name.”

Do we “revere” and “greatly respect” the name of our Creator?

“Thy kingdom come”

Really?  Do we want God’s kingdom…to come here?  Jesus told us to pray this.

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

How is it that “God’s will” would be done here…unless we are the ones that “Our Father” works through to accomplish it?  Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as ourselves” and to “love our enemies.”  This must be “God’s will” for us then.  And if we do this…we would help bring God’s kingdom into the present.  I don’t know about you…but I need some work on this one.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

Do we trust God to sustain us and provide for us as we reach out in love to all people using our gifts and talents to show the face of Jesus to others?  Hmmmm.  I need some work on this one, too.

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

That means I have to forgive others…all others…who hurt me.  It doesn’t mean I have to condone it…but I have to forgive.  If I don’t…I’m not free.  If I’m not willing to extend mercy to others…then I’m not truly open to receive God’s mercy.  God wants you to be free!  Jesus forgave the most unjust act in human history…so I think I can forgive injustices committed against me.

“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

God…I know I’m not capable of delivering myself from all the temptations around me.  Help me to surrender my control to You.

“Amen.”

Yes, God.

Matthew 22:36-39

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Pharisees were sticklers for the rules…and they believed all the Commandments had equal importance. They were trying to test Jesus with their question about the ‘greatest law.’ The rules and laws are good in that they remove distractions and direct us to a place where we can be open to hearing God and receiving God’s unconditional love in full-measure. Open yourself to God’s abundant Love…then pass it on to whomever you meet!

Psalm 40:7

Sacrifice and offering you do not want; but ears open to obedience you gave me.

God is not interested in our proving ourselves worthy of being loved. God loved us before we were born…and never stops loving us…no matter what we do. This is hard for us to fathom because we seldom practice such unconditional love. But this is what God asks of us. Jesus showed us the perfect model…loving unconditionally even though persecuted and finally crucified. When the resurrected Jesus returned, He didn’t say, “Now you’re all going to be punished!” Instead, He said, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36). Are you taking time to listen in silence to God’s voice asking you to follow the ways of Jesus?

Matthew 20:15-16

“Are you envious because I am generous? Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, the owner pays the workers a daily wage whether they worked all day or were hired late in the day. The people who worked all day griped about the ones who worked fewer hours getting the same pay as they did. That’s when the owner makes the above comment. God’s love is unconditional and generous. God wants each of us to be happy that everyone receives such love…and not be envious. In the Kingdom of God, there is nobody “first” and nobody “last.” Dear God, help me to love like this!