Jesus Must Increase

"He must increase; 

I must decrease.” 

(John 3:30)

Gospel:

John 3:22-30 

is a passage that highlights 

the humility and mission 

of John the Baptist.

Humility: John the Baptist shows great humility by acknowledging that his role is to prepare the way for Jesus. He understands that his mission is to point others to Christ, not to seek glory for himself.

Joy in Serving: John finds joy in fulfilling his purpose. He compares himself to the friend of the bridegroom, who rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. This teaches us to find joy in serving others and fulfilling our God-given roles.

Recognition of Jesus' Supremacy: John emphasizes that Jesus must increase, while he must decrease. This reminds us to prioritize Jesus in our lives and recognize His supremacy.

Faithfulness to God's Calling: John remains faithful to his calling, even when his followers express concern about Jesus' growing popularity. This teaches us to stay committed to our mission, regardless of external circumstances.

Witnessing for Christ: John the Baptist serves as a witness to Christ, pointing others to Him. We are called to do the same in our lives, sharing the good news of Jesus with others.

These lessons encourage us to live with humility, joy, faithfulness, and a focus on Jesus. 

In the quiet dawn, a whisper grows, 

A humble heart, in reverence bows. 

He must increase, I must decrease, 

In His light, my soul finds peace.

The world may call with fleeting fame, 

But I seek only His holy name. 

He must increase, I must decrease, 

In His love, my fears release.

Through trials faced and battles fought, 

His grace alone, the strength I've sought. 

He must increase, I must decrease, 

In His truth, my doubts cease.

As shadows fade and light prevails, 

His mercy's song, my heart regales. 

He must increase, I must decrease, 

In His presence, my soul's release.

Lord Jesus, 

In Your presence, I humbly bow, seeking Your grace, Your love, Your light. May Your will be done in my life, As I surrender all to You, day and night. Let Your Spirit fill my soul, guide my steps, make me whole. 

In Your strength, I find my peace. Teach me to walk in Your ways, to serve with love, to give You praise. In every moment, let Your glory shine, For I am Yours, and You are mine.

Jesus, my Savior, take my heart, take my hand, Lead me to Your promised land. In Your presence, I find release. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

FINAL WITNESS OF THE BAPTIST

John 3:22-30

Gospel Acclamation

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.

Gospel | John 3:22-30

22 Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. 23 John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, 24 for John had not yet been imprisoned. 25 Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. 26 So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” 27 John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. 30 He must increase; I must decrease.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Humble Way

In the walk of faith, humility we wear,

God guides the humble, His teachings they bear.

In His wisdom and justice, we find our trust,

Acknowledging His guidance, follow we must.

His character of goodness, a beacon so bright,

In the darkest of times, it's our guiding light.

Greater than ours, His wisdom does shine,

In His perfect timing, everything aligns.

Faithful to God, we vow to remain,

In His steadfast love, there's nothing to feign.

His faithfulness, a promise so divine,

Patiently we wait, for His perfect time.

REFLECTION:

He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (Psalm 25:9)

God guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. 

Humility is important in our walk with God. We should always seek God’s guidance in our lives, acknowledging that His wisdom is greater than ours, and trusting in His character knowing that He is good and just. 

Let us remain faithful to God, trusting in His steadfast love and faithfulness, and patiently waiting on His own perfect timing.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with humble hearts. We acknowledge that You guide the humble in what is right and teach them Your way. Help us to cultivate humility in our walk with You.

We seek Your guidance in our lives, acknowledging that Your wisdom is far greater than ours. We trust in Your character, knowing that You are good and just. Guide us in our decisions and paths, and help us to discern Your will in all things.

We commit to remain faithful to You, trusting in Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Even when we face challenges and uncertainties, help us to remember Your promises and Your unfailing love.

Teach us patience, Lord. Help us to wait on Your perfect timing, knowing that Your plans for us are good. May we rest in the assurance that You are in control and that Your timing is always perfect.

We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Pericope:

First Book of Psalms 1-41

CONFIDENT PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS AND GUIDANCE

Psalm 25:1-22

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R: Teach me your ways, O Lord.

4 Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 8 Good and upright is the Lord; thus, he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R) 10 All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 14 The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (R)

Background:

Psalm 25 is a heartfelt plea for help and guidance, written by King David. It is an acrostic psalm, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This form may have been used to aid memorization or to convey the completeness of the subject matter.

The psalm was likely written during a time of trouble in David’s life, possibly during his older years or during the events of Absalom’s revolt. The repeated references to his sins, including the sins of his youth, suggest a period of reflection and repentance.

Throughout the psalm, David asks God to teach him His ways or paths. The Hebrew word for “paths” refers to ruts made by wagon wheels passing over the same ground often, indicating God’s consistency in His ways, which stem from His holy nature.

The specific verses you mentioned (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14) are part of David’s plea for guidance and deliverance. He asks God to show him His ways, teach him His paths, and guide him in truth. He acknowledges God as his Savior and expresses his hope and trust in Him. He also recognizes God’s goodness and uprightness, and his willingness to instruct sinners in His ways. David further acknowledges that all of God’s paths are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep His covenant and testimonies. He mentions the friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 is a beautiful passage that offers several spiritual lessons:

Seeking God’s Guidance: The psalmist, David, repeatedly asks God to teach him His ways or paths. This teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our lives and acknowledging that His wisdom is greater than ours.

Trust in God’s Goodness: David acknowledges God’s goodness and uprightness. This reminds us to trust in God’s character, knowing that He is good and just.

Humility: God guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. This underscores the importance of humility in our walk with God.

God’s Steadfast Love and Faithfulness: All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. This encourages us to remain faithful to God, trusting in His steadfast love and faithfulness.

The Fear of the Lord: The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. This teaches us the value of revering God and the intimacy that comes from a reverential fear of the Lord.

Patience and Waiting on God: David expresses his hope and trust in God and his willingness to wait on Him1. This teaches us the virtue of patience and the importance of waiting on God’s timing.

These lessons remind us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance, trusting in His goodness, practicing humility, appreciating God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, fearing the Lord, and patiently waiting on Him. As always, it’s beneficial to read these verses in the context of the whole Bible and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

June 06, 2024, 6:44 AM

First and Last

"Behold, some are last 

who will be first, 

and some are first 

who will be last.” 

(Luke 13:30)

This verse is a powerful reminder of the values of the Kingdom of God, which often turn worldly expectations upside down. It emphasizes God's justice and fairness. Earthly status and achievements do not determine one's standing in the Kingdom of God.

In God's Kingdom, everyone has value and worth. Those who may seem insignificant or humble in the eyes of the world can be highly esteemed in God's Kingdom. It offers hope to those who feel overlooked or marginalized. It reminds us that earthly success and power are not the ultimate goals. True greatness comes from serving others and living according to God's will.

These lessons encourage us to live with humility, seek justice, and value every person as God does. 

In the quiet corners of the earth, 

Where humble hearts find their worth, 

The last shall rise, the first shall fall, 

In God's great Kingdom, love rules all.

The mighty oak from acorn small, 

The greatest rise from those who crawl. 

In every soul, a spark divine, 

In every heart, a sacred sign.

The meek shall lead, the proud shall bow,

In God's own time, in God's own now. 

For in His eyes, we all are one, 

The race is run, the prize is won.

So let us live with humble grace, 

And find our place in God's embrace. 

For in His Kingdom, all shall see, 

The first and last in harmony.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and humility. We thank You for Your teachings that remind us of the true values of Your Kingdom. Help us to embrace the lesson that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

Grant us the grace to live with humility, to serve others selflessly, and to seek Your will above all. May we find joy in lifting others up, knowing that in Your Kingdom, greatness is measured by love and service.

Teach us to see the worth in every person, to honor those who are often overlooked, and to recognize that true honor comes from You alone. May we be instruments of Your peace and justice, reflecting Your love in all we do.

Lord, guide us to live in a way that honors You, with hearts open to Your wisdom and hands ready to serve. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE NARROW DOOR; SALVATION AND REJECTION

Luke 13:22-30

Gospel Acclamation: 

God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel | Luke 13:22-30

22 Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. 25 After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ 27 Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. 30 For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Humble Yourself Before the Lord

Sin casts long shadows, beyond just one soul, 

Touching our families, taking its toll. 

God sees each injustice, His judgment is sure, 

Even the powerful, their acts impure.

Yet it’s never too late to turn and repent, 

To seek God’s face, our ways to relent. 

Humility softens the blow of our sin, 

Mitigating the consequences within.

Genuine repentance, a testament true, 

To God’s boundless mercy, making us new. 

Let us reflect on actions of our own, 

On justice and impact of seeds we have sown.

God’s mercy is endless, His forgiveness vast, 

When we seek Him with hearts that are downcast. 

A contrite spirit, He will not despise, 

In His loving arms, our spirits will rise.

REFLECTION:

“Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his time.” (1 Kings 21:28-29)

Sin has serious consequences, not just for oneself but also for one’s family. God sees and will ultimately judge all injustices, even if they are committed by those in power. 

It’s never too late to turn back to God. Humility in the face of God’s judgment can mitigate the immediate consequences of our actions. Genuine repentance is a powerful testament to God's mercy and willingness to forgive. 

Let us reflect on our own actions, the importance of justice, the impact of our sins, and the boundless mercy of God when we seek Him with a contrite heart.

O Lord, our God, whose eyes see all things, We come before You, to Your mercy we cling. We acknowledge the weight of sin’s consequence, Not just on ourselves, but with wider expense.

Our families feel the burden of our wrongs, In Your righteous judgment, we seek to belong. For You will judge all injustices done, Even by those whose power has shone.

But we know it’s never too late to return, To seek Your face, for Your grace we yearn. With humility, we face Your just decree, Trusting that contrition can set us free.

Genuine repentance is our heartfelt cry, A testament to Your mercy, which never runs dry. We reflect on our actions, the need for what’s right, On the impact of sin, in Your holy sight.

Your mercy is boundless, Your forgiveness wide, When we seek You with hearts open and tried. With a contrite heart, we come to You now, In Your loving kindness, before You we bow. Amen.

Pericope:

III: Stories of the Prophets

SEIZURE OF NABOTH'S VINEYARD

1 Kings 21:1-29

First Reading | 1 Kings 21:17-29

17 After the death of Naboth the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite: 18 “Start down to meet Ahab, king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be in the vineyard of Naboth, of which he has come to take possession. 19 This is what you shall tell him, ‘The Lord says: After murdering, do you also take possession? For this, the Lord says: In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, the dogs shall lick up your blood, too.’” 20 Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me out, my enemy?” “Yes,” he answered. “Because you have given yourself up to doing evil in the Lord’s sight, 21 I am bringing evil upon you: I will destroy you and will cut off every male in Ahab’s line, whether slave or freeman, in Israel. 22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, and like that of Baasha, son of Ahijah, because of how you have provoked me by leading Israel into sin.” 23 (Against Jezebel, too, the Lord declared, “The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.”) 24 “When one of Ahab’s line dies in the city, dogs will devour him; when one of them dies in the field, the birds of the sky will devour him.” 25 Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evil in the sight of the Lord as did Ahab, urged on by his wife Jezebel. 26 He became completely abominable by following idols, just as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord drove out before the children of Israel. 27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth over his bare flesh. He fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued. 28 Then the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, 29 “Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his time. I will bring the evil upon his house during the reign of his son.”

Background:

1 Kings 21:17-29 is part of a narrative about King Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard. In this passage, after Naboth is unjustly executed due to the scheming of Queen Jezebel so that King Ahab can take possession of Naboth’s vineyard, the prophet Elijah confronts Ahab with a message from God. He prophesies disaster upon Ahab’s house for the sins he has committed and because he has provoked God to anger. However, when Ahab shows signs of repentance, God relents somewhat and declares that the disaster He promised will not happen in Ahab’s own lifetime but in his son’s days.

Learning Lessons:

From 1 Kings 21:17-29, we can learn several important lessons:

Justice of God: The passage shows that God sees and will ultimately judge all injustices, even if they are committed by those in power.

Consequences of Sin: Ahab’s willingness to allow Jezebel’s scheme to proceed, resulting in Naboth’s death, teaches us that sin has serious consequences, not just for oneself but also for one’s family.

Repentance: Ahab’s repentance demonstrates that it’s never too late to turn back to God. His humility in the face of God’s judgment mitigated the immediate consequences of his actions.

Divine Mercy: Despite Ahab’s many sins, God’s response to his genuine repentance is a powerful testament to His mercy and willingness to forgive.

These lessons encourage us to reflect on our own actions, the importance of justice, the impact of our sins, and the boundless mercy of God when we seek Him with a contrite heart.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Grace to the Humble

But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: 

God resists the proud, 

but gives grace to the humble. 

(James 4:6)

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. We should not be overly attached to worldly pleasures but instead prioritize our relationship with God. Conflicts and quarrels often arise from worldly desires and pleasures. Understanding this can help us identify and address the root causes of conflicts. 

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. We should always keep to heart the value of humility and submission in our walk with God. Our submission involves resisting the devil, drawing near to God, cleansing one’s hands, purifying one’s heart, and humbling oneself before the Lord. If we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will exalt us. This provides hope and encouragement to us, assuring us of God’s reward for our humility and faithfulness. 

He will transform our lives - from laughter to mourning, from joy to gloom. Let us draw near to God, as He draws near to us so that we may experience His loving presence and care in our lives.

In this world, we may find our place,

But friendship with it, God's grace erase.

Worldly pleasures, they may seem grand,

But they're fleeting, like grains of sand.

Conflicts arise, quarrels ignite,

From worldly desires that take flight.

Understanding this, we can see,

The root of conflict, the enemy.

God opposes the proud, it's true,

But gives grace to the humble, me and you.

In our walk with God, let's keep in sight,

The value of humility, shining bright.

Submission to God, a choice so wise,

Resisting the devil, our faith's high price.

Drawing near to God, hands cleansed, hearts pure,

Humility before the Lord, our faith's cure.

If we humble ourselves, in God's sight,

He will exalt us, to great height.

This hope and encouragement, let it be,

A reminder of God's reward, for you and me.

From laughter to mourning, joy to gloom,

God will transform us, like a flower in bloom.

So let us draw near, without any fear,

For God's loving presence, is always near.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that friendship with the world is enmity with You. Help us not to be overly attached to worldly pleasures, but instead to prioritize our relationship with You. We recognize that conflicts and quarrels often arise from worldly desires and pleasures. Grant us the wisdom to understand this so we can identify and address the root causes of conflicts.

You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Help us to always keep to heart the value of humility and submission in our walk with You. Our submission involves resisting the devil, drawing near to You, cleansing our hands, purifying our hearts, and humbling ourselves before You.

If we humble ourselves before You, You promise to exalt us. This provides hope and encouragement to us, assuring us of Your reward for our humility and faithfulness. You promise to transform our lives - from laughter to mourning, from joy to gloom.

Help us to draw near to You, as You promise to draw near to us. May we experience Your loving presence and care in our lives. Guide us, protect us, and lead us in Your ways.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: Exhortations and Warnings

CAUSES OF DIVISION

James 4:1-12

First Reading | James 4:1-10

1 Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? 2 You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. 3 You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says, The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy? 6 But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. 9 Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. 

Background:

James 4:1-10 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, written by James, the brother of Jesus. This passage addresses the causes of conflicts and quarrels among believers, and provides guidance on how to resolve them.

The passage begins by asking what causes conflicts and fights among believers. James identifies the source of these conflicts as the desires for worldly pleasures that war within individuals. These desires lead to covetousness, anger, and animosity, which in turn lead to conflict.

James warns that friendship with the world is enmity with God, and those who wish to be friends with the world make themselves enemies of God. He further states that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

The passage then provides a series of instructions for believers:

Submit to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.

Be wretched, mourn, and weep.

Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

This passage emphasizes the importance of humility and dependence on God in resolving conflicts and living a faithful life. It encourages believers to turn away from worldly desires and draw closer to God. It also underscores the futility of living for worldly and fleshly desires, as they lead to a fundamentally unsatisfied life.

In summary, James 4:1-10 is a call to humility, submission to God, and rejection of worldly desires as a means to resolve conflicts and live a life pleasing to God.

Learning Lessons:

James 4:1-10 provides several valuable lessons for believers:

Source of Conflicts: The passage teaches that conflicts and quarrels among believers often arise from worldly desires and pleasures. Understanding this can help individuals identify and address the root causes of their conflicts.

Friendship with the World: James warns that friendship with the world is enmity with God. This serves as a reminder to believers to not be overly attached to worldly pleasures and to prioritize their relationship with God.

Humility: The passage emphasizes the importance of humility. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This teaches believers the value of humility in their walk with God.

Submission to God: James instructs believers to submit to God. This submission involves resisting the devil, drawing near to God, cleansing one’s hands, purifying one’s heart, and humbling oneself before the Lord. These actions can guide believers in their daily lives.

Resistance to the Devil: The passage assures that if you resist the devil, he will flee from you. This provides encouragement and hope to believers facing spiritual battles.

God’s Nearness: James promises that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. This assures believers of God’s presence and care in their lives.

Transformation: The passage calls for a transformation in the believer’s life - from laughter to mourning, from joy to gloom. This is a call to recognize one’s sins, repent, and seek God’s forgiveness.

Exaltation: Finally, the passage promises that if you humble yourself before the Lord, He will exalt you. This provides hope and encouragement to believers, assuring them of God’s reward for their humility and faithfulness.

In summary, James 4:1-10 provides valuable lessons on understanding the source of conflicts, the importance of humility, the need for submission to God, the assurance of God’s nearness, and the promise of God’s exaltation. It serves as a guide for believers in their walk with God. (Copilot)

Humble Yourself

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; 

but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 

MATTHEW 23:1-12

Jesus acknowledges the authority of the scribes and Pharisees. Therefore, people should observe their teachings but not follow their example, as they do not practice what they preach. They burden people with heavy religious obligations but do not help to ease these burdens. Their actions are performed for show, and they seek honor and recognition. Jesus then instructs His followers not to seek titles of honor for themselves, reminding them that they have one Teacher, one Father in heaven, and one Master, the Christ. He emphasizes humility, stating that the greatest among them must be a servant and that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted.

1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens hardto carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. ⁵ All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. ⁶ They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, ⁷ greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ ⁸ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:1-12)

In crowds and to disciples, Jesus spoke of scribes and Pharisees, their yoke. On Moses' chair, they've taken seat, yet their example, do not repeat. They preach, but practice not their word, their burdens heavy, their actions absurd. They lay on shoulders, weights untold, yet not a finger, they lift to hold. Their works for eyes, not hearts, are done, their phylacteries wide, their tassels spun. They love the honor, the seats, the praise, yet 'Rabbi', 'Father', 'Master', are not our ways. We have but one Teacher, one Father above, One Master, the Christ, the symbol of love. The greatest among us, a servant must be for the humble are exalted, for all eternity.

Dear Heavenly Father, Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, reminding us of Your teachings and principles. The scribes and Pharisees, they sit on Moses' chair yet their example, we are warned, we must not bear. They preach but do not practice, their burdens heavy and hard, yet they will not lift a finger, their hearts are barred. Their works are for show, their phylacteries wide, in places of honor, they take pride. But we are called to be different, to be true, not to be called 'Rabbi', for we have but one Teacher, You. We are all brothers, no one on earth our father, for we have but one Father in heaven, none other. We are not to be called 'Master', for we have but one, the Christ, our Savior, God's own Son. The greatest among us must be a servant, whoever exalts himself will be humbled, this is evident. But whoever humbles himself will be exalted, in Your kingdom, forever vaulted. Help us, Lord, to live by these words, to be humble servants, in a world of lords. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

God calls us to repentance and righteousness, where He urges the people to cleanse themselves from their sins and to do good. The passage uses vivid imagery to convey the transformation that can occur through repentance - sins as red as scarlet or crimson can become as white as snow or wool. It emphasizes the importance of justice, helping the wronged, hearing the orphan’s plea, and defending the widow. It ends with a choice: those who are willing and obey will prosper, but those who refuse and resist will face consequences. This is a powerful message about the importance of moral integrity and the transformative power of repentance. 

10 Hear the word of the Lord, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! 16 Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; 17 learn to do good. Make justice your aim redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. 18 Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord. Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. 19 If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you for the mouth of the Lord has spoken! (Isaiah 1:10, 16-20)

Hear, O princes of the modern age, listen to wisdom, not the rage. Wash your hands of deeds unclean, cease the evil that has been seen. Learn to do what's just and right in the day and in the night. Aim for justice, aim for truth, redress the wronged, protect the youth. Hear the pleas of those in need, defend the weak, let love be your creed. Come now, let us set things right, in the Lord's name, let there be light. Though your sins be dark and deep, they may turn white, no need to weep. Like the snow, pure and bright, like the wool, in soft moonlight. If you're willing, if you obey, you shall feast on life's buffet. But if you refuse, if you resist, the sword of justice will persist. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken, His words are strong, they can't be broken. So heed this call, make a start, let His words transform your heart.

Lord, we hear Your word, we listen to Your instruction, oh God. We acknowledge our misdeeds and seek to wash ourselves clean. Help us cease doing evil and learn to do good. May we aim for justice, redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow. We come to You, Lord to set things right. Though our sins be like scarlet, we pray they may become white as snow. Though they be crimson red, we pray they may become white as wool. If we are willing, and obey, we trust that we shall partake in the good things of the land. But if we refuse and resist, we understand the sword shall consume us. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken and His word is truth and life. Amen.

God does not require sacrifices and burnt offerings. Instead, God desires obedience, righteousness, and praise from His people. He will correct us by making our sins clear before our eyes. Offering praise as a sacrifice glorifies God. To the one who follows the right path, God will show the salvation.

8 “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offering are before me always. 9 I take from your house no bullock, no goats out of your fold.” 16 “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, 17 though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” 21 “When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23)

Not for your offerings, I cast a rebuke, Your sacrifices, always in my look. No bullock, no goat, from your abode I take, yet you recite my laws, a seeming fake. You profess my covenant with your voice, yet discipline you hate, by your own choice. My words, you cast behind with little care, do you think I'm deaf, or that it's fair? Do you see me as yourself, in your deeds so rife? Know this, I will correct you, bring your sins to life. Yet he who offers praise, a sacrifice so pure, glorifies me in ways, that forever endure. To him that walks the path, that is right and good, I will show the salvation of God, as I should.

Oh Lord, not for our sacrifices do You rebuke us, for our offerings are before You always. From our house, You take no bullock, no goats from our fold, yet, we recite Your statutes, and profess Your covenant bold. Though we falter in discipline, and cast Your words aside, You remain patient, Your love for us does not subside. When we err, You are not deaf, You see our every stride, You correct us, drawing our faults before our eyes wide. We understand, oh Lord, that You are not like us, Your ways are higher, Your judgments just. He who offers praise as a sacrifice, glorifies You, and to him that walks the right path, You show Your salvation true. Help us, oh Lord, to walk in Your ways, to offer You praise, all of our days. Guide us on the right path, show us Your salvation that we may glorify You, with sincere dedication. Amen.

Pericope:

VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem

DENUNCIATION OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES

Matthew 23:1-36

I: Indictment of Israel and Judah

ISRAEL'S SINFULNESS

Isaiah 1:1-31

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE

Psalm 50:1-23

Reflection Source:

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Humble yourself

My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.

The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble.

The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him.

The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire.

Sirach 3: 17 - 18, 20, 28 - 29

Published:

August 29, 2010, 6:24 AM