Take What is Yours and Go

 ‘"My friend, I am not cheating you. 

Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 

Take what is yours and go."

MATTHEW 20:13-14

The day of the Lord is at hand (2 Thes 2:2). He has made the world firm, not to be moved; He governs the peoples with equity (Ps 96:10). Therefore, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught (2 Thes 2:15). To this end He has also called you to possess the glory of your Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thes 2:15).   

Jesus said,  "What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt 20:14-16)

Today is the day to give what is fair and just to your hired laborers (Mt 20:4). You have agreed with them for their usual daily wage, sending them to work into your vineyard. (Mt 20:1-2) Always be faithful in give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first (Mt 20:8). 

Let no one deceive you in any way (2 Thes 2:3). Know how you are loved by God, how you were chosen. The gospel of the Lord did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit with much conviction. (1 Thes 1:4-5) Turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thes 1:9)

Give thanks to the God always as you call to mind your works of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of your Lord Jesus Christ, before your God and Father (1 Thes 1:2). May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God your Father, who has loved you and given you everlasting encouragement and good hope through His grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word (2 Thes 2:16-17).

God's love always brings glory that lifts you up to higher ground. Glory of making you victorious in all your circumstances and challenges in life (Ps 149:4). This is the glory of all those who are faithful to God (Ps 149:9).

Published:

August 23, 2023, 8:13 AM

Go and Glean

Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, 

“Let me go and glean ears of grain 

in the field of anyone who will allow me that favor.” 

RUTH 2 : 2

Glean is to extract (information) from various sources, collect gradually and bit by bit, or gather (leftover grain or other produce) after a harvest. It is synonyous to obtain, get, take, draw, derive, extract, cull, garner, gather, reap, select, choose, pick, learn, find out.

This is the time to go and glean, extract information from various sources, collect gradually and bit by bit, and gather your produce after a harvest. It is also a time to collect and have a complete account of all the resources that the Lord has given you and all of what you have done (Rt 2:11). Do not go to glean in anyone else’s field; watch to see which field is to be harvested, and follow them (Rt 2:8-9). Your graces and blessings at work shall come progressively so as not to overwhelm you and ensure a steady growth and development. 

The Lord will prove the holiness of His great name through you (Mt. 5:6). Blessed is the Lord who has not failed to provide you with all that you need and want (Rt 4:13).

You shall live in the land He gave as His servant. The Lord will take you away from where you are, and bring you to your own land Ez 36:23). Foreigners shall come to this land that God has given you and they shall see His glory and majesty. They shall regularly come and will even bring you more new clients as their way of offering to the Lord.

The Lord knows your works and your thoughts, you shall come to see His glory (Isa 66:18). He shall grant your request to trade clean water relying only upon Him and not with others. You will receive a new heart and a new spirit within you (Ps 51:12). You shall live by His statutes, careful to observe all His decrees. Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (Ps 128:1-2)

God has given you an heir who will be famous in the land that He has given you. She will be your comfort and the support of your old age. She is worth more to you than seven sons!  (Ruth 2:15)

Published:

August 22, 2023, 6:38 AM

Make Adjustments

Why spend your money for what is not bread; 

your wages for what fails to satisfy? 

Heed me, and you shall eat well, 

you shall delight in rich fare. 

ISAIAH 55:2

One who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor one who loves abundance with its income. This too is futility. (Ecclesiastes 5:10). People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy (2 Timothy 3:2). For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10).

You have sown much, only to harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but there is not enough for anyone to get warm; and the one who earns, earns wages to put into a money bag full of holes (Haggai 1:6).

The LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and you will be redeemed without money.” (Isaiah 52:3). You there! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (Isaiah 55:1)

Jesus said, “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor does a moth destroy (Luke 12:33). Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." (Matthew 10:8)

The overseer must be beyond reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money (Titus 1:7). Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Published:

August 02, 2023, 8:01 AM

Buy and Sell

Jesus said to his disciples: 

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, 

which a person finds and hides again, 

and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." 

MATTHEW 13:36-43

Buy means to acquire the possession of, or the right to, by paying or promising to pay an equivalent, especially in money; purchase, to acquire by exchange or concession. The word originated before 1000; Middle English byen, variant of byggen, buggen, Old English bycgan; cognate with Old Saxon buggjan,Gothic bugjan to buy, Old Norse byggja to lend, rent (Dictionary.com)

Sell means to transfer (goods) to or render (services) for another in exchange for money; dispose of to a purchaser for a price, to deal in; keep or offer for sale. First recorded before 900; Middle English sellen, Old English sellan, originally, “to give,” hence, “to give up (someone) to an enemy, betray, exchange for money”; cognate with Old Norse selja, Low German sellen, Gothic saljan “to give up, sell,” originally, “to cause to take”; akin to Greek heleîn “to take, grasp” (Dictionary.com)

Buy/Sell means the act of exchanging an asset for money or vice versa. Buying is acquiring an asset in exchange for money, while selling is giving away an asset to receive money. Buying and selling can be done for various reasons, such as hoping to make a profit, avoiding a loss, or satisfying a need. (embibe.com, capital.com)

My son, keep My words and treasure My commandments within you (Proverbs 7:11). Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom, instruction, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23). He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is His treasure (Isaiah 33:6).

Jesus said, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). The good person brings out of his good treasure good things (Matthew 12:35). If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me (Matthew 19:21). A disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure new things and old” (Matthew 13:52).

Published:

July 28, 2023, 7:12 AM

Give Without Cost

"Without cost you have received; 

without cost you are to give."

MATTHEW 10 : 8

Lord Jesus, Your words are spirit and truth. Truly, I do not deserve to receive Your bountiful graces and blessings but still, out of Your love for me, You continue to give them all unconditionally. Be praised and glorified O Lord for You are good all the time!

You made me a servant who profits in the line of work that deals with service. The more service I do, the more prosperity and peace comes to me. 

Today, You have revealed to me that it is only fitting for me to also share what I have learned from you to others without cost. Please continue to be my guiding hand and freely give what I have received from You so that they too may profit and benefit as well. As they profit, I too will profit even more. 

In You, I am always at peace and living in the utmost comfort of Your love. Thank You so much for the continued outpouring of graces and blessings that makes us truly enjoy life to the full. 

May You continue to be with us each moment of our lives, giving praise and glory to the Father all our days. Amen.

Published:

July 13, 2023, 11:49AM

Ruler of God's Possessions

The king sent and released him, the ruler of the peoples set him free. 

He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions.

PSALM 105 : 20-21

Father in heaven, You made me ruler of Your house and of all Your possessions. Thank You so much for finally setting me free from the bondage of stress and anxiety brought about by the burdens of financial insecurity. Despite any crisis and uncertainty, You continue to bless me and my family with peace and prosperity.

Indeed, O Lord, all Your predictions came to pass and Your word proved You true. The more service I do, the more prosperity and peace comes to me. You have given me a type of work that deals with service, a servant who profits from serving. Today, You expect that I must pass it on to others freely so that they too may prosper. As they profit, I too will profit even more. 

I am now an aged father whose intention of heart is to give my family and future generation an inheritance that will financially secure their lives. There are still a lot of works to be done in the glorious land that You have given me. A land that You are currently building and developing to be not just a home but a palace and kingdom where we will live with You, our family, and future generation.

In Your love, grace, and favor, I am a step closer to the full realization of all my dreams and wishes in life. Please accept my humble offering of praise and thanksgiving for all that You have done and continue to do that have fully restored me and have enriched me in every way. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever through Jesus Christ Your Son, my Lord and Savior, in whom all great things come. Amen.

Published:

July 08, 2023, 7:56 AM

Reconciliation and Settlement

In the realm where law and spirit intertwine,

We tread not just on the letter, but the divine.

Guided by love, mercy, justice, our actions align,

Not by the law's cold print, but by a design so fine.

Reconciliation, a virtue we must embrace,

With our kin, our friends, in every place.

Disputes and disagreements, we must efface,

For in God's grand scheme, love takes the ace.

More than rituals, more than rites,

Our bond with others ignites,

A vital part of our spiritual flights,

In the realm of God, where love unites.

Anger, resentment, we must let go,

Seek peace, seek reconciliation, let forgiveness flow.

Acknowledge our wrongs, in humility we bow,

God's ready to forgive, this we know.

Our actions matter, but so does our heart,

Intentions and attitudes, they're all a part.

In the mirror of the soul, in every part,

Reflects the Kingdom of God, a divine art.

So let us live, in love and peace,

Where anger and resentment cease.

In reconciliation, let our efforts increase,

Reflecting the Kingdom of God, where joys never cease.

REFLECTION:

"Leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court." (Matthew 5:24-25)

We should not just follow the law in a legalistic manner, but understand and live by the spirit of the law. Our actions should be guided by love, mercy, and justice, not just by the letter of the law. 

Reconciliation is important with our brothers and sisters. If we have a dispute or disagreement with someone, we should seek to resolve it as soon as possible. This is more important than religious rituals, indicating that our relationships with others are a vital part of our relationship with God. 

We should not harbor anger or resentment, but seek peace and reconciliation. We should acknowledge our wrongs, ask for forgiveness, and make amends. Even when we fall short, God is ready to forgive us if we repent. Our heart’s intentions and attitudes are just as important as our actions. 

Let us live a life of love, peace, and reconciliation, reflecting the Kingdom of God in our lives.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You today, acknowledging that we are called not just to follow the law in a legalistic manner, but to understand and live by the spirit of the law. Guide our actions with Your love, mercy, and justice, and help us to see beyond the letter of the law.

We understand the importance of reconciliation with our brothers and sisters. If we have a dispute or disagreement with someone, grant us the wisdom and humility to seek resolution as soon as possible. Remind us that this is more important than religious rituals, and that our relationships with others are a vital part of our relationship with You.

Help us not to harbor anger or resentment, but to seek peace and reconciliation. Give us the courage to acknowledge our wrongs, to ask for forgiveness, and to make amends. Even when we fall short, we are grateful that You are ready to forgive us if we repent.

Teach us that our heart’s intentions and attitudes are just as important as our actions. Let us live a life of love, peace, and reconciliation, reflecting the Kingdom of God in our lives. 

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW/TEACHING ABOUT ANGER

Matthew 5:17-20/21-26

Gospel | Matthew 5:20-26

Gospel Acclamation

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. 

20 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. 22 But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise, your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” 

Background:

Matthew 5:20-26 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus. This passage is the first of six “antitheses” where Jesus contrasts the demands of the Law with those of the Gospel.

In this passage, Jesus challenges the interpretation of the Law by the scribes and Pharisees. He emphasizes that righteousness should surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of heaven. According to Jesus, righteousness does not come from what we do for God in observing the law, but rather from what God does for us, accepting us as His children.

Jesus expands on the commandment “You shall not kill,” explaining that anger and insult are also liable to judgment. He emphasizes the importance of reconciliation with others before offering gifts at the altar. This teaching encourages us not only to reconcile with our fellow brothers and sisters but also to reconcile ourselves with God.

This passage captures one of the most basic themes of Lent: reconciliation. It’s a call to repentance for the wrongs we have done and a reminder of God’s mercy. It’s a profound teaching on the spirit of the law, going beyond the letter of the law, and focusing on the heart’s intentions. It’s about living a life of love, peace, and reconciliation, reflecting the Kingdom of God in our lives.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 5:20-26 offers several important lessons for our lives:

Righteousness Beyond Legalism: Jesus teaches that our righteousness should surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. This means that we should not just follow the law in a legalistic manner, but understand and live by the spirit of the law. Our actions should be guided by love, mercy, and justice, not just by the letter of the law.

Importance of Reconciliation: Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciliation with our brothers and sisters. If we have a dispute or disagreement with someone, we should seek to resolve it as soon as possible. This is more important than religious rituals, indicating that our relationships with others are a vital part of our relationship with God.

Value of Peace: The passage teaches us to be peacemakers. We should not harbor anger or resentment, but seek peace and reconciliation. This reflects the peace of the Kingdom of God.

Repentance and Mercy: The passage is a call to repentance. We should acknowledge our wrongs, ask for forgiveness, and make amends. It also reminds us of God’s mercy. Even when we fall short, God is ready to forgive us if we repent.

Heart’s Intentions Matter: Jesus expands on the commandment “You shall not kill,” explaining that anger and insult are also liable to judgment. This teaches us that our heart’s intentions and attitudes are just as important as our actions.

These lessons remind us to live a life of love, peace, and reconciliation, reflecting the Kingdom of God in our lives. They challenge us to go beyond the letter of the law and to live by the spirit of the law, guided by love, mercy, and justice. They call us to be peacemakers, to seek reconciliation, to repent when we fall short, and to trust in God’s mercy. They remind us that our heart’s intentions and attitudes are important to God.