THEME:
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CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
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DAY FIVE
Matt 16:23
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
MEDITATION
Jesus says to us today that we must take up our cross. In Luke 14:27 he says “whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciples.” Beloved, discipleship demands the cross. Many people claim discipleship today but don’t want to bear the burden of the cross. For them Christianity has gone beyond the Cross. Jesus left the cross. Listen, discipleship without the cross is a wrong ship. And you cannot be in a wrong ship and arrive at the right destination. Peter was congratulated as the rock; his name was changed, his office was changed, he became comfortable in a theology of grace and glory and rejected the theology of suffering; Matt.16:22 says “Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!” Jesus rejected him saying “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” If we too reject the cross, Christ will reject us. Beloved in Christ, the cross may be bitter but it makes you better later.
PRAYERS
1 Hail Mary 21 times and Thank you Jesus 21 times.
2 Bible Study: Matthew 16
3 Lessons:
We must understand the joy of suffering
No hurry in life.
4 Silence (5 to 10 minutes) (write down your own lessons; learn to hear from God and write down whatever God says to you)
5 The Litany to the Precious Blood of Jesus (as given on the first day)
6 Intercessory Prayers:
My Father and my God help me not to reject the truth because it confronts me.
Lord Jesus Christ, I believe in you as my God and my Saviour make me more faithful to your Gospel and commandments.
My Father and my God keep your love alive within my heart and soul so that I may become worthy of you. Teach me to value and be thankful for all of Your gifts. Help us to strive for eternal life.
- Memory verse: Matt.16:18
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
