Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1; Matthew 11:16-19
“John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” We live in a world with many prejudices. Even though Jesus’ life-style was very different from that of John, both were rejected. In life do what pleases God; do not try to please men or dance to their tunes. What people say about you does not matter; the most important thing is what God says about you. They called John a madman but Jesus called him the greatest among those born of women. They called Jesus names yet he fulfilled the Father’s will. They may call you names; do not be discouraged rather rejoice because your name is written in heaven. The first reading reminds us to focus on God; he is the one, who teaches us for our benefits; who leads us in the way we should go. If we cling to him then our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea. Friends, let us listen to God, meditate on his law and begin to yield fruits in abundance.
Prayer and Declaration (Psalm 1)
I decree I am Blessed, I will not walk in the path of the ungodly, I will not stand with sinners and I will not sit in the seat of the scornful. I will meditate on God’s law day and night and I will be like a tree planted by the river’s side – I will bring forth fruit in abundance. I decree that my leaf shall not wither, and my glory shall not fade, evil presence around me shall be driven away by the wind of the Holy Ghost. And I will forever prosper in the name of Jesus. Amen.
