SOMETHING GREATER THAN FASTING Amos 9:11-15; Psalm 85; Matthew 9:14-17 In the Gospel, the disciples of John were more concerned with the practice of fasting than with the presence of the One to whom fasting points. They were devoted to the custom but failed to recognize the Bridegroom standing before them. They focused on the […]
03
Jul
Jul
From Doubt to Worship Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 117; John 20:24-29 Today’s Gospel presents the high point of Thomas’ journey of faith. Ironically, the apostle remembered for his doubt gave one of the greatest professions of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Thomas teaches us that faith […]
02
Jul
Jul
Comfort vs Correction Amos 7:10-17; Psalm 19; Matthew 9:1-8 Bethel around 760 BC was the religious capital of the Northern Kingdom. King Jeroboam II sat on the throne. The economy was flourishing, the temples were full, and life seemed comfortable. Then a simple shepherd from Judah walked into the king’s sanctuary. He had no prophetic […]
30
Jun
Jun
True worship Amos 5:14-15, 21-24; Psalm 50; Matthew 8:28-34 God desires more than our prayers; He desires our transformation. Through the prophet Amos, He declares, “Take away from me the noise of your songs, I will not listen to the music of your harps. Let justice roll down like waters” (Amos 5:23-24). Worship without holiness, […]
30
Jun
Jun
The Trumpet and the Storm Amos 3:10- 8; 4:11-12; Psalm 5; Matthew 8:23-27 God has two ways of getting our attention: He first sends a trumpet; if we ignore it, we may encounter a storm. He sent Noah before the flood (Genesis 6:13-22). The trumpet is His warning; the storm is often His wake-up call. […]
27
Jun
Jun
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP, TRUE RELATIONSHIP 2 Kings 4:8-11, 13-16; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10:37-42 Who is a true disciple? A disciple is not simply someone who attends church, wears a cross, or calls himself a Christian. According to the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (No. 61), a disciple is one whom Christ calls to remain with Him, […]
26
Jun
Jun
WITHOUT GOD, WE FALL 2 Kings 25:1-12; Psalm 136; Matthew 8:1-4 The destruction of Jerusalem was not merely a military defeat; it was a spiritual collapse. The magnificent Temple of Solomon was reduced to rubble, and the people were led into exile. Before Babylon conquered Jerusalem, sin had already conquered the hearts of its people. […]
24
Jun
Jun
The Wise Builder 2 Kings 24:8-17; Psalm 79; Matthew 7:21-29 One of the greatest illusions in life is to think that we can abandon God and still enjoy His protection. King Jehoiachin and the people of Judah learned this lesson the hard way. Having turned away from God, they fell into the hands of the […]
23
Jun
Jun
THE TWO RULES OF FAITH 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36; Psalm 48; Matthew 7:6, 12-14 The first reading presents the God-First Rule: Before you spread your problems to people, spread them before God. When King Hezekiah received a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, he did not rush to social media, gather sympathizers, or drown […]
21
Jun
Jun
Honest Judgement 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18; Matthew 7:1-5 One of the easiest things in life is to identify the faults of others; one of the hardest is to recognize our own. This is why Jesus says in today’s Gospel: “Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the […]