"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean" ~ Mt 23:25-26 (full readings) . Sara's Reflections: How many of us...
"Then he said to me: Prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!" ~ Ez 37:4 (full readings) . Joshua's Reflections: God invites humans to participate in His work; this theme is evident among the several readings appropriate for today’s memorial of the Queenship...
"A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit." ~ Ps 51:12 (full readings) . Peggy's Reflections: To understand the significance of this verse, one must look at the circumstances behind it. These words were uttered by David, the great king of Israel, after he committed a series...
"You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts." ~ Ez 34:4-5 (full readings) . Kathy's Reflections: The Scripture above would be a fitting rebuke...
"Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow God will do great things among you." ~ Josh 3:5 (full readings) . Pastor Rick's Reflections: One definition of "consecrate" is to dedicate something or somebody to a particular purpose. "Consecrate" is a verb requiring action and in the connotation of this scripture, serves as a foundational structure of faith...
"Jesus said to him, 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" ~ Mt 19:21 (full readings) . Jeff's Reflections: Today's Gospel challenged a young man who lived a life that followed the commandments, but...
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his...
"The word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, you live in the midst of a rebellious house; they have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house." ~ Ez 12:1-3 (full readings) . Valerie's Reflections: The prophet Ezekiel is...
"Wipe them out! But do not touch any marked with the 'Thau'" ~ Ez 9:6 (full readings) . Shane's Reflections: Ezekiel relates a vision concerning the judgment of Jerusalem. Those to be spared were marked by an angel with a Hebrew letter, the "Thau." It is an "X," a cross. That is...
"But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you." ~ Mt...
"I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people." ~ Jer 31:33 (full readings) . Scott's Reflections: Today's reading reminds us that the will of the Lord lives within us and that it's up to us to live...
"Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God." ~ 2 Pt 1:20-21 (full readings) . Chris' Reflections: On June 30th the Supreme Court ruled in favor...
"At once Jesus spoke to them, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.' " ~ Mt 14:27 (full readings) . Tess' Reflections: One of the most important qualities we must have as defenders of life is courage. We must listen to Our Lord’s words when He says, "Do not be afraid."...
"Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to You across the water." ~ Mt 14:28 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Peter got out of the boat and started to walk towards Jesus on the water. Peter became afraid and began to sink. After pulling Peter out...
"Arise and go down to the potter's house; there you will hear my word." ~ Jer 18:2 (full readings) . Stephen's Reflections: When Pope John Paul II became Pope he said "Be not afraid." I keep that phrase posted on my computer at work. It is a reminder that...
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant's search for fine pearls. When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it." ~ Mt 13:45-46 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections: Jesus taught us in the "Our Father" not only...
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"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…" ~ Mt 20:28 (full readings) . Amy's Reflections: FAITH IN CHRIST, SERVICE TO OTHERS. These are the words that resounded in my head as I read today’s gospel passage. These same words just happen to be the first thing...
"With you is the fountain of life, O Lord." ~ Ps 36:10 (full readings) . Lauren's Reflections: Scripture provides a total blueprint for how we should live our lives -- physically, emotionally and spiritually. These guidelines are not so the Lord "takes away our fun," but instead, provides the prescription to live...
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you." ~ Jer 1:5 (full readings) . Whitney's Reflections: It is TRUE: The Lord knows us before we were formed in the womb. In this...
"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, 'Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.'" ~ Mt 12:38 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections: In today’s Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees request that Jesus show them a sign. During difficult times, we may also test Jesus and desire a sign...
"Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Now I will add fifteen years to your life." ~ Is 38:5 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections: What would I do if I knew that God would add 15 years to the...
"Take my yoke upon you … and you will find rest for yourselves." ~ Mt 11:29 (full readings) . Shane's Reflections: Work that refreshes; what is Jesus talking about? I believe it was the same supernatural reality He made mention of on another occasion: "My food is to do the will of...
"Take care you remain faithful and do not fear; let not your courage fail…" ~ Is 7:4 (full readings) . Pastor Don's Reflections: When this devotion comes out, I will be in Kenya doing mission work. I have been excited about joining the mission team from my church as we...
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the Earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword." ~ Mt 10:34 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections: In today's reading, Jesus says that He will not bring peace, but yet Jesus is called the 'Prince of Peace'. (Is...
"Jesus said to his Apostles: 'Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.'" ~ Mt 10:16 (full readings) . Jimmy's Reflections: How many times have you been told that you are a gift from God? By your parents?...
"I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer." ~ Hos 11:1-4 (full readings) . Lindsey's Reflections: God is our healer. But in today's passage the Lord speaks about...
"They have mouths but do not speak, eyes but do not see." ~ Ps 115:5 (full readings) . Paula's Reflections: Many of us have friends, family members and co-workers who fail to speak up for the right to life of the pre-born child. Frequently, for whatever reason, people are blind...
"…Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." ~ Mt 9:9-13 (full readings) . Paul's Reflections: It has been said that...
"Jesus said to him, 'Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.'" ~ Jn 20:29 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections: The Apostle Thomas, the world’s most famous doubter, declared he would not believe that Christ was alive until...
"Seek good and not evil, that you may live; then truly will the LORD, the God of hosts, be with you as you claim!" ~ Am 5:14 (full readings) . Pastor Steve's Reflections: I have four children ages 11, 9, 7, and 5. I love to wrestle with them and they love...
"They came and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' He said to them, 'Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?' Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm." ~ Mt 8:25-26 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections: Why are we terrified?...
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them." ~ Mt 7:15-20 (full readings) . Alice's Reflections: Planned Parenthood’s tag line is “Care. No Matter What.” They advertise that they help women decide among their options when faced...
"You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb." ~ Ps 139:13 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections: This concept of how God knits us together in our mothers' wombs is present both in the book of Jeremiah, and here in Psalms, and holds true...
"Stop judging, that you may not be judged." ~ Mt 7:1 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections: Matthew 7:1 is one of the most recognized verses in the Bible, but unfortunately, it is also the most often misapplied verse. People sometimes misinterpret this verse thinking that if you want to follow Jesus then you...
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~ Phil 3:13-14 (full readings) . Rick's Reflections: Many people reach a point in life, where they begin living out of memory...
"This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." ~ Mt 6:9-10 (full readings) . Jeff's Reflections: In today's reading, we see Jesus instruct us how to pray. We have all prayed the Lord's Prayer...
"Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father." ~ Mt 6:1 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections: Today's readings could inspire volumes to be written about them! Elijah and Elisha had an incredible Faith, and through that...
"Ahab said to Elijah, 'Have you found me out, my enemy?' 'Yes,' he answered." ~ 1 Kgs 21:20 (full readings) Valerie's Reflections: Ahab sees Elijah as his enemy when, in fact, Elijah is more like Ahab’s best friend. Elijah pointed out sin in Ahab’s life, told Ahab the...
"But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil." ~ Mt 5:39 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections: In today's reading, Jesus tells us to offer no resistance to one who is evil, but that does not mean that we are not supposed to resist Satan himself. (Jms 4:7)...
"whoever divorces his wife…causes her to commit adultery." ~ Mt 5:32 (full readings) . Shane's Reflections: In a very real sense, the culture of death has only been able to arise because the culture of love – of marital love – has been in a state of decay. We Christians have not...
"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." ~ Mt 5:19 (full...
"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." ~ Mt 5:13 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections: In ancient warfare, the victors would trample salt underfoot into the...
"The lord will guard you from all evil he will guard your soul." ~ Ps 121:7 (full readings) Chris' Reflections: I find Psalms to be inspirational and uplifting when I’m struggling through difficult times. The Lord will guard you from all evil. God is always with you looking after you. As...
"I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge." ~ Acts 26:16 (full readings) . Tess' Reflection: "…the opportunity to defend himself...
"They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world." ~ Jn 17:16 (full readings) Steve's Reflections: We are aliens in a foreign land. Our life is not our own. We were bought at a price; the blood of the cross. We love because Christ first...
"I served the Lord with all humility...
"Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you." ~ Acts 18:9-10 (full readings). .. Pat's Reflections: God speaks these words to all LIFE Runners, "Do not be afraid" - encouraging us forward to speak up for the Unborn....
"…Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,… And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." ~ Mt 28:16-20 (full readings) . Paul's Reflections: These verses have been labeled the “Great Commission”. It is Jesus’ final instruction to His church. Consider the culture that faced the disciples...
"I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, and have appointed you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, alleluia." ~ Jn 15:16 (full readings) Mary Ellen's Reflections: Alleluia to all our Life Runners as we have been called by the Lord for the pro-life...
