Obey and Teach (Mt 5:19) by Kevin McNicholas

11 Jun Obey and Teach (Mt 5:19) by Kevin McNicholas

“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 readings)

Kevin’s Reflections:  Jesus was fairly clear with the expectations here!  I think about this a lot, because I believe that through our words and examples, we “teach” others.  Through our decisions to love and forgive, as counter-cultural as those Faith-led decisions are, others see our attitude and outlook as Christians.  A few years ago, there was a major media campaign called “Catholics Come Home.”  There was a commercial that ran on most major network stations that depicted people who had passed away watching scenes from their lives, both good and bad.  The people’s faces changed from elated to crushed as they watched their lives’ scenes begin with happy, blessed family times, which gave way to angry arguments and hurtful gossip.  I think about this particular ad quite frequently, as I realize that I am going to have to re-watch ALL of my life, not just the special parts that I frequently remember.  I’d rather remember my Wedding Day, or the birth of my children, or their Baptismal Days than when I was angry or impatient with another person.  God gives us the Commandments in the Bible, the Church, His own Son, and so many other guideposts in our lives to help us live the lives He wishes for us.  My responsibility as a Christian is to listen to what Jesus said and “obey and teach these commandments” through my everyday life, not only to my family, but to everyone I come in contact with today! 
* Kevin is a Social Worker at a Special Education Cooperative serving three counties in Southern Illinois. He and his wife Laura have two miracles named Elliana (20 months) and Jeremiah  (6 weeks!) to love. They have been blessed during the 8 years of their marriage to be Engaged Encounter retreat leaders, as well as having spent time traveling to Catholic pilgrimage sites worldwide.

Faith Challenge:  Seek out an instance today in which you can obey and teach God’s commandments.  If necessary, use words! 

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Barnabas, Apostle 

Faith Quote:  “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.  When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you.  When you look for me, you will find me.  Yes, when you seek me with all your heart.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13

Through Christ our Lord,
Kevin McNicholas
Lk 1:37