Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Today's Focus: St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist For many centuries the Christian Church has celebrated the ministry of St. Matthew on September 21. Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector. Jesus called Matthew to leave behind his financial occupation and to follow him (Gospel). God, who is rich in mercy, used Matthew's ministry and Gospel to show the world the incomparable riches of his grace (Eph 2). Matthew teaches us to turn our hearts away from selfish gain and to follow Christ with unyielding commitment (Ps 119; Ezek 2-3). So today we remember the ministry of Matthew and seek to imitate his faithfulness to Jesus as we thank God for St. Matthew, the apostle and the evangelist.
|
|
|
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Today's Focus: The Found Are Left; the Lost Are Found "He's lost." We use that term not only to refer to someone who is bewildered about where they are but also to refer to someone who is in a helpless, hopeless state. Mankind's natural state is one of complete spiritual helplessness, a profound lostness. Jesus' wounding words this week teach that wandering around spiritually lost puts you in the worst place of all. Fortunately, Jesus does not leave us in our lostness. He relentlessly seeks us. He involves the rest of the Christian community in seeking the lost and rejoicing over the found.
|
|
|
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Today's Focus: Count the Cost This week Jesus' sharp words expose our desire to pursue comfort and avoid pain at all costs. Jesus explains that following him will be hard. Jesus promises that discipleship comes with crosses--a unique type of pain. So, Jesus tells us that we must count the cost of following him. But whatever is lost as we follow Jesus pales in comparison to what we gain.
|
|
|
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Today's Focus: Those Who Exalt Themselves Will be Humbled We all desire acclaim, recognition, and praise. Jesus' sharp words this week teach us that seeking exaltation in futile and fleeting ways will only result in receiving the opposite. Those who attempt to exalt themselves will eventually be humbled by God. In contrast, Jesus promises that those who leave their exaltation to God will receive honor and glory far greater than any that can be awarded in this life. Our exaltation does not need to be our responsibility, because Jesus has already made it his.
|
|
|
|