Tag: commands

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Lenten Reflection for Sunday, March 14th, 2021

The Gospel reading explains the great love of God for His people. Do I love Him in return?

First reading: 2 Chronicles 36:14-17, 19-23

Psalm: 137:1-6

Second reading: Ephesians 2:4-10

Gospel: St. John 2:14-21

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear one of the most beloved verses in Sacred Scripture:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – St. John 3:16

Maybe we have heard these words so often that they are not surprising anymore, but if we stop to reflect on this verse, it is the very definition of the “Good News.” God Himself gave His Son for you and for me. God, who made Heaven and earth, loves us.

How do I respond to this love? Do I follow His commands? Do I pray often? God has given us a gift that we can never repay. But like a child who makes simple presents for his parents, we can love Him as much as we are able.

In this Gospel passage, Jesus goes on to say that some prefer the darkness to the light. As Christ is the Light of the World, some people did not–and some still do not–want His Light to expose them or their sins. As Christians, we must love the Light, love the Truth, and be transformed by the Light. Do I allow God to transform me with His Light?

For more information on how you can grow in your faith during the Lenten season, we encourage you to visit the EWTN Lent page here: ewtn.com/lent

In Jesus, 

Father Joseph

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Daily Devotion – Healing

If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments … I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.” – Exodus 15:26 NASB

It is a message confirmed throughout the Bible: God desires us to be in health (3 John 1:2). This fact was central to the ministry of Jesus, who healed all who were brought to Him, including those with every kind of illness (Matthew 4:24). God Himself told the Israelites that He was their healer and gave them principles to help prevent sickness. But there were conditions.

First, they had to listen carefully to Him. He created strict dietary and living guidelines for the Israelites. And He knows that our lifestyles and habits are important. He can help us make the right choices, so our bodies work more efficiently.

Second, they were to “do what is right in his sight.” We cannot expect His blessing if we go our own way. We must pay attention to his commands, be sensitive to Him, and know His Word. And we need to “keep all His statutes” (v. 26). Realize that His Word gives principles by which to live to help us have health.

Make sure that you follow God’s formula for health. Declare the truths found in His Word, and put them into practice. Develop an intimate relationship with Him. Seek to be pure in His sight. Trust Him for health, rejoicing that He is the “the Lord who heals you” (v. 26 NKJV). And pray with confidence and faith for those you know who need healing.

Prayer

Father, these are people who need healing: ______. Thank You for healing in their lives. Help me to live in health. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Exodus 15

//Inspiration Ministries//