For a more enriching experience,
go down on your knees to pray or take it one step further
and prostrate yourself (lay face down) on the floor while praying.
Father, everytime I read Jesus' words it just blows my mind because He put things so clearly. In the reading today He simply asks the people, (paraphrasing here), "If you are only Good to those who are Good to you, what's so great or unusual about that?" It's hardly grounds for applause or a pat on the back. And then He goes on to add, (paraphrasing again), "Even pagans and tax collectors do that." Big deal! So what's so nice about being nice to nice people? Jesus always challenges me to stretch myself beyond where I am and my comfort zone. Jesus lays out 'the way' we are to become.
Father, You gave us Your Son and we are suppose to imitate Him. Why in the world would I want to imitate anyone else but Jesus? Thank You for this easy visual today because it is not easy to be nice to those who aren't nice or to Love those who couldn't be less deserving of Love. I know it is important for me to continually remember that we are all Your children, even the mean ones and the lost ones. Just as we would never want anyone to ignore or be unkind to our children, You would not want anyone to be unkind to Your children, even if they have wandered off their path. Thank You for this message today, You must of known I needed it.
Through Jesus Christ's Most Precious Blood, Most Sacred Name and Most Holy Face, I thank You for this awareness. Amen~
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 5:43-48
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the Good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
46 For if you Love those who Love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same?
47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?
48 So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ
[ back to top ]
**This web site's goal is to provide you with information that may be useful in attaining optimal health. Nothing in it is meant as a prescription or as medical advice. You should check with your physician before implementing any changes in your exercise or lifestyle habits, especially if you have physical problems or are taking medications of any kind.
