Religious Ritual or Traditions

You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.” 

(Mark 7:13)

Our actions should align with our words and that our faith is genuine. What defiles a person is not what goes into their body, but what comes out of their heart. Evil thoughts and actions originate from within. This lesson highlights the importance of guarding our hearts and minds and striving for inner purity and righteousness.

True purity comes from within, not from external rituals. It is important for us to have inner righteousness and sincerity over merely following religious rituals or traditions. We should prioritize God's commandments above human traditions and to avoid using religious practices as an excuse to neglect our responsibilities.

You nullify the word of God, 

With traditions made by human hand. 

In favor of customs you hold tight, 

You stray from His divine command.

Handed down through the ages past, 

Yet hollow now, these rituals stand. 

You do many such things, alas, 

Forsaking the truth of God's own plan.

Seek not the shell, but heart within, 

The word of God, let it begin. 

In faith and love, His truth impart, 

And let it dwell within your heart.

Lord Jesus, 

You remind us to prioritize Your word, above all human traditions we hold dear. Grant us the wisdom to discern and follow, the path of righteousness, ever clear.

Help us to honor Your commandments, and to align our hearts with Your will. May we cast aside empty rituals, and seek Your truth, our spirits to fill.

Guide us to live with integrity, in faithfulness to Your holy name. For Your word is our eternal foundation, and in Your love, we find our aim.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE TRADITION OF THE ELDERS

Mark 7:1-23

Gospel Acclamation

Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees; and favor me with your law.

Gospel | Mark 7:1-13 (or John 2:1-11)

1 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 6 He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. 8 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” 9 He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! 10 For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. 11 Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), 12 you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. 13 You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Word of God at Work

In receiving the word of God 

from hearing us, 

you received not 

a human word but, 

as it truly is, 

the word of God, 

which is now at work 

in you who believe.

(1 Thessalonians 2:13)

A great King am I, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations (Mal 1:14). You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; you have made void the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts. I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions. (Mal 1:8-9)

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 23:1-12)

Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with each other, violating the covenant of our fathers? (Mal 1:10) And now, O priests, this commandment is for you: If you do not listen, and if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. (Mal 2:1-2)

We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us. You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. (1 Thes 2:7-9) And for this reason we, too, give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe. (1 Thes 2:13)

O Lord, my heart is not proud nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord, both now and forever. (Ps 13:1-3)

Published:

November 05, 2023, 7:08 AM

What Must I Do?

There was a scholar of the law 

who stood up to test Jesus and said, 

“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

LUKE 10:25

This is the word of the Lord that came to Jonah, son of Amittai: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it; their wickedness has come up before Me.” (Jon 1:2)

Jesus said, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”  He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” (Lk 10:26-28)

The law does not depend on faith; rather, the one who does these things will live by them. Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree, that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Gal 3:12-14)

The word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him; if we persevere we shall also reign with Him. But if we deny Him He will deny us. If we are unfaithful He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Tim 9-13)

The Lord has made His salvation known: in the sight of the nations He has revealed his justice. He has remembered His kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. (Ps 98:2-3)

Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the Lord, you just, and give thanks to His holy name. (Ps 97:11-12)

Published:

October 09, 2023, 7:56 AM

Holiness Befits Your House

Eternal Assurance

God’s testimonies stand so sure,

Holiness adorns His house forevermore.

In a world where changes never cease,

His eternal presence brings us peace.

Trust in His control, so vast and grand,

Find comfort in His unchanging hand.

His power unmatched, His rule so just,

In His supreme authority, we place our trust.

Clothed in majesty, strength, and might,

His reign over creation, pure and bright.

The truth of His word, a guiding light,

In His promises, our hearts take flight.

Let His words guide each choice we make,

In holiness, our lives remake.

For in His truth, we find our way,

And in His love, forever stay.

REFLECTION:

Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (Psalm 93:5) 

God’s testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns His house forever. In a world that constantly changes, God’s eternal presence provides stability and assurance. 

We should trust in God’s control over every aspect of our lives, find comfort in His unchanging nature, knowing that His power is unmatched and His rule is just. His supreme authority and power reigns over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. 

We can rely on the truth and reliability of God’s word. Let His promises guide our actions and decisions and strive to live a life of holiness.

Prayer for Trust and Holiness

Heavenly Father,

Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns Your house forever. In a world that constantly changes, we find stability and assurance in Your eternal presence. Help us to trust in Your control over every aspect of our lives. May we find comfort in Your unchanging nature, knowing that Your power is unmatched and Your rule is just.

Lord, Your supreme authority and power reign over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. We rely on the truth and reliability of Your word. Let Your promises guide our actions and decisions, and help us strive to live a life of holiness.

Grant us the wisdom to follow Your path and the strength to uphold Your commandments. May our lives reflect Your glory and bring honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

GOD IS A MIGHTY KING

Psalm 93:1-5

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5

R: The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. 

1 The Lord is king, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength. (R) And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. 2 Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord. (R) 5 Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 93 is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty, majesty, and eternal reign. 

Psalm 93:1: This verse begins with a proclamation of the Lord’s reign. It emphasizes that God is clothed with majesty and strength, signifying His supreme authority and power. The imagery of God being “clothed” with majesty highlights His royal and divine nature.

Psalm 93:1-2: These verses together affirm that God’s throne is established from of old and that He is from everlasting. This underscores the eternal nature of God’s reign and His unchanging sovereignty over all creation.

Psalm 93:5: This verse concludes the psalm by stating that God’s testimonies are very sure and that holiness adorns His house forever. It highlights the reliability of God’s word and the sanctity of His dwelling place.

Psalm 93 is often seen as a celebration of God’s kingship and a reminder of His unassailable power and holiness. It encourages believers to trust in God’s eternal rule and His righteous governance over the world.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 93 offers several profound lessons that can be applied to our lives:

God’s Sovereignty and Majesty (Psalm 93:1): Lesson: Recognize and honor God’s supreme authority and power. He reigns over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. Application: Trust in God’s control over every aspect of life, knowing that His power is unmatched, and His rule is just.

Eternal Nature of God’s Reign (Psalm 93:1-2): Lesson: God’s throne is established from ancient times, and He is eternal. Application: Find comfort in the unchanging nature of God. In a world that constantly changes, God’s eternal presence provides stability and assurance.

Reliability of God’s Word (Psalm 93:5): Lesson: God’s testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns His house forever. Application: Rely on the truth and reliability of God’s word. Let His promises guide your actions and decisions, and strive to live a life of holiness.

These lessons remind us of God’s unassailable power, eternal reign, and the trustworthiness of His word. They encourage us to live with faith and confidence in God’s sovereign rule and to seek holiness in our daily lives.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Golden Rule

 In sharing the gospel, be wise and discerning,
Sacred teachings hold value, deserving our yearning.

Not all hearts are ready, not all ears will hear,

Indiscriminate sharing may bring rejection or fear.

Treat others with kindness, respect in your stride,

Proactive goodness, let love be your guide.

Build relationships healthy, respectful, and true,

For what you desire, let it first come from you.

The narrow gate calls, a path hard and steep,

Discipleship’s journey, commitment to keep.

Contrasting the broad way, easy yet dire,

The narrow path leads to life, lifting us higher.

These teachings remind us, be wise in our ways,

Live ethically, commit to Christ all our days.

Discernment, ethics, dedication in view,

A spiritual journey, rewarding and true.

REFLECTION:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

We should be very discerning about sharing the gospel, understanding the value of sacred teachings, and the need to protect them from being disrespected or misused. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths, and sharing them indiscriminately can lead to rejection or hostility.

We should treat others with the same kindness and respect we desire. It is a call to proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm. A foundational guideline for building healthy, respectful, and loving relationships.

The narrow gate represents the challenging path of discipleship, requiring commitment and perseverance. It contrasts the ease of following the broad path, which leads to destruction, with the narrow path that leads to life, emphasizing the importance of making wise, deliberate choices.

These teachings collectively encourage us to be wise in our interactions, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ. They remind us of the importance of discernment, the value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Grant us the wisdom to be discerning in sharing Your gospel,

Understanding the sacred value of Your teachings,

And the need to protect them from disrespect and misuse.

Help us recognize that not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths,

And guide us to share Your word with sensitivity and love.

Teach us to treat others with the same kindness and respect we desire,

To embody proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm.

May we build healthy, respectful, and loving relationships,

Reflecting Your love and grace in all our interactions.

Lead us through the narrow gate, the challenging path of discipleship,

Requiring our commitment and perseverance.

Help us to resist the ease of the broad path that leads to destruction,

And to choose the narrow path that leads to life,

Making wise and deliberate choices in our journey with You.

These teachings remind us to be wise in our interactions,

To live ethically, and to commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following You.

May we always remember the importance of discernment,

The value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE/THE GOLDEN RULE/THE NARROW GATE

Matthew 7:6-12 / 13-14

Gospel Acclamation

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. 

Gospel | Matthew 7:6, 12-14

6 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. 12 “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. 14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” 

Background:

Matthew 7:6, 12-14 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that outline the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. Here’s a brief background on these specific verses:

Matthew 7:6. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

This verse emphasizes discernment in sharing spiritual truths. Jesus advises His followers to be wise about whom they share the sacred teachings of the Kingdom with, as not everyone will appreciate or respect them1. The imagery of dogs and pigs represents those who are hostile or indifferent to the gospel.

Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Known as the Golden Rule, this verse encapsulates the ethical teachings of the Old Testament. Jesus teaches that treating others with the same respect and kindness we desire fulfills the essence of God’s commandments2. This principle is foundational to Christian ethics and interpersonal relationships.

Matthew 7:13-14. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

These verses highlight the difficulty and commitment required to follow Jesus. The narrow gate symbolizes the challenging path of discipleship, which contrasts with the easier, more popular path leading to spiritual ruin2. Jesus calls His followers to choose the path of righteousness, even though it may be less traveled.

These teachings encourage believers to exercise wisdom, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 7:6, 12-14 offers profound lessons for believers, emphasizing discernment, ethical living, and the commitment required to follow Jesus. Here are some key lessons from these verses:

Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Lesson: Discernment in Sharing Spiritual Truths. Wisdom in Evangelism: This verse teaches the importance of being discerning about sharing the gospel. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths, and sharing them indiscriminately can lead to rejection or hostility.

Respect for Sacred Things: It underscores the value of sacred teachings and the need to protect them from being disrespected or misused.

Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Lesson: The Golden Rule. Ethical Living: This principle encourages treating others with the same kindness and respect we desire. It is a call to proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm. Foundation of Relationships: It serves as a foundational guideline for building healthy, respectful, and loving relationships.

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Lesson: Commitment to the Path of Righteousness. Choosing the Right Path: These verses highlight the difficulty of the Christian journey. The narrow gate represents the challenging path of discipleship, requiring commitment and perseverance. Awareness of Consequences: It contrasts the ease of following the broad path, which leads to destruction, with the narrow path that leads to life, emphasizing the importance of making wise, deliberate choices.

These teachings collectively encourage believers to be wise in their interactions, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ. They remind us of the importance of discernment, the value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

WROTE ALL THE WORDS OF THE LORD

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. 

And he rose early in the morning, 

and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, 

and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 

(Exodus 24:4)

BLOGGING FOR JESUS

Many years passed since I first wrote a blog proclaiming the words of the Lord. To date, I have more than a hundred blogs mostly centered on God's word.

Do I do it for profit? Certainly not! It has been my life to find delight, comfort, and satisfaction in God's Word each time I wake up early in the morning.

It is the main ingredient that makes my day complete. I need to be nourished with the Lord's daily bread in order to truly experience and appreciate what life is all about.

I can not possibly live without the Word of God.

 

Lord, 

Your words are my delight. Each morning when I wake, I read your words written in the scriptures. I believed that your words speak of my very life for you have created me and brought me into this world by your word. Your power is in your word and through your word, all things came to be. 

May your word in Christ manifest its full power in me as I strive to live in accordance with your word for the praise and glory of your name. 

With much love and thanksgiving, I pray in Jesus Name. 

Amen.

Published:

July 29, 2023, 10:07 AM

July 27, 2013, 10:55 AM

Write All the Words of the Lord

Moses then wrote down all the words of the Lord 

and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain 

an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 

EXODUS 24 : 4

Write means to trace or form (characters, letters, words, etc.) on the surface of some material, as with a pen, pencil, or other instrument or means; inscribe: to express or communicate in writing; give a written account of. Originated as Old English wrītan (originally: to scratch runes into bark); related to Old Frisian wrīta, Old Norse rīta, Old High German rīzan (German reissen to tear)

The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly (Ecclesiastes 12:10). Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. (Proverbs 3:3)

Now go, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll, that it may serve in the time to come as a witness forever (Isaiah 30:8). "For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD: “I will put My law within them and write it on their heart; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (Jeremiah 31:33).

The LORD said, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you (Exodus 34:27). Write this in a book as a memorial” (Exodus 17:14). Write on them all the words of this Law, when you cross over, so that you may enter the land which the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you (Deuteronomy 27:3). Write a description of the land in seven divisions (Joshua 18:6).

It seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence (Luke 1:3). If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment (1 Corinthians 14:37).

Published:

July 29, 2023, 10:10 AM