The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2015, whose website is located at DailyScripture.net
Who doesn’t want a life of good health, peace, and well-being? Isaiah foretold that God’s kingdom would overcome sorrow and adversity and bring true peace and prosperity to God’s people. Jesus understood his mission to bring the kingdom in all its fulness to us. The core of the Gospel message is quite simple: the kingdom or reign of God is imminent!
The kingdom of God is imminent
What is the kingdom of God? It’s the power of God at work in that society of men and women who trust in God and who honor him as their King and Lord. In the Lord’s prayer we dare to ask God to reign fully in our lives and in our world: “May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 5:10 ). Jesus’ preaching of God’s kingdom was accompanied by signs and wonders. People were healed not only spiritually, but physically as well. Do you believe in the power of God’s kingdom for your life? Let his word transform your mind and heart that he may reign supreme in every area of your life.
Jesus commissioned his disciples to carry on the works which he did – to speak God’s word and to bring his healing power to the weary and oppressed. Jesus said to his disciples: Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8).What they had received from Jesus (all free of charge) they must now pass on to others without expecting any kind of payment or reward. They must show by their attitude that their first interest is God, not material gain.
The kingdom of heaven comes to those who receive Christ with faith
Jesus’ words are just as relevant today. The kingdom of heaven is available to those who are ready to receive it. We cannot buyheaven; but if we accept the love and mercy of Jesus we already possess heaven in our hearts! The Lord brings his kingdom or heavenly reign to those who receive him with faith and obedience. When the Lord returns in his glory he will fully restore his kingdom of everlasting peace and justice. Do you pray and watch with confident hope for God’s kingdom to come in all its fullness?
“Lord Jesus, rouse my spirit from complacency and stir my faith to see you act today. Give me boldness to live and proclaim the message of the kingdom of heaven and to be a prophetic sign of that kingdom to this generation.”
The following reflection is courtesy of PresentationMinistries.com (c) 2015. Their website is located at PresentationMinistries.com
NO MAN IS AN ISLAND
Jesus said, ” ‘Beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest.’ Then He summoned His twelve disciples.” —Matthew 9:38—10:1
The Lord promised His people happiness, sustenance, guidance, abundance, light, and healing (see Is 30:19ff). Centuries later, Jesus looked at crowds of people, and “His heart was moved with pity. They were lying prostrate from exhaustion, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). Are God’s promises true? If so, why aren’t we seeing them fulfilled?
God usually plans it so that we need help to receive His promises. We need laborers for the harvest (Mt 9:37). We need twelve disciples (Mt 10:1), that is, a small community of Christians, to cure our sicknesses and diseases and to expel unclean spirits (Mt 10:1). We need people and a community to call us to faith in Jesus and total commitment to His kingdom (see Mt 10:7). “How can they believe unless they have heard of Him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach?” (Rm 10:14)
Be a laborer in the harvest. Other people need you. Don’t be reluctant to ask others to help you grow close to the Lord. You need others. Try to join or form a small Christian community. You need a community of Christians. As Jesus invested His life in twelve disciples, so should we. Then we will “cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons” (Mt 10:8). We will see God’s promises fulfilled.
Prayer: Father, may I see every one of Your promises fulfilled and help others do the same. Promise: “The gift you have received, give as a gift.” —Mt 10:8 Praise:John and Susan prayed in faith and people in the community were healed.
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant my permission to publish One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016.
†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2015.
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements