Monday | July 19, 2021
Matthew 12:38-42:
What Jesus has said and done is not enough for the scribes and Pharisees. They want more though it is abundantly clear that nothing will lead them to faith, even the greatest sign to come, Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus recounts stories of those who were not Jewish but demonstrated greater faith than the scribes and Pharisees are capable of.
I think that rather than looking for where your signs lead me, I ask for more to confirm where I want to go. Your will be done, O Lord.
Sunday | July 18, 2021
Mark 6:30-34:
The apostles have so much to tell Jesus about their mission. He knows that they were tired and need rest. He suggests they go off in a boat together but their downtime is not to be. A crowd is waiting for them. In that moment their need is greater than the needs of the Twelve.
Ministry often means “no rest for the weary.” You are with us and your presence brings energy and the strength to carry on.
Saturday | July 17, 2021
Matthew 12:14-21:
The opposition to Jesus is intensifying. Jesus is aware but it does not stop him. It seems that Matthew pauses in the Gospel to cite the first Servant Song from Isaiah. In the face of persecution, Jesus remains the meek and humble servant of the Lord. The citation ends with the foretelling of his mission to the gentiles.
Your power was in your powerlessness, your strength in your weakness. You were meek and humble. You were compassionate to a fault. I have a long way to go as I strive to be like you.
Friday | July 16, 2021
Matthew 12:1-8:
It is the Sabbath. The disciples are hungry so they reach for what food is readily accessible. The Pharisees protest. It is the Sabbath and what the disciples are doing is considered work. Jesus responds as the authoritative interpreter of Scripture with a detailed explanation about that which is the heart of the Jewish law, the welfare of the human person.
“The devil is in the detail.” It is so easy to get caught up in the detail and lose sight of the big picture.
Thursday | July 15, 2021
Matthew 11:28-30:
The scribes and Pharisees by confusing and complicating the law have burdened the people with a heavy and cumbersome yoke. Jesus authoritatively interprets the law, inviting all who listen to come to him to be refreshed. He offers an invitation to discipleship; a life lived loving and serving God and neighbor.
Why do I make that which is so very simple, complicated to the point that I become exhausted and ready to give up? Let me rest in you, O Lord.
Wednesday | July 14, 2021
Matthew 11:25-27:
Jesus in his prayer to his Father, offers praise and thanks for God’s revealing God’s self to those who are childlike, open to listening and to change, in contrast to those whose hearts are hardened. Jesus goes on to speak about his relationship with his Father. It is a perfect union into which Jesus invites all who believe.
I praise you Lord God and thank you for your Son whose, life, death and resurrection have shown me the way. St. Kateri, pray for us.
Tuesday | July 13, 2021
Matthew 11:20-24:
Jesus warns the Galilean cities. Their rejection of him, rejection of his Father will have consequences as has happened in the past. Are the mighty deeds he has done not enough for them to know him and to turn to him?
Rejection of you is so clear in this ongoing period of anger, repression and division. What will it take for us to realize there is nowhere to turn but to you?
Monday | July 12, 2021
Matthew 10:34—11:1:
Jesus’ sayings seem harsh but in fact need to be. The demands of discipleship are radical. Jesus tells his disciples that the conflict they face may very well include conflict with family. No relationship, even that of blood relatives outweighs the disciple’s relationship with Jesus and his mission.
My family and friends are gifts you have given me, but you are the source deserving of my love.
Sunday | July 11, 2021
Mark 6:7-13:
Jesus’ instructions are concise and clear, beginning with the understanding that they are not to go alone but “two by two.” Pack light he tells them and rely on those who welcome them for food and shelter. With Jesus’ authority, they preach and heal, carrying on his mission.
Your mission lives on as you summon, teach and send us forth. It is truly a gift to be your hands and your feet in this small corner of the world you created. Thank you.
Saturday | July 10, 2021
Matthew 10:24-33:
Jesus reassures his apostles. They do not need to be afraid. The kingdom of God will come and the unbelievers will be revealed. Those who oppose them may destroy their bodies but not their souls. They will be judged by their fidelity to the mission.
Sometimes, I am my own undoing. I let fear and anxiety get the best of me. All the while, you are saying over and over, “Do not be afraid.”
