WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 1
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Matthew 5: 3-10: The Beatitudes:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied...Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy...Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." [Please read Matthew 5: 1-12 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 5: 3-10; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)
The Beatitudes sum up all of Jesus' teachings. Jesus is asking us to be like Him, offering our lives to God and His people in sacrificial devotion and service. One experiences the joy and peace of the Kingdom of God when such an offering is made to the other, without reserve. The Beatitudes reach into the depths of our being and challenge every settled assumption we hold. In covenant fashion, they encourage living for the other: giving up comfort and security for the other (poor in spirit); longing and working for the right order of things (hunger and thirst for righteousness); showing mercy as God does, without counting the cost (blessed are the merciful); being persecuted in working towards establishing righteousness (persecuted for the sake of righteousness). The world does not think the way Jesus does. Through the Beatitudes, Jesus is offering us a different kind of existence. This new life of true happiness and union with God is considered to be foolishness by worldly standards. Disciples, who are guided by the norms set within the Beatitudes, harbor no enmity in their hearts. They seek peace and union of hearts. They are often misunderstood because they seek truth, and challenge others to do likewise. They experience joy even in the midst of suffering. Throughout the Beatitudes, Jesus extols the disciple who is willing to go to any lengths to seek and receive union with God. As you pray on the Beatitudes, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you their inner meaning and beauty."
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Matthew 5: 3-10: The Beatitudes:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied...Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy...Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." [Please read Matthew 5: 1-12 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 5: 3-10; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)
The Beatitudes sum up all of Jesus' teachings. Jesus is asking us to be like Him, offering our lives to God and His people in sacrificial devotion and service. One experiences the joy and peace of the Kingdom of God when such an offering is made to the other, without reserve. The Beatitudes reach into the depths of our being and challenge every settled assumption we hold. In covenant fashion, they encourage living for the other: giving up comfort and security for the other (poor in spirit); longing and working for the right order of things (hunger and thirst for righteousness); showing mercy as God does, without counting the cost (blessed are the merciful); being persecuted in working towards establishing righteousness (persecuted for the sake of righteousness). The world does not think the way Jesus does. Through the Beatitudes, Jesus is offering us a different kind of existence. This new life of true happiness and union with God is considered to be foolishness by worldly standards. Disciples, who are guided by the norms set within the Beatitudes, harbor no enmity in their hearts. They seek peace and union of hearts. They are often misunderstood because they seek truth, and challenge others to do likewise. They experience joy even in the midst of suffering. Throughout the Beatitudes, Jesus extols the disciple who is willing to go to any lengths to seek and receive union with God. As you pray on the Beatitudes, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you their inner meaning and beauty."
I spent time this morning listening to the Sermon on the Mount. There are many vantage points to view the scene. The one that grabbed a hold of me was from Jesus's vantage point. He seen the mass of people, He lived in their world and He heard their cry as God the Son. In our own lives God hears our every request at responds in some form or fashion, nothing goes amiss. In these quiet moments you will realize how God has sent you Jesus in your needs. He does this to strengthen you, to give you right Spirit. Likewise He praises those who seek God and respond to His voice. Walk the walk, it is a great journey experienced in Peace.
What is God saying to you? I have heard You and I have responded, You are walking, do not run. Walking is fine.
What is God saying to you? I have heard You and I have responded, You are walking, do not run. Walking is fine.
Dear Father, I thank You for these quiet moments, You have the best vantage point and are the provider of the best gifts. Prayers for a good walk today that leads to glorifying You. Thank You Father for all the answered prayers even in unexpected ways. Bless this day and may praise be always on my lips. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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