A Better Version

And whenever the vessel he was making came out wrong, as happens with the clay handled by potters, he would start afresh and work it into another vessel, as potters do.
Jer.18:4

Jeremiah describes his vision of the potter's house. The potter reworks the clay, again and again, until he has the pot he intended.

This is a strong analogy of how God works on me. He accepts me as I am but loves me so much he doesn't leave me this way. He "reworks" me. The starting afresh can be just a slight re-smoothing or it can involve punching the clay back into ball and completely restarting.

This reworking of my clay happens through what and who God places in my day. WHen things don't go smoothly, God is at work.

Lord Jesus, help me accept the rough times in my day as moments when you are making me into a better version of myself.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Great Treasure

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’
Mt.13:46

Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God, describing in parables. In the parables of the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price he has the discoverer selling everything to gain the newly discovered and true treasure.

In both these parables the discoverer immediately knows the value of what he has found. Without a second thought they discard what they had previously valued, everything they owned, in order to gain the higher treasure.

I can be complacent about God's Kingdom. Yes, it's there but just put on the shelf for a while. The trouble is, the things I "own" can crowd God's Kingdom out. This is a good reminder of where my true treasure lies, where rust or moth cannot destroy. It also reminds me of the great cost Jesus paid that I may gain this treasure.

Thank you Jesus for the great value you place on me by gaining me access to God's Kingdom. You think I'm worth it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Heaven and Hell

'The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that provoke offences and all who do evil, and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then the virtuous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Listen, anyone who has ears!’
Mt.13:40-43

Jesus is explaining his parable of the weeds among the wheat. He is quite clear that not all will gain heaven, that a number of people will be thrown into what can only be called Hell.

This would be the most side-stepped passage of the Good News. There is heaven. There is Hell. There is a choice. My business is to help gather as many as possible in my corner of the world for the Kingdom. Starting with my family.

Lord, sometimes I'm not the greatest witness for heaven. Help me be an authentic witness for you so that the fires of Hell run out of fuel.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Stories

In all this Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables; indeed, he would never speak to them except in parables. This was to fulfil the prophecy: I will speak to you in parables and expound things hidden since the foundation of the world.
Mt.13:34,35

Jesus is teaching the people about great things, about the kingdom of God. To do so effectively he uses parables in a language the people understand.

A parable is a story with a point. Jesus knew how to teach a common crowd. He used stories about things the people recognised to expound on great theological truths.

I'm attempting to write. One of the first things I'm learning about writing is that it must matter, it must have a point that the reader can embrace. Powerful stories can move a people.Christmas charities in England blossomed after Dickens published A Christmas Carol.

This is encouraging for me in my self doubts about my writing.

Jesus, anything creative in me comes from you. Help me in my writing efforts that you may be glorified in what I write.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Guard your Mind

‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it.’
Mt.5:21,22


Jesus is now getting into the tough talk in his sermon on the mount. Here he focuses on inner thoughts, showing they are as bad, if not worse, than outward sinful actions.

Every sinful action starts with a sinful thought, and I’m thinking all the time, except when asleep. My thoughts are where the battle lies. Control my thoughts and actions are controlled. Stinking thinking makes me stink.

Set your mind on things from above, writes Saint Paul, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Today I will be conscious of my thoughts. Then peace will be mine.

Lord Jesus, you know my thoughts are unconstrained. Help me control my thinking so your peace may be mine.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Keep Them, Teach Them

Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.’
Mt.5:19

Jesus is starting his Sermon on the Mount, stating he has not come to replace the Law and the Prophets, rather, to fulfill them. He underscores this by showing what becomes of those who infringe the commandments and those who obey and teach them.

There is an eternal consequence to my attitude to the commandments of God found in the Bible, even the least of them. To keep them and teach them is to gain greatness in heaven.

I'm leading Children's Liturgy at Mass this Sunday. I'd better get it right.

Lord Jesus, I am just a stumbling follower. I trip and fall but get up again to follow you. Give me wisdom and joy as I teach the little children, the very ones you called to be brought to you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Authentic

The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’
Mk.12:32-34

A Scribe asks Jesus what is the greatest commandment and in reply Jesus defines the Golden Rule; Love God and love others.

When Jesus senses a genuine question he gives a deeper, meaningful response. The Scribe wasn't trying to trap Jesus and he recognised the truth of Jesus' answer.

Authenticity is a state of grace. Having no guile, no ulterior motive is a very attractive feature in a man. Honesty begets honesty. People like being around such men.

Today I can be authentic with those I meet, no judgement, no ulterior motives.

Lord Jesus, give me the grace today to meet others where they are at, to love them as myself.
Little Flower, please pray for me.