of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
JUNE 23, 2016 – WEEK TWELVE – THURSDAY – DOING THE FATHER’S WILL

JUNE 23, 2016 – WEEK TWELVE – THURSDAY – DOING THE FATHER’S WILL

(Matthew 7:21-24)

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Teach me to do the Father’s will.

Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching His disciples true devotion.)

Context:

The disciples in Matthew’s Church exercised many charismatic powers (as seen in this gospel). Here, Matthew issues a severe warning. These powers do not get the disciple into heaven. Only doing the Father’s will accomplishes that.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord”, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out devils in your name and do miracles in your name?” And I will say to them, “I never knew you. Depart from me you workers of inequity.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. If you do not enter Jesus’ Kingdom, you will be lost forever.
  2. Lip service, like saying “Lord, Lord” does not suffice.
  3. Even having special powers, like prophecy and healing, do not open the door.
  4. To enter heaven, you must do the Father’s will.
  5. What if you performed miracles and lived an evil life? What would this profit you?
  6. If you have no interest in the Father’s will, you are really a “worker of inequity”. Somewhat shocking!

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  1. O Jesus, often I say “Lord, Lord” but do not do the Father’s will.
  2. Lord, if I do your will, you will take me to heaven.
  3. Jesus, help me to enter heaven someday.
  4. Give me great powers, but only to serve your Kingdom.
  5. Jesus, make me a true child of God.
  6. Jesus, I want you to say “Come. I know you. You have done my Father’s will.”

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

  1. I will cry out “Lord” and live by his commandments.
  2. I will reject every lie in my life.

Thought for the Day (To recall your meditation)

Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.