Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Make me great in Jesus’ Kingdom.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching his disciples about following the Law and the Prophets.
Context:
“Law and prophets” means the whole Old Testament. Jesus wants his Church to retain these books and teach them to his disciples. At the same time, these books are not God’s final word or his greatest gift because Jesus “fulfills” these laws and prophetic words.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Amen I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter, not even the smallest part of the letter will pass away, until all is fulfilled.
Whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever shall keep them and teach others to do so, shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.
I tell you that unless your goodness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus makes us God’s children.
- The disciple must keep God’s word in the law and the prophets.
- They must also teach others to live by God’s word.
- Then they will be great in the Kingdom. They will be both doers and teachers.
- As disciples they must go beyond the limited goodness of the scribes and Pharisees.
- Their tasks are heavy but their reward is great. They will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, you have made me a child of the Father.
- Train me in your word, O Lord. Plant your truth in my heart.
- Let your word be a lamp for my feet and a guide for my path.
- Give me a zeal to instruct others in your word.
- May your power make me a doer of your word.
- You call me to be great in the Kingdom. I cherish your invitation.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will examine where I do not keep God’s law.
+ I will read the Old Testament to see God’s words to Israel.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Whoever keeps these commandments and teaches others will be great in the Kingdom.