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 iniquity.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
1. You must enter the Kingdom of heaven or be lost forever.
2. Lip service, like “Lord, Lord” does not suffice.
3. Jesus explains what is demanded. You must do the Father’s will.
4. Even having special powers, like prophecy and healing, does not open the door.
5. If you had great powers of miracles and yet 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.”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
1. Jesus, it is good to say “Lord, Lord” but I must also do the Father’s will.
2. O Jesus, help me to enter heaven someday.
3. I will use my talents to serve your Kingdom.
4. O Jesus, if you do not know me, I am living a lie.
5. Jesus, I do not want to be a “worker of inequity”.
6. O Jesus, let me hear you say “Come. 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 will enter the Kingdom.