MATTHEW
CHAPTER
11
1. Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 1)
Oh Jesus you love us so much. You are always on the go. On sending Your disciples on the assignment of proclaiming your message You did not take the day of, but continued to spread Your message of salvation. Thanks for never taking a day off, for if You ever do so we would end up in the chaos of our sins, for I cannot live one second without You oh Jesus, let alone one day.
2. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3. and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 2 to 3)
Even though John the baptist who was related to Jesus, was aware of the nature of Your mission of the worlds salvation, John questioned the fatal issue concerning this mission. At times during moments of crisis we do the same thing. Although we strongly believe in You oh Jesus during some moments we start doubting if You are really and truly our Saviour, if we were and are ever saved at all among other questions. Due to our lack of understanding of why such situations are actually taking place we start doubting and questioning many issues of our lives including that of our belief in You.
4. Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5. the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 4 to 6)
During our moments of crisis, You oh Jesus make us aware of the facts, those positive peak moments in our lives when we made a critical experience of God's love. The situations could be many, such as our deliverance from a situation that meant either life or death, our baptism, or maybe an uplifting situation with You during a retreat or any other situation. God urges us to refer to such moments in order to boost us out of our moments of depression or doubts.
7. As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8. What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 7 to 9)
Today oh Jesus you pose the same questions to me and You also expect an an answer! What are You expecting out of all your prayers and meditations on my Word, a free ticket to heaven, or maybe a life without tribulations or persecutions? When you come to Church who do you expect to see a triumphant revolutionary king who will terrify his followers into believing and giving worship? Indeed this is not me says Jesus! Why do you come to visit me, do you really come and visit me because you believe in me or has it become a ritual? However if you believe in me as a loving father who cares for you and is always there for you in the presence of the Eucharist and even active in your life, yes you have made a wise decision to follow me, because I am your loving Father and you are my sons and daughters!
10. This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 10)
Just as John the Baptist was sent a messenger to prepare the people for Your coming into the world, in our own circles and in other areas of our environment whether on line or offline, we are the new messengers of Jesus, thus having the role of never stopping proclaiming Your Word oh Jesus especially in circumstances where You are not held as the God of the person's life. You oh Jesus are still sending us today to continue this mission. Today you are sending me, and not only sending me but have also prepared me and are still preparing me with Your Word and experiences from my life to share with others so that others may listen to Your Word (and not mine) and believe in You and follow in Your Ways and be 'Your Followers' (and not mine) on Twitter, Face book and other social medias and in the world at large.
11. Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 11)
Although John the Baptist was aware of who You were and are oh Jesus, he still questioned if You were the redeemer that they had long been waiting for. However You still had praise for this humble person, who was chosen by you to prepare others for your coming and public ministry. I pray for your praise and benediction on all those who prepare themselves and others daily privately and publicly for your second visit, so that when this takes place we will all be found worthy to appear before You.
12. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; 14. and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15. Let anyone with ears listen!
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 12 to 15)
The kingdom of God is You oh Jesus. Indeed You have been suffering and are still suffering because even during our times there are still of your sons and daughters who are experiencing persecution and death for what and who they believe in that is You oh Jesus. Even though in Malta we still do not have this type of persecution, we still have others such as anti-Christian legislation such as divorce and marriage of same gender partners that are rocking the very foundations and values of our society. Indeed may we all listen to 'Your Word of Good News'. May our eyes and ears be focused and tuned on Your word, so that we will not forsake our souls for the sinful ways of the world.
16. "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another. 17. 'We played the flute for you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not mourn.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 16 to 17)
On reflecting oh Jesus I wonder what your comments would be if You were to comment on our society. You might comment, that You promised us life everlasting but we chose suicide, abortion, murder and or euthanasia as means to terminate life. I gave you natural love and joy in my presence and you find your love and pleasure in natural and unnatural sexual pleasure that are not based on the model that I gave you. I set You a perfect model of a married couple and you changed it to a union between two men and or two women. I sent my only Son to save you from the traps of the Devil and you chose the world with all its artificial glory and pagan wisdom.
18. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; 19. the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 18 to 19)
Oh Jesus these verses are a great consolation to my soul, for if the Master was called that he had a demon and accused of being a glutton why should I complain of being called a heretic and for spreading false and pagan views in my blog. However as You proclaimed oh Jesus the truth speaks for itself. Thus instead of feeling discouraged I feel proud to be labelled in such a negative way for sharing my prayers on line. I hold that there is no salvation without persecution and thus these accusations are music to my ears instead of false and slanderous accusations. If the Master was not treated well, how can I an unworthy servant be treated better than my Master.
20. Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 20)
On reflecting You oh God would find much to reproach in us, however Your love is as great as Your justice and mercy.Moreover if it was not for this quality of love and mercy I would surely have no chance of being saved by You.
21. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 21)
Oh Jesus may You not count it against me, for you have also given me gifts and qualities that at present I am not using for the good of others. You permitted me to graduate as a social worker, however due to the hurts and emotional abuse that I received at the time of my childhood and adolescence where my self-esteem was battered and bruised I experienced problems in the undertaking of this role when working in a particular agency. Instead of receiving compensation and support for my past wounds I was sacked because I was honest and sincere and admitted the truth of my childhood in a private session after my first care-order. I believe oh Jesus that if it is Your will, when you consider that the time is right You will prepare me for my return to the world of social work, so that the good works that You permitted me to receive will not go to waste. Moreover, I thank You for this on line experience to interact with others and proclaim Your name and even encounter particular situations for in this way your are the continuing the process of my formation both on a spiritual and even social level.
22. But I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades for if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would would have remained until this day. 24. But I tell you that on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 22 to 24)
Oh Jesus may we all remain in a state of humility because in essence as humans we are all vessels made of earthenware. Even those made of noble material are not free from sin and error, therefore we are all rowing the same boat. Therefore let us not judge others but focus our lives on Your word and be ready to analyse and judge our own lives before that of others, if we all had to evaluate our own lives with the intention of improving our spiritual, social and psychological well being our lives on earth would be in a better state, and our world would be more peaceful and secure.
25. At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26. yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 25 to 27)
On reflecting oh Jesus I would like to ask You the following question. Why do wise and intelligent people decide not to believe in You?. If their intelligence is worldly based solely on logic and on scientific method without any reference to You and Your 'Good News' the person's logic and intelligence is not complete because it is not open to the intervention of the Holy Spirit of God.
28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 28)
Oh Jesus I thank You for making me a person of basic intelligence and not one of a superior knowledge. Although I have respect for such people and have dwelt among them throughout my course at University I still admire people of little intelligence who are open to You oh Jesus! May we put aside our concepts, theories and hypotheses, about You and the World, and may we all find our security and comfort in You my God. At times life is hard, water starts finding a way into our boats. It seems as if we are sinking under the waves of our tribulations, however You and our faith in You are our 'safety net' which saves us at the right time that You choose of our deliverance. Thanks for being such a loving and caring Father.
29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 29 to 30)
Oh Jesus I will inscribe this verse in my heart forever! I can never ever have a better role model than You. You are my counsellor, carer, Father and friend. I pray that You help me in basing my life on Your Word. Thanks for teaching me every day of my life, especially during these moments of prayer and reflection on the 'Good News'. Every morning and every evening You guide me during these precious and blessed moments and always give me a teaching or insight to adopt as my own and to share with many others on line and offline. May the seeds of Your Word be planted in the hearts of all people so that the World will be a better and peaceful place to live in.
I would like to end this chapter by referring to your loving Mother. In the name of all Roman Catholics and Christians and all who believe in You even though You are not Yet there God I would like to thank You for giving us Your Mother. On the cross at the most crucial moment of Your life on earth You generously gave us Your Mother the virgin Mary. May we also refer to her as our Mother and refer to You as our Father. Thanks for being the best parents to me and others. I wish to wish her and all Mothers;
"Happy Mother's Day! you are doing a great Job as women and as parents, the world would not be the same without you, love and take care!
I would also like to include the following prayer by means of this link:-
Mothers Day Prayer
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 1)
Oh Jesus you love us so much. You are always on the go. On sending Your disciples on the assignment of proclaiming your message You did not take the day of, but continued to spread Your message of salvation. Thanks for never taking a day off, for if You ever do so we would end up in the chaos of our sins, for I cannot live one second without You oh Jesus, let alone one day.
2. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3. and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 2 to 3)
Even though John the baptist who was related to Jesus, was aware of the nature of Your mission of the worlds salvation, John questioned the fatal issue concerning this mission. At times during moments of crisis we do the same thing. Although we strongly believe in You oh Jesus during some moments we start doubting if You are really and truly our Saviour, if we were and are ever saved at all among other questions. Due to our lack of understanding of why such situations are actually taking place we start doubting and questioning many issues of our lives including that of our belief in You.
4. Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5. the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 4 to 6)
During our moments of crisis, You oh Jesus make us aware of the facts, those positive peak moments in our lives when we made a critical experience of God's love. The situations could be many, such as our deliverance from a situation that meant either life or death, our baptism, or maybe an uplifting situation with You during a retreat or any other situation. God urges us to refer to such moments in order to boost us out of our moments of depression or doubts.
7. As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8. What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 7 to 9)
Today oh Jesus you pose the same questions to me and You also expect an an answer! What are You expecting out of all your prayers and meditations on my Word, a free ticket to heaven, or maybe a life without tribulations or persecutions? When you come to Church who do you expect to see a triumphant revolutionary king who will terrify his followers into believing and giving worship? Indeed this is not me says Jesus! Why do you come to visit me, do you really come and visit me because you believe in me or has it become a ritual? However if you believe in me as a loving father who cares for you and is always there for you in the presence of the Eucharist and even active in your life, yes you have made a wise decision to follow me, because I am your loving Father and you are my sons and daughters!
10. This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 10)
Just as John the Baptist was sent a messenger to prepare the people for Your coming into the world, in our own circles and in other areas of our environment whether on line or offline, we are the new messengers of Jesus, thus having the role of never stopping proclaiming Your Word oh Jesus especially in circumstances where You are not held as the God of the person's life. You oh Jesus are still sending us today to continue this mission. Today you are sending me, and not only sending me but have also prepared me and are still preparing me with Your Word and experiences from my life to share with others so that others may listen to Your Word (and not mine) and believe in You and follow in Your Ways and be 'Your Followers' (and not mine) on Twitter, Face book and other social medias and in the world at large.
11. Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 11)
Although John the Baptist was aware of who You were and are oh Jesus, he still questioned if You were the redeemer that they had long been waiting for. However You still had praise for this humble person, who was chosen by you to prepare others for your coming and public ministry. I pray for your praise and benediction on all those who prepare themselves and others daily privately and publicly for your second visit, so that when this takes place we will all be found worthy to appear before You.
12. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; 14. and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15. Let anyone with ears listen!
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 12 to 15)
The kingdom of God is You oh Jesus. Indeed You have been suffering and are still suffering because even during our times there are still of your sons and daughters who are experiencing persecution and death for what and who they believe in that is You oh Jesus. Even though in Malta we still do not have this type of persecution, we still have others such as anti-Christian legislation such as divorce and marriage of same gender partners that are rocking the very foundations and values of our society. Indeed may we all listen to 'Your Word of Good News'. May our eyes and ears be focused and tuned on Your word, so that we will not forsake our souls for the sinful ways of the world.
16. "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another. 17. 'We played the flute for you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not mourn.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 16 to 17)
On reflecting oh Jesus I wonder what your comments would be if You were to comment on our society. You might comment, that You promised us life everlasting but we chose suicide, abortion, murder and or euthanasia as means to terminate life. I gave you natural love and joy in my presence and you find your love and pleasure in natural and unnatural sexual pleasure that are not based on the model that I gave you. I set You a perfect model of a married couple and you changed it to a union between two men and or two women. I sent my only Son to save you from the traps of the Devil and you chose the world with all its artificial glory and pagan wisdom.
18. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; 19. the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 18 to 19)
Oh Jesus these verses are a great consolation to my soul, for if the Master was called that he had a demon and accused of being a glutton why should I complain of being called a heretic and for spreading false and pagan views in my blog. However as You proclaimed oh Jesus the truth speaks for itself. Thus instead of feeling discouraged I feel proud to be labelled in such a negative way for sharing my prayers on line. I hold that there is no salvation without persecution and thus these accusations are music to my ears instead of false and slanderous accusations. If the Master was not treated well, how can I an unworthy servant be treated better than my Master.
20. Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 20)
On reflecting You oh God would find much to reproach in us, however Your love is as great as Your justice and mercy.Moreover if it was not for this quality of love and mercy I would surely have no chance of being saved by You.
21. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 21)
Oh Jesus may You not count it against me, for you have also given me gifts and qualities that at present I am not using for the good of others. You permitted me to graduate as a social worker, however due to the hurts and emotional abuse that I received at the time of my childhood and adolescence where my self-esteem was battered and bruised I experienced problems in the undertaking of this role when working in a particular agency. Instead of receiving compensation and support for my past wounds I was sacked because I was honest and sincere and admitted the truth of my childhood in a private session after my first care-order. I believe oh Jesus that if it is Your will, when you consider that the time is right You will prepare me for my return to the world of social work, so that the good works that You permitted me to receive will not go to waste. Moreover, I thank You for this on line experience to interact with others and proclaim Your name and even encounter particular situations for in this way your are the continuing the process of my formation both on a spiritual and even social level.
22. But I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades for if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would would have remained until this day. 24. But I tell you that on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 22 to 24)
Oh Jesus may we all remain in a state of humility because in essence as humans we are all vessels made of earthenware. Even those made of noble material are not free from sin and error, therefore we are all rowing the same boat. Therefore let us not judge others but focus our lives on Your word and be ready to analyse and judge our own lives before that of others, if we all had to evaluate our own lives with the intention of improving our spiritual, social and psychological well being our lives on earth would be in a better state, and our world would be more peaceful and secure.
25. At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26. yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 25 to 27)
On reflecting oh Jesus I would like to ask You the following question. Why do wise and intelligent people decide not to believe in You?. If their intelligence is worldly based solely on logic and on scientific method without any reference to You and Your 'Good News' the person's logic and intelligence is not complete because it is not open to the intervention of the Holy Spirit of God.
28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew chapter 11 verse 28)
Oh Jesus I thank You for making me a person of basic intelligence and not one of a superior knowledge. Although I have respect for such people and have dwelt among them throughout my course at University I still admire people of little intelligence who are open to You oh Jesus! May we put aside our concepts, theories and hypotheses, about You and the World, and may we all find our security and comfort in You my God. At times life is hard, water starts finding a way into our boats. It seems as if we are sinking under the waves of our tribulations, however You and our faith in You are our 'safety net' which saves us at the right time that You choose of our deliverance. Thanks for being such a loving and caring Father.
29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
(Matthew chapter 11 verses 29 to 30)
Oh Jesus I will inscribe this verse in my heart forever! I can never ever have a better role model than You. You are my counsellor, carer, Father and friend. I pray that You help me in basing my life on Your Word. Thanks for teaching me every day of my life, especially during these moments of prayer and reflection on the 'Good News'. Every morning and every evening You guide me during these precious and blessed moments and always give me a teaching or insight to adopt as my own and to share with many others on line and offline. May the seeds of Your Word be planted in the hearts of all people so that the World will be a better and peaceful place to live in.
I would like to end this chapter by referring to your loving Mother. In the name of all Roman Catholics and Christians and all who believe in You even though You are not Yet there God I would like to thank You for giving us Your Mother. On the cross at the most crucial moment of Your life on earth You generously gave us Your Mother the virgin Mary. May we also refer to her as our Mother and refer to You as our Father. Thanks for being the best parents to me and others. I wish to wish her and all Mothers;
"Happy Mother's Day! you are doing a great Job as women and as parents, the world would not be the same without you, love and take care!
I would also like to include the following prayer by means of this link:-
Mothers Day Prayer
