THE GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO MATTHEW
CHAPTER
19
1. When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2. Large crowds followed him, and he cured them there.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 1 to 2)
Oh Jesus different groups of people follow You for different reasons, some to see the signs, however others out of pure and genuine faith along with the need for healing seek You and your ways.
3. Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?" 4. He answered, "Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' 5. and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 6. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 3 to 6)
Oh Jesus by promulgating laws on divorce and mixed marriages we are making a mess of the framework that in Your Wisdom You made for the world. The devil is in control of the minds of the law makers and has persuaded them to legislate laws in favour of divorce and marriages or unions between people of the same gender. This leprosy is found even among those chosen by You. You strictly told us that the model is to consist of a man and a woman, however the devil is convincing the legislators to accept marriages between couples consisting of men and women. Moreover men who for a long time have been accepted by this gender all of a sudden have become aware that they were not men but women and are behaving accordingly. Oh Jesus we are living in a state of utter chaos.
I pray oh Jesus that You end this reign of chaos and discord that is plaguing our world. Have mercy on us I beg You for we are heading on the road to destruction. Those who will come after us may not find anything to benefit from for although we are advancing in technology we are socially corrupted by our sinful ways. In many spheres of life there exist sinful ways, even in simple matters such as when purchasing appliances or buying an insurance policy, the small letters concerning the terms and conditions may at times of need be used against us instead of in our favour.
7. They said to him, "Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?" 8. He said to them, "It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 7 to 9)
On reflecting one may also stop and reflect why divorce was introduced in Malta and was accepted by the majority of the voters. In the background as in the case of Moses, there may have been those who at all costs really believed and desired divorce for a personal reason and did all they could to be influential in order to persuade the voters to vote in favour of divorce. However all who voted in favour of divorce are not on God's side because they voted in favour of evil that was personified in those who lobbied in favour of divorce. It had to be a negative force such as Satan personified that was strong enough to harden the hearts of the voters to go against the will of God. Therefore those who issued the bill of divorce are as guilty as those who lobbied and voted in favour of divorce and shall all pay for this major act of disobedience against the will of God. They are the cause behind the breakups of many couples because they were instrumental in sowing this negative seed. However it is You oh God who is competent of passing such judgement!
10. His disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." 11. but he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. 12. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 10 to 12)
Marriage is a commitment. It is a way of life that is very challenging because it implies the sacrifice of one's self for the good of others. It also requires great humility to accept that I am not always right, and that apart from my needs there are those of others. Marriage implies both duties and obligations. It requires more giving than receiving. At times I dread the moment that I decided to marry, however on reflecting oh God I realize that during such moments my focus is no longer on You but on my own sinful self that by nature gives priority to myself above others even family and this is totally selfish, for in order to imitate You oh God I am to find pleasure and satisfaction more in giving than in receiving.
13. Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14. but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven's belongs."15. And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 13 to 15)
Oh Jesus by means of children You set us a very good example of what our attitude is to be in our relationship with You. As in the case of children, they are innocent and dependent on their parents in order to cater for their daily needs. They are happy and young in spirit, free from the tensions and anxieties of the world. Oh Jesus how I wish to be like children in the sense that I be totally dependent on You free, from worries, stress and anxiety. I also pray and wish to have a spirit that is not contaminated by the ways of the world but one which is totally focused on You.
16. Then someone came to him and said, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" 17.And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18. He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19. Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 20. The young man said to him, "I have kept all these; what do I still lack?" 21. Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 16 to 21)
On reflecting oh Jesus we all wish to be united with You in heaven, however as in the case of the rich young man we may have issues that are blocking us from reaching this goal. As in this youth's case the issue was material possessions. In our cases we may all have sensitive issues that could be anything that we are giving a greater value than necessary such as hobbies, cars, possessions and at times even our families and own self or even our jobs and careers. Oh Jesus You are to be given the first place in our lives. Nothing is able to stand before You, for You always merit the first place in our lives. Amen.
22. When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 22)
Oh Jesus this may also be our case. We would like to walk in Your ways, however we are already loaded with our cares for the world and have no space for You. Oh God please help us make the right choices and decisions. May You be our number 1 priority above all else.
23. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 23 to 24)
Oh Jesus when we have many riches the great risk is that we are bound by those same riches, we may think that we are powerful and that we can purchase even death and live forever in our life of luxury and commodity, while others are starving to death. One might say oh God I deserve to be rich for I studied and invested in myself and in my property therefore I deserve to be rich. My friends are these riches more important than the riches of God. Will money, power and prestige save your soul. One thing is certain is that one day we will die and leave all our blogs, riches, careers, behind us and others will take our place and benefit from the fruit of our hard labour and studies. So it is better to invest in the ways of God, for they are ever lasting and do not have an expiry date such as death or retirement or pension age.
25. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?" 26. But Jesus looked at them and said, "For Mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 25 to 26)
Due to the fact that we are humans and prone to sin by our human nature, it is impossible for us according to our own devices to save our selves, however with the help of God all things are possible. For You oh God there is nothing that is impossible to accomplish for You are God of the impossible.
27. Then Peter said in reply, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 27)
Peter asks You oh Jesus a very interesting question. We all do something for a reason, and generally that reason is for something in reward. The reward greatly encourages the act of giving. It is a great time to ask You oh God as Christians or Roman Catholics or humans at large our reasons for following You and what will be our reward or else we might end up very disappointed as in the case of Peter. Our greatest reward is a place in heaven in Your presence oh God. This present is more precious than all the money in the word. Although I long for this presence I do not wish to come near You by myself but also with others. This is the reason why I wished to share these reflections with others so that by means of the 'Word of God' or the 'Good News' as in the Bible we will be inspired by the Holy Spirit of God to change our lives and experience Your Salvation as one big family.
28. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 28)
3. Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?" 4. He answered, "Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' 5. and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 6. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 3 to 6)
Oh Jesus by promulgating laws on divorce and mixed marriages we are making a mess of the framework that in Your Wisdom You made for the world. The devil is in control of the minds of the law makers and has persuaded them to legislate laws in favour of divorce and marriages or unions between people of the same gender. This leprosy is found even among those chosen by You. You strictly told us that the model is to consist of a man and a woman, however the devil is convincing the legislators to accept marriages between couples consisting of men and women. Moreover men who for a long time have been accepted by this gender all of a sudden have become aware that they were not men but women and are behaving accordingly. Oh Jesus we are living in a state of utter chaos.
I pray oh Jesus that You end this reign of chaos and discord that is plaguing our world. Have mercy on us I beg You for we are heading on the road to destruction. Those who will come after us may not find anything to benefit from for although we are advancing in technology we are socially corrupted by our sinful ways. In many spheres of life there exist sinful ways, even in simple matters such as when purchasing appliances or buying an insurance policy, the small letters concerning the terms and conditions may at times of need be used against us instead of in our favour.
7. They said to him, "Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?" 8. He said to them, "It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 7 to 9)
On reflecting one may also stop and reflect why divorce was introduced in Malta and was accepted by the majority of the voters. In the background as in the case of Moses, there may have been those who at all costs really believed and desired divorce for a personal reason and did all they could to be influential in order to persuade the voters to vote in favour of divorce. However all who voted in favour of divorce are not on God's side because they voted in favour of evil that was personified in those who lobbied in favour of divorce. It had to be a negative force such as Satan personified that was strong enough to harden the hearts of the voters to go against the will of God. Therefore those who issued the bill of divorce are as guilty as those who lobbied and voted in favour of divorce and shall all pay for this major act of disobedience against the will of God. They are the cause behind the breakups of many couples because they were instrumental in sowing this negative seed. However it is You oh God who is competent of passing such judgement!
10. His disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." 11. but he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. 12. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 10 to 12)
Marriage is a commitment. It is a way of life that is very challenging because it implies the sacrifice of one's self for the good of others. It also requires great humility to accept that I am not always right, and that apart from my needs there are those of others. Marriage implies both duties and obligations. It requires more giving than receiving. At times I dread the moment that I decided to marry, however on reflecting oh God I realize that during such moments my focus is no longer on You but on my own sinful self that by nature gives priority to myself above others even family and this is totally selfish, for in order to imitate You oh God I am to find pleasure and satisfaction more in giving than in receiving.
13. Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14. but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven's belongs."15. And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 13 to 15)
Oh Jesus by means of children You set us a very good example of what our attitude is to be in our relationship with You. As in the case of children, they are innocent and dependent on their parents in order to cater for their daily needs. They are happy and young in spirit, free from the tensions and anxieties of the world. Oh Jesus how I wish to be like children in the sense that I be totally dependent on You free, from worries, stress and anxiety. I also pray and wish to have a spirit that is not contaminated by the ways of the world but one which is totally focused on You.
16. Then someone came to him and said, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" 17.And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18. He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19. Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 20. The young man said to him, "I have kept all these; what do I still lack?" 21. Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 16 to 21)
On reflecting oh Jesus we all wish to be united with You in heaven, however as in the case of the rich young man we may have issues that are blocking us from reaching this goal. As in this youth's case the issue was material possessions. In our cases we may all have sensitive issues that could be anything that we are giving a greater value than necessary such as hobbies, cars, possessions and at times even our families and own self or even our jobs and careers. Oh Jesus You are to be given the first place in our lives. Nothing is able to stand before You, for You always merit the first place in our lives. Amen.
22. When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 22)
Oh Jesus this may also be our case. We would like to walk in Your ways, however we are already loaded with our cares for the world and have no space for You. Oh God please help us make the right choices and decisions. May You be our number 1 priority above all else.
23. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 23 to 24)
Oh Jesus when we have many riches the great risk is that we are bound by those same riches, we may think that we are powerful and that we can purchase even death and live forever in our life of luxury and commodity, while others are starving to death. One might say oh God I deserve to be rich for I studied and invested in myself and in my property therefore I deserve to be rich. My friends are these riches more important than the riches of God. Will money, power and prestige save your soul. One thing is certain is that one day we will die and leave all our blogs, riches, careers, behind us and others will take our place and benefit from the fruit of our hard labour and studies. So it is better to invest in the ways of God, for they are ever lasting and do not have an expiry date such as death or retirement or pension age.
25. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?" 26. But Jesus looked at them and said, "For Mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible."
(Matthew Chapter 19 verses 25 to 26)
Due to the fact that we are humans and prone to sin by our human nature, it is impossible for us according to our own devices to save our selves, however with the help of God all things are possible. For You oh God there is nothing that is impossible to accomplish for You are God of the impossible.
27. Then Peter said in reply, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 27)
Peter asks You oh Jesus a very interesting question. We all do something for a reason, and generally that reason is for something in reward. The reward greatly encourages the act of giving. It is a great time to ask You oh God as Christians or Roman Catholics or humans at large our reasons for following You and what will be our reward or else we might end up very disappointed as in the case of Peter. Our greatest reward is a place in heaven in Your presence oh God. This present is more precious than all the money in the word. Although I long for this presence I do not wish to come near You by myself but also with others. This is the reason why I wished to share these reflections with others so that by means of the 'Word of God' or the 'Good News' as in the Bible we will be inspired by the Holy Spirit of God to change our lives and experience Your Salvation as one big family.
28. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 28)
I thank You Jesus for the reward of heaven. I need not have such an important place such as that of the apostles, as long as I am with You in Your presence I am happy and fulfilled.
29. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 30. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 29)
As in the case of Peter one might ask the fatal question what is in it for me? I will try to live a good life and then what if I cannot reach my aim? However oh Jesus You show us the other side of the coin. When we love each other as You do, You will compensate us, when we go out of our egoistic self and reach out for others in order to help them cater for their needs, we make new friends who become new brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
However, it is the humble who are admitted first into the kingdom of God and not those who are proud and haughty and full of themselves who have such a high self-expectation that they raise themselves above others.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Dear Father who loves us so much more than any other in the world. I offer You all the families in the world. Please place them under Your protective caring wing for the evil one is harassing us day and night. I also place intercession for Your priests, bishops and all the fishermen of our time. Protect them from the forces of evil for they are also under the evil one's attack. I pray that you protect the Roman Catholic Church from the plague of homosexuality that is infecting the Church and our society, for many are abusing of this condition in order to harm Your body on earth Amen.
29. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 30. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
(Matthew Chapter 19 verse 29)
As in the case of Peter one might ask the fatal question what is in it for me? I will try to live a good life and then what if I cannot reach my aim? However oh Jesus You show us the other side of the coin. When we love each other as You do, You will compensate us, when we go out of our egoistic self and reach out for others in order to help them cater for their needs, we make new friends who become new brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
However, it is the humble who are admitted first into the kingdom of God and not those who are proud and haughty and full of themselves who have such a high self-expectation that they raise themselves above others.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Dear Father who loves us so much more than any other in the world. I offer You all the families in the world. Please place them under Your protective caring wing for the evil one is harassing us day and night. I also place intercession for Your priests, bishops and all the fishermen of our time. Protect them from the forces of evil for they are also under the evil one's attack. I pray that you protect the Roman Catholic Church from the plague of homosexuality that is infecting the Church and our society, for many are abusing of this condition in order to harm Your body on earth Amen.
