The Gospel according to Matthew Chapter 13

MATTHEW 

CHAPTER 

13

1. That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 1 and 2)

After the confrontation with the Pharisees in chapter 12 of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus may have wished to spend some time alone and maybe even in prayer. There are moments oh Jesus when it is healthy and necessary to retreat and reflect on our lives in a state of intimacy with You oh Jesus. The stress and pressure of this life on earth is so hectic and draining of our energy that we end up in need of refuelling in order to go on. However as in your case we need to continue with our lives and return to the duties that You have assigned for us. I thank You oh Jesus for always having time for me, and for never sending me away because I came to your office after office hours! Thank You for being both available an receptive.

On reflecting oh Jesus I observed that although You were available You safeguarded Your personal space. At times we are to respect other people's boundaries and have others respect ours. Your intentions may have been that of not being squashed by the crowds and thus be of service from a healthy distance. I pray oh Jesus that between me and You there will never be such a great distance for I cannot survive away from Your presence.

3. And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow, 4. and as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth soil. 6. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty, 9. Let anyone with ears listen!"

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 3 to 9)


When we listen to the Good News we can be either in one of the mentioned states of being. On receiving  the Good News we may at first welcome it with joy and become filled with Your Spirit however, when the first signs of trouble crops up we become demoralised and feel totally disappointed because we cannot understand why this and that has happened to us at a point when we feel strong in You. Gradually we start feeling discouraged and our faith in You withers. Another scenario is that when we receive and accept Your Good News. At that time we are fertile ground, however the tests and trials of this world gradually drain us of our faith and we suffer spiritual setbacks. However there is also the other scenario. Those of us who have survived the first two difficult stages with the help of God, are now able to withstand the scorching sun and turn its source from a negative source of destruction that makes the grain wither to one of nourishment. In such cases the scorching grace of the sun or God becomes food and nourishment which makes the grain or presence of God in us so strong that we produce much fruit. I believe that as human beings we gradually pass through the three stages and gradually, when our ears are tuned to receive and accept You as God our father we will then be able to be fruitful both for ourselves and for others. Let us therefore stop and pray for the divine power of the Holy Spirit that is able to give us the spiritual fertiliser in order to make us fruitful.


10.  Then the disciples came and asked him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?". 11. He answered, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12. For those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 10 to 12)


Many people might be exposed to the same scripture attend the same parish come from more or less the same background they may perceive the 'Good News' in a totally different way. On the other hand some may not even be touched by its message at all. The reason is that this gift of understanding God's Word on being exposed to it is not given to all, therefore priests are appointed to explain to us the meaning of Your Word oh God, so that we can all live according to its message that is light for our eyes and nourishment for our souls and the well-being of our entire body and soul.


13. The reason I speak to them in parables is that 'seeing that they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand. 14. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: 'You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look but never perceive. 15. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing. and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn and I would heal them.'

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 13 to 15)


So much for disability and equality for all, if we are more or less impaired. This leaves no room for negative discrimination against impaired people with disabilities because on reflecting we are all rowing the same boat. If we have listen that we cannot use to listen we have disabled ears. If we have eyes that we cannot use to see we also have impaired eyes. If our brains are perceived on our earthly reality and not on our faithful reality we are not whole persons. Our perceptions are limited and corrupt. If we live the day and never consider the fact that one fine day we are bound to die when the fatal moment comes we will be caught off-guard.



16. But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17.Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

(Matthew chapter 13 verse 17)


I am one of those people oh Jesus who would have craved to witness Your presence and even talk with You at the time that You were physically present on earth. My craves for You so much, however  I need to rely on my faith and imagination in order to have a perception of You and who You are. I thank You for giving me the Bible for at least I can pray and meditate on Your Word in compensation for the fact that I was not physically present during those times.


18. "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 18 to 19)


On reflecting oh Jesus I wonder how a person cannot understand Your 'Good News' when we have an un measurable bounty of resources both on line and even offline and even in our spirit meaning the Divine Knowledge of Your holy Spirit that is always happy and ready to help us understand Your Word. Therefore we are to approach Your Good News in a spirit of prayer instead of with an attitude that shows distrust, scepticism or utter unbelief which compels us to try to disprove it instead of accepting it as the one and only truth in our lives.


20. As for what was sown on the rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21. yet such  a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word that person immediately falls away.

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 20 to 21)


When comparing this person to that who had the Good News of the Kingdom snatched from him, this person was in a better spiritual state, for he had the opportunity of receiving Your Word and accepting it for what it is, however there is only the feeling of joy without true faith and conviction. The scenario is like when we go to Church to receive You or attend a prayer meeting. Once in Your presence we feel overjoyed, however once we return back to our testing grounds we turn back to our old sinful ways. This means that we and I are not yet spiritually strong to withstand the attacks of the evil one.


22. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.

(Matthew chapter 13 verse 22)


This is what is called the 'but' situation. Oh Jesus how I wish I do not do this sin and that! How I wish to be different 'but' I cannot overcome my carnal desires, my ambition to be above others, my thirst for power! Oh Jesus I really wish to be different but.....


A never ending story of buts and complaints. Jesus sweetly tells us to stand up and give our but a rest. 'Place your trust in me and not in your buts and you will be freed from your addiction, desires and but syndrome which becomes a blockage in our lives on many levels, not even the spiritual. We may be lacking out on many gifts and opportunities that God wants to give us because of our 'but syndrome' and may because of it remain in our rut for a very long time. However why waste all this time when God is offering us His Good News the only reliable means of our Salvation! Today get off Your but and in humility kneel down before God and talk this over with Him, pray for the activation of the power of the Holy Spirit which dwells in you. Give Him full control and you will see wonders happening in your life. This word is for me and for everyone if we only abandon our securities and place our trust in You, we no longer need anti stress tablets or antidepressants for our lives would be constantly renewed in the power of Your Holy Spirit.


23. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

(Matthew chapter 13 verse 23)


When we have overcome our sinful nature and its sinful drives and self by nature, we will be fertile ground for the seeds of the Good News to flourish. On reflecting, one might say that this state of being may be beyond human capacity, however if we honestly pray to God for the healing of our self, then the Holy Spirit of God will feel welcome not only to dwell comfortably in us but also, give us many gifts so that we can make much fruit, all of us, according to the gifts that he has given us. On reflecting it would be nice to thank You oh Jesus for the gifts that You have already given us and to strengthen those areas of our lives that still need adjustments or fine tuning.


24. He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field. 25. but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27. And the slaves of the household came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?' 28. He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29. But he replied, 'No, for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 24 to 30)


Have you ever wanted something really bad, and placed an outstanding amount of energy prayer and resources in order to reach your goal and suddenly something crops up and ruins all your progress or maybe causes you to stop and change your strategy. In my Spiritual life oh Jesus this happens often. I invest a reasonable time in prayer, You oh Jesus in turn invest eternity of Your time in planning a future for me and my family, however the evil one starts to plant negative thoughts and feelings in my head and heart, and I end up, either reaping the fruit of Your investment, or end up messing up the whole perfectly organised plan.


A practical example is when You gave me sunflower seeds to sow in my terrarium. I had long been waiting for this moment. I sowed the seeds and they started growing about half a meter. I was very happy with them, however due to the attacks of Satan on my relationship with my wife, I completely forgot to water them. During this moment of prayer You reminded me of them as a perfect example and I found them parched with thirst in a critical stage of existence. I watered the plants, however it is Your decision if You would like the plants to recover and bear flower and eventually seeds for next year or not.


31. He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32. it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 31 to 32)


The Roman Catholic Church also started as one small group of Apostles under the leadership of You oh God, however gradually because it was according to Your Will it expanded beyond frontiers and is still in a state of growth. I compare the mustard seed to this blog. When I started praying on chapter 1 of the book of Genesis I was sharing my posts with only six people. Today I make part of 171 circles.


33. He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."

(Matthew chapter 13 verse 33)


Thank You oh Jesus for using such simple terms in order to pass on Your message to us. Thank You for choosing examples from our every day life so that we could understand the message behind the parable.


 When reflecting on this parable I compare the yeast and the process of its manufacture and development to my own life and maybe even to that of anyone praying on this chapter. In order to be activated the yeast is to be mixed with the flour, however if the conditions are not correct the yeast will not grow. The same thing happens to us when we receive Your word. You give us the yeast seed by means of the proclamation of Your word and if it finds us receptive this seed develops and Your relationship with us starts developing each day of our life. Gradually we will become a good mixture as in the case of the, dough that is flattened and processed in order to make bread. During the course of our life oh Jesus you process us so that we become the best offering in order to be offered to You when we appear before You when our physical time on earth has expired according to Your will.


I invite you to click on the following link that shows how bread is made and the role of the yeast.


How yeast works in bread


As in the example of the yeast, our faith gives us the power to grow in our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit of God is the raising agent of our life that gives sense to it and makes it really worth living. As in the following video clip the soul also needs to grow in our relationship with God. A very helpful way is spiritual direction. As in the case of the yeast Your presence starts growing in us until gradually we become close and intimate with You our father. I invite you to click on the following link.

Spiritual direction enables spiritual growth in Jesus


34. Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. 35. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet. " I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world."

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 34 to 35)


Oh Jesus You have a particular way to deliver Your messages to us. You do so because our brains are not able to grasp the complete meaning of Your message. In order for us to get the message, You use facilitation. As in the case of little children You use story telling in order to communicate with us. You also use other people and their life circumstances both present and past in order to stimulate our faith, feelings, thoughts as stepping stones for our redemption and growth in our relationship with You and others.


36. Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."

(Matthew chapter 13 verse 36)


Oh how nice it is to have some quiet time with You oh Jesus. During such moments of intimacy You reveal to me a deeper understanding of what You mean by Your Word. During such moments of prayer You reveal to me profound insights which I then share with anyone who has eyes to see and an open heart to welcome Your Word.


37. He answered , "The one who sows the seed is the Son of Man; 38. the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39. and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42. and they will throw them into the furnace of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 37 to 43)


The devil sows weeds in our lives. These weeds can be anything that stops us from being happy and often hinder the unfolding of God's will in our lives. The weed may be a colleague who is making your life difficult so that she or he can be promoted instead of you who rightly deserve the promotion. The weed may also be an addiction or compulsion that is keeping you in a rut and denying you of the liberty to live a free life as one of the sons of God.


44. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46. on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 44 to 46)


Oh Jesus it is indeed a great find to all those who experience You in their life. My relationship with You and the gift of heaven is the greatest of gifts that money surely cannot purchase for whatever the price. You are my treasure and my life. Without You there is no life, there is no valid reason to live without You in my life. Nothing is of value compared to You oh Jesus.


47. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48. when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50. and threw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 47 to 50)


Oh Jesus may we all be counted as being counted as worthy of being among the righteous. I can only imagine with fear and trembling what it would be like to be counted as evil and not worthy of entering Your kingdom. It would surely be something worth gnashing our teeth for.



51. "Have you understood all this?" they answered "Yes"

(Matthew chapter 13 verse 51)


Verse 51 of the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew creates a huge dilemma oh Jesus. If my answer to Your question was to be a straight "Yes" which I believe it is, then the second question would be "Why Do I not always live according to what I have understood? When I am saying that I have understood I have also accepted the responsibility of living all that I have understood. Therefore I pray to You oh Jesus to give me faith that leads to the understanding and living the messages given to me in Your Good News. I pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit from whom all faith, knowledge and understanding is given.


52. And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old. 53. When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 52 to 53)


These verses oh Jesus are enough to prove that the "Old Testament" is as valid as the "New Testament" because both are useful for our spiritual growth. Oh Jesus You consider them both as being treasure and I am a witness of this treasure for I have been meditating on Your Good News starting from the first verse of the first book of the book of Genesis and am still in the process of reaping the treasure hidden in both Testaments.


54. He came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 55. Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and \Judas? 56. And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?"

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 54 to 56)


How easy it is to accept You simply as a human and deny the holy and divine nature that is also a part of Your Nature. In order for us to feel not guilty of our sins it is a good defence mechanism to deny Your divine nature and accept You simply as a man or a historic figure. I pray for our own good that we will always be aware of our sins and never deny the fact that we have You as our loving father.


57. And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house." 58. And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

(Matthew chapter 13 verses 57 to 58)


People who are not willing to understand your message may find Your good news as being illogical because it humanly goes against the values of the world and also against the norms held by human nature. Therefore in such cases those who have blocked their minds by a negative spirit of unbelief are not receptive to You and therefore they cannot witness the presence and power of a radical change in their life based on Your way of life. Such people flow with the current and norms of the world. However the choice is always ours to make.


I  would like to end this chapter of the gospel of Matthew by praying especially for all the members of the Roman Catholic Church and even for those of other churches. The temptation oh Jesus for us who are familiar with Your Good News is that of either taking it for granted or not understanding it at all and thus we may not bear the desired fruit. I pray to You oh Jesus that once again You blow Your Holy Spirit on the Roman Catholic Church and other churches so that we will all be empowered in faith by Your Holy Spirit and be genuine witnesses of Your Kingdom. Amen.

I invite all who is praying on this chapter to join me in this prayer to the Holy Spirit of God:

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

The Gospel according to Matthew Chapter 12

MATTHEW

 CHAPTER

 12

1. At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath."

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 1 and 2)

Oh Jesus you are so loving and caring and considerate for our daily needs. You are so practical and sensitive, that You respond to our needs. When in a situation that required the fulfilment of a particular need you did not consider the scenario of the time as required by the law but went against it in order to fulfil that need. This oh Jesus does not mean that You want us to show disrespect to the law, but at times in delicate situations of life it seems not to be unlawful to go against the law itself. A typical example is that when we happen to be chased by a person who is threatening our well being by shooting at our car. In such a case the victim would be excused for rushing a speed camera on the motor way, or if my wife is due to deliver and while we are on the way to the hospital the pain increases it would be acceptable to push the speed limit in order to ensure the well being of both the mother and the baby, as long as I do not kill them as a result of over speeding. Oh Jesus during moments of dilemma help me to place my focus on You and Your Word, so that my decisions are based on prayer and not solely on human reasoning.


3. He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4. He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests.

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 3 and 4)


Oh Jesus I admire You for completely basing your life on earth on Your Word. In this one scenario among many others You compared yourself to the example of King David in the Old Testament who in order to satisfy the well being of his men and himself nourished himself with the Holy bread of the presence that was not duly his to eat. If King David took what was not his oh Jesus, You alone are worthy to take what is Yours from the grain fields of the world. Never stop calling us to follow You in Your Holy Ways. I pray that You continue calling others to follow in Your ways as in the case of vocations for many walks of life including marriage by means of Your Sacrament and even calls for community life as missionaries and monks. Help us and use us oh God in our daily lives by grounding us in Your Word, so that when the situation arises we can freely cite Your Word and live according to it amen.


5. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? 6. I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7. 'But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice', you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath."

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 5 to 8)


On seeing us trying to portray ourselves as being good persons, You oh Jesus confront us with the truth and reality that our appearances are deceptive. We may hide and twist the truth that shames us both in our own eyes and more if others were to know of our negative acts. However You are both loving and just and cannot turn a blind eye on our sins. As all humans the Pharisees were aware of the truth, and even more what was written in the book of Leviticus in relation to guilt sacrifices and even sin offerings however it seems that they set themselves above that God given law by abusing it themselves but  imposing it on the people. I pray oh God that I do not fall into the same trap. May You please give me the grace to live what is written in your Word or 'Good News' and not be a person who gives 'lip service or worship'.


It is interesting how You confronted the Pharisees with the guilt of the fact that even though You oh Jesus are greater than any sacrifice, they were still going to condemn Him to die even though You were not guilty of the accusations brought against You. It is more interesting that Your attitude is more merciful than judgemental and You therefore want us to adopt this loving, caring and non judgemental attitude.


9. He left that place and entered their synagogue, 10. a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, "Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?" so that they might accuse him.

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 9 to 10)


Oh Jesus may it never be that You leave my side because You do not feel welcome in my presence. The Pharisees willingly put You to the test in order to have a basis on which to accuse You. As a person I may not have the attention of accusing You, however in my own sinful ways I may try to test You all the same. Even though I may be convinced that a wish or action is not according to Your will I might insist with You in a spirit of prayer that if it is Your will this or that may be done.


11. He said to them, "Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? 12. How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath."

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 11 to 12)


Oh Jesus your values and reasoning are different from ours. They are totally reasonable while ours are purely humanistic and not always based on Your Word and values. I thank You for going out of Your way to save me during many times of my life regardless of when or what the day happens to be. Thanks Jesus.


13. Then he said to the man, stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. 14. But the Pharisees went out and conspired how to destroy him.

( Matthew chapter 12 verse 13 to 14)


Oh Jesus without having to give such a case scenario You could have ordered the man to stretch out his hand and he still would have been healed, however You decided to heal the soul before healing the body, and in order to help this healing process You gave us this teaching. However although Your Word in itself is healing when finding an unhealthy sinful environment it cannot make fruit as in the case of the Pharisees, who instead of paying attention and getting, the message of Your teaching made good of the situation in order to use it as evidence against You oh Jesus when the moment came. Oh Jesus in Your name I also ask for Your protection. At times I also risk being misunderstood. When I am questioned about You and I speak from emotions rather than reflection and prayer, I also risk passing forward a wrong message, so may You take control of all my being oh Jesus, so that any answer or response be it with my words or with my actions, or both may be the fruit of Your Holy Spirit which dwells in me amen and not be the fruit of a defensive attitude based on rational thinking.


15. When Jesus became aware of this he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, 16. and he ordered them not to make him known. 17. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18. "Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. 20. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. 21. And in his name the Gentiles will hope."

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 15 to 21)



Oh Jesus verses 15 to 21 teach us alot about You and this helps us to come to know You better. On praying and reflecting on these verses You have passed on to me the following insights. The first one is that You are not a person who looks for trouble. If You really wanted on becoming aware of the plans of the Pharisees You could have made a public meeting and exposed their sinful acts and condemned them their and then. However this would have hindered Your plan for our salvation, therefore You chose to move away and not waste time in quarrelling but when on with Your God given mission. This is a lesson for all of us. If possible we are to avoid quarrels with others and invest our time in solving our issues in a loving and peaceful way by means of reflecting and praying for illumination of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us.


The second issue is that of avoiding fame and popularity. Instead we are to seek being humble and if possible nobody will be aware of our great achievements, so that nobody will hold a high opinion of us, so that we will not be given the merit for our actions, but all shall go to You, humble and pleasing in the eyes of Your Father. You had an excellent relationship with Your Father who loved You so much that He blessed You with the power of the Holy Spirit which as humans we greatly need to be aware of in our lives.


Another important quality that is necessary for us to imitate You in is that of being both humble and just. You always give us the opportunity of changing our ways and repent. You never break the already bruised reed. You never give up on us, even if we give up on our selves. You keep on trying until justice is served both in our selves and also in our environments. Furthermore as in the case of the Gentiles our hope is to be placed totally in You and not in our selves or in the ways of the world. This does not mean that we are not to have a good self-esteem however all goodness both within and beyond us is to be attributed to you oh God and not to us.


22. Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see.

(Matthew chapter 12 verse 22)


Oh Jesus when we decide not to follow Your ways we also become spiritually blind, because we start treading on dangerous ground, knowing not where we are and where we are heading in the sense of our future aims or destination. We start fearing both the present and the future. We are as if living in a bubble, with no contact whatsoever with both self and others. Therefore when we stop communicating we sort of become mute. Our lives become quiet and meaningless that may even lead to our feeling depressed and in worst case scenarios even to suicide.


However as in the case of the demoniac, You are telling us, that even if the world rejects us due to our sins, even if our lives becomes pitch black in darkness, You are still ready to welcome us back to forgiveness once we have decided to admit our sins and be freed from our guilt by means of confessing our sins in the presence of the Priests who have been ordained to carry out this role in Your name. When we seek confession it is You by means of the priest who is forgiving our sins and only then our darkness will become light and our pathways will become more secure. Our vision of the world will become more positive and the Holy Spirit will find a clean home where to live. Our tongues will become free again not to curse Your name but to bless and worship both by our selves but also in the presence of other believers our spirit will be free and we will be instruments in your hands.


23. All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?"

(Matthew chapter 12 verse 23)


The crowds are amazed by healing and miracles however you are not only a healer or miracle maker or a magician. When healing people You did not seek popularity but the redemption of the person's sins before actually healing the person. In truth we could be people including myself, who are easily influenced by the healing God, however when for some good reason our loved ones die or become bed-ridden with severe illness  our faith may not remain so strong because it would have been the miracles which were keeping our faith alive and not our faith in You oh Jesus! This is something that we are all to be aware of! Will we keep on believing if for some reason God starts saying "No!" to our requests instead of "Yes!". It is not fair of us to love Him only when situations go according to our plans. We either love and believe in you my God in all or not at all! We cannot be half-hearted in our love for You.


24. But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons."

(Matthew chapter 12 verse 24)


Logically speaking the argument of the pharisees was water tight and valid, however on the other hand can the ruler of demons perform acts of healing which in themselves are positive? The same agent that does negative actions cannot be the same one that does good actions because this is false reasoning. The world offers similar doubtful arguments in order to persuade us not to accept the ways of God but those of the world. At times science is a tool in the hand of the devil because it contributes to the creation of an atheistic approach which negates the very existence of God.


25. He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 25 to 26)


Oh Jesus You are always one step or more ahead of us, You know how we think, what we feel, our strong points and even our weak points. As much as we use reasoning You are the master of logic and reasoning. May we also use our reasoning in understanding Your will in our lives, and the immensity of Your love and grace instead of wasting our time in trying to prove that You do not exist by means of rationality and scientific enquiry!


27. If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 27 to 28)


Indeed the kingdom of God has come to us. I have witnessed Your presence in my life oh Jesus, however my sinful nature resists You by means of my sins. May I always be open to Your Spirit oh God, because when and where Your Spirit is present the devils and evil spirits tremble and flee away. They cannot resist Your very presence. Therefore we are always to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit of God especially during moments of trials, temptations and tribulations.


29. Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered.

(Matthew chapter 12 verse 29)


Oh Jesus, sin is like the one who enters the strong man's house. In order for him to enter the house, the evil one has either to break down the door to enter our self, or else find an open door situation. When we are anger or in a state of despair we are in an open door and Satan and his evil spirits are free to come in and take over the occupant of the house. Once the devil has entered our sinful selves before robbing us of our selves the devil must keep us tied down. Such ways of keeping us held down are compulsions towards negative inclinations such as pornography, addiction which are open doors to other sins. Once we are controlled by these bonds we are immobile and subdued. The devil can make a total possession of both our body and our souls. However if we resist him by challenging the negative ideas and compulsions and training in self defence by means of the Word of God and prayer to the Holy Spirit of God, the good spirit will defend us against the negative spirit and the enemy will flee away.


30. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

(Matthew chapter 12 verse 30)


This verse reminds me of my reasons for sharing these prayers and insights with people of all religions and beliefs, be they Catholic, Roman Catholic, Protestants and or even Muslims. Everybody has a God given right to share the Good News of God. I listen to many sermons on line because I believe in the Good News of God. I strongly believe that anybody who preaches about You oh Jesus will never say something against You because a person is either with You or against You. Even though a person may not be totally Roman Catholic in ones belief, if that person preaches a good insight about Jesus I thank Jesus for that person because in the name of Jesus he or she is a brother and or sister in this mission of spreading the 'Good News of God.


31. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 31 to 32)


Oh Jesus what a beautiful example of love and humility You are!. Your love for Your Father cannot be explained. Although You are as a Son also in the Father which means You are one in the same holy Nature of the Holy Trinity You still raise Your Father above yourself. How nice would it be if I had to do the same oh Jesus and place my father and significant others above myself, and always be careful not to speak bad of others shortcomings but use my tongue to praise their positive acts in praise and worship to You. The name and Holy Spirit are so Holy that indeed it would be a scandal to swear or blaspheme against them. Oh Jesus even in a subtle way by means of a joke that I know about the Holy Spirit I am to be aware and not say it at all for my good and even for that of others, for I would not like to bring sin on myself or on others!


33. "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.

(Matthew chapter 12 verse 33)


Oh Jesus with you there is no compromise either something or an action is good or bad. In your dictionary there is no room for doubt or maybe. You strictly told us that our words be 'Yes' for a 'Yes' and a 'No' for a 'No'. Anything apart from that meaning lies are not from God. I pray to You oh Jesus that my actions and thoughts are always according to Your ways for at times they are not and my sinful nature gets the better of me. I would like to thank You for testing me today. Today I got a parking ticket for having parked in a timed parking zone and had the time on the clock on the wind screen showing an incorrect time. My first reaction was to protest because I was angry at the warden for giving me the ticket. However when I looked at my wife's innocent face who was bewildered as much as I was I calmed down. In her face I saw a reflection of Your face. Although I was still angry and accused the warden that they were not there to educate the public but to make a day's living of the public an increase their wages  I admitted that I had not seen the signs. My wife explained that we had not been there for long. I had been in the company of my mother who due to a physical impairment cannot cover long distance on foot. I explained that a few minutes prior to the intervention I had visited another shop and had set the clock on my screen but had failed to reset it when I arrived at the new destination. The warden told me that all I could do was to contest the fine by explaining the truth of the situation. In my heart I thanked God for sticking to the truth and I believe that the truth will set me free.


34. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35. The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36. I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37. for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 34 to 37)


I thank You Jesus for my tongue even though at times this good means of communication is at times used to communicate negatively instead of positively. I pray your forgiveness oh Jesus for those moments when I lost my nerve and started speaking negatively of both myself and more of others, especially people with whom I do not agree and even have hurt me. I realise oh Jesus that as a human I have my strengths and even my weaknesses. I pray oh God that when I appear before You my scale of goods and bad is balanced or that You have mercy on me and compensate for the missing good deeds that I could have done, or for those careless or judgemental words that I should not have uttered regardless of the situations I found myself in according to Your will.


38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you."

(Matthew chapter 12 verse 38)


Oh how many times oh Jesus have I tested You in the same way. Many times if I have asked You if it is your will I will go back to my work as a social worker, while aware that this may have negative consequences on my health. When we ask You for a sign we are either blind or not aware of ourselves or environment, because Jesus You are working all the time in our life and in the history of the world. You give us one sign after the other but we and I either try to refute it, or believe blindly or with skeptically or believe not at all even though You have given us the sign of our desire. I therefore pray oh Jesus that Your Holy Spirit may break down the barriers in our brain that are hindering us from accepting You as God in our life.


 39. But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth.

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 39 to 40)


Oh Jesus it seems that Your wish is that we live the present and not keep on asking for signs. However I believe that as You have always done in Your good time You will give us clear signs that Your will for us is unfolding. As in the case of Jonah and in the case of Your resurrection You gave us clear indications beforehand of what was going to take place before it actually happened. May we accept Your will oh Jesus and accept all that happens in our lives as being according to that plan even if it goes against our own original plans.

41. The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! 42. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here!

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 41 to 42)


Oh Jesus the fundamental core of Your message is that of repentance. If we are not willing to repent feel sorry for our ways and go and confess our sins in a spirit of repentance our faith will not be complete. Repentance means that we go against our old habits, against our old false beliefs about ourselves and others challenge them with a positive attitude based on the positive message, attitude and way of life as based on the Word of God, meaning the 'Good News'. Once we open our hearts to You oh Jesus You can help us make the big U turn in our lives and start living a more healthy life.


My attitude oh Jesus was totally negative based on bad news that my life offered me, that the media bombarded me with, the negative bad news acquired from people who were hurt both family and friends. This wave of negativity entered my system so much that my behaviour was conditioned by negativity. I became a source of bad news. I became booooooooring!


However when I opened my heart to God He started making major changes. I was sick with myself. I sincerely praised to God to heal my mind, my eyes and all my body from this boost of negativity. The first thing that God counselled me to do is to activate in my brain an anti virus that blocked all negativity from my mind. He also told me to put on spectacles with a positive lens and eat the fruit of the 'Good News' and consider the ways and bad news of the world as being not on my diet list and therefore are unhealthy for me. I also wish to say that I am still on this diet and my anti virus and firewall are still activated because at any time I am not updated a new virus can enter my system. Praying on the Word of God updates my anti virus. The Holy Spirit of God is my shield, my fire wall, my all time protection. However when I decide to switch off this means of protection for I am still a sinner and prone to sin the Holy Spirit of God will prompt me to activate it on again but the choice is mine. May You all pray to God to start this positive diet and activate your anti virus and keep on updating it by praying on God's word so that He will clean your system and help you (and me!) to keep it spic and span.


In order to get an in depth description of this Anti-Negativity Software please refer to the following user manual:

Dear User this is a very sensitive software and is to be used with care. It is still a trial version.

·      For all time protection against any form of negativity switch on the "Fire Wall" which is the mighty power of the Holy Spirit of God. Pray that the Spirit of God surrounds you as a protective shield and give thanks to Him always.

·         All time protection:

·         Activate protective filters on your eyes; Pray to God that you keep your eyes fixed on the will of God   instead of on the ways of the world.

·     Activate protective  filters on the ears; Refuse to listen to any form of negative use as on Television, Internet and even from family and friends. Tell the person who is giving you these news that you are on a diet accepting only Good News and not bad news.

·         Activate protective filters on your stomach: Refuse to over eat and indulge in the excessive consumption of food and or alcohol. This is disrespecting the Holy Spirit who dwells inside You. Remember Your body is the temple of the holy Spirit so handle with care.

·     Activate all your filters when online to enable full protection. If you have argued with your wife or family do not switch on pc and visit negative sites. Give your family a big hug and kiss and seek their forgiveness. If anybody trespassed against you, there is a high chance that you trespassed against them. Activate forgiveness

·         Updates: Keep this antivirus updated. Due to the sensitive nature of this software it is very important to        keep this Anti-Negativity Software updated. This can be done in different ways:-

·     Ensure a healthy time of prayer both by yourself and with Your family. We all need to grow together we cannot make it on our own.

·      Seek the confession of your sins at least once a week if you are a sinner of my category, if not make it two weeks but not more than that in order to clean the bad files and images from the system

·  Visit positive sites such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ihhDBKccjs and many others such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1n7_V_LUKs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwT_aRJBRwg in order to continue feeding your system with positive messages even throughout the day. Even if you do not stop to listen the message will still enter your mind and replace the negative messages that were fed into the system

·   Attention: If this software does not work please contact me on the following email address needforspeedvkm@gmail.com

·       Due to the fact that this software is free no refund is granted, however your feedback will be a positive means of updating the software for future use.

·    God bless and may this software help you even more than it has helped me. May the Holy Spirit of God continue to dwell in you. God bless

43. "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none. 44. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'When it comes, it finds it empty, swept and put in order. 45. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation."

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 43 to 45)


On observing the proceeding of the discussion it can be observed that the argument has somewhat changed from an attitude of judgement of the pharisees to one of teaching and warning. Jesus you are making us become aware of the severe consequences of sin. When we are deep in sin, the evil spirits come and take possession of us. They tie us with all forms of negative patterns such as addictions and take control of our lives thus rendering us to living a life of utter disorder and pain. At the point of our conversion or exorcism when the spirits are thrown out our lives become ordered and subject to the will of God. However when the evil spirits find nobody to pick on and ruin their lives, they return back for a rematch and if they find their victim again in sin or still faithful they still wage a counterattack on the converted person by finding our weakness and launching their attack on that weak point. This is why we are never totally free from addictions because our human nature is weak and prone to sin. However if a person places oneself under the protection of the Holy Spirit of God one will be strong enough to withstand the attack of the evil spirits. Therefore it is wise of us to never stop praying for the protection of the Holy Spirit of God, because we never know when the evil spirits are coming back for a rematch.


46. While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47. Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you. 48. But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? 49. And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my my mother and my brothers! 50. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

(Matthew chapter 12 verses 46 to 50)


At times I may proclaim declarations oh Jesus by which I am misunderstood. When I replied to a message on G+ regarding the Apostle Paul and his speaking under the inspiration power and control of Your Holy Spirit I was labelled by the owner of this blog as being a heretic passing to others false doctrine during these modern times. I can only imagine the reaction that your declaration had on those present. However people such as Your Mother would have understood the meaning of this message in both content and meaning.


I  would like to end this chapter with the following prayer;  I thank You oh Jesus for considering me as Your brother. Although I am weak as a sinner and often make mistakes, I do my best by means of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me to behave according to Your will. I praise for Your forgiveness for those moments when by words or actions I was misunderstood or even those moments when I committed negative acts even though I was aware of my actions. I thank you for installing in my head the anti-negativity virus scanner, in order to protect me from negative feelings and thoughts, both of my own that are born in my brain, that are stimulated by my sinful self and for those transmitted to me by my social and psychological self and environment. I pray that I may always remain updated by the messages given to my by means of Your Good News. Amen. 

The Gospel according to Matthew Chapter 11

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

The Gospel according to Matthew chapter 10

MATTHEW

 CHAPTER

 10

1. Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 1)

Instead of sending the apostles to graduate school  or university in philosophy and theology, Jesus gave his apostles all the tools that they needed in order to proclaim Your message of love and repentance and a radical change in our lifestyle based on Your Word. According to Mr Pawar the author of this chapter, on calling Your disciples You gave them the authority to help others. As Christians we are also bound by the moral obligation to be of help and service to others. Apart from helping others or empower others to seek medical help, we are in a never ending war against the forces of evil that have the capacity of even inflicting physical harm and illness and even psychological disorders on us. 

2. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, also known as Peter; and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3. Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; 4. Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 2 to 4)


On reflecting You chose twelve men with different personalities and characteristics, of which some were extroverts having an outgoing personality as in the case of Peter who later on became the leader, while others such as his brother Andrew the somewhat introvert type who chose to follow under the protection of his brother. On the other hand there was James who formed part of Your inner circle who was nicknamed as being one of the 'Sons of thunder". John who was the other 'Son of thunder' is said to have a fiery temperament, while Philip is described as being a very practical and task oriented person who on being assigned the task of spreading the 'Word of God' set his heart and soul on fulfilling the task to the point of giving himself up as a martyr. On the other hand there were those such as Nathanael or Bartholomew who was rather cautious and sceptical in his first encounter with you oh Jesus. In this group of personality types we also find Thomas who did not believe that You rose from the dead before he was presented with the evidence. There also apostles such as James the less and Simon the Zealot who were sort of less popular when compared with Peter and Matthew the dishonest tax collector who although having such a shrewd character was still chosen to be an apostle.


Among the twelve apostles there are you and me who are praying on this scripture. We are the extended Church of today. As in the case of the twelve we also have the task of spreading the 'good news' of our salvation based on the 'Word of God'. As in the mentioned selection personality types everyone has a place in the body of Christ. God is welcoming new members and is still calling us even today. We are all sinners and therefore we are all in need of salvation even if we are fervent Christians, protestants, homosexuals, bishops or cardinals among others. God is God of all or none of all. Even if you are a member of a terrorist group and are not yet aware of God as your God He is still your God and is patiently waiting for You in heaven to welcome You in His arms. God is our creator, He knows human nature and is aware why some people become abusers, murderers, ninjas, thrill seekers, explorers while others become Popes, Cardinals, leaders of Protestant groups or Churches. God has all under control and loves us for whom and what we are. So if You ever feel that You are not part of the body of Christ, if you ever feel that you are an outcast refer to the twelve apostles and consider yourself as being one of the group.


5. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans,

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 5)


According to Mr. Pawar the apostles were so obedient to You oh Jesus that they were ready to venture to foreign lands where nobody knew them, like wise we must also be ready to venture beyond our safety zones in order to proclaim the good news of God. Even today we are called and requested to obey in proclaiming the good news. As the great master mind God is aware of the great benefit that will benefited by all who receive and accept to live according to the way of life that You planned for us.


Oh Jesus in Your infinite wisdom You were aware that there would be people and nations who would not accept the apostles and their message and therefore You gave them strict instructions not to go to such places. You love us so much that You do not want us to endure unnecessary hardship in any thing we undertake especially in the proclamation of Your good news. You do not want us to take unnecessary risks.


6. but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 6)


Jesus seems to be telling his apostles that He wanted to give priority to Hebrews who for some reason had left Jerusalem. Oh Jesus those people who form part of Your inner circle seem to be precious to You. As Christians may we all form part of this inner circle! May we always be candidates to receive the graces of the good news. Even though Malta is a small island in the middle of nowhere You still wanted us to receive the 'good news' of the Gospel marking our salvation.


According to Mr. Pawar with whom  I totally agree We are all lost sheep in our life. At times we also go astray especially when we are determined to go our way instead of following yours. As humans we may not have any particular motive in life but You oh Jesus are always there as master of the cattle in order to keep us united as one herd under one shepherd even those sheep that are in different churches and religions that are not yet part of the Roman Catholic church..


7. As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near. 8.Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 7 to 8)


According to verses 7 to 8 it is a fact that there will always be people who are in need of help, therefore as followers of Jesus, we are bound to give a helping hand according to our abilities. Moreover as stated by Mr Devain Ajit Pawar  the author of this chapter, if we all contributed positively to the needs of others society would be a paradise.


 Moreover when sending Your apostles You did not give them a pastoral dogmatic decree or theology. We already had the ten commandments as a point of reference. What was lacking was the awareness of the need of repentance, the going against the sinful ways of the world and the beginning of a new  life, based on the love of God and our neighbours. You gave Your apostles the authority to banish Satan everywhere they went and to cure disease. Although our priests and pastors as far as I know have not been given the faculty of performing such miracles, the healing of sins as in the case of priests, gives a new boost of energy and a strong will to live that is able to cure any disease if it is according to the will of God.


9. Take no gold or silver, or copper in your belts, 10. no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for laborers deserve their food.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 9 to 10)


Oh Jesus You wanted your apostles to travel really light on their first mission. Their primary concern was that of spreading the 'Good News' and not of filling their stomachs or making material gain from their service to the people. Jesus did not want them to make provisions for themselves, because He would be making provisions for them Himself. You told them that the labourers, deserved their food and therefore those labouring in Your fields such as missions or other projects are all catered for by Your divine providence both spiritually and even physically. In some way either directly or by means of the generosity of others You provide your labourer's with the much needed resources.


As referred to by the author of this chapter God caters for our needs and is always ready to listen to our prayers that is when our requests are not a source of harm instead of good. Therefore we are to be great full for having such a caring and loving father.


11. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12. As you enter the house, greet it. 13. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 11 to 13)


Jesus instructed his apostles that on finding a person who is worthy of welcoming them and the presence of God in them, they were to dwell in that household during the time of their ministry. As a thanksgiving token they were to bless the house and all who dwell in it, however if on the contrary they were not accepted they were to move on and take back their blessings so that it would not be wasted among those who would not accept it. Oh Jesus may we all found worthy of receiving Your blessings in our dwelling places. May we always be ready to welcome You in our homes and in our hearts. May we never be denied of Your presence. During these times the evil one is causing divisions in our families by creating barriers between husbands and wives and even children to parents. We are living in a state of chaos because we are not accepting You as a member of our family. We are even changing the original model of a family that consisted of one man for one woman to a model consisting of two men or two women! Please oh Jesus Son of God do not hold this great sin against us for we know not what we are doing! Forgive us as You forgave us at the time of Your passion for we are greatly sinning by implementing laws such as divorce that all go against Your will. Please have mercy and forgiveness even though we do not deserve it as sinners, but only as Your loving children.


14. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 14 to 15)


Oh Jesus time is so precious! It is best to invest time in the spreading of Your Word to holding petty arguments in relation to social issues or dilemmas that often have no possibility of a solution. When giving the apostles these instructions You told them to avoid arguments with those who did not welcome Your 'Good News' and simply to move away permitting such people to fall under Your judgement instead of ours. You love us so much that You do not want our souls to be stimulated to a state of confusion or emotional involvement which in turn leads to to commit one sin after another. In our relations with others You wish us to show respect to others and not be harsh and irritable.


16. "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 16)


During our times oh Jesus we are still surrounded by serpents, people who are ready to twist the truth in order to try and persuade others that You and Your Word are not the truth, are old fashioned during these sinful times. There are those who are making use of social medias on line and even offline in order to spread negative messages that go directly against Your will and values. Give me the Spirit of Truth oh Jesus so that in such circumstances my testimony about You will be true and valid. Please help me not to get involved in petty arguments but testify with both words and moreover by means of positive actions. As Christians we are at risk and exposed to hazards concerning both the body and the soul. Even today our brothers and sisters are being beheaded and thrown into open sea left to die because they believe in You oh Jesus.


17. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18. and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20.  for it is not you who speak; but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 17 to 20)


According to Mr.Pawar during the times of Jesus superstition and corrupt practises were applied and whoever opposed this corrupt system would be strictly punished. Jesus was fully aware of this situation and of the persecutions that they would experience when proclaiming His Word, however oh Jesus You always encourage us and empower us by reassuring us that You will speak up for us and therefore we are not to be troubled or over concerned when enduring such situations.

With reference to persecution during our times please click on the following link:_

The experience of persecution


21. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22. and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 21 to 22)


We are living in world where sin has taken over our brains so much that we are living in a typical state of nature, where our egoistic self is getting the better of us. During situations where we are asked to make important decisions our focus is becoming simply on ourselves or according to what we feel more than what is right according to Your Word.


This has been reflected by the introduction of atrocious laws such as that of abortion and other laws such as divorce in Malta and recently that of spring hunting. We are approving death over life, so much that we are approving and supporting a legal framework that encourages and approves of such sinful acts. As You said anybody who stands up in favour of Your Word by proclaiming Your good news verbally or even on line is subject to ridicule and opposition. Oh Jesus I pray that you give me and others to continue and never be dissuaded by the negative power of those who do not approve of You and Your values.


23. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 23)


Oh Jesus today many Christians are being forced to flee from their hometown and nation in persecution. Many have already accepted to be beheaded instead of rejecting their faith in You. In a spirit of solidarity with our brothers and sisters whose life and death are a living testimony of what it means to be a true and totally convinced Christian I offer this prayer for their souls. I invite you to join in the following prayer by clicking on the following link:-

Prayer for 21 Coptic Christian Martyrs

Coptic Priest offers prayers for victims and even the killers


24. "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25. it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 24 to 25)


Oh Jesus You set us a good example by which to follow in your ways and be like You. As in the case of the mentioned 21 Coptic Christian martyrs and many more to come, we are to forsake our lives and not renounce our faith even at the point of death. As You said if You were called slanderous names and You forgave such people, we are also not to retaliate but pray for such people who trespass against us. During such an early stage of the formation of Your Church, you already envisaged persecution for those who believe, live and proclaim Your word. Therefore all is Your control. You know what is going on and when it is Your will You are able to bring these negative events to an end. You are our the whole truth and are the only person who is able to inflict justice on this situation that seems to be far away but can without warning be close to home. I pray oh Jesus that like the martyrs mentioned we are found ready to face such persecution for Your name.


26. "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 26)


By means of the Holy Spirit the apostles would be given knowledge beyond knowledge that would outsmart and be able to silence that of their oppressors, therefore the apostles had no reason to fear the opposition. When in a tight corner, especially when speaking in the name of the truth and are confronted or opposed by non-believers, refer to the Holy Spirit of God instead of solely on logic and the Holy Spirit of God will enlighten you with the much needed details in your testimony.


27. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered proclaim from the housetops. 28. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 27 to 28)


According to Mr. Pawar the author of this chapter during these times we are more afraid of natural and  materialistic things than they are of those evil elements that can harm more the soul than the body. Today we are not realising that our real enemy is the Devil and not material sources such as illness and suffering, or capitalism.The sinful world that we live us causes us to worry about the future and installs in us a spirit of depression and fatality with the consequences that our focus shifts from God on to ourselves. The devil makes our world and our crisis appear more desperate and our lives more meaningless to the point of persuading us not to live this world and attempt suicide so that he can take our souls and deprive us of the chance of becoming aware of the love of God and turn to Him in a spirit of love, hope and repentance. When we give up to the snares of the devil our lives become more difficult and meaningless more than they were before because our hope is to be found only in You oh Jesus because it is only in You that our soul can ever experience true love peace and tranquillity.


29. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your father. 30. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31. So do not be afraid; you are more of value than many sparrows.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 29 to 31)


According to the author of this chapter with whom I totally agree Jesus is assuring us that we are worth more than sparrows even though we might be people of low self-esteem, however as sons and daughters of God our esteem in His eyes is abundant, so much that even if we give up on ourselves and on life, You oh God will never give up on us.


32. "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 32 to 33)


When we accept You are as our God and Saviour, we are committing ourselves to You. On the other hand You are committing Yourself to our salvation, however if we profess that we deny You publicly or even in private we are like a soldier who is sent to battle without a sword or a shield are subject to be destroyed by the enemy, the evil one for in doing so we have denied the protection of the most high God and decided to wage ware according to our own sinful ways and devices.


34. "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36. and one's foes will be members of one's own household.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 34 to 36)


Oh Jesus I understand what you meant by divisions among us. This is due to the fact that among families, there are those who believe in You and there are others who simply have decided not to accept You as their God both by their words and more by their actions. Therefore this creates stress on the family system and indeed divisions may be created.


37. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38. and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 37 to 39)


Oh Jesus there is nobody but You who can ever love me as much as You do. Not even my mother who in the flesh gave me life. Life would have no meaning if I ever lost your presence and love in my life. Indeed it would not be worth living. Please help me oh Jesus to carry my cross as You did. Please help me to deny my sinful self, by placing other people's needs before that of my own in total humility. This is something I have tried, however my sinful nature at times rebels and gets the better of me. I pray for help in this area of my life.


40. 'Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

(Matthew chapter 10 verse 40)


On reflecting I can say the same thing. I share these reflections on line that God gives me in a spirit of prayer. Nobody is forced to receive them. Anybody who does not wish to receive these posts can either unsubscribe or send me an email. God does not force Himself on us and neither do I. However those who refuse to accept the Word of God (not my posts ok!) are refusing Him and those who really accept You oh God know whom they are loving and welcoming. Nothing but pure love in its purest form. I Thank You God for loving me so much that You prompted me to share these insights and prayers with others.


41. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple-truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."

(Matthew chapter 10 verses 41 to 42)


Oh Jesus, may we never expect a reward from each other for what we do in our daily interactions among each other. However I prefer to receive the reward from You my Father. Among ourselves today we thank each other and tomorrow we argue and may even hate each other. Our thanksgiving is like the wind that is always on the go and unreliable! However Your thanksgiving is true and worthy of praise.



I would like to end this chapter by thanking You for all the support that You have been giving me throughout all these years of my life both online and offline. Thanks for giving me Your Word and the strength to reflect on Your Word even though at times I am tired especially in the mornings. Thanks for all the insights that You share with me. I would also like to thank You for all the people on G+ Facebook and even Twitter who are receiving these posts. They are gifts to me. I thanks both You and them for accepting You, Your Word and even the posts that I share online. Please excuse me all if I ever hurt anybody unintentionally by anything that is included in these posts.

Thank You Jesus