Devotion
Go Make Disciples
Frances Taylor
The sending forth of the apostles – and us! Go, make disciples, is what Jesus told them and us to do. He didn't say to go and make followers, but I have a feeling that, unlike the apostles, that's what we tend to do. Do those we baptize, or their parents, realize that they are being called to be disciples?
Disciples are people who sit at the feet of the master and learn from him so that they can go forth and make other disciples. It's not enough to just be baptized, the last part of that passage is so important, that we must teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded them. We've come a long way from the days of the apostles and the early Christians. They were anxious to learn everything about Jesus and his teachings, and often asked the apostles or other disciples to stay longer than they had planned so that they could continue learning.
I'm not sure about where you live, but most adults around me will bring their children to classes, but don't think that they need to go. I wonder how many people would go to a doctor who stopped his studying after high school. That goes for other professions as well. Do we really think we have learned everything we need to learn about Jesus? I know that I learn more and more every time I read the Bible. I learn even more if I am reflecting upon it with others. This week will end the Easter season and bring us again, Pentecost. As we remember the Holy Spirit coming to the apostles this weekend, let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and motivate us to learn so that we will become more like disciples than followers.
Prayer
Lord, you commissioned us as well as your apostles to go into the world and spread your message. Please give us the graces we need to embrace this work. Amen.
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
