Author: itakeoffthemask

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (WEBBE)

*1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them,
3 and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me.

10 See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

12 What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?
13 If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”*

Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus addresses the disciples’ question about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven with a surprising and profound teaching. Instead of pointing to power, wisdom, or status, Jesus lifts up the example of a little child, illustrating that true greatness is found in humility, trust, and simplicity.

1. The Call to Childlike Faith:

Jesus’ words, “unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven,” call us to embrace a childlike faith. This doesn’t mean being childish, but rather cultivating a heart that is humble, trusting, and dependent on God. Children naturally trust their parents and look to them for guidance, protection, and provision. Similarly, we are invited to place our full trust in God, relying on His wisdom and care rather than our own understanding or abilities.

Jesus goes further by saying that the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven are those who humble themselves like a child. In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and independence, this teaching challenges us to see humility as a strength, not a weakness. It is in our humble reliance on God that we find true greatness in His Kingdom.

2. The Value of Each Soul:

In verse 10, Jesus warns against despising “one of these little ones,” reminding us that each person is precious in God’s sight. The imagery of their angels always seeing the face of the Father in heaven emphasizes the special care and attention God has for each individual, especially those who might seem insignificant in the eyes of the world.

This theme continues with the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine to search for the one who has gone astray reveals God’s heart for the lost and the value He places on every soul. There is no one too small or insignificant for God’s love. He rejoices more over the one who is found than over the ninety-nine who never went astray. This shows us the depth of God’s mercy and His relentless pursuit of each of us, especially when we feel lost or far from Him.

3. Our Response:

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His heart in our interactions with others. Just as Jesus welcomes and values each person, so should we. This includes cultivating a spirit of humility, being mindful of the needs of others, and valuing each person as God does. When we receive and care for others with the love of Christ, we are, in fact, receiving Him.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us to embrace the childlike faith You call us to, trusting in Your care and guidance with humble hearts. Teach us to value each person as You do, recognizing the worth and dignity of every soul. May we reflect Your love in our interactions, seeking to lift others up and care for those who may feel lost or overlooked. Thank You for Your relentless pursuit of us, even when we stray. Amen.

Contemplation:

Take a few moments in silence, reflecting on the areas of your life where you might need to adopt a more childlike faith. Are there areas where pride or self-reliance has taken hold? Ask God to help you surrender these to Him. Also, consider how you view and treat others, especially those who may seem insignificant or different. How can you better reflect God’s love and value for each person in your daily life?

Scripture: Matthew 17:22-27 (WEBBE)

22 While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.” They were exceedingly sorry.
24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?”
25 He said, “Yes.”
When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”
26 Peter said to him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.
27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”

Reflection:

In this passage, we find Jesus and His disciples in the midst of two significant conversations—one about His impending death and resurrection, and the other about paying the temple tax. Both discussions reveal deeper truths about Jesus’ identity and His approach to earthly systems and obligations.

Jesus begins by foretelling His death and resurrection, a prophecy that deeply grieves His disciples. This revelation of His impending sacrifice is a reminder of the ultimate mission of Christ—to lay down His life for the salvation of the world. The disciples, however, are overwhelmed with sorrow, struggling to comprehend the necessity and the hope embedded in Jesus’ words.

As the narrative shifts to the matter of the temple tax, we see an interesting exchange between Jesus and Peter. When asked if Jesus pays the temple tax, Peter quickly affirms that He does. Jesus, however, takes this opportunity to teach a lesson on His divine authority. He asks Peter whether kings collect taxes from their own children or from others, implying that, as the Son of God, Jesus is exempt from such obligations.

Yet, Jesus chooses not to exercise this exemption in order to avoid causing offense. Instead, He instructs Peter to catch a fish, where he would find a coin sufficient to pay the tax for both of them. This miraculous provision highlights two key truths: first, Jesus’ authority over creation, and second, His willingness to submit to earthly systems for the sake of others.

This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives in two significant ways. First, do we trust in God’s provision? Just as Jesus provided the exact amount needed through a miraculous means, we are reminded that God is aware of our needs and capable of providing in ways we might not expect. We are called to trust in His care, even when we cannot see the way forward.

Second, do we exercise our freedom in Christ with wisdom and love? Jesus, though free from the obligation to pay the tax, chose to do so to prevent unnecessary offense. We too are called to live in a way that reflects our identity as God’s children while also considering the impact of our actions on others.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the assurance of Your provision and for the example of humility and wisdom You set before us. Help us to trust in Your care, knowing that You are fully aware of our needs. Teach us to live in the freedom You have given us, using it to serve others and to glorify Your name. May we follow Your example in all things, seeking to honor You in both our actions and our relationships. Amen.

Contemplation:

Spend some time in quiet reflection, considering areas of your life where you need to trust in God’s provision more fully. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and to open your eyes to the ways He is already at work. Also, think about how you exercise your freedom in Christ. Are there areas where you could be more mindful of others, choosing to act in love and consideration? Invite God to guide your steps in these matters.

Scripture: John 6:41-51 (NABRE)

41 The Jews murmured about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” 42 and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; 50 this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

Reflection:

In John 6:41-51, we witness a profound moment where Jesus reveals Himself as the Bread of Life, offering eternal nourishment that surpasses anything the world can provide. The crowd’s murmuring and doubt reflect a common human struggle—we often question what we don’t fully understand. Jesus’ claim to be the Bread from Heaven challenges their understanding of who He is, rooted in their familiarity with His earthly origins.

Jesus’ response invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. He tells us that it is the Father who draws us to Him, and this drawing is a process of grace. Our journey of faith begins with a divine invitation, one that requires our response. It is not by our own efforts alone that we come to believe in Christ, but through the gentle yet persistent call of God.

As Jesus continues, He emphasizes the promise of eternal life, a gift that comes through believing in Him. The manna in the desert, while miraculous, was temporary. In contrast, the Bread that Jesus offers—His very flesh—provides life that never ends. This is a radical promise, one that invites us to trust in something beyond our physical senses.

To partake in this Bread of Life is to enter into the mystery of the Eucharist, where we encounter the living Christ. Each time we receive the Eucharist, we are reminded that Jesus is the source of our life, our sustenance, and our hope. His sacrifice on the cross, made present in the Eucharist, is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, we thank You for the gift of Your presence in the Eucharist. Draw us closer to You, that we may be nourished by Your love and strengthened in our faith. Help us to recognize the divine invitation in our daily lives and to respond with open hearts. May we always seek the eternal life You offer, trusting in Your promise and surrendering to Your will. Amen.

Contemplation:

Spend a few moments in silence, reflecting on the gift of the Eucharist in your life. How has receiving the Body of Christ deepened your relationship with Him? Consider how you might more fully embrace this gift and allow it to transform your heart and life.

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart longing for direction and meaning. Guide me as I seek to understand the purpose You have for my life. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to Your will. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 (NABRE)

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”

This verse reassures us that God has a plan for each of us. Even when we feel lost or uncertain, He is guiding us toward a future filled with hope and purpose.

Reflection:

Many of us struggle with the question, “What is my purpose in life?” We may feel adrift, unsure of the path we are meant to take. But Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a specific plan for each of us. His plans are not random; they are intentional and designed for our well-being. Trusting in God’s plan requires faith, especially when we cannot see the road ahead clearly.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NABRE)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.”

These verses encourage us to place our full trust in God, even when we do not understand the circumstances. God’s guidance is perfect, and when we acknowledge Him in all areas of our lives, He promises to lead us on the right path.

Reflection:

It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to figure everything out on our own. We may rely on our wisdom, skills, or experience to determine our purpose. However, true purpose is found not in our understanding but in our relationship with God. As we submit to His will and trust Him with our whole heart, He will direct our steps and reveal His purpose for our lives.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:10 (NABRE)

“For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”

God created each of us uniquely, with specific talents, passions, and abilities. We are His workmanship, and our lives are meant to reflect His glory through the good works He has planned for us.

Reflection:

Understanding your purpose begins with recognizing that you are God’s creation, made for a purpose that glorifies Him. The good works mentioned in Ephesians 2:10 are not just tasks but ways in which your life can reflect God’s love and grace to others. Embrace your unique gifts and seek ways to use them for God’s glory.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the promise of Your plans for my life. Help me to trust in Your guidance and to walk in the purpose You have set before me. Show me the good works You have prepared for me, and give me the courage to pursue them with all my heart. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace. Amen.

Action Steps:

1. Prayerful Reflection: Spend time each day asking God to reveal His purpose for your life. Listen for His voice in Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of wise Christians.
2. Identify Your Gifts: Consider the talents and passions God has given you. How can these be used to serve others and glorify God?
3. Step Out in Faith: Begin to take small steps in the direction you feel God is leading you. Trust that He will guide you and provide the opportunities needed to fulfill His purpose for your life.

May this devotional bring you closer to understanding the unique purpose God has for your life. Trust in His timing, and know that He is working all things together for your good.