Friday, March 8, 2019

Love your enemies. They'll go crazy trying to figure out what you're up to.



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Scripture ...
Luke 22:3-4

Reflection ...

The religious authorities desperately want to get rid of Jesus, but the huge swell of Passover pilgrims that fill the temple courts are hanging on His every word. If they take any action against Jesus, the crowds will rally to His defense. So they concede they will have to wait until the Passover is finished and the crowds return to their homes (see Matthew 26:5).

For the chief priests this is extremely frustrating—and dangerous. Jesus is completely beyond their control. If He steps forward during the Passover, claims Himself King, and begins a rebellion, they will be powerless to stop it, or to control the Roman military response to it.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a possible solution appears. One member of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples, Judas, comes to them offering to deliver Jesus to them. Judas’ faith and love for Jesus has dried up, choked out by his lust for money (see John 12:4-6).

The Jewish leaders are overjoyed, but cautious. They describe the conditions they are looking for ... a time when Jesus is in the city, yet separated from the crowds.

But even while they conspire together behind closed doors, Judas and the chief priests have no idea that Jesus is well aware of everything; He knew it from the start. We might expect Jesus to be furious and vindictive; instead, He loves Judas. He prepares to reach out to this lost disciple in every way He can, trying to touch his heart, prick his conscience, and bring him back to faith.

Prayer ...

Lord Jesus, Your love is amazing. Where most of us would have been furious at Judas’ plotting, Your chief concern was bringing him back. Give me a heart that loves my enemy and seeks to share Your salvation. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today…

We all live in a world where we want our children to study at a convent school or an institution run by the priest, but are we or our young children willing to be a priest or a nun. Lets pray today to fill the hearts of young men and women with the spirit of courage and love that they may answer the Lord’s call generously. Give parents the grace to encourage vocations in their family by prayer and good example..

Hymn …

Quiz Time …

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE