The three synoptic Gospels tell us of this episode of Jesus’ life, when he returned home to Nazareth and preached in the synagogue there. Luke’s Gospel gives us the text of Isaiah read by Jesus, in which Jesus’ announces his messianic mission – to bring the good news to the poor, to live and to identify with the poor, to heal us and set us at liberty from sin. As Jesus closes the book, he omits the following from Isaiah 61: 2: ‘…and the day of vengeance of our God.’ This is deliberate interruption. Jesus is not come to maintain old enmities. Jesus’ way is peace. It is the people of all the world who are to be blessed in Christ [ … ]
21st Century Jesus | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Prayer For Guidance | King James Audio Bible KJV
Many Christians have embraced a more progressive understanding of Jesus, emphasizing his teachings on love, compassion, and service to others as a call to action in addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and racism. This approach to Christianity emphasizes a social gospel, which emphasizes the importance of working for social and economic justice and sees Jesus as a figure who championed the cause of the poor and marginalized [ … ]
Daily Bible Verses | The Greatest Commandment | Jesus And Pharisees | Jewish Law | Love God | Love Thy Neighbour | King James Audio Bible KJV
In Jerusalem, Jesus teaches in the Temple and is tested by the Sadducees and the Pharisees. These are tests concerning Scripture, concerning the Law, and concerning Jesus’ identity, i.e. concerning Jesus being God the Son [ … ]
Parables Of The Hidden Treasure, The Pearl, And The Net | King James Audio Bible | KJV | Love Revealed
The three parables follow one upon another, and they are addressed in Matthew’s Gospel to the disciples, rather than to the crowds. The parables of the hidden treasure and of the pearl clearly develop upon the same theme, and then the parable of the net follows and expands upon their meaning, magnifying it, while also relating to the disciples’ apostolic mission. We are taught through each parable of the supreme value of the gift of grace and of the Kingdom, and also of judgement, the rightful valuing of our gifts such that we live in accordance with God’s will [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ On The Via Dolorosa | Stations Of The Cross
O Lord, as I begin this journey through the Stations of the Cross, I ask you to be with me and guide me. Help me to open my heart to your love and to be present to your presence in each moment. May this time of meditation deepen my understanding of your sacrifice and strengthen my faith in your redeeming power. I ask this in your holy name. Amen [ … ]
Prayers To Jesus With The Problem Of Alcoholism | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | King James Audio Bible KJV
The first step in overcoming addiction is to acknowledge the problem. This can be one of the hardest steps, as it requires us to admit that we have a problem that we cannot solve on our own. It can be easy to think that we can handle things on our own, or that we don’t want to burden others with our problems. But the truth is that addiction is bigger than we are, and it requires a concerted effort to overcome [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are Ye, When Men Shall Revile You, And Persecute You, And Shall Say All Manner Of Evil Against You Falsely, For My Sake | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
As followers of Jesus, we are called to respond to reviling, persecution, and false accusations with grace, love, and a steadfast commitment to truth. We should not be discouraged by the world’s reaction but rather find strength in knowing that we share in the sufferings of Christ [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted For Righteousness’ Sake For Theirs Is The Kingdom Of Heaven | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
When we are persecuted, it means that we are facing challenges or being treated unfairly because we are trying to live the way God wants us to. We might feel left out, made fun of, or even hurt because of it. But Jesus reminds us that in the end, we have a special place in the kingdom of heaven [ … ]
Daily Bible Verses | Jesus Faith And Trust In God | Jesus Calming Of The Storm | Scriptures
The miracle of the calming of the storm made a powerful impression on Jesus’ disciples. It is recounted by all three synoptic Gospels. In each Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples of the troubles to come. Jesus tells his disciples that to be Christians is going to be difficult, hard work, at times fatal [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are The Pure In Heart For They Shall See God | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
When our hearts are pure, our vision becomes clear. We are able to recognize God’s hand at work, His love in action, and His guidance in our lives. We see the beauty of His creation, the divine purpose in every circumstance, and the ways in which God is leading us on the path of righteousness [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are The Merciful For They Shall Obtain Mercy| Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Blessed are those who choose to respond to others with mercy rather than judgment. The merciful recognize their own imperfections and extend grace to others who may have wronged them. They choose forgiveness over resentment, love over anger, and compassion over harshness. In their acts of mercy, they experience the freedom of releasing grievances and find themselves recipients of God’s abundant mercy [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger And Thirst After Righteousness| Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Jesus taught us to champion justice, love, and mercy. Jesus encouraged us to challenge injustice and to actively engage in acts of compassion. Jesus demonstrated that true fulfilment comes from living a life rooted in righteousness and fighting for what is right [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are The Meek For They Shall Inherit The Earth | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Jesus exemplified meekness through his actions. Despite having immense power, Jesus chose to serve others, show compassion, and sacrifice for their well-being. Jesus demonstrated that genuine strength lies in selflessness and aligning oneself with a higher purpose [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are They That Mourn: For They Shall Be Comforted | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Jesus himself experienced deep sorrow during his time on earth. Jesus wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus and in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. Jesus understands the pain we feel, and invites us to bring our sorrows to him. In our mourning, we can find solace and comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us, empathizing with our pain, and offering his peace [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Beatitudes | Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit: For Theirs Is The Kingdom Of Heaven | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Being ‘poor in spirit’ means understanding that we have nothing to offer God on our own. It’s like realizing we’re empty inside and need God to fill us with His love and guidance. When we’re humble and admit our weaknesses, God’s kingdom becomes available to us. It’s a kingdom where God’s love, peace, and goodness rule [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Thou Shalt Not Covet | Jealousy | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
The early Christian community reminds us that our possessions are not to be the source of our identity or security. Rather, they are to be seen as tools for serving and blessing others. It calls us to reimagine our relationships with material wealth, recognizing that true fulfilment comes from using our resources to uplift others and build the kingdom of God [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
When we bear false witness about ourselves, pretending to be faultless or righteous, we deceive not only others but also ourselves. Jesus calls us to be authentic, acknowledging our need for his grace and our dependence on his power to live according to his commandments [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Thou Shalt Not Steal | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Jesus’ teachings often challenged the worldly values and materialistic mindset prevalent in society. Jesus emphasized the importance of prioritizing eternal treasures over earthly possessions. One notable interaction occurred when a rich young ruler approached Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17-22, KJV) [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Instead of objectifying others for our own gratification, Jesus invites us to see people as individuals created in the image of God, deserving of love, care, and understanding. Jesus teaches us to foster genuine connections built on mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and the desire for the well-being of others [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Thou Shalt Not Kill | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Jesus affirmed the commandment against killing and expanded its meaning to include not only the physical act but also the intentions and attitudes of the heart. Jesus taught that harbouring anger, hatred, or holding grudges against others is akin to committing murder in one’s heart (Matthew 5:21-22) [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Honour Your Father And Mother | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Jesus taught us that family is not only about blood relationships but also about treating others with love and respect. He said that anyone who does the will of God is like family to him. So, as followers of Jesus, we should honour our parents and all those who have cared for us, showing them love, gratitude, and forgiveness [ … ]
Prayer With Jesus | Ten Commandments | Remember The Sabbath And Keep It Holy | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
The Sabbath is rooted in God’s own example. After creating the heavens and the earth in six days, God rested on the seventh day and blessed it, setting it apart as a holy day (Genesis 2:2-3). This pattern of rest and blessing established the foundation for the observance of the Sabbath [ … ]
Prayers With Jesus | Ten Commandments | You Shall Not Take The Name Of The Lord Your God In Vain | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
In the light of Jesus, we understand that taking the name of the Lord in vain extends beyond the literal misuse of God’s name. It also includes misrepresenting God through our actions, attitudes, and behaviour as His followers. Jesus emphasized the importance of bearing fruit that aligns with the nature of God, saying, ‘By their fruits, you will know them’ (Matthew 7:20, KJV). As his disciples, we are called to embody the values and virtues associated with God’s name [ … ]
Prayers With Jesus | Ten Commandments | I AM The Lord Your God | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Simple Prayer
Jesus, as the Son of God, perfectly embodied the essence of this commandment. He lived in complete submission and obedience to his heavenly Father, never allowing anything or anyone to come before God’s will and purpose for his life. Jesus declared, ‘I and the Father are one’ (John 10:30, KJV), emphasizing Jesus’ unity with God and unwavering devotion to Him [ … ]
Daily Bible Verses | Prayer | Jesus Was Jewish | The Barren Fig Tree | Faith | Jesus Cleanses The Temple
Mark’s account of the cleansing of the Temple is framed by the episode of Jesus’ encounter with the barren fig tree. In Matthew 21, the two are also proximate. The juxtaposition helps us more fully to understand both the cleansing of the Temple and the cursing of the fig tree [ … ]
Daily Bible Verses | Leave Everything And Follow Jesus | Prayer | A Way Of Poverty? | True Faith
Jesus has told the rich young man that, to be perfect, he must do more than obey the commandments; additionally, he must give everything away and follow Jesus; he must sell it all, give the money to the poor, and pursue a life of total gratuity with Jesus [ … ]
Pentecost | Birthday Of The Church | Descent Of The Holy Spirit | Tongues Of Fire | Audio KJV Bible
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday. It is considered the birth of the Church and marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, and they were able to speak in multiple languages, allowing them to spread the message of Jesus to a wider audience [ … ]
Simple Prayers To Jesus For Help With Mental Health Problems | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ
Dear Jesus, grant me peace of mind, which means a quiet and calm heart. I ask for freedom from anxiety, which is when my mind feels worried and afraid. I long to experience a sense of serenity and tranquillity. Please wrap me in your loving presence and remove the burdens that weigh me down. Fill my thoughts with positivity and assurance, knowing that you are always with me. Help me find rest in your comforting embrace, knowing that I am safe and protected. Thank you, Jesus, for your unwavering love and for granting me peace of mind. In your name, I pray. Amen [ … ]
Prayers For Adult Children Asking For Help With Mental Health | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ
As adult children called to become like little children in the eyes of Jesus, we often face unique obstacles when it comes to asking for help. Pride and shame can hinder us, leading us to believe that seeking assistance is a sign of weakness. Society often expects us to embody resilience and self-control, making it difficult to acknowledge our vulnerability and admit that we need support [ … ]
A Children’s Prayer To Jesus | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | So Should We Pray All
We are asked to become as a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Prayer To Jesus For Courage
Fear is a powerful destroyer of the mind, stripping away confidence and holding us captive. It clouds our thoughts and overwhelms us with doubt, eroding our ability to take action. It keeps us stagnant, preventing us from reaching our full potential [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Liberation Theology
Liberation theology is a movement that emerged in Latin America in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the region’s deep social and political injustices. It is a theology that emphasizes the importance of social and political action as a means of achieving liberation for the poor and marginalized. At its core, liberation theology seeks to address the structural roots of poverty and oppression, and to empower marginalized communities to take control of their own lives and destinies [ … ]
King James Audio Bible | Tongues Of Fire | Action Of The Holy Spirit At Pentecost
It can be good to consider Pentecost as not having been only a once-in-a-lifetime event of the Church – indeed the birthday of the Church. It can be good to consider a renewal of our lives on the day of Pentecost, and to celebrate as such, just as we and our friends celebrate on our birthdays [ … ]
King James Audio Bible | Saint Peter | Life And Prayer
The New Testament account of Saint Peter provides us with a rich and detailed portrait of Saint Peter’s character and of his relationship with Jesus and the other apostles. In our contemporary context, Saint Peter’s teachings and example remain relevant and vital, providing us with a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of the Gospel. Whether through his emphasis on love, forgiveness, and hospitality, or his example of repentance and humility, Saint Peter’s legacy invites us to deepen our understanding of the Christian faith and to live out its principles in our own lives [ … ]
5 Simple Prayers To Jesus | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
Oh my Jesus, I come before you in faith and trust, asking for your healing touch upon my body. You are the great physician who can heal all afflictions, and I pray that you would bring your healing power into my life. May your love and mercy flow through me, renewing my body, mind, and soul. Grant me the strength to endure any pain and the courage to face any challenge. I ask this in your holy name. Amen [ … ]
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Healing Miracles Of Jesus | The Blind Receive Their Sight
One of the ways Jesus revealed his love was through healing miracles. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read, ‘Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.’ (Matthew 9:35, KJV) This verse shows us that Jesus was not only concerned with our spiritual well-being, but also our physical health [ … ]
Prayer To Saint Sebastian | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Christian Martyr
As a Christian martyr who endured the torments of persecution and ultimately gave his life for his faith, Saint Sebastian is a powerful intercessor for those who seek protection in the face of adversity. Through his steadfast devotion and unshakable faith in God, Saint Sebastian serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who seek to overcome the challenges and dangers of this world [ … ]
Prayer to Saint Mary Magdalene | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Who Is Mary Magdalene?
Who Is Mary Magdalene? Mary Magdalene is known for her unwavering faith and devotion to Jesus. In the Bible, she is one of the few people who stood by Jesus during his crucifixion and witnessed his resurrection. Her faith and courage have inspired Christians for centuries, and her example continues to resonate today [ … ]