Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read: Matthew 5:43-48

But I say to you, love your enemies . . .
do good to those who hate you. —
Matthew 5:44

Reflection:

During the US Civil War, hatred became
entrenched between the North and South.
In one instance, President Abraham Lincoln
was criticized for speaking of benevolent
treatment for the Southern rebels. The critic
reminded Lincoln that there was a war going
on, the Confederates were the enemy, and
they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely
responded, “I destroy my enemies when I
make them my friends.”

Lincoln’s comment is insightful. In many ways
it reflects Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the
Mount: “I say to you, love your enemies, bless
those who curse you, do good to those who
hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use
you and persecute you, that you may be sons
of your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:44-45).

We will encounter difficult people in our lives—
some on whom we will need to set limits. But
to give in to the temptation to undermine or hurt
them in any way is not God’s way. Instead, we
should pray for them, show consideration, look
out for their best interests, and emphasize the
positive. This may result in changing an enemy
into a friend.

Not everyone will respond positively to us, but
we can pray and plan for a more harmonious
relationship. What difficult person can you start
befriending?

Prayer:

Lord, some people in my life are difficult to love.
I am tempted not even to try to care. But You
showed love to me even when I was Your enemy.
Please direct me into ways to love with Your
power and grace. It’s hard to hate someone when
you’re doing something good for him.

(Our Daily Bread)

Scripture:

"...and He took pity on them, because they were
like sheep without a shepherd"
(Mark 6:34)

Reflection:

A student asked anthropologist Margaret Mead
what was the earliest sign of civilization in a given
culture. He expected the answer to be a clay pot
or perhaps a fish hook or grinding stone.

Her answer was: "A healed femur."

Mead explained that no mended bones are found
where the law of the jungle -- survival of the fittest --
reigns supreme. A healed femur shows that
someone cared. Someone had to do that injured
person's hunting and gathering until the leg healed.
The evidence of compassion is the first sign of
civilization.

To feel and to express compassion is largely what
it means to be a Christian.

Unfortunately:

We fail to live up to our mandate to be a people of
compassion.

I was hungry...
and you formed a humanities club
and discussed my hunger.

I was imprisoned...
and you crept quietly
to your chapel in the cellar
to pray for my release.

I was naked...
and in your mind
you debated the morality of my
appearance.

I was sick...
and you knelt and thanked God
for your health.

I was homeless...
and you preached to me
of the spiritual shelter of the
love of God.

I was lonely...
and you left me alone
to pray for me.

You seem so holy;
so close to God.

But I'm still very hungry...
and lonely
and cold.

So where have your prayers gone?
What have they done?
What does it profit a man to page through his
book of prayers when the rest of the world is
crying for help? -1

(Sunday Sermons Online)

Scripture:

Matthew 16:15-16

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say
I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,
the Son of the living God.”

Reflection:

Have you ever asked the question "Who do you think I am?"
You know when you think about it is quite a question to ask.
I mean it can be taken all different kinds of ways, depending
on how you ask it. You may ask it in such a way that you are
boastful in your tone, "WHO DO YOU THINK I AM?". Or you
may even ask it in an inquisitive kind of way, kind of timid,
"who do you think I am?"

But I think in this situation Jesus Christ is really asking Simon
Peter about his faith. I believe he's really asking Peter Who do you
"really"  think I am. And I get a picture here that Peter is quite
forceful when he looks at Christ and says, "You are the Messiah,
the Son of the living God. Peter's response shows that he has real
faith that Jesus Christ is not only human but also divine. This man
that he is following is the Son of the living God. WOW what a
statement of faith.

I think that Jesus Christ is asking us the very same question,
"Who do you think I am?"
What is your response to such a question. How do you feel about
Jesus Christ, who do you really think he is. I believe this is a
question we should ask ourselves every day. We should look at
our faith and what we believe. By reminding ourselves that question,
 we are reminding ourselves that Jesus Christ is in our lives. I
believe the kind of response that we give,every day, will have an
effect on the rest of our lives. You see I really believe that Jesus
Christ is in my life yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and that He is
my Savior, the Messiah, the Son of the living God. And because I
believe that in my heart and in my soul I will be bonded to Jesus
for eternity.

It is my hope you have the same response to the question
"Who do you think I am?"

Prayer:

Oh Lord thank you for being my Messiah, for being my Christ,
for being God's only son. Thank you for being in my life every day,
there to guide me, to comfort me, to give me strength, and to love me.
"Who do I think you are", I think you are Jesus Christ my Lord
and Savior. AMEN