Prayer Prompt before reading MT 13:36-43 Come, Holy Spirit, teach me how to pray well, interpret the Scriptures for me so that I may know the Truth about who God the Father is and God the Son so that I may know who I am.
“EXPLAIN TO US THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS IN THE FIELD.” MT 13:36-43
Humbly submit your will to God (Thy Will be done) and consecrate yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through Mary and Joseph.
Today, Jesus “breaks from the crowds” to teach His disciples. The Scripture Scholar’s side note explains that this symbolizes Jesus breaking from the unbelieving Israel to speak to teach His close disciples. Jesus brings us news that there is an evil one constantly trying to make the bad look good. Quietly planting weeds in the wheat.
Often times, in our minds we cling to the bad. Interestingly, the saints see through the veil of the evil one and keep their eyes on heavenly things. What a difficult task! It’s hard to stay positive and always seek the Truth all of the time. More importantly, its even harder to admit that we aren’t doing well. We have a lot of pride. We don’t want anyone to think we are weak, even our own family members. These are all signs of the evil one.
Peter Kreeft says, “There is only one game in town, God vs. the Devil”. This game exists in our minds and hearts and influences every aspect of our lives beginning with our beliefs. When we believe all of the information that is being sent to us in the media, our music, Netflix, video games, social media, and the news we tend to give into our physical pleasures, worldly pleasures, and fall to the temptations of the evil one.
We don’t have to look far to find someone who is addicted to alcohol, work, money, pornography, sex, drugs, video games, tv, social media, etc. I say you don’t have to look far because each one of us including myself has some kind of addiction we are fighting. We just need to look in the mirror and accept it. Are you ready to be bold and really start fighting your fallen human nature and the evil one? God’s grace is more powerful! God’s love is the most powerful thing in the universe! You have to open up and accept it.
Deep down inside of us where this constant battle exists is a flicker of hope. After accepting our addiction, our suffering, our sin, where do you turn to get help? Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”. In my experience, I had to kneel at the foot of the cross and ask Jesus for help. I had to give up trying to fight on my own and allow Christ into my heart, mind, body, and soul. I had to learn to give myself up and allow Christ to take over. Then, very slowly and subtly things began to change.
Through unceasing prayer, I was led to many different people and books written by saints or people who had overcame their addictions. I was led to Christ in the sacraments with consistent and faithful receptions of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. The peaks and valleys were treacherous. I wanted to give up so many times and did several times. I was continually led to the saints. Every saint book that I have read is a gateway into how believers battled flesh, world, and material goods to overcome the evil one.
With Christ always at the center, starting with prayer and the daily reading of the Scriptures I have continued to be set free from some of my sin and addictions. I have been led to the Blessed Virgin Mary, through a daily rosary, into some intense battles with Satan. Some I have won some I have lost. I have never given up hope and my faith continues to increase. God and the Devil exist.
If we are to win the battle and be on the right side at the end of the game, Jesus teaches us to give ourselves up so He can enter into us and help us fight the most important battle that exists in all of eternity. What’s on the line? A Father who created us, loves us, and wants us back in His arms more than anything else in the world. Jesus gave up His life for it. Are you strong enough to give up yours to attain it? One of my 8th grade students reflections says, “If God sent His only Son to die for it and Satan is doing everything to steal it, our souls must have great value!” Priceless!
Today’s challenge: Never Give Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Be a servant, become a saint!
#Christian YODO (You Only Die Once; we will live again!)
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