Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s readings

Saint Paul writes that he put up with persecution from all sides: from his own people as well as the Gentiles. He was beaten often, endured hazardous journeys and perilous weather, as well as every kind of deprivation. His experience was definitely extreme, but others who lived the faith in those days were also subject to persecution, torture and death. Our experience isn’t quite like that, is it? However, persecution like this does happen occasionally in some parts of the world.

But there is a subtle kind of persecution that we often must endure. We know that even if our society is not openly hostile to living the Gospel, it might be just one step short of that. Life is not respected in our society: babies are aborted, the elderly are not respected or given adequate care, children are not raised in nurturing families, people are hated because of their race, color or creed. Faith is ridiculed as the crutch of the weak. Hope is crushed by those who abuse power. Love is diminished by the world’s shabby standards of loving. Living the Gospel is costly to anyone who would want to be taken seriously in our culture.

To all of us who come to this holy place to worship this morning and who hope to work out our salvation by living the Gospel, Saint Paul speaks eloquently. He speaks to us as our intercessor today: “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant?” He points us to our Lord Jesus who paid the ultimate price for the Gospel, and reminds us of what our Gospel proclaims to us today: that in living that Gospel, regardless of its cost, we store up for ourselves incredible treasures in heaven, because it is in heaven that our heart resides.

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#costOfDiscipleship #Discipleship

The rich young ruler's story challenges us: Is your faith a transaction or a transformation? True discipleship demands complete surrender & love. 🤔 #CostOfDiscipleship #FaithJourney #FollowJesus

https://bdking71.wordpress.com/2025/01/30/the-rich-young-ruler-the-cost-of-discipleship/

1. The Beatitudes: Blessed Are the Unexpected (Matthew 5:3-12)

Jesus flipped the script on who’s truly blessed, uplifting the poor in spirit and the meek. Are you ready to embrace a faith that celebrates the outcasts?

Article Continues Below – Please Like, Comment, And Share If So Compelled By The Holy Spirit

What’s your experience with church dogma? Share your thoughts Cancel reply

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2. Table-Turning Fury: When Jesus Got Angry (Matthew 21:12-13)
Watch out! Jesus cleansed the temple, unleashing righteous anger against corruption. This wasn’t just a scene; it was a serious wake-up call about true worship.

3. The Narrow Path: A Dangerous Journey Ahead (Matthew 7:13-14)
Jesus warned that the road to life is narrow and tough. Are you prepared to take the hard path, or are you following the crowd?

4. Love Your Enemies: The Ultimate Test of Faith (Matthew 5:44)
Jesus commanded us to love our enemies. This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a radical lifestyle that challenges everything you think you know about love.

5. The Sheep and the Goats: Who Will Stand With You? (Matthew 25:31-46)
Jesus taught that how we treat the least among us determines our eternal fate. Are you living out His call to serve the marginalized, or are you turning a blind eye? Let’s make it plain as the sun for the loudly self-righteousness bunch trying to destroy YOUR path into peace.

6. Rich Young Ruler: The Price of Discipleship (Mark 10:17-27)
When asked about eternal life, Jesus told him to sell everything. Are you ready to give up your comfort for a greater calling, or is materialism holding you back?

7. The Last Supper: A Sacred Reminder (Luke 22:19-20)
Jesus initiated communion, urging His followers to remember Him. Are you truly reflecting on His sacrifice, or has it become just another ritual?

8. The Great Commission: A Call to Action (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a mission. Are you answering the call, or are you sitting on the sidelines?

9. The Woman at the Well: Breaking Barriers (John 4:1-26)
Jesus engaged with a Samaritan woman, shattering social norms. Are you willing to cross boundaries to reach those who feel far from God?

10. Resurrection Reality: The Heart of Our Faith (Matthew 28:1-10)
Jesus rose from the dead, claiming victory over death. This is the cornerstone of Christianity—are you living in light of this truth, or is it just a story to you?

Conclusion: Are You Taking Jesus Seriously?

These moments show that #JesusWasntJoking about the radical, life-altering truths He presented. Each teaching calls us to reflect deeply on our faith and actions. Are we embracing His message, or are we getting lost in the noise of modern Christianity? The choice is yours—what will you do with these shocking truths?

One last point.

Biola’s article, “Where Did the Poor Go?: Who Are the Least of These in Matthew?” By Jeannine Brown asks, “Who was Jesus referring to when he spoke of “the least of these”?”

And offers two interpretations:

“The exclusive interpretation understands “the least” to be Christians because of the full phrase used in Matthew 25:40: “the least of these brothers and sisters of mine” (25:40). The alternate, inclusive view understands “the least” as all those who are poor—Christian or not (24:45).” Jul 20, 2015

One last question.

What Would Jesus Anywhere Else In The New Testament Do?

#JesusWasntJoking about wolves in the pulpit. Eternity with Jesus awaits His children. Not His oath keepers.

In Hope, With Christ ~Alan

https://sharingheaven7.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/top-ten-times-jesuswasntjoking-shocking-truths-that-will-make-you-rethink-your-faith/

#JesusWasntJoking #Beatitudes #breakingSocialNorms #ChristianResponsibility #costOfDiscipleship #faithAndActions #GreatCommission #JesusAndSamaritanWoman #JesusCleansedTemple #JesusFlipsValues #JesusWasnTJoking #JesusResurrection #JesusSacrifice #LastSupper #legalismVsLove #loveYourEnemies #makingDisciples #modernChristianityCritique #narrowPathToLife #parableOfTheSheepAndGoats #radicalTeachingsOfJesus #richYoungRuler #righteousAnger #servingTheLeastOfThese #victoryOverDeath