Restore All Things

 

"Jesus replied, 

'To be sure, Elijah comes 

and will restore all things. 

But I tell you, 

Elijah has already come, 

and they did not recognize him,

but have done to him 

everything they wished. 

In the same way 

the Son of Man 

is going to suffer at their hands.'" 

(Matthew 17:11-12)

Jesus uses this moment to prepare His disciples for His own suffering and death. This emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the path of sacrifice and redemption that Jesus took for our salvation.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus faced suffering and rejection. This teaches us that following God's will may involve hardship and persecution, but it also leads to ultimate fulfillment and glory.

Jesus confirms that Elijah has come, referring to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah. The people did not recognize John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come. We should be attentive and discerning, recognizing God's messengers and the ways He works in our lives.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's promises, be discerning of His messengers, accept the reality of suffering in the pursuit of righteousness, and appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made for us. 

To be sure, Elijah comes, 

Restoring all, as prophecy hums. 

But I tell you, he's already here, 

Unrecognized, yet ever near.

They did to him as they desired, 

In their hearts, no love inspired. 

In the same way, the Son of Man, 

Will suffer at their cruel hand.

A voice in the wilderness, calling clear, 

Prepare the way, the Lord is near. 

Yet blinded eyes and hardened hearts, 

Failed to see the sacred parts.

In suffering, redemption's plan, 

Through trials faced by the Son of Man. 

For in His pain, our hope is found, 

In His love, our souls are bound.

Lord Jesus, 

You spoke of Elijah's coming, and the restoration he would bring. Yet, he came unrecognized and suffered at the hands of men.

Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your messengers, And the courage to follow Your will. Help us to see Your hand in our lives, and to embrace the path You have set before us.

As You faced suffering and rejection, give us the strength to endure our trials. May we remain faithful to Your call and find hope in Your promise of restoration.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church

THE COMING OF ELIJAH

Matthew 17:9-13

Gospel Acclamation

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. 

Gospel | Matthew 17:9, 10-13

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijahhas already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Temple Raised!

 

Jesus answered 

and said to them, 

“Destroy this temple 

and in three days 

I will raise it up.” 

(John 2:19)

Jesus speaks with confidence about His ability to raise the temple, which symbolizes His resurrection. He is referring to His own body as the temple. This verse foreshadows His death and resurrection, emphasizing the central role of the resurrection in Christian faith.

The people around Jesus misunderstood His statement, thinking He was talking about the physical temple. This teaches us the importance of seeking spiritual insight and understanding beyond the literal meaning of words.

Jesus' promise to raise the temple in three days encourages us to have faith in His promises. Even when things seem impossible, we can trust in His power and faithfulness.

These lessons inspire us to recognize Jesus' authority, understand the significance of His resurrection, seek deeper spiritual insight, and trust in His promises. 

In the heart of sacred lore, 

A temple stands forevermore. 

Not built by hands, nor stone, nor wood, 

But by the grace of God, it stood.

Jesus' body, pure and bright, 

A temple of eternal light. 

In Him, the fullness dwells complete, 

A holy place where heaven meets.

Destroy this temple, He proclaimed, 

In three days, it will be reclaimed. 

For in His death and rising power, 

He conquered sin, the final hour.

In every heart, His temple grows, 

A place where love and mercy flows. 

For Jesus' body, once and for all, 

Redeems the lost, restores the fall.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with reverence and awe, acknowledging that Your body is the true temple, the dwelling place of God's fullness. In You, we find the ultimate sacrifice, the perfect love, and the path to eternal life.

Help us to honor Your sacrifice by living lives that reflect Your holiness and grace. May we always remember that through Your death and resurrection, You have made a way for us to be reconciled with God. Teach us to see Your presence in our lives and to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Guide us to walk in Your footsteps, showing love, compassion, and mercy to others. Strengthen our faith and help us to remain steadfast in our devotion to You. May our lives be a testament to Your glory and a reflection of Your love.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE

John 2:13-25

Gospel Acclamation

I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord, that my name may be there forever.

Gospel | John 2:13-22

13 Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the moneychangers seated there. 15 He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables, 16 and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” 17 His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. 18 At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Life for Life

 “Pay attention to what I am telling you. 

The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” 

(Luke 9:44)

Jesus gave His life that we may have life. His sacrifice is the ultimate act of love and selflessness. It’s inspiring to see how His example can guide us to live lives of humility, compassion, and service to others. As a good soldier of the Lord, He wants you to pay attention to what He is telling you today.

In the quiet of the morning light,

A sacrifice, a love so bright,

One life given, one life saved,

In humble service, paths are paved.

A heart that beats with selfless grace,

In every act, in every place,

A life laid down, a life restored,

In the name of love, in the name of the Lord.

Compassion flows like rivers wide,

In every tear, in every stride,

A life for a life, a sacred call,

To lift the weary, to catch the fall.

In the shadow of the cross we see,

The greatest gift, the victory,

A life for a life, a holy trade,

In this exchange, true love displayed.

Lord Jesus,

You gave Your life for us, a perfect sacrifice of love and grace. In response, we offer our lives to You, seeking to serve and honor You in all we do.

Help us to live with humility, recognizing that our lives are not our own but are meant to reflect Your love and compassion. Teach us to be selfless and sacrificial, putting the needs of others before our own, just as You did.

Grant us the strength to trust in You during challenging times, knowing that Your plans are greater than our own. May our actions be a testament to Your goodness and mercy, drawing others closer to You.

Guide us in our daily walk, that we may live out our faith in practical ways, always keeping an eternal perspective. Let our lives be a living prayer, a constant offering of praise and thanksgiving to You.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE SECOND PREDICTION OF THE PASSION

Luke 9:43-45

Gospel Acclamation

Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Gospel | Luke 9:43-45

43 While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God Gives You Life

Restoration’s Call

In the quiet moments, hearts do yearn,

For God’s embrace, His love we discern.

When we seek forgiveness, pure and true,

His arms are open, welcoming me and you.

Honest words, a bridge to the divine,

In our spiritual journey, they brightly shine.

Repentance, restoration, revival’s plea,

A call for renewal, for you and me.

God’s Spirit, like a gentle rain,

Brings joy, washes away the pain.

In His presence, faith is renewed,

With gratitude, our hearts are imbued.

Thankful for mercy, we draw near,

In His forgiveness, there’s no fear.

Even in trials, hope does remain,

For His unchanging love, forever sustains.

REFLECTION:

Will you not instead give us life; and shall not your people rejoice in you? Show us, O Lord, your kindness, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:7-8)

God is always ready to restore us if we genuinely seek His forgiveness. Honest communication is a key part of a healthy spiritual life. The call for repentance, restoration, and revival emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal. We should seek a fresh outpouring of God’s spirit in our lives, leading to joy and renewed faith. Let us always be thankful for God’s forgiveness. Recognizing and appreciating His mercy can deepen our relationship with Him. Even in difficult times, we can have hope because of His unchanging love.

Prayer for Restoration and Renewal

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your forgiveness. We know that You are always ready to restore us when we genuinely seek Your mercy. Help us to communicate honestly with You, for we know that this is key to a healthy spiritual life.

Lord, we hear Your call for repentance, restoration, and revival. We ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in our lives. Renew our faith and fill us with joy. Let Your presence be a constant reminder of Your unchanging love.

We are deeply thankful for Your forgiveness. Help us to recognize and appreciate Your mercy, for it deepens our relationship with You. Even in difficult times, may we find hope in Your steadfast love.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

Third Book of Psalms 73-89

PRAYER FOR DIVINE FAVOR

Psalm 85:1-14

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 85:2-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: Lord, show us your mercy and love.

2 You have favored, O Lord, your land; you have brought back the captives of Jacob. 3 You have forgiven the guilt of your people; you have covered all their sins. 4 You have withdrawn all your wrath; you have revoked your burning anger. (R) 5 Restore us, O God our savior, and abandon your displeasure against us. 6 Will you be ever angry with us, prolonging your anger to all generations? (R) 7 Will you not instead give us life; and shall not your people rejoice in you? 8 Show us, O Lord, your kindness, and grant us your salvation. 

Background:

Psalm 85 is a heartfelt prayer for revival and restoration, traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites involved in temple worship. This psalm is often thought to have been written after the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity, reflecting their longing for God’s continued favor and mercy.

Verses 2-4. These verses express gratitude for God’s forgiveness and the restoration of His people:

Verse 2: “You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.” This highlights God’s mercy in lifting the burden of sin and restoring the relationship between Him and His people.

Verse 3: “You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.” This signifies God’s willingness to forgive and move past His anger.

Verse 4: “Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.” Here, the psalmist pleads for renewed favor and restoration.

Verses 5-6. These verses continue the plea for revival:

Verse 5: “Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?” The psalmist questions the duration of God’s anger, seeking reassurance of His mercy.

Verse 6: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” This verse is a direct appeal for revival, emphasizing the joy that comes from God’s presence.

Verses 7-8. These verses shift towards a hopeful expectation of God’s response:

Verse 7: “Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.” The psalmist asks for a demonstration of God’s steadfast love and salvation.

Verse 8: “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly.” This verse reflects a commitment to heed God’s words and a reminder to remain faithful.

This psalm beautifully captures the themes of forgiveness, restoration, and the hope for revival, resonating deeply with those seeking a closer relationship with God.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 85:2-8 offers several profound lessons that can be applied to our lives:

Verses 2-4: Gratitude and Repentance

Gratitude for Forgiveness: These verses remind us to be thankful for God’s forgiveness. Recognizing and appreciating His mercy can deepen our relationship with Him.

Repentance and Restoration: The plea for restoration highlights the importance of turning back to God when we stray. It shows that God is always ready to restore us if we genuinely seek His forgiveness.

Verses 5-6: Seeking Revival

Questioning God’s Anger: The psalmist’s questions about the duration of God’s anger teach us that it’s okay to express our doubts and fears to God. Honest communication is a key part of a healthy spiritual life.

Desire for Revival: The call for revival emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal. It encourages us to seek a fresh outpouring of God’s spirit in our lives, leading to joy and renewed faith.

Verses 7-8: Hope and Obedience

Hope in God’s Love: Asking for a demonstration of God’s unfailing love reminds us to trust in His steadfastness. Even in difficult times, we can have hope because of His unchanging love.

Commitment to Listen and Obey: The commitment to listen to God’s promises and avoid folly teaches us the importance of obedience. It encourages us to be attentive to God’s guidance and to live wisely.

These lessons from Psalm 85 can inspire us to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, seek continual spiritual renewal, and maintain hope and obedience in our walk with God.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Greater Good than Life

In life's grand theater, under heaven's shelf,

God's love shines brighter, better than life itself.

In a world where pleasures are but fleeting light,

True satisfaction in God takes flight.

Amidst the ephemeral joys that ebb and flow,

God's love, a constant stream, does ceaselessly glow.

The supreme value of His love, so divine,

Invites us to cherish, in His grace to recline.

Prioritize our bond with God, above all else,

In His presence, let every heart pulse.

A deep desire for God, let it be our guide,

In our lives, let His spirit reside.

Seek Him earnestly, seek Him consistently,

In every moment, in every memory.

Regardless of circumstances, in joy or in strife,

To worship the Lord, commit our life.

A lifestyle of praise, of gratitude to God,

Walking humbly, under His loving rod.

In every breath, in every beat,

Let our lives His praises repeat.

REFLECTION:

Your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (Psalm 63:4)

God’s love is better than life itself. In a world filled with temporary pleasures, true satisfaction and fulfillment come from God alone. This underscores the supreme value of God’s love and invites us to cherish and prioritize our relationship with God above all else. 

Let us always have a deep desire and thirst for God in our lives seeking Him earnestly and consistently. Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to continually worship the Lord and commit to a lifestyle of praise and gratitude to God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with humble hearts, acknowledging that Your love is better than life itself. In a world filled with temporary pleasures, we recognize that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from You alone. Your love is the supreme treasure, and we are invited to cherish and prioritize our relationship with You above all else.

Lord, instill in us a deep desire and thirst for You. May we seek You earnestly and consistently, finding our joy and purpose in Your presence. Regardless of our circumstances, help us to continually worship You, committing to a lifestyle of praise and gratitude.

In times of joy and in times of sorrow, may our lips always declare Your goodness and mercy. Let our lives be a testament to Your unfailing love, and may we always find our satisfaction in You.

We thank You for Your love that surpasses understanding, a love that is better than life. We commit our lives into Your hands, trusting in Your perfect will.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

ARDENT LONGING FOR GOD

Psalm 63:1-12

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6

R: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

2 O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. (R) 3 Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, 4 for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (R) 5 Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. 6 As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (R)

Background:

Psalm 63 is a heartfelt expression of David’s intense longing for God. It was written when David was in the wilderness of Judah. This could have been during the time when he was fleeing from Saul or during his brief exile from the throne during Absalom’s rebellion.

The specific verses you mentioned (Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6) reflect David’s deep thirst for God and his desire to praise God. Here’s a brief overview:

Psalm 63:2: David expresses his longing for God as one would long for water in a dry and thirsty land. He seeks God in the sanctuary, desiring to see His power and glory.

Psalm 63:3-4: David declares that God’s love is better than life itself, and he commits to praising God as long as he lives.

Psalm 63:5-6: David expresses satisfaction in God, likening it to a rich feast. He also speaks of meditating on God during the night watches.

This psalm teaches us about the importance of seeking God earnestly, expressing our love for Him, and finding satisfaction in Him. It’s a powerful testament to David’s faith and his deep relationship with God, even in times of hardship. It serves as a reminder for us to seek God’s presence and to find our joy and satisfaction in Him.

Learning Lessons:

The verses from Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6 offer several profound lessons for believers:

Longing for God: Just as David longed for God in a dry and weary land, we too should have a deep desire and thirst for God in our lives. This teaches us about the importance of seeking God earnestly and consistently.

God’s Love is Better Than Life: David declares that God’s love is better than life itself. This underscores the supreme value of God’s love and invites us to cherish and prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Commitment to Praise: David commits to praising God as long as he lives. This teaches us about the importance of worship and gratitude in our relationship with God. Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to continually praise God.

Finding Satisfaction in God: David expresses satisfaction in God, likening it to a rich feast. This reminds us that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from God alone. In a world filled with temporary pleasures, we are invited to find our ultimate joy and satisfaction in God.

Meditating on God: David speaks of meditating on God during the night watches. This highlights the importance of meditation and reflection in our spiritual journey. Spending time in quiet reflection and meditation on God’s word and His works helps us to grow in our understanding and experience of God.

These lessons from Psalm 63 encourage us to seek God earnestly, value His love above all else, commit to a lifestyle of praise, find our satisfaction in Him, and meditate on Him. They serve as valuable guidance for our spiritual journey. (Conversation with Copilot)

Breath of God

If you take away their breath, 

they perish and return to the dust. 

When you send forth your spirit, they are created, 

and you renew the face of the earth. 

(Psalm 104:29-30) 

God alone has the power to give life and to take it away. God’s ruach, or breath brings life to our physical and spiritual lives simultaneously. The removal of divine breath results in death, but the sending forth of the spirit of God brings life and renews that which has been reduced to dust. God can and will order the lives of those who seek Him by keeping them in God’s purpose and away from evil. We should appreciate the interconnectedness of all creatures and their reliance on God’s provision. Let us find joy in God’s works and to strive for our lives to be pleasing to Him.

In the realm of the divine, where life takes its sway,

Stands God alone, holding death and life at bay.

His breath, His ruach, a force unseen,

Brings life to our being, in realms serene.

The divine breath withdrawn, life fades away,

Yet, sent forth anew, it brings a brand-new day.

From dust to life, a cycle profound,

In God's spirit, we are eternally bound.

In His grand design, our lives He does steer,

Away from evil, towards purpose clear.

In His provision, all creatures find their part,

An interconnected ballet, a divine art.

In His works, let us find our joy,

Our lives to please Him, our efforts employ.

For in pleasing Him, we find our worth,

In the grand symphony of life, our rebirth.

Dear Heavenly Father,

In Your hands alone, rests the power of life, You breathe into us, amidst our strife. Your ruach, Your breath, so divine, Brings life to our being, makes our spirit shine. When Your breath is withdrawn, life does cease, Yet, when sent forth anew, it brings release. From dust to life, in Your image we stand, Guided by Your purpose, led by Your hand.

We marvel at Your creation, so vast and wide, In Your provision, all creatures abide. Help us appreciate this interconnected dance, And in Your works, find our joy and enhance. May our lives be pleasing to You, our King, In our words, our deeds, in everything. In Your spirit, we find our worth, In Your love, we find rebirth.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

PRAISE OF GOD THE CREATOR

Psalm 104:1-35

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 104:1, 24, 31, 34, 29-30 

R: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. 

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! 24 How manifold are your works, O Lord! The earth is full of your creatures. (R) 31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in his works! 34 Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord. (R) 29 If you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust. 30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise to God, celebrating His creation and providence. The verses you mentioned (1, 24, 31, 34, 29-30) are part of this larger context. Here’s some background information:

Psalm 104:1: This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, praising God’s greatness and majesty.

Psalm 104:24: This verse marvels at the vastness and variety of God’s creation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all creatures and their reliance on God’s provision.

Psalm 104:31: This verse expresses the hope that God’s glory will endure forever and that He will rejoice in His works.

Psalm 104:34: This verse is a personal reflection of the psalmist, expressing his desire to please God and find joy in Him.

Psalm 104:29-30: These verses highlight the cycle of life and death, underscoring God’s ultimate control over existence itself. They depict God’s power to give life and to take it away, and His ability to renew the face of the earth.

The psalmist uses these verses to express awe at the grandeur of God’s creation, to acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and to find comfort in His providence. It’s a beautiful reflection on the natural world and God’s power and wisdom displayed through it.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 104:1, 24, 31, 34, 29-30 offers several profound lessons:

God’s Sovereignty and Providence: The main subject of the psalm is the order of the world and the sovereignty of the God who created and maintains it. This instills confidence that God can and will order the lives of those who seek Him by keeping them in God’s purpose and away from evil.

Appreciation of God’s Creation: Psalm 104:24 marvels at the vastness and variety of God’s creation. It teaches us to appreciate the interconnectedness of all creatures and their reliance on God’s provision.

God’s Glory: Psalm 104:31 expresses the hope that God’s glory will endure forever. It encourages us to find joy in God’s works and to strive for our lives to be pleasing to Him.

Life and Death: Psalm 104:29-30 highlights the cycle of life and death, underscoring God’s ultimate control over existence itself. It depicts God’s power to give life and to take it away, and His ability to renew the face of the earth.

The Holy Spirit: These verses point to God’s ruach, or breath, which brings life to our physical and spiritual lives simultaneously. The removal of divine breath results in death, but the sending forth of the spirit of God brings life and renews that which has been reduced to dust.

These lessons remind us of the power of faith, the reliability of God’s promises, and the importance of appreciating and respecting God’s creation. (Copilot)

Jesus Gives Life

"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, 

so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. "

(John 5:21)

Jesus is our Lord and Savior whose divine power gives life. Jesus, the Son, carries out the will of God the Father and not His own. Let us honor Him as we honor the Father. Jesus and the Father are One. God is One, but exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. While they are distinct, they are also of one essence, meaning they share the same divine nature. 

17 Jesus answered the Jews, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” 18 For this reason the Jews tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. 22 Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. 25 Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself. 27 And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” (John 5:17-30)

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, divine power in His hand, gives life abundant, fulfills God's perfect plan. Not by His own will, but the Father's command, He carries out His work, in sea and on land. Let us honor Him, as we honor the Father above, for they are One, united in perfect love. In every word, in every deed, it's the Father's will that Jesus does heed. Jesus, the Son, in the Father's light, guides us through day, protects us at night. In Him, we see God's love unfold, a  love so pure, a love untold. So let us honor Him, our Savior so dear, with hearts full of faith, and minds clear. For Jesus and the Father are One, a truth as enduring as the rising sun.

Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge You as our Lord and Savior, whose divine power gives life. We recognize that You, the Son, carry out the will of God the Father, not Your own. We honor You, Lord Jesus, just as we honor the Father. We are in awe of the unity between You and the Father, reminding us that You are One. Help us to always remember this truth, to live our lives in a way that honors You and the Father. May our actions reflect our understanding of Your divine power and our desire to follow Your will. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice and love. We pray that we may always find comfort and hope in Your eternal and objective approval. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

God has not forgotten us. The metaphor of a mother’s unfailing love for her child illustrates God’s enduring commitment to His people. It speaks of God’s covenant with the people, His guidance, and His unfailing memory. It emphasizes God’s compassion and mercy, even when people feel forgotten. It speaks of liberation for the captives, provision for those in need, and the ultimate comfort and mercy from God. This is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ and the salvation He brings, extending the message of hope to all nations.

8 Thus says the Lord: In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you; and I have kept you and given you as covenant to the people, to restore the land and allot the desolate heritages, 9 saying to the prisoners:Come out! To those in darkness: Show yourselves! Along the ways they shall find pasture, on every bare height shall their pastures be. 10 They shall not hunger or thirst, nor shall the scorching wind or the sun strike them; for he who pities them leads them and guides them beside springs of water. 11 I will cut a road through all my mountains, and make my highways level. 12 See, some shall come from afar, others from the north and the west, and some from the land of Syene. 13 Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted. 14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” 15 Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. (Isaiah 49:8-15)

In the shadowed valleys, 'neath the sky's vast dome whispers the Eternal, "You are not alone." With a mother's fervor, tender and sublime, He cradles His children, through the sands of time. A covenant unbroken, a guide ever true, His memory unfailing, like morning's fresh dew. Through deserts and darkness, His mercies extend, a shepherd to His flock, a faithful friend. Though Zion in her anguish, may voice her despair, the Lord's voice resounds, "My child, I am there." No mother's heart forgets the life she bore nor does the Creator, whom the heavens adore. For His love is steadfast, a fortress, a flame, in the silence and storm, He calls each by name. So sing, O you heavens, let the earth give cheer for God's compassion is forever near.

Heavenly Father, who art in the heavens above, Your children call upon Your name with love. In moments of silence, in the depths of the night, remind us, O Lord, we're never out of Your sight. Like a mother's embrace, tender and kind, Your commitment to us, forever entwined. Your covenant stands, Your guidance so clear, in Your unfailing memory, we have nothing to fear. 

For Your compassion and mercy, they know no end, even when we feel forgotten, You still extend Your hand. God, You have not forgotten us, Your love is our fortress, in Your eternal promise, we find our solace and rest. I Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

God’s enduring faithfulness and His comfort is found in His majestic greatness. He is near to all who call upon Him in truth. Let us reflect our lifetime experiences with God that serves as our learning lessons in following the Almighty and recognizing His mercy and compassion, greatness and goodness, kindness and faithfulness over our lives.

8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. 13 The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. 14 The Lord lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. 17 The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18)

In the tapestry of time, His faithfulness weaves, a pattern of comfort, in which the heart believes. Majestic in greatness, yet close to the call, He hears those in truth, and uplifts them all. Our journey's mosaic, with lessons so rife, reflects our walk with God, the Almighty of life. His mercy, a river, flowing wide and deep, His compassion, a promise He's sworn to keep. In the garden of existence, His goodness blooms, a fragrance of kindness that forever looms. His faithfulness, a beacon that never sways, guiding us gently through life's complex maze. So let us remember, in each rise and fall, the Almighty's nearness, His love over all. For in His grandeur, His grace does unfurl, a tapestry of love, for each boy and girl.

O Lord, our Guardian and Guide so true, in Your majestic greatness, we find comfort anew. Your faithfulness endures, through time and space, near to all who seek You, a divine embrace. We reflect on life's journey, the paths we've trod, lessons learned in the shadow of our Almighty God. In Your mercy and compassion, we find our strength, Your greatness and goodness, our refuge at length. With kindness and faithfulness, You've graced our days, over our lives, Your love forever stays. Teach us to follow You, with hearts open and bold, in Your enduring faithfulness, let our lives unfold. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CURE ON A SABBATH/THE WORK OF THE SON

John 5:1-18 / 19-30

II: Expiation of Sin, Spiritual Liberation of Israel

THE LIBERATION AND RESTORATION OF ZION

Isaiah 49:8-26

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD

Psalm 145:1-21

Reflection Source:

Copilot in Edge