Universal Utterings®
for July 15, 2024

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07-15-2024 Matthew 10 V-3439 Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Me

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The Book of Matthew 10 v- 34 thru 39

34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. 35 For I have come to set a man ‘against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and one’s enemies will be those of his household.’ 37 “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

In the heart of His teachings, amidst the rolling hills and ancient olive groves, Jesus presents a radical message that stirs the soul and challenges the status quo. In Matthew 10:34-39, He declares, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." These words, at first glance, seem contradictory coming from the Prince of Peace. However, they reveal a profound truth about the cost of discipleship and the nature of true peace.

Jesus speaks not of physical violence but of a spiritual and moral division that His message will inevitably cause. The "sword" He refers to is the piercing truth of the Gospel, which divides truth from falsehood, light from darkness, and loyalty to God from loyalty to the world. His teachings compel individuals to make a choice, often leading to conflict even within one's family. "For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother," He says, highlighting the deep and often painful divisions that allegiance to Him can bring.

This passage underscores the total commitment required to follow Jesus. "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me," He continues. This is not a call to abandon family love but to prioritize one's devotion to Christ above all else. The demand is radical: to place Him at the center of one's life, even if it means facing opposition or estrangement from loved ones. God must come first!

"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me," Jesus asserts. The cross, a symbol of suffering and sacrifice, represents the trials and hardships that come with true discipleship. Yet, in this paradox lies the promise of life. "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." True life, eternal and abundant, is discovered in the surrender of our own desires and the wholehearted pursuit of Gods Holy Will. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

07-14-2024 Matthew 10 V-3439

**Jesus Love More Than These**

In the shadow of the olive tree,

Where peace once seemed to reign,

He spoke of swords and family,

Of love entwined with pain.

"Do not think I bring you calm,"

The Master's voice declared.

"A sword I'll wield, not gentle balm,

For truth must be compared."

"Father against his son shall rise,

And daughter 'gainst her mother.

In every heart, the question lies:

Will you choose one or the other?"

"Who loves their kin more than my call,

Is not worthy of my name.

For in this world, you must give all,

Or live in endless shame."

"Take up your cross, and follow me,

Through trials, loss, and strife.

For in your sacrifice, you'll see,

The gift of eternal life."

So heed the words, both fierce and kind,

And let your heart be stirred.

For in His path, true life you'll find,

Beyond the spoken word. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

July 15, 2024 @ 06:35 AM EST

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