Universal Utterings®
for August 19, 2024

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08-19-2024 Matthew 19 V-1624 Perfection comes from giving all away for the Kingdom

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The Book of Matthew 19 v-16 thru 24

16 Now someone approached him and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”17 He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”18 He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother’; and ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 19:16-24 recounts the encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man who seeks guidance on achieving eternal life. The young man approaches Jesus, addressing Him as "Good Teacher," and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus initially redirects on the term "good," emphasizing that only God is truly good, thereby inviting the young man to reflect on his understanding of goodness and its divine source.

Jesus then lists several commandments from the Mosaic Law—such as prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and bearing false witness—suggesting that adherence to these laws is crucial. The young man confidently asserts that he has observed all these commandments since his youth. This moment reveals his sincerity but also highlights a potential lack of self-awareness regarding the deeper spiritual requirements of the law.

Jesus, perceiving the young man's attachment to his wealth, challenges him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This call to radical discipleship serves as a litmus test for the young man's priorities and his willingness to sacrifice earthly security for spiritual fulfillment. The young man, grieved by this demand, departs sorrowfully, illustrating the struggle of material attachment versus spiritual commitment.

Jesus then turns to His disciples, expressing the difficulty for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, likening it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. This metaphor underscores the profound challenge wealth can pose to spiritual growth and reliance on God. The passage concludes with the disciples’ astonishment, leading Jesus to affirm that while human effort may fail, with God, all things are possible. This narrative invites reflection on the nature of true discipleship and the sacrifices required to follow Christ wholeheartedly. 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

08-19-2024 Matthew 19 V-1624

**Perfection comes from giving all away for the Kingdom**

In the twilight of a sunlit day,

A young man approached, seeking the way.

"Good Teacher," he said, with hope in his heart,

"What must I do for eternal life to start?"

Jesus looked deep, with wisdom profound,

"Why call me good? Only God can be found.

Keep the commandments, the law is your guide,

For in faithful obedience, true life will abide."

"I've followed them all since my youth's early dawn,"

He replied with a smile, though a shadow was drawn.

Yet Jesus, with love, saw the truth in his gaze—

A heart bound by riches, lost in a maze.

"Go, sell what you have, give to the poor,

Then come follow me, for there's so much in store."

But the young man turned, sorrow clouding his face,

For his treasures held tight, he couldn’t embrace.

Jesus spoke softly, His words like a bell,

"It’s hard for the wealthy, it's harder to dwell

In the kingdom of heaven, where riches can bind,

Like a camel through needles, it's rare for them to find."

The disciples stood startled, their hearts in dismay,

"Who then can be saved? What price must we pay?"

Jesus looked at them, with grace in His tone,

"With man it is hard, but with God, all is known."

So let us remember, as we journey along,

True wealth is in love, in a heart that is strong.

For treasures of earth, though they glitter and gleam,

Are fleeting and lost, but in God, we redeem. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 19, 2024 @ 05:52 AM EST

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