Universal Utterings

for November 3, 2024

A Godcast

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11-03-2024 Mark 12 v2834 Not Far from the Kingdom of God

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The Gospel of Mark Chapter 12 V- 28 and 34

28 One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ 33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Mark 12:28-34 presents a profound interaction between Jesus and a scribe who asks Him about the greatest commandment. Jesus responds by emphasizing the importance of loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and also highlights the necessity of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. This passage captures the essence of the Kingdom of God—a realm defined by love, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

When I ask others, “How far are you from the Kingdom of God?” I invite them to reflect on their relationship with God and with those around them. Living out this commandment means embodying the love of Christ in every interaction, especially with the least, the lonely, and the languished. Our ministry’s commitment to breaking bread with those who have faced societal punishment is a tangible expression of this love. By fostering goodwill and offering support, we create an environment where healing and redemption can flourish.

As we engage with men who have strayed from the path, we are reminded of the transformative power of God’s grace. We encourage them to seek peace and fulfillment in the Will of God, knowing that true freedom comes through the Blood of the Lamb. This is not just a physical act of service but a spiritual one that mirrors Jesus’ call to love and serve others.

Join me in praying for these individuals, that they may find solace and strength in God’s love, and that they may feel the embrace of a community that seeks to uplift rather than cast aside. Together, let us strive to draw nearer to the Kingdom of God, living out the commandments that Jesus has laid before us. Fish is served! 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 forever. 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

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

11-03-2024 Mark 12 V-2834

**Not Far from the Kingdom of God**

In the heart of a bustling crowd,

A teacher stood, wise and proud.

A scribe approached with questions keen,

Seeking truth in the sacred scene.

“Which commandment holds the weight,

Of all the laws that God did state?”

With wisdom clear and voice so bold,

The greatest commandment was soon to be told.

“Love the Lord with all your heart,

With soul and mind, let love impart.

This is the first, the highest call,

To love Him fully, above all.”

“And love your neighbor as yourself,

A truth that’s greater than wealth or health.

These two commands, they intertwine,

In loving others, His love does shine.”

The scribe, moved by this holy decree,

Agreed, “You speak with clarity.

To love is better than burnt-offering,

In love, we find the sacred spring.”

Jesus smiled, for he knew well,

The heart that seeks, the truth will tell.

“You are not far from the kingdom’s gate,

In love, my friend, you find your fate.”

So let us heed this timeless call,

To love our God, to love them all.

In every heart, let kindness flow,

For in love’s light, we truly grow. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

November 3, 2024 @ 04:49 AM EST

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