Universal Utterings®
for August 5, 2024

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08-05-2024 Matthew 4 V-0104 Live by God’s Word

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The Book of Matthew 4 v- One thru Four

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. 3 The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” 4 He said in reply, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:1-4 recounts the beginning of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, a pivotal moment in the New Testament that highlights both His humanity and divinity. After His baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He fasts for forty days and forty nights. This period of fasting is reminiscent of the forty years the Israelites spent in the desert, as well as the forty days Moses and Elijah spent fasting, thus connecting Jesus to the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition and prophecy.

In this weakened state, Jesus is approached by the devil, who challenges Him with a temptation: "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” The devil's challenge is multifaceted, questioning Jesus' divine identity while also preying on His physical hunger. This temptation underscores a broader spiritual struggle between immediate physical needs and deeper spiritual truths.

Jesus responds with a quotation from Deuteronomy 8:3, saying, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” By doing so, He affirms the supremacy of spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance. His response highlights the importance of relying on God's word and wisdom, rather than succumbing to immediate, earthly desires.

This passage sets the tone for Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to God's will and His ability to withstand temptation. It serves as a powerful reminder to us believers of the importance of spiritual discipline, reliance on scripture, and the need to prioritize spiritual well-being over material or physical concerns. The narrative also establishes Jesus as the new, obedient Israel, succeeding where the old Israel failed, thus reinforcing His role as the Messiah who fulfills and transcends Old Testament prophecies. Amen.

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose Body and Blood are given to us in the Holy Eucharist. I acknowledge the profound mystery and immense grace present in the Sacrifice of the Mass, where we receive the Bread of Life, the true presence of Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Lord, I lift up to You those who are separated from this life-giving sacrament through ignorance or hardened hearts. I pray for the many I encounter each day who may be walking in darkness, unaware of the deep love and grace that You offer through the Eucharist.

Father, I ask for Your mercy upon them. Open their eyes to the truth of Your love and the transformative power of the Mass. Soften their hearts and dispel the ignorance that keeps them distant from You. Let the light of Christ shine upon their path, guiding them toward the fullness of faith and the richness of life in You.

In my own life, help me to be a humble witness of Your grace. Let my actions and words reflect the love and compassion of Christ. Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, always acting in love and never in judgment.

Lord, I pray that they may one day come to partake in the Holy Eucharist with a heart full of faith, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ with reverence and awe. May they experience the boundless love and mercy that flows from this sacrament, transforming their lives and drawing them closer to You.

I trust in Your infinite wisdom and love, knowing that You desire all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and to be saved. Use me, Lord, as an instrument of Your peace and love, and may Your will be done in their lives.

I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

08-05-2024 Matthew 4 V-0104

**Live by God’s Word**

In the wilderness, alone He stood,

Led by the Spirit, as He always would.

Forty days of fasting, night and day,

In the desert's harsh and arid sway.

No bread to eat, no water clear,

Yet His faith held firm, no trace of fear.

The tempter came with cunning art,

To test the strength of Jesus' heart.

"If You're the Son of God," he said,

"Turn these stones to loaves of bread."

A hunger deep, a body's plea,

Yet deeper still, His soul was free.

"It is written," Jesus spoke,

With words of life, the silence broke.

"Man shall not live by bread alone,

But by every word from God's own throne."

In this trial, strength was shown,

A King who'd claim no earthly throne.

But one of spirit, truth, and light,

A beacon in the darkest night.

Through temptation's fiery blaze,

He walked unscathed, in heaven's gaze.

A lesson taught, a path made clear,

To seek God's word, to hold it dear.

In the wilderness, a story told,

Of courage, faith, and heart so bold.

Matthew's verses, wisdom's door,

To live by bread and spirit more. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 5, 2024 @ 05:19 AM EST

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