Universal Utterings

for August 22, 2025

A Godcast

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08-22-2025 Matthew 22 v3440 Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 22 Verses 34 thru 40

34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them [a scholar of the law] tested him by asking,36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

In Matthew 22:34-40, we encounter a pivotal moment where Jesus is tested by the Pharisees, who ask Him to identify the greatest commandment. Jesus responds with profound clarity: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” He then emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbor as ourselves, encapsulating the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

These verses remind us that the foundation of living in accordance with God's will centers on love. To love God wholeheartedly means to prioritize Him above all else in our lives. This love should permeate every decision we make, guiding our actions, thoughts, and relationships. When we place God first, we begin to see our lives transformed. Our priorities shift as we seek to align our desires with His will, leading us toward a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Living this commandment means engaging deeply with our faith, nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, worship, and study of His Word. It's about cultivating an attitude of gratitude and recognizing His presence in every aspect of our lives. When we love God with all our heart and soul, we are also empowered to love others genuinely and selflessly.

In summary, Matthew 22:34-40 serves as a powerful reminder that to truly live out God's will, we must anchor our lives in love—loving God first and foremost. This love fuels our actions and decisions, allowing us to reflect God's grace and compassion to the world around us. Let us commit to loving God with all that we are, ensuring His will is evident in every facet of our lives. 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 pray:

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.

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

08-22-2025 Matthew 22 v3440

**Love Your Neighbor As Yourself**

In the heart of the law, a question arose,

The Pharisees gathered, intent to impose.

“What is the greatest commandment?” they inquired,

But Jesus revealed what their hearts truly desired.

“Love the Lord your God with all that you are,

With heart, soul, and mind—let Him be your star.

In devotion sincere, let your spirit take flight,

For loving Him deeply illuminates the right.”

And the second is clear, not far from the first,

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” He eloquently versed.

In this simple truth, all the law is fulfilled,

Compassion and kindness in our hearts must be instilled.

So let us remember, as we walk on His way,

To place God above all in each moment and day.

For in loving Him wholly, our lives find their course,

In love and in service, we discover His source. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 22, 2025 @ 04:31 AM EST

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