Universal Utterings

for February 27, 2025

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02-27-25 Mark 9 v4248 Better to Enter the Kingdom of God with One Eye

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The Gospel of Mark Chapter 9 V- 42 and 48

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. [44] 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.[46] 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, 48 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’

In Mark 9:42-48, Jesus delivers a sobering warning about the grave consequences of leading others into sin. He explicitly states that causing even the smallest of believers to stumble is a serious offense, likening it to having a millstone hung around one's neck and being thrown into the sea. This vivid imagery underscores the severity of influencing others in a way that could jeopardize their spiritual well-being.

Sin is not merely a personal failing; it can have far-reaching implications, especially when it entices others to stray from the path of righteousness. The Lord’s abomination against causing others to sin is clear: it stems from His deep concern for the souls of His children. Our actions and choices have the power to uplift or corrupt, to guide or mislead. By disregarding this responsibility, we risk not only our own salvation but endanger the lives of those around us.

Christ goes further to emphasize the nature of eternal consequences, illustrating the horrific reality of Gehenna, or hell. The mention of cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye serves as a potent metaphor for the lengths one should go to avoid sin. The painful sacrifices we might need to make in our lives are minor compared to the cost of eternal separation from God.

Thus, we are reminded that leading others to sin is not just socially irresponsible; it is a matter of eternal significance. As we navigate our lives, let us commit to being instruments of life and light. May we always strive to live in a manner that reflects God’s love and truth, safeguarding ourselves and others from the dangers of sin. For in the end, our choices affect not just the present, but forever. 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. 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

02-27-2025 Mark 9 v4248

**Better to Enter the Kingdom of God with One Eye**

In shadows deep, where tempters tread,

A plea emerges, where hearts are led.

"Take heed," Jesus says, with love profound,

For causing a stumble can drag souls down.

A millstone's weight, a terrible fate,

To lead the innocent to sin's dark gate.

With gentlest hands, we hold their care,

Guarding their spirits, our solemn prayer.

What use is gain if hearts are lost?

In the search for pleasure, we count the cost.

Better to sever what draws us astray,

Than to walk in darkness, to lose our way.

For hell's fire burns in eternal night,

A warning etched in Scripture's light.

With each choice made, let wisdom guide,

To cherish the weak, be their faithful side.

So let us strive, with courage and grace,

To nurture each soul, to lift up their place.

For in love's embrace, we find our role,

In the quest for salvation, we save our soul. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

February 27, 2025 @ 04:34 AM EST

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