Thought for Thursday December 31

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

John 1: 1 – 18 What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Does the darkness ever overcome me? Do I sometimes look for the darkness i.e. pay close attention to all of the negative stuff that is or might be happening in the world?

Action: Resolve to pay close attention to the good going on in the world instead of obsessing about the bad.

Thought for Wednesday December 30

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Give to the LORD, you families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Luke 2: 36 – 40 She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

How do I worship? Do I put a lot of thought into it?

Action: Worship God today in a different way than is usual for you.

Thought for Tuesday December 29

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Luke 2: 22 – 35 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Do I know anyone like this? Would anyone ever describe me this way?

Action: Work on being righteous (not self-righteous) and devout.

Thought for Monday December 28

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.
Broken was the snare,
and we were freed.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Matthew 2: 13 – 18 The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”

Is “run away and hide” the advice I would expect from the God who sent plagues to Egypt, wiped out the Amalekites, and destroyed Jericho? Does the birth of Jesus seem to usher in a new era in God’s dealings with his people?

Action: Make a point of doing something nice for the “innocent” people around you.

Thought for Wednesday December 23

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.
Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Luke 1: 57 – 66 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.

With whom will I be rejoicing this Christmas? If I had my pick of anyone to rejoice with, who would it be?

Action: Get ready to rejoice with whomever you are spending Christmas.

Thought for Tuesday December 22

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
“My heart exults in the LORD,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory.”
My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Luke 1: 46 – 56 “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

Am I rejoicing in God? What am I feeling as Christmas draws near?

Action: Start relaxing now so you can enjoy Christmas.

Thought for Monday December 21

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust.
Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Luke 1: 39 – 45 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

When was the last time I leaped for joy? Is there enough joy in my life?

Action: Plan some joy in your life.

Thought for Friday December 18

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Matthew 1: 18 – 25 Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.

Am I ever afraid to do what is right? How do I overcome my fears?

Action: This weekend don’t be afraid to ___________________ .

Thought for Thursday December 17

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
May his name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun his name shall remain.
In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;
all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Matthew 1: 1 – 17 Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok.


What do I get out of the annual reading of Jesus’ genealogy? Do I think Jesus would have found this interesting?


Action: Introduce yourself to and learn the names of three people you see all the time but don’t really know.

Thought for Wednesday December 16

Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.

Luke 7: 18 – 23 John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

Is Jesus enough for me or am I looking for something more? Do I live like Jesus is “The One”?

Action: Put Jesus at the center of your holiday preparations.

Thought for Tuesday December 15

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Matthew 21: 28 – 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did.

Do I believe people can change? Am I ever skeptical of conversion stories?


Action: If you have been working to convert someone [to faith or away from sin], keep at it.

Thought for Monday December 14

Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your kindness are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Matthew 21: 23 – 27 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”

How often have I said “I don’t know.”, because I was afraid to give the real answer? Am I willing to give an unpopular answer or opinion?

Action: Rejoice, this is the third week of Advent, make it a good one.

Thought for Monday December 14

Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your kindness are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Matthew 21: 23 – 27 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”

How often have I said “I don’t know.”, because I was afraid to give the real answer? Am I willing to give an unpopular answer or opinion?

Action: Rejoice, this is the third week of Advent, make it a good one.

Thought for Friday December 11

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

Matthew 11: 16 – 19 But wisdom is vindicated by her works.

What works have I seen wisdom produce? Do I respect wisdom?

Action: Talk to three wise people this weekend and heed what they say.

Thought for Thursday December 10

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.

Matthew 11: 11 – 15 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.

How many kinds of violence do I see every day? How violent am I in the way I talk, drive, work, shop, etc?

Action: Resolve to not buy any violent Christmas presents.

Thought for Wednesday December 9

O bless the Lord, my soul!
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
O bless the Lord, my soul!

Matthew 11: 28 – 30 Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

How tired am I? How important are the things I have accepted as burdens?

Action: Let go of some burden that wasn’t really important anyway.

Thought for Tuesday December 8

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Luke 1: 26 – 38 Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Do I feel like my name could go in this sentence? Do I believe I have found favor with God?


Action: Send expensive birthday presents to all of the Marys you know. Or, write out this sentence with your name in it and carry it around with you for a few days so you can think about what it means to you.

Thought for Monday December 7

Our God will come to save us!
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
Our God will come to save us!

Luke 5: 17 – 26 But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus.


What do I do when there are obstacles in my path to God? How hard will I try to find another way?


Action: If there is some good thing you have wanted to do but haven’t been able to do, try to find a different way.

Thought for Friday December 4

The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Matthew 9: 27 – 31 Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?”

What do I believe Jesus can do for me? Do I ask Jesus for help or do I prefer to get by on my own?

Action: Ask Jesus to do something for you.

Thought for Thursday December 4

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 7: 21 – 27 Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.

What is my house built on? What kind of foundation is necessary to be a saint and missionary like St. Francis Xavier (today is his feast day)?

Action: If there are in soft/sandy spots in your foundation, make a plan for shoring them up.

Thought for Wednesday December 2

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Matthew 15: 29 – 37 The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Do I acknowledge that people I know can change or do I tend to always think of them the same way I always have? Do I want people to let me grow and change?

Action: Thank God for all of the infirmities he has helped you overcome.

Thought for Tuesday December 1

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Luke 10: 21 – 24 Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

What do I see and hear that prophets and kings missed? What have others seen that I missed?


Action: Share something you have seen or heard with someone who has not seen or heard.

Thought for Monday November 30

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Matthew 4: 18 – 22 As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

How do I identify myself? What job does Jesus see me doing?


Action: Find 3 ways you can help to bring about the Kingdom of God through the day-to-day work that you do.

Thought for Thursday November 26 - Thanksgiving

Sirach 50: 22 – 24

And now, bless the God of all,
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;

Thought for Wednesday November 25

Give glory and eternal praise to him.
“Cold and chill, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
Give glory and eternal praise to him.

Luke 21: 12 – 19 It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

Have I ever experienced Jesus giving me the right words at the right time? Do I trust him to be there for me in the hardest times?

Action: Think of one situation that needs Jesus to speak to it and pray for him to give you the right words. Be aware the “right words” may not be actual “words.”

Thought for Tuesday November 24

Give glory and eternal praise to him.
“Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord,
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
Give glory and eternal praise to him.

Luke 21: 5 – 11 Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”


Wouldn’t it be nice to know when something bad is about to happen? Do I spend much time preparing myself for hard times?

Action: Make a list of five things you need to do to prepare yourself for the worst — and then start working on them.

Thought for Monday November 23

Glory and praise for ever!
“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;
And blessed is your holy and glorious name,
praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.”
Glory and praise for ever!

Luke 21: 1 – 4 When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.

How much can I afford to give [money, time, energy]? How much do I give?

Action: Give a little more than you can afford.

Thought for Friday November 20

We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power,
majesty, splendor, and glory.
For all in heaven and on earth is yours.”
We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

Luke 19: 45 – 48 The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

Doesn’t “put him to death” seem like a pretty extreme way of responding to someone you disagree with? Am I violent about any issue?

Action: Have a great weekend.

Thought for Thursday November 19

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High;
Then call upon me in time of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.”
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Luke 19: 41 – 44 As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace– but now it is hidden from your eyes.”

How peaceful is my city? Do I have any idea what would make for peace in my city?

Action: Do something to make your neighborhood a little more peaceful.

Thought for Wednesday November 18

Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
My steps have been steadfast in your paths,
my feet have not faltered.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my word.
Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

Luke 19: 11 – 28 Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief,’

Is there anything God has given me that he wants me to keep hidden away? Has God given me anything that I am hiding?

Action: Invest your talents in changing the world, or at least the part of it that is around you.

Thought forTuesday November 17

The Lord upholds me.
When I lie down in sleep,
I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
I fear not the myriads of people
arrayed against me on every side.
The Lord upholds me.

Luke 19: 1 – 10 Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.

What keeps me from seeing who Jesus really is? What am I going to do about it?

Action: Do whatever you have to do to see Jesus.

Thought for Monday November 16

Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me,
your law I have not forgotten.
Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.

Luke 18: 35 – 43 He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Have I seen a miracle? What miracle would I most like to see happen?

Action: Work to improve some situation that “would need a miracle to fix.”

Thought for Friday November 13

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

Luke 17: 26- 37 So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them,

What is my most prized possession? What would I risk to keep/protect it?

Action: Make a list of all the things you want to take with you when you die and put it in a safe place.

Thought for Thursday November 12

Your word is for ever, O Lord.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
Your word is for ever, O Lord.

Luke 17: 20 – 25 “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

If I can’t observe the kingdom of God, how am I supposed to know it is really here? What difference does it make?

Action: Think for yourself and don’t get wrapped up in mob mentality.

Today is the feast of St. Josaphat. Here is a little bit of his story from http://saints.sqpn.com/saintj61.htm

Mob mentality took over, and they invaded the residence. Josaphat tried to insure the safety of his servants before fleeing himself, but did not get out in time, and was martyred by the mob. His death was a shock to both sides of the dispute, brought some sanity and a cooling off period to both sides of the conflict.

Thought for Wednesday November 11

Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
Defend the lowly and the fatherless;
render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the lowly and the poor;
from the hand of the wicked deliver them.
Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.

Luke 17: 11 – 19 As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

Am I so used to my afflictions that I wouldn’t even notice if I were cured? Have you ever thought, “I would do more “good” if I didn’t have [some particular problem].”?


Action: Start trying to do something that you think you can’t do – ask Jesus to help.

Thought For Tuesday November 10

I will bless the Lord at all times.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
I will bless the Lord at all times.

Luke 17: 7 – 10 When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’

Do I think I am special because I do some good things? Do I expect to do all I have been commanded to do?

Action: Do what God has commanded you to do.

Thought for Monday November 9

The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
God will help it at the break of dawn.
The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

John 2: 13 – 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

Does this mean the disciples didn’t believe Jesus or the scriptures until after the resurrection? When did I come to believe Jesus and the scripture?

Action: Make a point this week of acting like somebody other people will believe.

Thought for Friday November 6

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Luke 16: 1 – 8 Prepare a full account of your stewardship,

If God asks me for an account of my stewardship, what will I tell him? What am I a steward of?

Action: Take responsibility for something at work or in your community that everyone else is ignoring.

Thought for Thursday November 5

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Luke 15: 1 – 10 So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

Would I leave the 99 and go after the one? Does this sound like a good business decision?

Action: Work on a lost cause.

Thought for Wednesday November 4

Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Luke 14: 25 – 33 “Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? … In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

Do these two sentences really belong together? Is renouncing all of my possessions the cost of discipleship?

Action: Let go of your attachment to one of your possessions without actually getting rid of it.

Thought for Tuesday November 3

In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
O LORD, my heart is not proud,
nor are my eyes haughty;
I busy not myself with great things,
nor with things too sublime for me.
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Romans 12: 5 – 16 Let love be sincere.

What does sincere mean? How sincere am I in my day-to-day dealings with people?

Action: Read all of the passage from Romans and do one thing it suggests.


Note: I usually use the Gospel passage for the day (Luke 14: 15 - 24, but it was one of those that seems like it comes up over and over and the First Reading really struck me today.

Thought for Monday November 2 Feast of All Souls

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

John 6: 37 – 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.

Who am I praying for today? Who am I looking forward to seeing in heaven?


Action: Pray for your loved ones who have already died.

Thought for Friday October 30

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Luke 14: 1 – 6 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.

How often do I invite people who are suffering to dinner in my home? Does it make me uncomfortable to eat with someone with a “visible” disease?

Action: Start thinking about your plans for the upcoming holiday season. Consider spending part of your time serving those who are “visibly” suffering instead of just the usual insufferable relatives. [My family of course has none of these.]

Thought for Thursday October 29

Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD,
and in the midst of the throng I will praise him,
For he stood at the right hand of the poor man,
to save him from those who would condemn his soul.
Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

Luke 13: 31 – 35 Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.

What did Jesus accomplish on the third day? Does my life bear witness to his accomplishment?

Action: Consider wearing a Halloween costume of someone whose life bears [bore] witness to Jesus.

Thought for Wednesday October 28

Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
Their message goes out through all the earth.

Luke 6: 12 – 16 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:

How many people would I choose to be with me all the time, through my worst times, and to carry on for me after I died? How would I choose them?


Action: Do something this week to show that you are worthy of being chosen.

Thought for Tuesday October 27

The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
The Lord has done marvels for us.

Luke 13: 18 – 21 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

What strikes me most about this description of the Kingdom of God? Do I have a role/place in this kingdom?


Action: Do something to make someone’s day.

Thought for Monday October 26

Our God is the God of salvation.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Our God is the God of salvation.

Luke 13: 10 – 17 And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.

Are there any infirmities I would like to be free from? What infirmities is my local society suffer from?

Action: Work to free yourself from the infirmities society is imposing on you.

Thought for Friday October 23

Lord, teach me your statutes.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.
Lord, teach me your statutes.

Luke 12: 54 – 59 “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?”

How often have I judged something to be wrong even though there was no rule, law or authority telling me it was wrong? What did I do about it?

Action: Bring an injustice you see to the attention of authority, but expect to have to do something about it yourself.

Thought for Thursday October 22

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Luke 12: 49 – 53 Jesus said, “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”

So is Jesus happy that there is such division in the world? Is he expressing a wish or a prediction or …?


Action: Divide 435954824 by 98342. [Just kidding.] Answer the questions above.

Thought for Wednesday October 21

Our help is in the name of the Lord.
We were rescued like a bird
from the fowlers’ snare;
Broken was the snare,
and we were freed.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Luke 12: 39 – 48 And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.”

What am I in charge of? If the master checks on me today would he find me doing what I am supposed to be doing?


Action: Do your job. If you don’t know what it is, you need to schedule time for serious reflection to figure it out.

Thought for Tuesday October 20

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
May all who seek you
exult and be glad in you,
And may those who love your salvation
say ever, “The LORD be glorified.”
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Luke 12: 35 – 38 Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.”

What am I waiting for? Do I stand ready to do the Father’s will?

Action: Stay up 15 minutes later tonight and ask God if there is anything he wants you to do.

Thought for Monday October 19

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.
He has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

Luke 12: 13 – 21 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Am I greedy? Even just a little? Have I ever put possessions ahead of God or other people?


Action: Give away something you don’t really need.

Thought for Friday October 16

I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just;
exult, all you upright of heart.
I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

Luke 12: 1 – 7 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.


What have I said that I would not want proclaimed from the housetops? Is it good to be reminded of this every year?

Action: Do something nice for someone you have privately said something bad about.

Thought for Thursday October 15

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

Luke 11: 47 – 54 Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood!

Can I think of any sin of the past that current generations are still being held accountable for? What can we learn from examining those past misdeeds?

Action: Read a book or an article or watch a movie about past injustices and look to see if any of the same things that led up to them are still happening. If you notice anything you can work to fix, do it.

Thought for Wednesday October 14

Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.
Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.

Luke 11: 42 – 46 “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

Does being right absolve me from my duty to be compassionate? Do I think God has ever given my a burden and not been there to help?

Action: The next time you tell someone else what he “should do,” find a way to help him do it.

Thought for Tuesday October 13

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

Luke 11: 37 – 41 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.

Why couldn’t Jesus have been a gracious guest and honored the host’s beliefs/practices? Would it have annoyed me if he used dinner at my house to make a point?


Action: Invite someone who is lonely to dinner, or lunch, or coffee, or somewhere else.

Thought for Monday October 12

The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Luke 11: 29 – 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.

What have past generations done that we can’t seem to do today? What would they condemn us for?

Action: Take the time to study a sin of past generations and how we solved it or grew out of it.

Thought for Monday October 12

The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Luke 11: 29 – 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.

What have past generations done that we can’t seem to do today? What would they condemn us for?

Action: Take the time to study a sin of past generations and how we solved it or grew out of it.

Thought for Friday October 9

The Lord will judge the world with justice.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart;
I will declare all your wondrous deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, Most High.
The Lord will judge the world with justice.

Luke 11: 15 – 26 “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.”

What divisions do I see in the world around me? Can I do anything about them?

Action: Be an undivider – work to heal divisions at home, at work, at school, in the community, etc.

Thought for Thursday October 8

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Luke 11: 5 – 13 And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Do I ask for what I want; do I seek it; do I knock? What do I want?

Action: Set a new goal [or just a wish] for something you want to be, get, do, or give and start working on it.

Thought for Wednesday October 7

Lord, you are merciful and gracious.
All the nations you have made shall come
and worship you, O Lord,
and glorify your name.
For you are great, and you do wondrous deeds;
you alone are God.
Lord, you are merciful and gracious.

Luke 11: 1 – 4 “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

Is there a part of this prayer that really strikes me? Is there anything I wouldn’t dare say unless Jesus told me to?

Action: Pray the Our Father slowly, pausing to think about what every word means.

Thought for Tuesday October 6

If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD
LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

Luke 10: 38 – 42 Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.

Have I welcomed Jesus into my life or just tolerated his presence? What is the difference?


Action: Do something welcoming for someone you think needs it.

Thought for Monday October 5

You will rescue my life from the pit, O Lord.
When my soul fainted within me,
I remembered the LORD;
My prayer reached you
in your holy temple.
You will rescue my life from the pit, O Lord.

Luke 10: 25 – 37 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

How do I respond to people in need? Do I ever pass by on the opposite side?

Action: Be a good samaritan this week.

Thought for Friday October 2

For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name’s sake.
For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Matthew 18: 1 – 5, 10 Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

What do I miss most about being a child? Is there anything about my younger self I would like to recapture?

Action: Just for fun, do something you think you are too old to do this weekend. [Within reason. I am not responsible for skateboarding accidents.]

Thought for Thursday October 1

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Luke 10: 1 – 12 Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment.

Do I deserve my payment? When I work (at a job, around the house, volunteer, etc) am I conscientious about doing a good job?

Action: Be worth your wage today.

Thought for Wednesday September 30

Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!
Though there our captors asked of us
the lyrics of our songs,
And our despoilers urged us to be joyous:
“Sing for us the songs of Zion!”
Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

Luke 9: 57 – 62 And to another Jesus said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and …”

How would I finish that sentence? What do I put ahead of Jesus?

Action: Take one step to let go of whatever holds you back from following Jesus.

Thought for Tuesday September 29

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

John 1: 47 – 51 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.”

What would Jesus say about me? What would I want him to say?


Action: Work on closing the gap between the two questions above. If there is no gap, you might be erfect and should take the rest of the week off.

Thought for Monday September 28

The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the Lord:
“The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die.”
The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Luke 9: 46 – 50 Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Who is for Jesus and who is against? How do I tell the difference?


Action: Show your support to someone who is trying to do good.

Thought for Friday September 25

Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
And bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place.
Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.

Luke 9: 18 – 22 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

Doesn’t this sound pretty harsh? Why would Jesus react this way to the right answer?

Action: Look up the word rebuke and think of a situation where it might be appropriate.

Thought for Thursday September 24

The Lord takes delight in his people.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
The Lord takes delight in his people.

Luke 9: 7 – 9 Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed

Have I ever done anything that perplexed other people? Have someone else’s actions perplexed me?

Action: Do something to express your faith that will perplex other people.

Thought for Wednesday September 23

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
Bless the Lord, all you his chosen ones,
and may all of you praise his majesty.
Celebrate days of gladness, and give him praise.
Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Luke 9: 1 – 6 Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Why did Jesus bring them all together for this? Is this power something that should be entrusted to 12 individuals?

Action: Send one of your elected representatives a letter this week just to tell him that you respect the complexity of the issues he is facing and appreciate his service.

Thought for Tuesday September 22

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Luke 8: 19 – 21 He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Is this as easy as it sounds? How am I doing?

Action: Hear the word of God and act on it.

Thought for Monday September 21

Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
Their message goes out through all the earth.

Matthew 9: 9 – 13 “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

What does whom I eat with say about who I am? With whom do I eat?

Action: Eat with someone different this week.

Thought for Friday September 18

Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction.
Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Luke 8: 1 – 3 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

In how many different places have I experienced the word of God being proclaimed? Do I see it proclaimed more in preaching or in action?

Action: Proclaim the word of God everywhere you go in words or in actions.

Thought for Thursday September 17

How great are the works of the Lord!
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
sure are all his precepts,
Reliable forever and ever,
wrought in truth and equity.
How great are the works of the Lord!

Luke 7: 36 – 50 Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

Am I gracious enough to let people express their love? Could I ever be passionate enough to do this for someone?

Action: Do something loving for 3 people today.

Thought for Wednesday September 16

How great are the works of the Lord!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
How great are the works of the Lord!

Luke 7: 31 – 35 For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’

Do I often find fault with the messengers of the Gospel? Is it easier to reject the message if I can reject the messengers?

Action: Spend a little time listening to [or reading] someone you typically reject and see what value you can find in the message.

Thought for Tuesday September 15

I will walk with blameless heart.
My eyes are upon the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in the way of integrity
shall be in my service.
I will walk with blameless heart.

Luke 2: 33 – 35 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

What destiny do I think my parents might have chosen for me? What would I wish for my children?

Action: Chose a destiny for yourself and begin working toward it. [I assume you will chose a good, Christ-centered one]

Thought for Tuesday September 15

I will walk with blameless heart.
My eyes are upon the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in the way of integrity
shall be in my service.
I will walk with blameless heart.

Luke 2: 33 – 35 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

What destiny do I think my parents might have chosen for me? What would I wish for my children?

Action: Chose a destiny for yourself and begin working toward it. [I assume you will chose a good, Christ-centered one]

Thought for Monday September 14

Do not forget the works of the Lord!
Hearken, my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
I will utter mysteries from of old.
Do not forget the works of the Lord!

John 3: 13 – 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Do I spend my time working to fix [save] bad situations or just complaining [condemning] about them? Do I see a lot of condemning in my society?


Action: Quit complaining about everyone else and go do something good.

Thought for Friday September 11

You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Luke 6: 39 – 42 Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?”

What am I blind to? Do I have people who lead me through my blind spots?

Action: Be a leader for someone who is blind.

Thought for Thursday September 10

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise him with the blast of the trumpet,
praise him with lyre and harp,
Praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipe.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

Luke 6: 27 – 38 Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Who is my enemy? How much respect do I show for people who disagree with me?

Action: Pick any current controversial issue and write down 5 positive things about the side you oppose. If you can’t find 5 good things, do some research.

Thought for Wednesday September 9

The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.

Luke 6: 20 – 26 Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.

Have I ever been so deep in despair that I thought I would never be cheerful again? What gets me through the sad times?

Action: Make a list of powerful spiritual memories/experiences that you can look to at those times when you are in despair.

Thought for Tuesday September 8

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.
Let me sing of the LORD, “He has been good to me.”
With delight I rejoice in the Lord.

Matthew 1: 1- 23 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.

What are the best qualities a parent can have? Do I try to demonstrate these same qualities in dealing with others?

Action: Call your Mother (or Father, Aunt, Uncle, friend) and let her know she is important to you.

Thought for Friday September 4

Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

Luke 5: 33 - 39 And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’

Is my spiritual life old, new or a mix? Do I tend to hold onto the old too long or let it go too easily?

Action: Revive some old spiritual practice that has previously borne fruit in your life.

Thought for Thursday September 3

The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Luke 5: 1 – 11 He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.

If I were at the end of a hard day, soaking wet, with nothing to show for my effort would I be inclined to just head back out? Do I often feel like my faith is asking me to do just that?

Action: Prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally for the long hard day.

Thought for Wednesday September 2

I trust in the mercy of God for ever.
I, like a green olive tree
in the house of God,
Trust in the mercy of God
forever and ever.
I trust in the mercy of God for ever.

Luke 4: 38 – 44 At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.

If Jesus cured me with a touch of his hand, how would I feel the next time I got sick? Would I really appreciate the gift of healing?

Action: Do something for your health today in thanksgiving for everything Jesus does for you.

Thought for Tuesday September 1

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Luke 4: 31 – 37 Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee.

Does it help me appreciate Jesus to have a picture of him doing particular things in particular places? Would the Gospel be the same if it left out these little details?

Action: Do something in the place you are in today to make it better.

Thought for Monday August 31

The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Luke 4: 16 – 30 He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.

Am I a captive of anything [society, bad habits, addictions, insecurities, sins]? Do I believe Jesus can liberate me?

Action: Try to free yourself from something that is interfering with your spiritual life.

Thought for Friday August 28

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Matthew 25: 1 – 13 Amen, I say to you, I do not know you. Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.


Do I have the energy to stay spiritually awake? What wakes me up?

Action: Constant Vigilance! Set up some alarms in your life so that if you do doze off, something will wake up before too long.

Thought for Thursday August 27

Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!
Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

Matthew 24: 42 – 51 Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake!”


Have I ever dozed off spiritually or morally? Do I ever get tired of trying to live in perfect accord with the message of Jesus?

Action: Constant Vigilance! Make a plan to support yourself in the exhausting work of being perfect.

Thought for Wednesday August 26

You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
Even there your hand shall guide me,
and your right hand hold me fast.
You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

Matthew 23: 27 – 32 … and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’

What sins of the past am I sure I would not have committed? Do I think future generations will look at some of what my generation is doing with the same assurance?

Action: Look around you for the scars of past sins and see what you can do to heal them.

Thought for Tuesday August 25

You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

Matthew 23: 23 – 26 You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity.

How much does my society value mercy? What is the difference between good judgment and judgmentalism?

Action: Pay close attention to the emails you forward to others and insure they demonstrate fidelity to the mind and heart of Jesus, are merciful to others, and that you judge that sending them along will have positive uplifting affects on those who read them.

Thought for Monday August 24

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

John 1: 45 – 51 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

If someone shares good news with me, am I inclined to be skeptical? What good news would I receive most joyfully?

Action: Search a newspaper or news broadcast for good news and celebrate the good things that are happening.

Thought for Friday August 21

Praise the Lord, my soul!
The LORD keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
Praise the Lord, my soul!

Matthew 22: 34 - 40 “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.”

Well, do I? What else occupies my heart, soul and mind?

Action: Do something for someone else that you think might alleviate some burden on their heart, soul or mind.

Thought for Thursday August 20

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me.
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!”
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Matthew 22: 1 – 14 “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.”

How often do I refuse invitations? Have I refused an invitation from Jesus?

Action: Accept the next invitation you get and attend the event with a mission of sharing God’s love.

Thought for Wednesday August 19

Lord, in your strength the king is glad.
Great is his glory in your victory;
majesty and splendor you conferred upon him.
You made him a blessing forever,
you gladdened him with the joy of your face.
Lord, in your strength the king is glad.

Matthew 20: 1 – 16 And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’

How do I decide what is fair? Who do I see that is not being treated fairly?

Action: Work to alleviate an injustice in your community.

Thought for Tuesday August 18

The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

Matthew 19: 23 – 30 Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?”

What have I given up? What do I expect in return?

Action: Give up something, at least temporarily, so that you can follow Jesus.

Thought for Monday August 17

Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
Many times did he rescue them,
but they embittered him with their counsels.
Yet he had regard for their affliction
when he heard their cry.
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Matthew 19: 16 – 22 “If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 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; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

How am I doing? Is this simple list really that simple?

Action: Don’t kill, cheat, steal, lie or dishonor your family and, if you have time, do something loving for your neighbor.

Thought for Friday August 14

His mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the LORD of lords,
for his mercy endures forever.
His mercy endures forever.

Matthew 19: 3 – 12 Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.

If some people are incapable of marriage for these reasons, does it follow that some are capable for the same reasons? What makes me capable/incapable of marriage? Am I joyful in my vocation ?

Action: If you are married, take your spouse on a date. If you are single, enjoy a special night out alone or with friends.

Thought for Thursday August 13

Alleluia!
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue,
Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his domain
Alleluia!

Matthew 18: 21 – 19: 1 Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?”

Would I even consider a limit on forgiving someone I cared about? Wouldn’t my brother [sister, friend, neighbor] have to be a real jerk for me to even ask this question?

Action: Give thanks to all of the “brothers” in your life who don’t have to be forgiven 7 times 70 times.

Thought for Wednesday August 12

Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire!
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;
sing praise to the glory of his name;
proclaim his glorious praise.
Say to God: “How tremendous are your deeds!”
Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire!

Matthew 18: 15 – 20 Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”

How often do I try to resolve things privately? Would I rather heal a relationship or be affirmed in righteous anger?

Action: Resolve not to gripe about what someone else has done to you for one week. Instead, put your energy into working out your differences or learning to live with it.

Thought for Tuesday August 11

The portion of the Lord is his people.
For I will sing the LORD’s renown.
Oh, proclaim the greatness of our God!
The Rock–how faultless are his deeds,
how right all his ways!
The portion of the Lord is his people.

Matthew 18: 1 – 14 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”

Isn’t God the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Is this a question I would be tempted to ask?

Action: Today is the Feast of Clare of Assisi. Her constant proclamation was, “Blessed be you, God, who created me.” Try repeating that throughout your day.

Thought for Monday August 10

Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

John 12: 24 – 26 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

Is it easy to let go of something with only the promise that it will produce more? Do I ever hold onto ideas because I don’t want to share credit?

Action: Give up ownership of an idea you have had to make things better and see if it grows.

Thought for Friday August 7

I remember the deeds of the Lord.
I remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I remember your wonders of old.
And I meditate on your works;
your exploits I ponder.
I remember the deeds of the Lord.

Matthew 16: 24 – 28 Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

What cross am I carrying? What helps me get up when I stumble?

Action: If you know someone carrying a heavy cross do something to lighten his load at least for a little while.

Thought for Thursday August 6

The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

Mark 9: 2 – 10 Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

This is a cool story, but does it make any difference in the way I practice my faith? What would I like a voice from the cloud to say to my friends about me?

Action: Give someone “high praise” for something this week.

Thought for Wednesday August 5

Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
But soon they forgot his works;
they waited not for his counsel.
They gave way to craving in the desert
and tempted God in the wilderness.
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Matthew 15: 21 – 28 She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

Do I have enough dignity to ask for more than scraps? Do I have enough humility to accept scraps?

Action: Adopt a dog today. – Just kidding. Give the best you have to offer today even if it is only scraps.

Thought for Tuesday August 4

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not off from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Matthew 14: 22 – 36 Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Have I ever started something with great enthusiasm and then lost confidence (or nerve, or energy) and given up? If so, did I call out to Jesus for help or just sink?

Action: If there is something you have given up on doing, pick it up again and ask Jesus to help you carry on.

Thought for Monday August 3

Sing with joy to God our help.
“My people heard not my voice,
and Israel obeyed me not;
So I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts;
they walked according to their own counsels.”
Sing with joy to God our help.

Matthew 14: 13 – 21 When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”

Do I think Jesus is a so fascinating, engaging and thought-provoking that I would miss a meal to listen to him? What would I give up for Jesus?

Action: Skip or delay a meal long enough to feel hungry. Spend a little time trying to develop the same hunger for the presence of Jesus, then eat.

Thought for Friday July 31

Sing with joy to God our help.
Take up a melody, and sound the timbrel,
the pleasant harp and the lyre.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
at the full moon, on our solemn feast.
Sing with joy to God our help.

Matthew 13: 54 – 58 They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son?”

Do I look to Jesus for the wisdom to deal with modern problems? What is the wisest statement I can think of from the Gospel?

Action: I hear some of this week’s actions were a little tough so the wise thing to do is to give you a day off.

Thought for Thursday July 30

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
I had rather one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!

Matthew 13: 47 – 53 Jesus asked the disciples, "Do you understand all these things?" They answered, "Yes."

Do I ever say, “I don’t understand” to avoid taking responsibility? Am I willing to act on what I do understand from the Gospel?

Action: Make a commitment to focus and act on what you do understand from the Gospels.

Thought for Wednesday July 29

Holy is the Lord our God.
Extol the LORD, our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for holy is the LORD, our God.
Holy is the Lord our God.

Luke 10: 38 – 42 She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Am I a Martha or a Mary? Do I stay busy because I think I [and my work] is more important than what someone else may have to contribute?

Action: Spend at least 8 hours this week [not necessarily consecutive] doing nothing constructive. Sleeping and eating don’t count as nothing.

Thought for Tuesday July 28

The Lord is kind and merciful.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
The Lord is kind and merciful.

Matthew 13: 36 – 43 Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

Is there anything Jesus said that I would like him to explain further? What do I do when I don’t understand something in the Bible?

Action: Pick up your Bible today, read a few verses and really try to understand what they mean.

Thought for Monday July 27

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
Our fathers made a calf in Horeb
and adored a molten image;
They exchanged their glory
for the image of a grass-eating bullock.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Matthew 13: 31 – 35 “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”


Am I yeast or flour? What do I see in my community that kneads to be raised (leavened)?


Action: Try to be the yeast in 2 situations this week and let yourself be flour in 2 others. In other words, be a leader and allow yourself to be led.

Thought for Friday July 24

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

Matthew 13: 18 – 23 The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.

What anxieties am I facing? What “riches” are luring me away from the word of God?

Action: This weekend focus on the word of God with the specific intent of making it bear fruit in your life.

Thought for Thursday July 23

Glory and praise for ever!
"Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;
And blessed is your holy and glorious name,
praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages."
Glory and praise for ever!

Matthew 13: 10 – 17 To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Am I a “has” a “has not” or a little of both? What do I have and what do I lack?

Action: Give from what you have.

Thought for Wednesday July 22

The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
Yet he commanded the skies above
and the doors of heaven he opened;
He rained manna upon them for food
and gave them heavenly bread.
The Lord gave them bread from heaven.

John 20: 1 – 2, 18 – 20 And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him."

Do I ever think anything is threatening my faith? Do I believe I am strong enough to stay faithful in the face of any challenge?

Action: Examine your faith and look for any “weak” spots. If you identify any, make a plan to shore them up.

Thought for Tuesday July 21

Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
At the breath of your anger the waters piled up,
the flowing waters stood like a mound,
the flood waters congealed in the midst of the sea.
The enemy boasted, "I will pursue and overtake them;
I will divide the spoils and have my fill of them;
I will draw my sword; my hand shall despoil them!"
Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

Matthew 12: 46 – 50 While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. But he said in reply to the one who told him, "Who is my mother?”

How do I think Jesus’ mother responded to this? If he were my son would I be able to accept that he was just making a point or would I be really hurt?

Action: Call your Mother (or another important family member) today just to say hello.

Thought for Monday July 20

Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
I will sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant;
horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
He is my God, I praise him;
the God of my father, I extol him.
Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

Matthew 12: 38 – 42 Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

How many days would I have to spend “in the belly of the whale” before I gave up my resistance to doing what God asks of me? Would I rather endure pain than change?

Action: If there is some change you have dreading or avoiding maybe now is the time to get on with it.

Thought for Friday July 17

I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
How shall I make a return to the LORD
for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.

Matthew 12: 1 – 8 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath."

Do I ever judge people about their observance of the Sabbath? Do I ever criticize people (in my mind or to others) at church because of the way they are dressed, or when they arrive, or how their kids act, or whether they receive Communion?

Action: Make a point of going to church this weekend and appreciating the presence of everyone who is there without judging anyone.

.

Thought for Thursday July 16

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Matthew 11: 28 – 30 Jesus said: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

What burdens am I carrying? What could I do if I laid them down?

Action: Lay down your burdens and open up your heart. Trust Jesus to do the heavy lifting for a little while.

.

Thought for Wednesday July 15

The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
The Lord is kind and merciful.

Matthew 11: 25 – 27 At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”

How often do I praise God? What do I praise him for?

Action: Praise God for three things today.

Thought for Tuesday July 14

Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
I am sunk in the abysmal swamp
where there is no foothold;
I have reached the watery depths;
the flood overwhelms me.
Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

Matthew 11: 20 – 24 Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented.

What things have I not repented from? Am I getting closer?

Action: Repent, or at least take one small step in that direction.

Thought for Monday July 13

Our help is in the name of the Lord.
We were rescued like a bird
from the fowlers' snare;
Broken was the snare,
and we were freed.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 10: 34 – 11: 1 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward.

Do I really want to hear what prophets have to say? What reward do I expect for doing so?

Action: Look for prophets (even if what they say bothers you) this week at work, in the news, at church, at home, and try to learn more about what they are talking about. Challenge yourself to make one change because of what they are saying.

.

Thought for Friday July 10

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Matthew 10: 16 – 23 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.

How important is it to me to be liked? Will I risk being disliked [or hated] to share Jesus’ love with others?

Action: Take a risk for Jesus today.

Thought for Thurday July 9

Remember the marvels the Lord has done.
When the LORD called down a famine on the land
and ruined the crop that sustained them,
He sent a man before them,
Joseph, sold as a slave.
Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

Matthew 10: 7 – 15 Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.

Have I ever been in this situation? How easy is it to shake off rejection?

Action: If there is some rejection that has been really bothering you, shake it off.

.

Thought for Wednesday July 8

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;

with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.

Sing to him a new song;

pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Matthew 10: 1 – 7 Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

Do I feel that Jesus has chosen me for something special? What special gifts do I have?

Action: Make a list of 12 things you want to do for other people and start doing them.

.

Thought for Tuesday July 7

In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me; hear my word.

Show your wondrous mercies,

O savior of those who flee from their foes.

In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.

Matthew 9: 32 – 38 At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

Who is my shepherd? Have I ever felt abandoned?

Action: Read the latest thing your Bishop has written or sent out.

.

Thought for Monday July 6

In you, my God, I place my trust.

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,

who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,

Say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

In you, my God, I place my trust.

Matthew 9: 18 – 26 While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, "My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live." Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.

Do I look to Jesus for immediate help or long term help? What should I expect from him?

Action: If you tend to look to Jesus for mostly long term stuff, identify a situation in your life today that needs help and ask him for it. If you look to him for mostly the immediate stuff, think about what you want him to do for you in the long run and make a plan for asking for it consistently.

.

Thought for Friday July 3

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

Praise the LORD, all you nations;

glorify him, all you peoples!

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

John 20: 24 – 29 So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Do I think Thomas was justified in doubting the other disciples? Whose testimony do I believe?


Action: Research saints and learn about one you never heard of before whose story resonates with your life.
http://www.catholic.org/saints/ has a good index of saints.

Thought for Thursday July 2

I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.

Our God is in heaven;

whatever he wills, he does.

Their idols are silver and gold,

the handiwork of men.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.

Matthew 9: 1 – 8 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, Why do you harbor evil thoughts?

Do I ever harbor evil thoughts? When am I most likely to have thoughts that are less than loving?

Action: When you are going to be in a situation that you know stirs up bad thoughts for you, make a plan for reminding yourself to ask for Jesus’ help and presence in that situation.

.