September 11, 2007

Prophecies:

- My precious children, remember when you were very young. Recall how utterly dependent you were on your parents, on the other loving adults around you. You knew you trust them to let you know what was safe and what was dangerous. You depended on them for your clothing, for your food, for your shelter. You knew that you could depend on them for your every need.

Thus should you depend on me, my children, for I will supply all that you need.

- My children, I am with you as you offer me glory and praise, and as you come together in times of prayer. Indeed, I am always with you. Do not hesitate to call upon me. I am with you in times of persecution, and in times of temptation. I will help you overcome those moments of temptation and persecution. Do not attempt to go it alone, without me. Remember that I am always with you.

Reflections:
This world provides false standards for us to try to measure up to.
- You can do it on your own. Trust yourself
- Your success in life is measured financially
God calls us to depend on Him, and the true measure of success is love

The Lord provides the means for every task He asks of us. All He asks us to supply is our obedience to His direction.

Gospel reading and discussion:
Luke 15, 1-32 - When the scribes and Pharisees observe that Jesus eats and associates with unworthy sinners, Jesus shares three stories: the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to find the 1 lost one and how he rejoices over finding it, the woman with 10 coins who celebrates when she finds the one she lost, and the prodigal son.

- Scripture doesn't indicate whether the judgmental brother ever "comes around," we certainly hope so!
- "There is more rejoicing over one sinner who repents than 99 righteous ones with no need of repentance," perhaps because in all of the world's history there will never be 99 who don't need to be saved!
- The joy over the one who repents is great indeed!
- One who doesn't share such joy probably has never themselves truly received such grace.
- The older brother's "This son of yours" is answered by the father's "your brother." Once the Father has restored his lost son (vertical) to himself, he reconciles the brothers, too
- Never resent the repentent prodigal - their return doesn't diminish our own inheritance!
- While Jesus is speaking of sinners vs. the "righteous," this is by no means the only form of elitism we should guard against