God revealed himself on Mount Horeb (Reading I: 1Ki 19: 9a, 11-16)
19: 9a He went into a cave and spent the night there.19:11 Then he said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord!" And then the Lord! Great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. 19:12 After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still small voice of the wind. 19:13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then came a voice to him, saying: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 19:14 He answered: "I have been absolutely loyal to the Lord God of hosts, because the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, thrown down thine altars, and killed thy prophets with the sword; I alone am left, and they seek my life. "19:15 The Lord said to him:" Go back the way, through the desert to Damascus, and after you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 19:16 Jehu, son of Nimshi, anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat, of Abel-meholah, to take your place as prophet.
Psalm 27: 7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14
Chorus: I sought Thy face, Lord.
* Hear, O Lord, let my cry, be merciful to me and answer me! I sought your face, according to your word, "Seek my face!".
* I sought thy face, O Lord, do not hide your face from me, do not push your servant away in anger. Thou art my help, O God of my salvation.
* Really, I believe will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait on the Lord! Be strong and courageous! Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Gospel: Matthew 5: 27-32.
5:27 You have heard it said: Do not commit adultery. 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away, because it is better for thee that one of thy members should perish, than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away, because it is better for thee that one of thy members should perish, than that your whole body go into hell. 5:31 It hath been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' 5:32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for immorality, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
reflection:
The crisis ended the service ended.
There are two very useful lesson for Christians of the spiritual crisis experienced by Elijah, that is how the crisis was over and the impact of the crisis was due to a less admirable response Elia. Although ultimately impact the crisis had passed but less encouraging for the service life of Elijah.
After getting the power of food provided by God, Elijah went to Horeb and spend the night in a cave. Elijah thought orientation remains focused on jobs and the existence of a cornered (verses 10, 14). It apparently has not been able to escape from the problems of twine and bulldoze him. After he met with God that comes through the breeze and the word that the language of his reorient the thinking Elia (verse 15), he began to realize and change direction. Means presence and His word is the only 'treatment' for Elia spiritual crisis.
But it seems that the crisis also marked the end of the service life of Elijah. God told Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. This is quite a surprise because Allah has never talked to him about regeneration. And is not just Elia also take action very spectacular and amazing, which is able to bring Israel back to God? Why suddenly should prepare a replacement, not Elijah still needed to guide the nation of Israel? The reason that we can get from this event is a response to Elijah when he suffered a spiritual crisis that is "Enough, now, O Lord, take away my life" (verse 4). In a stressful situation is remarkable, it says it wants to stop serving and died. In other words Elia wants to be rid of the problems being faced by escape.
Meditation: Our response in the face of spiritual crisis will determine the service life of our next trip. God does not want His servants to be a coward who give up in the face of a problem. Meet God and His word the orientation of our minds will be changed, and we will find answers and solutions to our spiritual crisis.
Psalm, Christian optimism.
The fear felt by humans comes from a sense of inability and helplessness to resolve a conflict or crisis in hidupnya.Ketika challenge and attack so great from his enemies (2-3), David was not broken, do not be afraid, and do not doubt Allah. It certainly has a lock on a rigid and sturdy face of the crisis, which is needed by Christians in Indonesia so that Christians can pass through every storm that is currently affecting our country to remain firm hold on the truth of the Christian faith. What are the keys?
David did not let his mind and heart is dominated by the crisis faced up to just focus on the crisis alone. Instead, it remains focused his mind on the greatness and who is God for him (1). Christians are glued to their problems tend to exaggerate the problem. If he focused on God then any problems will seem small so it will not be daunted. But you need to remember is what David is not as taught by the power of positive thinking of the new age movement. When David was able to face and overcome the economic crisis, it is because God is personally acting (6). God's action is not encouraged because of the strength of David's mind but due to personal relations between him and God's beautiful (4). People who have a wonderful relationship with God is the one who lived in the house of God (5). Will God silent when its interrupted comfort and safety (cf. Devotional June 17)? David closeness with God is achieved through the activity of religious and spiritual activities that are magical. Proximity is built through a healthy prayer life where dependence upon God are more important (7- 12).
Meditation: A mind focused on God and build a close relationship with Him through prayer, make him optimistic through life despite the circumstances do not favor (13-14). Fears overshadow what your life today? Future? Career? Effort? The political, social, and economic instability? 2 things to do as David did!
Gospel today, the Holy of mind, holy life.
The teachings of Jesus that does not permit divorce except for adultery (verse 32) actually shows two things. First, marriage is holy and can not be any divorce. Second, adultery is a sin then the solution must be radical! Radical solution must start from the heart.
Jesus taught that one's life is the center of his heart. If his holy, so behavior will be holy. Conversely, if heart full of bad thoughts, bad behavior anyway. Therefore, it is more important to keep the heart from bad thoughts than simply prevent his deeds. Jesus confirms this by highlighting the sexual sins that are often hidden, but undermined the moral person. Adultery occurs when a person has to think about it in our hearts (verse 38). When the liver is dirty minded body will be easily controlled to perform acts unclean.
Jesus explained that sin comes to mind, before it was revealed in action. For God, man can not be half-hearted in fulfilling His will. Even if a member body said that mislead us, let us cut him (verse 29). This shows us that God wants all of us to meet the demands of God's righteous and holy life. Piety that God wanted not only to look outside, but that comes at the deepest depths of our hearts.
Therefore, it is necessary drastic and radical action to address the sin of adultery. We must be willing to get rid of everything that could drop us to a sexual sin is like reading pornography, pornographic film, porn sites on the internet, etc. All that can be a tool of Satan. Instead, fill our hearts and minds with things that are pleasing to God, good and constructive.
Meditation: The revolutionary changes that God wants to do is update your heart.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, through baptism you have given each of us a new heart. If we still fall into sin, we may quickly return to you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lead us to respect fully and completely to our own body and deliver the world from its attachment to lust. May your love like Jesus exemplified always remain successful in our own self. Amen.
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