Called to Serve

Gospel

Mark 6:7-13

7 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. 11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” 12 So they went off and preached repentance. 13 The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Introduction

Mark 6:7-13 recounts a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry when He sends out the twelve apostles two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits and instructing them on how to carry out their mission. This passage highlights the early formation of Christian discipleship and the call to trust in God’s provision.

Historical Background

In the time of Jesus, itinerant teachers were common in Judea and Galilee, often traveling from village to village. By sending His disciples in pairs, Jesus both followed and redefined this tradition, emphasizing partnership, mutual support, and witness. The instructions to take nothing except a staff, to wear sandals but not bring extra tunics or money, underscored a radical dependence on God and the hospitality of others. These directions reflected both the urgency and simplicity of their mission.

Theological Context

Theologically, Mark 6:7-13 demonstrates the authority Jesus confers upon His followers, empowering them to participate in His work of healing, preaching, and casting out demons. The passage reveals that discipleship involves both proclamation and action, requiring faith in God’s guidance and provision. It also introduces the concept of rejection—Jesus prepares His disciples for the reality that not everyone will welcome their message yet assures them that their mission remains valid and vital.

Learning Lessons

God will provide and meet our needs as we carry out His work. When we are called to serve, He equips us with the necessary authority and power to fulfill our mission. We are to travel light and focus on our mission without being burdened by material possessions. Let us be open to the Lord’s transformative work in our lives and the lives of others. 

Reflection for the Day

As we reflect on Mark 6:7-13 today, we are invited to consider where God is calling us to step out in faith, trusting not in our own resources but in His provision. The disciples’ willingness to travel light and rely on the kindness of strangers challenges us to let go of our need for control and security, and instead, to embrace the journey God sets before us. May we, like the apostles, be open to God’s direction, courageous in our witness, and confident that even when we face rejection, we are never sent alone.

Poem

Jesus summoned the Twelve with grace, 

And sent them out to every place. 

Two by two, their mission clear, 

To spread the Word, to conquer fear.

With authority, He gave them might, 

Over unclean spirits, they brought the light. 

No food, no sack, no coins to hold, 

But faith and trust, more precious than gold.

A walking stick, their only gear, 

In simple trust, they had no fear. 

For on this journey, God's love would guide, 

With every step, He walked beside.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

You called and sent forth Your disciples, Grant us the courage to follow in their steps. Empower us with Your authority over all that is unclean and fill our hearts with unwavering faith. 

Help us to trust in Your provision, taking nothing but Your guidance for our journey. May we rely on Your strength and grace, as we spread Your love and message.

Guide us with Your wisdom and keep us humble and focused on Your mission. In Your name, we seek to serve, For Your glory, we strive to be faithful.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE

Mark 6:7-13

Gospel Acclamation

The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

February 06, 2025, 7:53 AM

Unworthy Servants

Gospel

Luke 17:7-10

7 Jesus said to his Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? 8 Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” 

Historical Background

First-century Palestine was largely agrarian. Small farms often had one servant who worked long hours—plowing, shepherding, and preparing meals. Jesus’ audience would recognize this as normal, not harsh.

Servants (douloi) had limited rights. Roman law gave masters authority, though Jewish law (Leviticus 25:43) tempered this with ethical treatment. Still, thanking a servant for doing their duty was culturally unnecessary. Daily rations were considered payment. Inviting a servant to dine as a guest would be like paying them twice. Praising a servant for basic duties could invert social roles and dishonor the master. Jesus uses this to underscore the expected nature of obedience.

Theological Context

No merit theology. The parable emphasizes that obedience to God doesn’t earn us favor—it’s our duty. This counters any notion of transactional faith. This teaching follows the disciples’ request for increased faith. Jesus shifts the focus from power to posture.

The passage echoes themes from Exodus 21 and Deuteronomy 15, where servanthood could be chosen out of love. In God’s kingdom, we serve not for reward but out of loyalty and reverence.

Echoes in Pauline letters. Ephesians 6:5–9 and Colossians 3:22–24 reinforce the idea of wholehearted service to the Lord, not for human praise.

Learning Lessons:

Jesus highlights the significance of duty and responsibility. It encourages us to faithfully carry out our tasks and responsibilities, understanding that this is our obligation. He teaches us the importance of humility reminding us that, no matter how much we accomplish, we should remain humble and recognize that we are simply fulfilling our duties.

Jesus emphasizes the role of servanthood in our lives. We are called to serve others and God without seeking praise or recognition for our actions. By acknowledging ourselves as unworthy servants, we cultivate a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the grace we receive from God.

These lessons inspire us to live with humility, embrace our role as servants, fulfill our duties responsibly, and maintain a grateful heart. 

Reflection for the Day

Today, this passage invites us to examine our posture in service. Do we serve God expecting recognition, or simply because He is worthy? Are we content to be “unworthy servants,” doing what is required without seeking applause? Can we find joy in obedience itself, not in the rewards it might bring?

Let this passage strip away spiritual pride. May we embrace the quiet dignity of faithful service, knowing that our worth is not in what we do for God, but in who we are to Him—beloved, called, and entrusted.

In humble service, we stand tall, 

Yet know our worth is small. 

For every task, each duty done, 

We owe it all to God's own Son.

We labor not for earthly praise, 

But in the light of heaven's gaze. 

Our hands may toil, our hearts may strive, 

Yet in His grace, we truly thrive.

Unworthy servants, this we claim, 

For all we do, in Jesus' name. 

No merit earned, no glory sought, 

Just faithful hearts, with love in thought.

So let us serve with humble grace, 

Reflecting Christ in every place. 

For in His service, we are free, 

Unworthy servants, blessed to be.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we are unworthy servants. We recognize that all we do is simply our duty, and we owe everything to Your grace and mercy. Help us to serve You faithfully, without seeking praise or recognition.

Grant us the strength to carry out our responsibilities with diligence and humility. May we always remember that our actions are a reflection of Your love and grace. Teach us to be grateful for the opportunity to serve and to find joy in fulfilling our duties.

Lord, guide us to live lives that honor You, and help us to remain humble in all that we do. May our service be a testament to Your glory and a reflection of Your boundless love.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

ATTITUDE OF A SERVANT

Luke 17:7-10

Gospel Acclamation

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

November 12, 2024, 6:17 AM

Selfless Service

"You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ 

and rightly so, for indeed I am.

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, 

have washed your feet, 

you ought to wash one another’s feet. 

I have given you a model to follow, 

so that as I have done for you, 

you should also do.” 

(John 13:13-15) 

True leaders are those who demonstrates selfless service. Jesus sets His own self as example for you to follow. His leadership as your Master and Teacher is characterized by humility and service, rather than power and control. Like Jesus, we should love unconditionally even when faced with adversity and be willing to serve others in love and humility, regardless of our position or status.

In quiet deeds, in hands that give, 

A life of love, a way to live. 

No thought of gain, no search for fame, 

Just kindness shining like a flame.

To lift the weary, ease the load, 

To walk with others down their road. 

A heart that serves, both true and free, 

A gentle force, a sacred plea.

Not for the glory, not for show, 

But for the love that seeds must sow. 

For in the smallest act of grace, 

We find the world's most sacred place.

Lord Jesus, 

You came not to be served, but to serve, pouring out your love with every word and deed. Teach me to follow in your footsteps, to offer my hands for the work of kindness, my heart for the weary, and my spirit in humble devotion. 

May I serve not for recognition, but for the joy of giving. Let me be a light to those in darkness, a refuge to those in need, and a vessel of your endless mercy. Strengthen me when the path is difficult, renew me when my strength fades, and remind me that in serving others, I am serving you for all that I have, I surrender to your will. Use me as your instrument of grace and love, now and forever. 

Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

THE WASHING OF THE DISCIPLES' FEET

John 13:1-20

Gospel Acclamation

I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you.

Gospel | John 13:1-15 (or Luke 4:16-21)

1 Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, 3 fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, 4 he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” 11 For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. 14 If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Background:

John 13:1-15 is part of the Gospel of John, written by the Apostle John. This passage is significant as it introduces the Last Supper and showcases Jesus’ humility, love, and knowledge of upcoming events.

The context of these verses is the Last Supper, which was a meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His arrest. Scholars disagree whether this meal was actually on the Passover, or if it was the Passover meal, but celebrated the day before.

In this passage, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, an act of humility and service. This was a task typically performed by a servant, but Jesus did it to set an example for His disciples.

Jesus knew that His hour had come, referring to His impending crucifixion. Despite knowing that He was about to be betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus showed love and served His disciples, teaching them a powerful lesson about humility and service.

This passage is a profound demonstration of Jesus’ love and humility, and it sets a precedent for Christian service. It also underscores the importance of humility, love, and service in the Christian faith.

Learning Lessons:

Humility: Jesus, the Master and Teacher, washes the feet of His disciples, a task typically done by a servant. This act of humility is a powerful lesson for us to serve others, regardless of our position or status.

Service: Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet is a demonstration of selfless service. It teaches us that we should be willing to serve others in love and humility.

Love: Despite knowing that He was about to be betrayed, Jesus showed love towards all His disciples. This teaches us to love unconditionally, even when faced with adversity.

Leadership: Jesus’ actions provide a model of leadership characterized by humility and service, rather than power and control. It teaches us that true leaders are those who serve.

Obedience: Jesus knew His hour had come and He was obedient to His Father’s will, even unto death. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s will in our lives.

Example: Jesus explicitly states that He has set an example for His disciples to follow. This teaches us that we should strive to follow Jesus’ example in our daily lives.

These lessons from John 13:1-15 guide us in our interactions with others and our relationship with God. They remind us of the importance of humility, service, love, leadership, obedience, and following Jesus’ example.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Servant of All

“If anyone wishes 

to be first, 

he shall be 

the last of all 

and the servant of all.” 

(Mark 9:35)

God’s ways are not always our ways. The world often equates greatness with power, wealth, and status but in God’s kingdom, true greatness comes from being humble and serving others where the last will be first and the first will be last. 

Children are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that Jesus wants us to have in our relationship with Him. We should face our problems with courage and faith in God, instead of trying to escape from them. We can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us. 

Let us always listen to God's work, seek God’s wisdom and understanding and apply it to our lives rather than relying on our own.

In the realm where divine paths intertwine,

God's ways are not always aligned with thine.

The world may equate greatness with power and gold,

But in God's kingdom, a different story is told.

True greatness comes from humility, from service, from grace,

In God's kingdom, the last shall be first, the first shall find their place.

Children, dependent, trusting, and pure,

Hold the qualities that in us, Jesus wants to endure.

Facing problems with courage, with faith in the Divine,

Not seeking escape, but letting His light shine.

We cast our burdens on Him, in His strength, we trust,

Knowing He will sustain us, He is fair and just.

Let us listen to His word, seek His wisdom, His light,

Apply it to our lives, let it guide our flight.

Rely not on our understanding, but on His alone,

For it is through His love and wisdom, our path is shown.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge that Your ways are not always our ways. In this world, greatness is often equated with power, wealth, and status, but in Your kingdom, true greatness comes from being humble and serving others. Help us to remember that in Your kingdom, the last will be first and the first will be last.

We strive to have the qualities of children who are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that You want us to have in our relationship with You. Help us to face our problems with courage and faith in You, instead of trying to escape from them. We cast our burdens on You, knowing that You will sustain us.

Let us always listen to Your word, seek Your wisdom and understanding. Help us to apply Your teachings to our lives rather than relying on our own understanding. Guide us, Lord, in all our ways and lead us into everlasting life.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

THE SECOND PREDICTION OF THE PASSION / 

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM

Mark 9:30-32 / 33-37

Gospel | Mark 9:30-37

Gospel Acclamation

May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. 

30 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. 31 He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 35 Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 36 Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me." 

Background:

The passage Mark 9:30-37 is part of the second major section of the Gospel of Mark (8:22-10:52). This section contains a threefold pattern that appears three times: Jesus predicts his passion and resurrection, the disciples don’t understand, and Jesus then gives the disciples further teachings.

In Mark 9:30-37, there are two distinct episodes. The first is Jesus predicting his death and resurrection for the second time (the first was in Mark 8:31-33)2. The disciples, however, do not understand what he is talking about and are afraid to ask him.

The second episode reveals the disciples’ ignorance. They had been arguing about who among them was the greatest. This argument, juxtaposed with Jesus’ words about his coming suffering, is a display of irony and contributes to the continued depiction of the disciples and Jesus.

This passage furthers the revelation of Jesus’ identity, using the title “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13). It’s important to remember that this entire section in Mark’s gospel is framed at the beginning and end by accounts of blind people who are given sight (8:22-26, 10:46-52). This stark image of going from blindness to sight is a big literary clue. As the blind man is given sight, however gradually, so the disciples, who are blind to Jesus’ mission and identity, are given sight, albeit gradually.

In summary, Mark 9:30-37 is a crucial passage that highlights the disciples’ lack of understanding and Jesus’ patient teaching about his mission and the nature of true greatness in the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility and service in the Christian life.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 9:30-37 provides several important lessons for us:

Humility: Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from being humble and serving others. This is a counter-cultural message, as the world often equates greatness with power, wealth, and status. But in God’s kingdom, the last will be first and the first will be last.

Understanding God’s Will: The disciples’ lack of understanding about Jesus’ prediction of his death and resurrection shows that God’s ways are not always our ways. It reminds us to seek God’s wisdom and understanding rather than relying on our own.

Childlike Faith: When Jesus places a child in the midst of the disciples, He is teaching them (and us) about having a childlike faith. Children are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that Jesus wants us to have in our relationship with Him.

Facing Difficulties with Courage and Faith: The passage also teaches us to face our problems with courage and faith in God, instead of trying to escape from them. We can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us.

The Importance of Listening: The disciples’ argument about who was the greatest shows that they were not really listening to Jesus’ teachings. This serves as a reminder for us to truly listen to God’s word and apply it to our lives.

These lessons from Mark 9:30-37 can guide us in our daily lives and help us grow in our relationship with God.  (Copilot)

Published:

September 22, 2024, 7:57 AM

May 21,2024, 11:25 AM

SERVE THE LORD

As for me and my household, 

we will serve the Lord.

JOSHUA 24:15

1 Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, 2 Joshua addressed all the people, 

15 “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

16 But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods. 17 For it was the Lord, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 

18 Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

Reflection and Prayer

Father in heaven, day after day, You have brought upon me great miracles and blessings. From being worldly, you have turned me to be godly.

Each day, you give me new life, beginning with my most treasured time with you. From the time I wake up in the morning, You breathe new life in me. You have deeply penetrated the core of my being in the sense that my life will never be complete if I will not start the day by being with You. It has been my way of life since You have called upon me to serve You.

It was you my Lord and my God who brought me up out of a state of slavery into freedom and abundance. You performed great miracles before my very eyes and protected me along my entire journey and among all the peoples through whom I passed. Therefore I will serve you my Lord, for You are my one and true God.

There is nothing that I can do without You O Lord, my God. In every move I make, your Hand is always there to protect and guide me. In your mighty hands, I claim victory over all of life challenges. May your Spirit always be upon me so that in everything I do, you will be praised and glorified. 

I can see and experience the light of your love that gives true meaning to what life is all about. Thank you so much for being with me every moment of my life and keeping me close to your heart. 

With much love and thanksgiving I humbly pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

As the LORD lives, whom I serve, 

I will receive none.

2 KINGS 5:16

14 Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy. 15 Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival, he stood before Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant.” 

16 Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives whom I serve, I will not take it”; and despite Naaman’s urging, he still refused. 

17 Naaman said: “If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the Lord.”

Published:

August 14, 2023, 8:03  AM

August 22, 2021, 6:50 AM

October 10, 2010, 6:42 AM

Unprofitable Servants

"So should it be with you. 

When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 

‘We are unprofitable servants; 

we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

LUKE 17:10

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? (Job 22:2,3) Those who trust in Him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with Him in love: Because grace and mercy are with His holy ones, and His care is with the elect. (Wisdom 2:23–3:9)

The phrase “unprofitable servants” does not mean that our service is of no value. Rather, it means that we gain no “bonus points” or merit from our service. We are simply doing what we are supposed to do as servants of God. (Microsoft Bing)

Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” (Luke 17:7-10)

In this parable, Jesus compared the relationship between a master and his servants to the relationship between God and His people. He taught that we should not expect any reward or praise from God for doing what He commands us, because we are only doing our duty. We cannot earn anything from God by our service, because we owe Him everything. We are unprofitable servants, meaning that we have no merit or profit of our own to offer to God. The only way we can be accepted by God is by His grace and mercy, not by our works. (Microsoft Bing)

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given thee. 1 (Chronicles 29:14-16) If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? (Job 35:6,7)

God formed man to be imperishable; the image of His own nature he made them. But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world, and they who are in his possession experience it. (Wisdom 2:22-23) But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace, He proved them, and as sacrificial offerings He took them to Himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. (Wisdom 3:1-8)

The Lord has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry. The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress He rescues them. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves. (Psalm 34:16-19)

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. (Psalm 34:2-3)

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

ATTITUDE OF A SERVANT

Luke 17:7-10

I: The Reward of Justice

THE WICKED REJECT IMMORTALITY AND JUSTICE ALIKE

Wisdom 2:1-24/3:1-9

First Book of Psalms 1-41

THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO DELIVERS THE JUST

Psalm 34:1-23

Published:

October 03, 2010

Walk Your Talk

 “Come! let us go to implore the favor of the Lord;” 

and, “I too will go to seek the Lord.” 

ZECHARIAH 8:20-21

Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; you have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; and he who earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. (Hg 1:5-6)

Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God (Lk 9:62). Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the one who sent Me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” (Lk 9:48)

Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord! (Jb 1:21) He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning. Should He come near me, I see Him not; should he pass by, I am not aware of Him. (Jb 9:10-11)

I know well that it is so; but how can a man be justified before God? Should one wish to contend with Him, he could not answer Him once in a thousand times. God is wise in heart and mighty in strength; who has withstood Him and remained unscathed? (Jb 9:2-4) Even though I were right, I could not answer him, but should rather beg for what was due me. If I appealed to him and he answered my call, I could not believe that he would hearken to my words. (Jb 9:15-16)

Daily I call upon You, O Lord; to You I stretch out my hands. I, O Lord, cry out to You; with my morning prayer I wait upon You. (Ps 88:10,14) From You let my judgment come; Your eyes behold what is right (Ps 17:2). 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 to refuge at your right hand. (Ps 17:6-7)