Jesus criticizes those who are meticulous in outward practices but neglect "justice and the love of God."

The advice is to practice both without neglecting the former.

Embrace a selfless, sacrificial love: Following the example of Christ,

this includes serving others with all your heart and giving without expecting personal gain. 

 

 St. Teresa of Avila, virgin and doctor

“ God withholds himself from no-one who perseveres. “

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1st Reading: Romans 2:1-11

 Therefore, you have no excuse,

 We are to welcome Christ fully into our lives."

Acceptance and Faith: It requires a genuine acceptance of the Gospel message,

believing in Christ's name, and acknowledging him as the only way to salvation. 

 

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Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2

Gird yourselves,

 Perfectionism can lead to an overemphasis on having the "right" words or methods,

instead of the relationship itself, and it can create a sense of never being "good enough". 

 

 St. Callistus I, pope and martyr

 ＂In the Lord's hand there is abundance of all things, because He is the Lord of powers and the king of glory. ＂

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Romans 1:16-25

 For I am not ashamed at all,

 "Ask, and it will be given to you"

if you ask, seek, and knock in prayer, your requests will be answered

by a benevolent God who desires to give good gifts to his children.

Beyond Worldly Possessions:

The "treasure" that Jesus refers to is not just worldly possessions but also includes inner peace,

hope, joy, and a sense of worth and connection with others. 

 

 St. Denis, bishop, and companions, martyrs

 St. John Leonardi, priest

 St. John Leonardi

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Malachi 3:13-20b

You say

  "Let's not ignore the greatness of Jesus our Lord"

Jesus taught that greatness is not about power, but about serving others.

It is an encouragement to live in a way that reflects Jesus's example,

which includes loving without limits and giving without expecting anything in return. 

 

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Romans 1:1-7

From Paul,

 'The Lord's Prayer 'is truly the summary of the whole gospel.'

we become aware of our own frailty as we adore and worship the living God.

we are asking that God's ways happen here, as they are fully obeyed in Heaven. 

 

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1st Reading: Jonah 4:1-11

 But Jonah was greatly

  Praising God in a loud voice.....

To become more aware of God's presence, God's hand in it,

Recognize that God's presence is a consciousness to be continually and intentionally walked in.

This consciousness will shape your behavior and lifestyle.

 

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2 Kings 5:14-17

So Naaman went down

 

According to Church tradition we all have an angel with us, who guards us...

God said: 'I send an angel before you, to guard you,

to accompany you on the way, so you will not make a mistake.

 

The Holy Guardian Angels

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Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12

In the seventh month,

 What does the Bible say about listening to God's word?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

 

 Blessed Virgin Mary St. John XXIII, pope

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Joel 4:12-21

 Rise up,

  

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor

               “ You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions,

                                 nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.”

 

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1st Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8

In the month of Nisan,