Five times in today's first Eucharistic reading, the text mentions a behavior or attitude to be adopted, and follows that command with a reminder that God is the Lord. This repetition is of great importance. A lord is one who is ruler, master, and owner. A lord's commands are absolute. They must be obeyed.
God is the Lord (Lv 19:1, 2). Jesus is the Lord (Jn 9:38). The Holy Spirit is the Lord (2 Cor 3:17-18). The commandments of the Lord are absolute and must be obeyed. Hence, the commands given are followed by "I am the Lord." Nonetheless, this Lord's commands are "perfect, refreshing the soul" (Ps 19:8). They are "right...clear...pure...true" and are a source of joy to our hearts (Ps 19:9-10). His commands are spirit and life (Jn 6:63). "His commandments are not burdensome" (1 Jn 5:3).
Everything in life boils down to Jesus Christ, the Lord. Whatever we do in life, we do for or against Him (Mt 25:31-46). Jesus is our Lord. He bought us by paying the price in His own blood (1 Cor 6:20). He commands us with absolute lordship that must be obeyed, yet He first loved us and gave His life for us (Jn 3:16). There is no doubt. Jesus is Lord, and He is Lord of our life. Yet He still comes to serve us (Mt 20:28). Will we accept Him as Lord? Will we serve Him as Lord?
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I freely pledge allegiance to You, Lord of creation and Lord of my life. Do with me whatever You will. |
| PROMISE: | "The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye." –Ps 19:9 |
| PRAISE: | "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College