"Almighty and ever-living God,
direct our actions towards Your good pleasure,
that in the name of Your beloved Son,
we may abound in good works."
In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:
1. What does the word action mean and how does that affect the direction of my actions.
2. What actions will I direct towards God's good pleasure this week?
3. What attitude might I adopt when I direct my actions towards God's good pleasure?
4. What does God's good pleasure mean to me?
5. What does scripture say about faith and good works?
6. What can I do about actions I have done previously that were not totally directed towards God?
The second half of chapter 4 relates to Jesus' mission. You will note that Jesus fasted first, then was tempted by the devil (vs 1-11). This may not be read at Mass at the Gospel but it is important to know. Why because Jesus then began to preach 'Repent for the kingdom of God is close at hand'. After preaching this simple but powerful message, He then began to call the disciples, the two pairs of brothers-Simon and Andrew, and James and John. You notice that the word Repent is in the present tense. It means for us that we are continually needing to repent. It is an ongoing process.
Just this command of Christ's teaching is worth serious meditation during the week.
As His fame became known, He also ministered to the people in need of healing from all kinds of diseases. In other words, Jesus prepared himself for His ministry by fasting and prayer, and experiencing temptations of the devil. We too need to strengthen our resolve in the ministry that Jesus has asked of us to be ready to serve by appropriate preparation.
ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 4
This week as we reflect on chapter 4, we may wish to:
The second half of chapter 4 relates to Jesus' mission. You will note that Jesus fasted first, then was tempted by the devil (vs 1-11). This may not be read at Mass at the Gospel but it is important to know. Why because Jesus then began to preach 'Repent for the kingdom of God is close at hand'. After preaching this simple but powerful message, He then began to call the disciples, the two pairs of brothers-Simon and Andrew, and James and John. You notice that the word Repent is in the present tense. It means for us that we are continually needing to repent. It is an ongoing process.
Just this command of Christ's teaching is worth serious meditation during the week.
As His fame became known, He also ministered to the people in need of healing from all kinds of diseases. In other words, Jesus prepared himself for His ministry by fasting and prayer, and experiencing temptations of the devil. We too need to strengthen our resolve in the ministry that Jesus has asked of us to be ready to serve by appropriate preparation.
ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 4
This week as we reflect on chapter 4, we may wish to:
- Consider how the devil tempts us and how we reject his invitation to sin.
- Consider our ability to fast to strengthen our souls. It is important to take on what is practical, since not everyone is physically able to fast from food without becoming sick. If you know, like myself that fasting from food is impractical for health reasons, then consider other ways of fasting.
- Consider marking off in the diary time for a retreat. Even a retreat at home is possible if time is set aside and family respect and are supportive of our needs.
- Consider our vocation and what Jesus has called us to do. How do we encourage others to follow Jesus?
- Consider how we can bring the ministry of healing to others whether through intercessory prayer and/or through the gift of healing that we may possess. How can we continue the healing mission of Jesus?
How does our action plan compare with Jesus? May Chapter 4 inspire us to consider how we are continuing the ministry of Jesus and to follow His action plan-preparation of soul through fasting, experience trials and temptations of the devil, before preaching the Good News and engaging in ministry of healing
How will this Gospel affect your life this week?
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