9 December 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

First Reading: Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Alleluia: Isaiah 33: 22
Gospel: Matthew 9: 35 – 10: 1, 5a, 6-8

Jesus sent out the Twelve after instructing them thus, "Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."

Jesus understood his mission to bring the kingdom in all its fulness to us. The core of the Gospel message is quite simple: the kingdom or reign of God is imminent!

What is the kingdom of God? It's the power of God at work in men and women who trust in God and who honor him as their King and Lord.  In the Lord's prayer we dare to ask God to reign fully in our lives and in our world: "May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Jesus' preaching of God's kingdom was accompanied by signs and wonders. People were healed not only spiritually, but physically as well.

Do we believe in the power of God's kingdom over our lives? Let His word transform our minds and hearts that He may reign supreme in every area of our lives.

This is the 1324th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Solphie Confiado as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You