#and pledging himself to be a servant to King Peter

[reedreadsgreek]

John 13, Reed's Version

Now, it was just before the Passover festival. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and move on to the Father. He’d loved his own friends from the start, but he wanted to show his strong love for them in a new way. (At this point, the devil had already put it into Judas Iscariot’s mind to get Jesus arrested.) Now, Jesus was fully aware of his glorious past and future, and that the Father had put all things under his authority. Nonetheless, during dinner, he got up from the meal, set his coat aside and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he filled a basin with water and began to wash his apprentices’ feet and wipe them dry with the towel. But when he got to Simon Peter, he told Jesus, “Gross, are you going to wash my feet, lord?” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I’m doing right now, but you will later.” Peter told him, “I’ll never let you touch my feet!” Jesus replied, “If you won’t let me wash your feet, then you’re no partner of mine.” Then Simon Peter exclaimed, “In that case, lord, don’t wash only my feet but my hands and head as well!” But Jesus told him, “If you’ve bathed, only your feet need to be washed again, because the rest of your body is clean. You disciples are clean — although, not all of you.” You see, Jesus knew who the traitor was. That’s why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 

After Jesus had washed everyone’s feet, he put his coat back on and sat down again at the table. He asked the apprentices, “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ as well you should, since I am. So then, if even I, your Lord and Teacher, have served you in this way, you also should do the same for one another. I have given you an example to follow. You can be sure of this, servants aren’t over their masters, nor ambassadors over the kings who sent them. If you know this, then you’ll do well to act like it. Now, I don’t mean all of you; I know which of you I have chosen. But the treachery must happen, so that the scripture will be proven, ‘The one who pledged loyalty to me will turn against me.’ I’m telling you all this now before it happens, so that when it does happen you’ll believe that I am the Chosen One. To be sure, whoever accepts anyone that I sent, they’re really accepting me. And whoever accepts me is really accepting the Father, who sent me.” 

Right then, Jesus became distraught in his heart, and announced to them, “Listen, one of you is about to hand me over to the authorities.” The apprentices looked around nervously at each other, unsure of whom he meant. Now, one of them, the apprentice Jesus doted on, was sitting right next to Jesus. So Simon Peter mouthed a question to him, “Whom does he mean?” So the other apprentice simply leaned over and asked Jesus, “Lord, which one of us are you talking about?” Jesus replied, “He’s the one I’m going to give this bread to after I dip it in the sauce.” Then he dipped the bread and gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. And right after he took the bread, Satan went into him. And Jesus told him, “Hurry up and do what you’re going to do.” But none of the others at the table knew why Jesus told him that. Since Judas was the one in charge of the money, some of them guessed that Jesus was telling him to go buy supplies for the festival, or to go make a donation to the poor. But Judas simply took the bread and hurried off into the night. 

And after he was gone, Jesus told the others, “Now the chain of events is set in motion for the Son of Man to be honored through his death, and God to be honored through him. [And if God is honored through the Son], God will also honor the Son through Himself before our eyes. My dear children, I will only be with you for a little while longer. You’ll look for me, but — like I told the people in Judea, so I tell you now — where I’m going you can’t follow yet. I’m giving you a fresh command: love one another like I have loved you; you must love each other that much. This is how the world will know that you’re my followers: because love will flourish in your community.” 

Then Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I’m going you can’t follow right now. But later on you’ll follow.” But Peter objected, “Lord, why can’t I come with you now? I’ll risk my life for you!” Jesus responded, “You’ll risk your life for me? My dear Peter, no; in fact, you’ll disown me three times before morning!”

#John #John 13 #John RV #RV

[msotherworldly]

Characters Arcs

When writing a story, whether it be a novel or an epic film, it’s important to have subplots. While all stories should have, in addition to the main plot, something called a “B Plot,” C plots, D plots, and E plots should play a role too. Smaller plots wouldn’t change the entirety of the plot if removed...but when included, they can enhance the main plot, deepening it, and providing a greater meaning to the overall story.

While it isn’t always the case, the B Plot is often the “romance” of a story. While the hero is trying to defeat the bad guy, he develops a friendship or rivalry with a companion, before ultimately falling in love. Of course, romantic or platonic, the best sub plots explore the characters in relation to one another.

These character arcs - the changes to not only the characters themselves, but the evolution of their connection to others - give readers a reason to root for not only your hero, but the whole cast.

The film which exemplifies this point well is the first Lord of the Rings. While the groundwork for these characters, and their relationships, are laid in the book, I will be focusing on the movie version. When adapting Tolkien’s story, Peter Jackson knew the characters had to be more than names on a page. In order to foster a connection between the audience and each member of the fellowship, bonds were strengthened, or even invented, between the various members.

Merry and Pippin & Boromir

The bond between Merry and Pippin is solid in the books, but little is known about Boromir - beyond knowing he’s Denethor’s son, and a future steward of Gondor who attempts to steal the ring from Frodo, there is little else. In the books, he is a tragic figure and a lesson in how destructive the craving for power can be.

In the films, though, he becomes a friend to Merry and Pippin. He teaches them how to fight, and laughs when the two hobbits doggy pile him. It’s only one scene, but it gives us a relationship. When Boromir is later overwhelmed by orcs, it isn’t as punishment for his actions - instead, he redeems himself. He races to the defense of Merry and Pippin, giving his life for them. His death is that much more tragic because of his connection with the two. When they see him fall, he isn’t just their companion - he’s a good friend, who once laughed with them and ultimately died for them.

Aragorn & Boromir

Boromir also has a connection with Aragorn. The sub plot between the pair, which focuses on Aragorn’s mistrust in Gondor and Boromir’s belief in Gondor, is set up before the Merry and Pippin arc, beginning when Boromir drops the fragments of Isildur’s sword to the ground. His comment that these shards are no more than the remains of a broken sword underscores his lack of faith in Gondor needing a king - a point of tension between him, and the man who could be king if he cared to. 

Boromir is an idealist, seeing the best in Gondor and loving it to an almost blind degree. Aragorn, by contrast, seems to care more for the elves than his “own” people. He leads the party towards Lothlorion, home of the elves, but makes a point of avoiding Gondor. He seems to hate Gondor, connecting it with the failure of his ancestor, Isildur; like Aragorn’s antecedent, Gondor is weak. When Aragorn refers to Gondor, he calls it “your city,” to Boromir, rather than theirs.

Following the capture of Merry and Pippin, and the seeming conclusion of their arc, Aragorn swoops in to fight off Boromir’s assailants. Though Aragorn wins, Boromir is fatally wounded. He dies, but not before regarding Aragorn with the respect he would to a king. Aragorn, in turn, seems to have hope for Gondor, promising to do what he can for their people. 

This arc enhances Aragorn’s own character arc in accepting not only Gondor, but his role as it’s king. Boromir is a metaphor and embodiment of Gondor, and Aragorn’s feelings towards him are actually the feelings Aragorn has towards Gondor itself. His relationship with Boromir allows him to verbalize his inner conflict about his homeland, and who he is. In the end, he accepts Boromir as his fellow - along with accepting the city as his. 

He hasn’t accepted his role as king yet, but Boromir’s relationship with him has set him in the right direction.

Gimli & Legolas

Though the relationship between Gimli and Legolas has little effect on the main plot, it adds both humour and character development to the story. Initially, being a dwarf and an elf, the pair are resentful towards one another. Gimli more or less joins the fellowship to one up Legolas, and the two aren’t above making snide remarks towards one another. 

After Gimli’s own experience in Lothlorion, though, when the dwarf realizes that elves can be both kind and beautiful, the dwarf is able to soften towards his companion. Their enmity transitions into a rivalry - they aren’t friends, but they make battles fun by beginning a competition where they try to kill more orcs than the other. As they fight in more battles together, and swap kill numbers at the end of each fight, they develop an actual friendship (in the extended edition of the third film, they even end up drinking together). Their relationship is light hearted, but it adds depth to the story, and makes the audience want to root for the pair.

Both characters are enjoyable on their own, but together they are that much easier to love.

Frodo & Sam

In the books, Sam is Frodo’s gardener and servant. In the movies, he is Frodo’s best friend. While there is still a master and servant relationship between the two, with Sam addressing his friend as “Mr. Frodo,” the term comes to feel more habitual than formal. At the start of the film, the hobbits share drinks. Frodo pushes Sam into his crush, Rosie, and gives Sam assurance when he’s fretting over the competition he has for her affections. 

When Sam eavesdrops on the conversation between Frodo and Gandalf, the wizard decides Sam will pay for his listening in by accompanying Frodo to Bree. On their journey, Sam panics at one point when he thinks he’s lost Frodo. He explains that Gandalf made him promise he wouldn’t “lose” Frodo. 

Even when he’s no longer obligated to follow, Sam insists on joining the fellowship. Elrond notes there is no separating them, secret meeting or not. Later, towards the end of the story, Sam tries to comfort Frodo, citing his promise to look after his master. When the fellowship splits, Sam chases after Frodo. Frodo can go alone, but Sam is coming with him. He repeats the line that is the crux of his bond: he made a promise to Gandalf not to lose Frodo, and he’s going to keep it.

Sam stays with Frodo to the end, even coming back after being sent away at best (and betrayed at worst) by his master in the final movie. While their bond is implicit, the repeated promise, and the ups and downs their relationship takes, adds another layer to the story. Destroying the ring is challenging - not only because of it’s effect on Frodo’s health, but because of how it tests his friendship with someone who proves to be more loyal than most. 

The bond Frodo has with Sam is also integral to the plot. After all, if it weren’t for Sam, Frodo would have been killed. With such a role, Sam needed to be more than a dedicated servant. He needed to be a loyal friend, capable of being tested and still willing to fight for their friendship.

In Conclusion

The set up of these sub plots allows the rest of the movies to be deeper too. While it goes without saying that establishing a connection between Frodo and Sam would improve their shared story arc, other sub plots are revived. 

The connection Boromir shares with Merry and Pippin, for example, becomes integral to Pippin’s own arc. With Merry removed from his side, Pippin is then influenced by none other than Boromir, when guilt over his death pushes Pippin to pledge himself to the service of Boromir’s father, Denethor. 

Gimli and Legolas go on to have journeys together, and start another body count contest in the third film (where an elephant “still only counts as one” when Legolas dispatches it).

New sub plots are also introduced, such as the bitterness between Faramir and Denethor, but most of the plots are established in the first movie. The relationships between characters make the story matter, and carry it through; the groundwork laid by these bonds even sparks new storylines. Even after his death, Boromir’s relationship with Pippin influences his actions. 

#writing inspiration #writing advice #writing #lotr movies #lord of the rings #lotr #character arcs #sub plots #writing tips #writing blog #writing community #book blogger #book blog #hobbits #fantasy books #book plotting #authors #writers #writers of tumblr #writers life #tolkien

[troybeecham]

Today begins the Triduum, the three days leading up to the Sunday of the Resurrection. The Triduum begins with Maundy Thursday.

The Gospel reading and a reflection:

John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (NRSV) “Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Today’s and yesterday’s readings do an odd thing: yesterdays reading was taken right out of the middle of today’s. It can make it feel like two separate events, when I’m fact it was only one. Taking the story of the betrayal of Judas out as a single event does make a certain narrative sense, making it stand out as the heinous act it was. But it loses something, too, of the impact because it is easy to forget that he left just before Jesus washes his disciples feet, as he does in today’s reading.

The scene is very intimate. It is also filled with irony. Only Jesus and Judas know what will happen next: the arrest and trial of Jesus. The eleven are still basking in the hazy reverie of men thinking that they are soon to become powerful figures in the coming kingdom. And they are, just not in the manner they imagine. They will begin to become great in the kingdom over the following decades as they themselves learn to carry their own crosses as the missionaries of the Gospel, each of them dying as a martyr, just as Jesus died.

Though they still do not understand the importance of it, Jesus is preparing his followers for his death by equipping them with the one tool, the one attitude, the one spiritual path that will enable them to endure what is to come: a spirit of loving humility, of emptying oneself for the sake of others. It took the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit before any of them began to understand. The same is true for us, as well.

In that culture, servants usually washed the feet of guests before a meal; but here, it is Jesus, the Son of God, who does so and he does it “during supper”. Peter is scandalized by it. How could the man about to lead an armed revolt and be declared king act like a servant or slave!?! Peter remonstrates him.

Imagine that, telling the Lord of creation that he’s doing it all wrong! How often do we do that, my friends, telling God who he must be rather than listening for God to tell us who we are? Jesus answers: only if I wash your feet can you “share” with me in the Kingdom. Still thinking in earthly terms, Peter wants more than a little bit of the kingdom! “If washing my feet means I get a little, wash my whole body because I want it all!” Back in Matthew 20:21-23, Jesus asked if his disciples could drink from his cup in much the same manner, and they pridefully boast “Yes!” because they think of earthly power and glory. And they will all of them eventually drink from his cup, the cup he asks his Father if it can be done another way.

With Jesus, we must always answer “Not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus attempts again to explain. As he, “Lord and Teacher” has been a servant to them, so each one of the disciples is to be a servant to every other; they are to follow his “example”. God is glorified by the revelation in Jesus of God’s servanthood and humility. Jesus is now on the path to the cross. He gives them “a new commandment” (from which is derived the word Maundy – short for commandment): Jesus is his follower’s example of how to love. This mutual love will show who truly are his disciples. May his love so dwell in us that others might see Jesus. It is after this that Jesus institutes the Holy Eucharist, the Most Blessed Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Jesus, our Servant Savior gives us his all, his everything, his flesh and blood even as he washes our feet.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

#christianity #jesus #god #salvation #Maundy Thursday #Holy Week #father troy beecham #troy beecham episcopal #father troy beecham episcopal

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Heart of Steel - XIX

Description: Sir James is known throughout the lands as the most fearsome and honorable warrior. Ballads have been written about him. Men fear him. He is the most trusted knight of King Henry. So why has he given up the glories of war and pledged his loyalty to Princess Y/N?

Pairing: Medieval AU -Knight!Bucky x Princess!Reader

Word Count: 3,294

Series Masterlist

Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Yet the war continued.

It was the kingdoms’ misfortune that they underestimated their mutual enemy. Hydra must have been preparing for this war long before anyone could ever realize. And now all of them were paying the price.

Y/N helped as much as she could from the confines of the castle. She continued to oversee the food, water, and medical supplies that were delivered to the front lines. She also visited the town folks as much as possible. People weren’t just suffering physically, but emotionally as well.

Y/N tried to keep herself busy. The more time she allowed herself to get lost inside her mind, the crazier she felt and the more depressed she became.

Steve wrote to her. He couldn’t give her specifics on the war in fear that their letters could be intercepted. But he did tell her how much he missed her. It seemed that writing and thinking of Y/N was the only source of light he had during such dark times.

Tony helped with Zamora’s army from the castle too, having meetings with generals and advisors. 

King Henry forbid him to ride to battle. After all, he was the heir of Zamora. 

Tony hated it. He wanted to be fighting like his friend Steve. But Zamora’s customs were different than those of Midgard’s.

Y/N often sat in council meetings. She learned it was better to observe everything, listen to every man’s opinion, and then save her own for when her and Tony were alone. He always listened to her. Always.

“You were born to be a king, not me,” Tony had recently told her with a sad smile before shooing her off to bed.

To Y/N’s surprise, Bucky did not flee Zamora. He stayed at her side. But things had changed between them. There was no longer that draw between them. The knight was cold and distant, but still watchful of his princess.

Y/N thought it was best to ignore him as well as she could. It was hard, especially after years of feeling a draw to her knight.

Slowly the princess stopped seeing him as Bucky. He was Sir James to her now.

-------

It was the end of a long day now. Y/N had been helping the medical ward that had been set up in the town square. There were men injured from war that could not return to battle. Some didn’t make the journey back to their kingdom. The rest were now placed on cots.

The princess was no physician or surgeon. But she helped where she could. Sometimes it was just getting fresh water or holding a lonely man’s hand as he died. But it was better than doing nothing.

Y/N was exhausted.

But more than anything… she was sick of watching her people die.

Y/N was lost in her thoughts, barely even having the strength to walk to Moon and ride back to the castle.

So when her foot caught a bump in the footpath, she wasn’t even strong enough to regain her footing or catch herself. 

Just as she accepted that she would be falling, a strong pair of hands gripped her waist and pulled her upright.

Y/N blinked slowly, too exhausted to fight the grip of a stranger.

It felt like a dream as she looked over her shoulder to see that it was Bucky who was steadying her.

How long had he been following her?

She hadn’t seen him anywhere in sight when she was helping the wounded.

The knight observed her face and body for a moment.

Y/N wished he kept his grip on her hips just a few seconds longer. But he let go as soon as she was steady.

“When was the last time you ate something, Your Highness?” Bucky

Y/N touched her forehead, suddenly realizing how lightheaded she was as well. She shrugged and shook her head. Not really answering his question, but brushing it aside altogether.

Bucky sighed in disappointment.

Y/N barely heard him whistle to Persephone.

His loyal steed came cantering to his side.

Without warning her or asking for permission, Bucky lifted Y/N into his arms and planted her on top of the saddle. There was barely a second before he was swing his legs over and placing himself right behind her.

Y/N wanted to yell at him, to reprimand him for manhandling his princess.

But she was so exhausted and she realized how much she missed him. Though he had frequently been at her side, he was distant in every other way.

So Y/N welcomed the feeling of his warm body pressed against her back and his arms wrapped around her as he reached for the reigns.

“Thank you,” Y/N muttered so quietly that she doubted he could even hear it.

“You would have fallen off your horse and broken your neck,” he scolded before making a clicking sound to urge Persephone forward.

Y/N gave a lazy smirk. It felt like old times for just one moment.

She decided to say nothing.

“You have worked yourself to exhaustion…” Bucky continued.

Y/N rolled her eyes, even though she knew he couldn’t see it. “My people need me.”

“Yes, but they also need you alive and healthy too.” He countered.

She didn’t have the strength to argue with him.

The ride from the town square back to the castle only took half an hour or so.

But Y/N was so tired and relaxed in the arms of Bucky that she fell asleep. Her head rested back between the knight’s right shoulder and bicep.

“Is she alright?” Y/N recognized the voice of Peter in her sleep. It sounded like a dream.

“Do not wake her,” Bucky hissed in a hushed voice.

Y/N could barely feel herself being moved from the saddle to someone’s arms.

————— Wanda watched as Bucky carried Y/N’s sleeping body into her bedchambers and carefully slid her into bed.

The servant girl’s heart warmed as the knight pulled the covers up to the princess’ chin.

When Bucky turned to leave, he stopped at the expression Wanda gave him.

“She misses you,” the servant muttered quietly. But there was malice in her eyes.

“I have not left,” the knight answered before continuing his walk past her.

“You know what I speak of, Sir James.” She closed the bedroom door behind her as she hurried after the knight. “Why did you push her away? She told you she loved you! She gave you her heart, the thing she has protected most in her whole life... and you trampled it!”

“Enough, Wanda!” Bucky groaned.

“No!” Wanda snapped and grabbed his arm, whipping him around to face her. “People sing songs and tell tales of your bravery. But I see you for what you truly are: a coward.”

Bucky remained emotionless by her insult.

Then he looked at the ground. “I…I cannot give her what she wants. You know this. I know this. And so does she.”

“But do you truly not believe sharing your true affections is still worth it?” Wanda whispered.

Bucky clenched his jaw and stared into the servants eyes before shaking his head.

He turned and rushed to the door, throwing it open. “You will regret it,” Wanda told him.

He paused in the doorway, letting the words settle over him.

But he gave no reply before storming out the door.

—————————

6 Months Later

Y/N was laying in the grass of her garden, staring up at the clouds and trying to figure out what each one reminded her of. She had been forbidden from helping the wounded or monitoring the rations today. 

Tony and Bruce had rallied against her. She suspected Bucky might have had a secret role, as well.

If she couldn’t help, she would hide away. It had been months since she visited her garden. Part of it was because of the changing seasons. The other part was because she had been avoiding it.

Y/N was punishing herself, ridding her life of anything that caused her joy. 

She never went riding, only using Moon to travel back and forth to the town square. She didn’t read her favorite books, telling herself that she had better things to do than spend time on such hobbies. Lastly, she avoided her garden because it brought her solace…solace that she didn’t deserve. Furthermore, being there reminded her of Bucky and the few stolen moments that life was charitable enough to allow them.

Now it was fall, she’d missed the beautiful blooming that spring brought and the bright colors summer then provided. But now she saw the leaves changing and heard the crinkling of them with every breeze, and she remembered how much she loved autumn.

Y/N was brought out of her daydreaming when she heard and felt heavy footsteps approaching.

She knew Bucky was the only one with access to the garden besides the greenskeeper. Yet she was still surprised to see him.

Y/N noted the tension in his body. But his face remained calm. It didn’t mean anything though: he was trained to never show panic or fear.

“What is it?” Y/N asked him. He had not come to her garden since the last time they kissed. She knew he would not enter unless it was something dire.

“I think it is best you come to the courtyard, Your Majesty.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes in confusion. “Why? What has happened?”

“The tower watchmen spotted a couple riders approaching the castle. One was riding with a banner of Midgard.”

Y/N’s eyes widened. “Steve!” She gasped before jumping to her feet and running past Bucky.

She was barefoot. Her hair in a wavy mess that was far too improper for a princess. She was in a dress that even a commoner would wear, for she did not know she would be forbidden from helping wounded that day.

But she wasn’t thinking about how she looked as she sprinted to the courtyard. But she didn’t stop there. She kept running and ran straight through it and to the gates at the castle walls. She didn’t even notice the crazy stares she got from townsfolk, nobles, and guards.

Y/N walked onto flying bridge and stared into the horizon.

She saw Dame Natasha first, her red hair sticking out from everything else.

Next she saw Sir Clinton and Sir Samuel.

Then Y/N let out a gasp of relief when she spotted Steve amongst the four of them. He rode at the back of the group, which was why she didn’t see him at first.

It worried Y/N that her two knights were accompanying a foreign king. Was it possible that they were all that was left of Zamora’s army?

Suddenly, Y/N felt a presence behind her.

She turned around to find Bucky standing guard. But he wasn’t looking at the princess or the approaching riders. Instead, he was scouting the horizon to see if there was an enemy lingering or some surprise attack trying to be executed, using Steve as bait.

Y/N squinted when she saw that only one of Steve’s hands was holding the reigns, while the other one was holding a sack of some sort.

The four riders came to a halt quickly. Y/N had to take a quick step back to prevent herself from getting trampled.

“What is it? What has happened?” Y/N looked up at Steve only.

He tossed the sack on the ground and it rolled to the princess’ feet.

Y/N felt sick when she saw there was blood soaking the bottom of the sack.

“King Alexander’s head,” Steve clarified darkly.

Her eyes widened, realizing what this meant. If Hydra’s king was dead, then that must mean…

“The war has ended,” Steve declared.

Y/N was about to smile, but then she finally took Steve in. His skin was pale and sweaty. There was red shadows lingering on his skin beneath his eyes.

Suddenly, the king’s eyes rolled to the back of his head and he started sliding off of his saddle.

“Steve!” Y/N screeched and rushed forward.

Bucky beat her to the king’s saddle thankfully and caught Steve before he could hit the ground. He lowered him to the ground and called over his shoulder for a medic.

Y/N instantly kneeled to the ground and was cradling Steve’s head in her lap as she called his name.

She looked up at the knights that had accompanied him back. “What happened?”

Natasha looked just as shocked as her and was shaking her head. “He-he said he was scathed in battle... b-but that it was nothing to worry about…” Her voice was numb.

Y/N’s fingers were desperate as they unbuckled his armor and rid his body of it. When his chest plate was removed, she saw a huge stain of blood on the right side of his torso, just under his pectoral muscle.

“Steve? Steve, please!” The princess begged as she rain her fingers through his hair.

His eyes fluttered open at her calling.

But he closed them before smiling almost with delusion, “Hello, my love.” His voice was but a mere sigh.

“Please, stay awake.” Y/N urged him.

Steve nodded numbly, trying his best to calm her and listen to her pleading.

Suddenly Bucky was pulling her away from him as servants ran a canvas stretcher to the king and carefully placed his body on it.

Y/N tried to rush after them as they hurried Steve away. But Bucky pulled her against his chest and stopped her from moving.

“You have to let them help him,” he whispered comfortingly in her ear.

Everyone was too preoccupied with Steve to notice the intimate solace the knight gave his princess.

Y/N allowed herself to go limp in Bucky’s arms…but only for a moment.

She pulled away slowly and wiped away her tears with the back of her hand.

Bucky leaned forward and brushed her messy hair off her face. Then he brushed a lingering tear on her cheek away with his thumb. “It will be okay,” he whispered reassuringly to her.

Then it seemed he snapped back to reality and realized they had an audience. He quickly dropped his hand and took a step away from her.

By some miracle no one seemed to notice the intimate moment except Natasha, Clint, and Sam. They looked at him almost pathetically, seeing how hard it was for Bucky to be near Y/N when she was in distress and not able to do anything to help her.

Y/N’s eyes fell on the sack filled with King Alexander’s head.

Taking in a deep breath, she grabbed it and headed back toward the castle. She marched into court, knowing her father and mother were lingering there.

The ignorant and pompous nobles gasped at her attire and the sack she held that was dripping blood at her feet.

Y/N looked around the room and then found the eyes of her father and king.

When she did, she tossed the sack forward. “The King of Hydra is dead. The great war is finally over.”

People blinked in shock before processing the words she actually said. Then the room erupted in cheers. But Y/N saw no cause for celebration. How many lives had been lost to get here? Yes, the suffering had ended. But the scars would remain.

Y/N slipped out of the room with the chaos of jubilee that had now taken over the room.

She heard Bucky following a few steps behind, but tried her best to ignore his presence.

The knight already knew where she was going.

Y/N turned the corner to the infirmary.

Bruce seemed to be expecting her already, knowing the princess would not be able to stay away from her betrothed.

“He will be just fine, my dear.” Bruce told Y/N gently.

“He fainted and fell off his horse. That wound… H-how will he be fine?” She challenged.

“Because he did not treat the wound immediately, it continued bleeding. Blood loss causes lightheadedness. And he lost a lot of it. But I cleaned the wound and stitched it up. Right now... he just needs rest, Your Highness.”

Y/N let out a giant and shaky exhale.

Bruce gripped her shoulder and gave her a small smile. “You can go in and sit with him, Your Highness.”

She nodded before quickly going inside.

Bucky waited outside, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword that was strapped at his waist.

Steve sat up in bed when he saw Y/N enter. His eyes lit up with love, but it flickered when he saw that she was glaring at him.

“Do not scare me like that ever again,” Y/N snapped and she made no move toward him. Instead, she stood her ground and crossed her arms.

“Forgive me,” Steve muttered, eyes genuinely fearful of his betrothed’s wrath.

Y/N stance seemed to soften then. “Can it really be true? Is the war truly over?”

Steve nodded, “I promised I would not return until it was won. I brought his head as an offering to you. Hydra cannot harm you ever again, Y/N.”

“You really know how to woo a woman, Your Majesty.” Y/N couldn’t stifle her giggle.

Steve’s heart melted. “I have missed that sound.” Then he blushed when he realized he had said it aloud.

And just like that, the Steve she had first met returned and the general king was hidden away once again.

Steve reached a hand out to her. “Please, come here.” The distance between them was growing more and more torturous.

Y/N did as he requested, already deciding to give up her tough love act.

She sat down at the edge of her bed. But that wasn’t enough for Steve. He pulled her down so she was laying in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder. 

Silence settled between them. Neither of them really knew what to say. They had been apart for so long. But ever so slowly, they started to remember the problems they had left unresolved when Steve went to war.

“I have missed you,” the princess whispered ever so quietly.

“I promise... it was not as much as I missed you,” Steve countered as his grip on her body tightened ever so slightly. 

——————

Bucky couldn’t sleep. It was nothing new. But tonight, he felt extra restless. Perhaps it was because he was still worried for Y/N. Bruce had confirmed that Steve would be fine and make a full recovery.

The knight had no idea how Y/N would react if anything were to happen to the King of Midgard.

Bucky knew she loved him to some degree. He saw it in her eyes. But what he saw even more was how hard she had to try to hide her feelings for the king. Bucky wondered if it was easier or harder than it once was hiding her feelings for him.

But the knight was brought out of his reverie when there was a harsh knock at his bedroom door.

His body tensed.

But his hand immediately went for the knife he hid under his pillow every night.

When he opened the door carefully, he was met with Dame Natasha.

He said nothing, waiting for the lady knight to speak first.

“The King of Midgard wishes to see you,” she told him.

----------------

Part XX

Just a heads up, there are only a few more chapters left in this story. Don’t panic lol

#heart of steel series #heart of steel #knight!bucky #knight!bucky x princess!reader #knight bucky barnes #bucky knight au #medieval!avengers #medieval marvel au #medieval!bucky x princess!reader #king!steve rogers #king!steven rogers x princess!reader #king!steve rogers x princess!reader #medieval!steve rogers

[supermacaroniandsqueezeblr]

“Wizards” AU fic: Chapter Ten

I’m finally FINISHED at last!! This fic was a labor of love and passion for me, and I’m really happy that I was able to finally complete it. I hope you guys have all enjoyed the story, and I hope you all like the happy ending!

A few days after the events of the festival, Sean and Emilia had eventually decided to both tell their parents about their engagement to one another. Upon hearing the news, the king and queen were thrilled, for now their kingdoms could finally be united as one, and the two lovers would be crowned as the future monarchs. It was agreed that the ceremony would be held the next year on the first day of spring, and both that and the Spring Festival would be combined into a week-long celebration. 

As the months passed along with the changing seasons and their corresponding festivals, Sean and Emilia grew closer together, and seldom a day went by when they weren’t seen spending time with one another. During the summer, they snacked on ripe strawberries and went stargazing in the evenings, and when fall and winter arrived, they drank hot apple cider and spent the nights inside the old oak tree they called home, curled up together underneath fluffy blankets to keep warm and reading stories to each other out loud. They felt safe and content in each other’s arms as they drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Sean himself felt like the luckiest guy around to have someone like Emilia, and Emilia felt very fortunate that someone like Sean loved her in return. 

Eventually, the snow began to melt as winter slowly transitioned into warmer weather. The kingdom’s subjects knew it was time to prepare for not only the next festival, but for the royal wedding as well, and they wasted no time in getting to work right away. Under the instructions of the king, decorations were crafted, fruits were being harvested, and the utmost care and attention was given to the flowers and plants to make sure they looked their best for the big week. All the fairies could hardly wait, including Sean and Emilia, as well as their parents. 

At last, the big day arrived, and the entire kingdom waited with bated breath for the ceremony to begin as they took their seats on rows of toadstools underneath an apple blossom tree. Both Sean and Emilia were excited, but very anxious at the same time. The bride-to-be was almost finished being dressed and made-up by the servants, while her soon to be groom was nearly done getting ready himself. He straightened out the white bowtie he was wearing, brushed his hair once more, then took a good look at his reflection in the mirror on the wall of his bedroom, drawing in and letting out a deep breath. Peter and Daryll, who were acting as Sean’s best men, were watching nearby. 

“You nervous?” Daryll asked. Peter made a face at him and lightly smacked him on the shoulder for asking such an obvious question. “Ow! Sorry.” he replied. 

“No, it’s alright,” Sean started. “To answer your question-y-yeah, I am...a little.” 

“I’m sure it’s perfectly normal to be feeling that way before your big day, Sean.” Peter reassured him. 

“I don’t know...it’s just that this has all been planned practically since the day I was born-and now, it’s finally happening.” The prince let out a sigh, his mind going back to all the lessons and wisdom his mother had taught him growing up, as well as all the interactions he had with Emilia during his childhood. “What if I’m not good enough to rule the kingdom?” 

“Sean, what are you talking about?” Daryll exclaimed. “You’re going to be a great king!” 

Peter nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’re smart, hard-working, and I’ve never seen anyone quite as skilled in magic as you.”

“And besides, you’ll have Emilia to help you.” Daryll winked. 

“But what if I’m not..good enough for her?” The thought briefly crossed his mind, and it was enough to make his stomach drop.

“Now that’s the craziest thing I’ve heard yet!” Daryll quipped, rolling his eyes. “You love her, don’t you?” 

“Yes, with all my heart.” Sean answered. 

“And she loves you, right?”

“Of course.” Reinstating that out loud made him feel much better, and pushed away those negative thoughts. 

“Then there’s nothing to worry about! I think you’ll be just fine.” Daryll finished. “But you’d better hurry up! You don’t want to leave her waiting!” 

“Alright, alright, I’m ready!” Taking another deep breath, he headed out with his friends following close behind. They landed at the foot of the apple blossom tree, his mother waiting there with a gentle, comforting smile. Sean smiled back. Just then, Jacob and his band, who were sitting off to the side, started to play a sweet concerto. The crowd went into a series of excited murmurs as two little flower girls dressed in pink fluttered in between, tossing pink petals from a woven basket. At last, they were followed by Emilia and her father. Giving her a smile and her hand a tight squeeze, he escorted her down the aisle. 

Sean didn’t think it was at all possible for Emilia to look more beautiful than she did at last year’s spring festival, but his breath was taken away as soon as he saw her. She was wearing a gorgeous off-the-shoulder dress fashioned of white rose petals, and tied around her waist was a ribboned sash made of woven spider’s silk and dyed a peachy pink color. Hovering a few feet behind her, two other girls were holding up the ends of the ribbon, following along with each step she took. White roses and a spray of pearls on wire adorned either side of her head, and baby’s breath was scattered in her hair. A cobweb veil concealed her face, and a floral anklet on her right leg completed the look. When at last they reached the floral altar at the tree’s base, the others stepped aside as Sean turned to face Emilia. He lifted the veil, revealing her face to the crowd before her as she smiled warmly at him. Sean returned the expression, and in that moment, they knew that their love was truly meant to be. The music then stopped as the king began to speak.

“My fellow subjects!” he declared, stepping forward. “Today is a momentous occasion for us all! Not only does today mark the first day of the season of Spring, but today, the time has come for my daughter, her royal highness, Princess Emilia…”

As he gestured to her, Emilia smiled and bowed her head gracefully. 

“As well as my son, his royal highness, Prince Sean…” the queen added, gesturing to Sean, who smiled and nodded.

“To take their places as the future king and queen of the mountain fairies!” the king finished, arms outstretched. 

The crowd cheered and applauded before the king continued. “When our reign comes to an end, it shall be Sean and Emilia’s solemn duty, to protect this kingdom and its people-to rule from the heart, with wisdom and integrity.” 

The queen then gestured for Emilia to step forward towards her as she reached into the pocket of her robes and pulled out her wand. “Dear Emilia, noble and pure-hearted,” she began as she gently waved it over the bride’s head. “You’ve shown knowledge and maturity beyond your years, and you always wear your heart on your sleeve with pride. These are the qualities that, when the time is ready, will greatly suit you in becoming who you are destined to be-Emilia, guardian of the forest glen-queen of the mountain fairies.”

As she spoke, a sparkling shower of fairy dust shone from the wand’s tip, and in a brilliant flash of light, Emilia found herself wearing a golden headpiece with a sparkling sapphire in its center, just like the queen was wearing. She grinned with delight as she gave a curtsy in appreciation, and the queen returned the gesture.

 The king drew out his wand from within his robes as Sean stepped towards him. The future monarch closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly as the king waved his wand and began to speak. “Sean, dear lad, your hard work and dedication to your kingdom is truly remarkable, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that you’ll be a great ruler someday. Wear this hat with honor, for you shall become-Sean, leader of the Knights of Stardust, protectors of Dolan-king of the mountain fairies.” 

With a touch of the wand and in the blink of an eye, Sean’s simple feathered cap transformed into a wide brimmed light green and blue hat. As he opened his eyes and looked upwards toward the new garment, he couldn’t help but think it suited him perfectly. He and the king bowed towards each other as more applause from the fairies followed, and then the king spoke again.

 “May I have the rings?” he asked. At once, a small boy dressed in red and pink and wearing a yellow daisy cap appeared by his side holding a miniature satin pillow with two glistening dewdrop wedding rings resting on top. The king took the pillow, standing in-between the couple, as Sean took one ring and carefully slid it onto Emilia’s index finger, with that same sweet, shy smile she had come to love so much. Emilia smiled back and put the remaining ring on Sean’s gloved finger as they intertwined hands. 

“Do you, Queen Emilia, take King Sean to be your lawfully wedded husband, and pledge your love and loyalty to him from this day forward, now and forever more?” 

“I do.”

“And do you, King Sean, take Queen Emilia to be your lawfully wedded wife, and pledge your love and loyalty to her from this day forward, now and forever more?”

“I do.”

“With that, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” the king declared, smiling warmly. “You may now kiss the bride.” 

Emilia, practically jumping up and down with excitement, closed her eyes and cupped Sean’s head in her hands, kissing him tenderly, as Sean did the same. As they kissed, a light breeze swept through the apple blossom tree above them, causing a shower of petals to flutter down, surrounding them. The crowd erupted into a frenzied applause, cheering wildly for the newlyweds. Even Peter and Daryll were finding it hard not to get a little misty-eyed. As the band began to play once again, Sean and Emilia walked down the aisle hand in hand as the fairies continued to clap with delight. One of the flower girls from before handed her a beautiful bouquet of white roses, as the newly crowned queen tossed it behind her. The guests leaped high into the air to grab it, but in the end, Gerda was the one to catch it, much to Greta’s dismay, as she crossed her arms with a huff. 

The wedding reception that followed soon after was a grand celebration, complete with a great feast full of delicious food and desserts, including an extravagant three-tiered cake, as well as more music and dancing. But everyone had to agree that the stars of the afternoon were Sean and Emilia as they raised glasses of punch, giving a warm toast to the happy couple. And indeed, they couldn’t have been happier as they waltzed together, lovingly gazing into each other’s eyes. In that moment in time, both Sean and Emilia knew that with the other by their side, their future would be a bright one. 

And of course, they lived happily ever after. 

The End

#i hope this is good!! #i tried my hardest #emily's terrible fanfics #ralph bakshi #ralph bakshi's wizards #non disney animated films

[dfroza]

the temptation of this world is to disagree with Love’s sacred and eternal truth

because people want to live according to however they feel and so they choose to ignore or even stand up against what has been revealed by our Creator in Light of the Son. some think of this message as foolishness, but it is actually the True path to eternal life.

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 1st chapter of the Letter of First Corinthians:

From Paul, divinely appointed according to the plan of God, to be an apostle of the Anointed One, Jesus. Our fellow believer Sosthenes joins me in writing you this letter addressed to the community of God throughout the city of Corinth. For you have been made pure, set apart in the Anointed One, Jesus. And God has invited you to be his devoted and holy people, and not only you, but everyone everywhere who calls on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord, and ours also.

May joyous grace and endless peace be yours continually from our Father God and from our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!

I am always thanking my God for you because he has given you such free and open access to his grace through your union with Jesus, the Messiah. In him you have been made extravagantly rich in every way. You have been endowed with a wealth of inspired utterance and the riches that come from your intimate knowledge of him. For the reality of the truth of Christ is seen among you and strengthened through your experience of him. So now you aren’t lacking any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the unveiling of the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. He will keep you steady and strong to the very end, making your character mature so that you will be found innocent on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for he has invited you to co-share the life of his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King!

I urge you, my brothers and sisters, for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree to live in unity with one another and put to rest any division that attempts to tear you apart. Be restored as one united body living in perfect harmony. Form a consistent choreography among yourselves, having a common perspective with shared values.

My dear brothers and sisters, I have a serious concern I need to bring up with you, for I have been informed by those of Chloe’s house church that you have been destructively arguing among yourselves. And I need to bring this up because each of you is claiming loyalty to different preachers. Some are saying, “I am a disciple of Paul,” or, “I follow Apollos,” or, “I am a disciple of Peter the Rock,” and some, “I belong only to Christ.” But let me ask you, is Christ divided up into groups? Did I die on the cross for you? At your baptism did you pledge yourselves to follow Paul?

Thank God I only baptized two from Corinth—Crispus and Gaius! So now no one can say that in my name I baptized others. (Yes, I also baptized Stephanus and his family. Other than that, I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) For the Anointed One has sent me on a mission, not to see how many I could baptize, but to proclaim the good news. And I declare this message stripped of all philosophical arguments that empty the cross of its true power. For I trust in the all-sufficient cross of Christ alone.

To preach the message of the cross seems like sheer nonsense to those who are on their way to destruction, but to us who are being saved, it is the mighty power of God released within us. For it is written:

I will dismantle the wisdom of the wise

and I will invalidate the intelligence of the scholars.

So where is the wise philosopher who understands? Where is the expert scholar who comprehends? And where is the skilled debater of our time who could win a debate with God? Hasn’t God demonstrated that the wisdom of this world system is utter foolishness?

For in his wisdom, God designed that all the world’s wisdom would be insufficient to lead people to the discovery of himself. He took great delight in baffling the wisdom of the world by using the simplicity of preaching the story of the cross in order to save those who believe it. For the Jews constantly demand to see miraculous signs, while those who are not Jews constantly cling to the world’s wisdom, but we preach the crucified Messiah. The Jews stumble over him and the rest of the world sees him as foolishness. But for those who have been chosen to follow him, both Jews and Greeks, he is God’s mighty power, God’s true wisdom, and our Messiah. For the “foolish” things of God have proven to be wiser than human wisdom. And the “feeble” things of God have proven to be far more powerful than any human ability.

Brothers and sisters, consider who you were when God called you to salvation. Not many of you were wise scholars by human standards, nor were many of you in positions of power. Not many of you were considered the elite when you answered God’s call. But God chose those whom the world considers foolish to shame those who think they are wise, and God chose the puny and powerless to shame the high and mighty. He chose the lowly, the laughable in the world’s eyes—nobodies—so that he would shame the somebodies. For he chose what is regarded as insignificant in order to supersede what is regarded as prominent, so that there would be no place for prideful boasting in God’s presence. For it is not from man that we draw our life but from God as we are being joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. And now he is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption. And this fulfills what is written:

If anyone boasts, let him only boast

in all that the Lord has done!

The Letter of 1st Corinthians, Chapter 1 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 36th chapter of the book (scroll) of Isaiah that documents a refusal to respond to a threat from an opposing force:

After Hezekiah had been Judah’s king for 14 years, King Sennacherib of Assyria launched an attack against Judah’s fortified cities and conquered them. Sennacherib sent his right-hand man (whom they call the Rabshakeh) to King Hezekiah in Jerusalem along with an army to intimidate him. The Rabshakeh came from Lachish, formerly a great Judean city, and stationed himself along the highway that skirts the field where they launder the cloth, near the aqueduct for the upper pool. Three men from Hezekiah’s court came down from the palace to meet him there. They were Hilkiah’s son Eliakim, the palace administrator; Shebna, the royal secretary; and Asaph’s son Joah, the recorder.

The Rabshakeh told them to relay to Hezekiah these words of Sennacherib, the great king of Assyria.

Rabshakeh: How come you’re so sure of yourself? Your strategy and strength for war seem to be limited to diplomacy and empty words. Now that you have rebelled against me, who are you really relying on? Take a look! Are you really counting on the help of a crushed reed, Egypt, against me? Relying on Egypt is like leaning on a splintering stick that ends up jabbing you through the palm. That’s the way Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is to everyone who relies on him. Or maybe you’ll tell me, “We are putting our trust in the Eternal One our God.” Hah! I don’t think so. Don’t forget that Hezekiah went around destroying all His altars and wrecking His places of worship, insisting that Judah and Jerusalem must worship before the one altar in Jerusalem.

Come on now. Make a deal with my master, the king of Assyria: I’ll give you 2,000 horses if you can do your part and deliver the same number of riders. How can you repel even the weakest unit in my master’s army when you have to look to Egypt for chariots and drivers? And just in case you think that I’m attacking you of my own volition, you should know that I am not. Your God, the Eternal, sent me. Your God said to me, “Rise up against that land (namely you Judeans), and destroy it.”

Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah appealed to the Rabshakeh.

Hezekiah’s Men: Please speak to us, your servants, in a language we understand—Aramaic—not in Judah’s common language, so that the people on the wall who are trying to listen in can’t understand.

Rabshakeh: My, my, my! Do you think that my king sent me here to speak only to your king and to you when those people stand just as much to lose as you? Don’t you think that these people along the wall should have a chance to hear our negotiations? After all, they’ll be reduced with you to eating their own feces and drinking their own urine.

So the Rabshakeh stood up and spoke even louder in the Judean language so all could hear and understand.

Rabshakeh: Hear the words of Great King Sennacherib, king of Assyria, dominator of the world!

“Don’t listen to Hezekiah’s lies. Your king won’t be able to save you. Don’t let him convince you to trust the Eternal by saying, ‘The Eternal will surely save us; God will spare Jerusalem from the king of Assyria.’ Don’t believe it for a minute.”

My king, Sennacherib, says, “Make your peace with me. Don’t fight it, but come on out and join me. Then each of you will be able to enjoy your home and garden, eat your own grapes and figs, and drink the water from your own cistern until I come and bring you back to my place. Oh, it’s like yours, to be sure. It has grain for bread and vineyards for new wine. Be careful or Hezekiah will deceive you with his empty claim: ‘The Eternal One will surely save us.’ Look around. We’ve defeated everyone we’ve fought—every capital of every country. And did their gods save them? No. Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad, Sepharvaim, or even your sibling to the north, Samaria? All of these are fallen—not a god in sight to save them. Do you really think you’re so different? Why should the Eternal save Jerusalem from me?”

To their credit, the people didn’t say anything. Hezekiah had commanded them not to answer the Rabshakeh, and indeed they just sat there silently. Then the three men who had gone for Hezekiah—Hilkiah’s son Eliakim, the palace administrator; Shebna, the royal secretary; and Asaph’s son Joah, the recorder—returned to their king. In great distress, they tore their clothes and told him everything the Rabshakeh said.

The Book (Scroll) of Isaiah, Chapter 36 (The Voice)

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Wednesday, july 14 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons that deals with shame:

Just before Moses began his reproof of Israel, he declared his love and faith in the people. “The LORD your God has multiplied you until you are today as numerous as the stars in the sky (כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם). May the LORD, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times more as you are (כָּכֶם), and bless you, as He promised you” (Deut. 1:10-11). Moses first brought up God’s love for the Jews before he began his admonition. Notice he used the word kachem (כָּכֶם, “as you are”) in this blessing. May the LORD multiply you - as you are - a thousand times! You are beloved; you are worthy: may the LORD bless you a thousand times over! (How different is this picture of Moses than the typical cartoon made of him by many in Christianity, who envision him smashing the tablets as if that were his “last word” on the subject of the Torah to Israel!)

Were the people perfect then? Obviously not, as would be clear through Moses’ later admonition to them. Nonetheless, Moses used a “good eye” to see their potential as God’s chosen people. Here was this ragtag group of of desert wanderers, descendants of slaves from the “house of slavery,” whom the LORD God Almighty personally redeemed to be His own treasured possession. Despite their failures in the past and all that went before, Moses reminded them that they were esteemed as mamlechet kohanim v’goy kadosh (מַמְלֶכֶת כּהֲנִים וְגוֹי קָדוֹש), a “kingdom of priests and a holy people” (Exod. 19:6).

Moses’ approach gives us insight about how we might correct the people we truly love. Often people become defensive when they are criticized and stop listening. Adding sincere praise and encouragement helps them open up to our message, since it is grounded in a sense of respect and value for their well-being. God thinks highly of the Jewish people, and that is the very first thing to be heard. God greatly esteems us, too. Despite the fact that we are sinners, God truly loves us. He considers us worthy to be saved. Again, why else did Yeshua suffer and die on the cross if God did not value our lives so much?

Shame is never the goal of the Torah. As King David prayed: Elohai bekha vatachti; al-avoshah (אֱלהַי בְּךָ בָטַחְתִּי אַל־אֵבוֹשָׁה): "My God, I trust in you; let me not be ashamed" (Psalm 25:2). Some people use the idea of God’s “law” as a sort of club to hammer a sense of guilt upon the soul. They insist that man is “totally depraved” and under God’s death sentence. Such people then hope to explain the good news of the gospel to escape God’s righteous wrath for sin. These people, perhaps well-meaning, forget that the LORD is "near" - karov- to the brokenhearted. This adverb means “close enough to touch.” The same root is used for the word korban (קָרְבָּן), an offering that draws us near to God, as well as karov (קָרוֹב), a near kinsman. In other words, God’s desire has always been for people to draw near to Him, and He has always provided a way for people to do so -- even those who lived under the terms of the Sinai Covenant.

Guilt (אַשְׁמָה) is an objective state of being sinful that may or may not be accompanied by feelings of remorse, but shame (בּוּשָׁה), at least in its toxic sense, is a state of soul that regards itself as fundamentally flawed, inadequate, and essentially unlovable. God does not want us to grovel in self-disgust or live in constant fear of His judgment. He does not want us to hate ourselves or to regard ourselves as unlovable. As His creation, He loves us and finds us of value and worth. Why else would he have given His Son up to ransom us from sin and death? Like a parent who loves his child but wants to correct him by saying, “this doesn’t become you,” so God wants us to remember who we really are. He wants us to “walk in love” as His “dear children of light” (Eph. 5:8). God’s correction is meant to form His character within us, and this first must begin with our assurance of our value, dignity, and worth in His eyes.

We are commanded to judge with tzedakah, with love as our underlying assumption. If God so commands us, surely we can trust that He likewise judges us this way. God’s love is his essence - “God is love” (ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν) - and He regards you as worthy to receive His love and blessing. He loves you b’ahavat olam - with “an everlasting love” (אַהֲבַת עוֹלָם), and therefore in chesed he draws you to Himself (Jer. 31:3). Why else would Yeshua die on the cross unless He expressed God’s desire to judge others favorably?

Be encouraged, chaverim. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and you have a future and a hope in the world to come (Jer. 29:11). “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18). Keep hope. God’s love never fails (1 Cor. 13:8). [Hebrew for Christians]

7.14.21 • Facebook

from an email by Glenn Jackson:

July 14th

THE NEED OF ETERNAL LIFE

[part 1 of 7]

* THE subject of Eternal Life can well be called another lost truth. The Church has never majored Eternal Life, and yet it was the reason for Christ's coming. John 10:10: "I came that they may have Life, and may have it abundantly." The word, "Life," used here is from the Greek word, "Zoe." It is the word used in connection with Eternal Life. The other word, "psuche," means natural life and all other forms of life. Man is Spiritually Dead.

Eph. 2:1: "And you did He make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins." Spiritual Death is the nature of the adversary. When Adam sinned in the garden, he became a partaker of Satanic nature. This nature has been the cause of all the sin, misery, and sickness of the human race. It has given to man an inferiority complex, a sense of unworthiness, a sense of sin. It has given him hatred and jealousy and bitterness. All the crimes and miseries of the ages are the result of this nature that man possesses. The reason that man cannot stand right with God is that his nature is enmity against God.

Romans 8:7 tells us that "it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be."

This nature must be taken out of man, and a New Nature must be given to him.

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

July 14, 2021

His Kingdom Is Forever

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The final verse of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” describes our tools and comportment while in the battle, and the final victory.

That word above all earthly powers,

No thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours

Thro’ Him who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.

As the King’s soldiers, we have God-given abilities and possessions, most notably the indwelling God’s Spirit and empowering gifts. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4). We should “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28) and focus on Him, “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” (even goods and kindred [Luke 9:60-62] if need be). “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13).

As of yet the battle continues. “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21), “and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). JDM

[bibleteachingbyolga]

That in leaving this world we do not go away at a venture, you know not only from the certainty you have that there is a heavenly life, but also from being assured of the free adoption of our God, you go there as to your inheritance. That God should have appointed you his Son’s martyrs is a token to you of super-abounding grace. (John Calvin: Tracts and Letters, 5:406)

John Calvin wrote these words in May of 1553 to five young French students facing imminent death at the hands of the French executioner. More than a year earlier, in April, 1552, the five young men left Lausanne, Switzerland, having completed their theological studies. Before returning to their native country of France, they spent a few days in Geneva, possibly with John Calvin. Their names were Martial Alba, Bernard Seguin, Charles Faure, Pierre Navihères, and Pierre Escrivain.

They were fully aware of the dangers of returning to France, given the fury of the French king’s hostility toward Protestants. Calvin himself had left France in a hurry, never to return. On the way to Lyons, they stopped at Bourg de Colognes, where a stranger joined them on their journey. Upon arrival at their destination, the stranger invited them to visit him. It was a trap. The five were arrested and imprisoned.

Prayers and a Letter

As soon as news of the arrest came to Geneva, Calvin and others sent letters of commendation and began to work on a legal defense. In the first of several letters to the men, dated June 10, 1552, Calvin urges them to remain strong and faithful and reassures them of his prayers and that of the entire community in Geneva.

Interestingly, he also takes up two theological issues that the five men had raised: the first on the issue of celibacy, and the second concerning the nature of the resurrection body. It is fascinating that Calvin wrote all the letters in French (rather than in Latin, which these students would have understood). Perhaps he wished others in France with less education to read these letters and profit from them. He closed the letter by praying that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit and that they would know peace, joy, and contentment in their suffering.

Meanwhile, the men appealed to the parliament in Paris. From June, 1552, to March, 1553, they were moved to Paris and taken from one dungeon to another. All this time, the authorities in the Swiss city of Berne attempted to intervene on their behalf. Finally, on March 1, 1553, they were transferred back to Lyons and received word that they were to be executed.

Worthy to Be Witnesses

News of their imminent execution was carried to Lausanne and Geneva by a pious merchant named John Liner. Calvin had written to him earlier, in August of 1552, commending him for the dangerous work he had done in visiting the five prisoners. Calvin’s letter is one of thankfulness for Liner’s courage, but it also urges him, even at the cost of his own life, if need be, to continue in this ministry. He wrote to Liner,

As for the dangers which they set before you, I have no fear of their coming to pass, for the good brethren for whom you have done so much, feel themselves so indebted to you, that were they at liberty, far from being cowardly enough to betray you, they would expose themselves to death for your sake. (Tracts and Letters, 5:359)

On March 15, 1553, two weeks after the prisoners’ return to Lyons and the news of their fate, Calvin wrote to them, saying that he and others were continuing to exercise what influence they had on their behalf. He went on to write,

It cannot be but that you feel some twinges of frailty; yet, be confident that he whose service you are upon will so rule in your hearts by his Holy Spirit, that his grace shall overcome all temptations. If he has promised to strengthen with patience those who suffer chastisement for their sins, how much less will he be found wanting to those who maintain his quarrel — those whom he employs on so worthy a mission as being witnesses for his truth! You must therefore keep this sentence in mind, that he who dwells in you is stronger than the world. (5:392)

Three weeks later, on March 28, Calvin wrote a hasty letter from Lausanne to two merchants in Lyons, Christopher and Thomas Zollicoffre, to solicit their financial and political input and to see if they could help the Bernese in their attempt to change the mind of the king, Henry II.

No Blood Spent in Vain

At the beginning of May, 1533, the five wrote to thank the Bernese for their attempts to intercede on their behalf. The tone is somber:

Since, then, that he is pleased that our blood should soon be shed for the confession of his holy name, we reckon ourselves far happier than if we were set at liberty, for he is true and all-powerful, he will strengthen us, and will not permit us to be tormented beyond our strength; and after we have suffered awhile, he will receive us into his heavenly kingdom, and will bestow upon us eternal rest with himself. (5:404n2)

Calvin wrote again on May 15. It is clear that all attempts to change the king’s mind have failed. “God has stopped the way,” Calvin tells the prisoners. He goes on,

Now, at this present hour, necessity itself exhorts you more than ever to turn your whole mind heavenward. . . . But it appears as though God would use your blood to sign his truth, there is nothing better for you to prepare yourselves to that end, beseeching him so to subdue you to his good pleasure, that nothing may hinder you from following whithersoever he shall call. For you know, my brothers, that it behooves us to be thus mortified, in order to be offered to him in sacrifice. . . . Even so, my brothers, be confident that you shall be strengthened, according to your need, by the Spirit of our Lord Jesus, so that you shall not faint under the load of temptations, however heavy it be, any more than he did who won so glorious a victory, that in the midst of our miseries it is an unfailing pledge of our triumph. Since it pleases him to employ you to the death in maintaining his quarrel, he will strengthen your hands in the fight, and will not suffer a single drop of your blood to be spent in vain. (5:405)

Calvin signed the letter, “your humble brother.”

‘Adieu, My Brother’

Since the letter was written on the 15th, it is unclear whether the men ever saw it. The next day, the 16th, they were told to get ready for their death. A stake was made at the Place des Terreaux. As they made their way, they cited texts of Scripture to each other and sang psalms.

The two youngest mounted the stake first. Last to climb onto the stake was the oldest of the five, Martial, having spent some time on his knees in prayer before ascending. He asked a favor, “that I might kiss my brethren before I die” (5:405n2). The favor was granted. The four already bound, Martial walked around the stake and kissed each in turn and said, “Adieu, adieu, my brother.” In French, adieu is not a final goodbye, but one that fully anticipates a meeting again soon. The account continues,

The fire was kindled; the voice of the five confessors was heard, still exhorting one another in the midst of the flames: Courage, my brothers; courage. . . . These were the last audible words of these five champions and martyrs of the Lord. (5:405n2)

Life Through Death

Calvin always included suffering as an integral part of the Christian life. Two years earlier, in January, 1551, Calvin published his commentary on 1 Peter (dedicated to the English Protestant king, Edward VI, then only 13 years old) in which he wrote, “The cross has been the way to victory, and death a passage to life” (Hebrews and I and II Peter, 240).

Every Christian is called to make sacrifices for Christ. We are to “take up a cross,” Jesus said (Matthew 10:38). The Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary estimates that up to 100,000 Christians are killed every year for their faith. Our sacrifices may not cost us our lives, and for that we should be thankful. But remembering the sufferings of our brothers and sisters may help us to stop complaining about the difficulty of our own journey and instead view it as an honor and a privilege to suffer. As the hymn says, “It is the way the Master went; should not the servant tread it still?”

As the oldest of the five prisoners said “Adieu” to his brothers, he was in effect giving expression to the confidence that they would see each other on the other side. All Christians can have this confidence. Life may be brutally taken from us in this world, but this world is not our home. Heaven is — and ultimately the new heaven and new earth. The five prisoners of Lyons passed into the glory of Jesus’s bodily presence, and one day, we will meet them and hear their story firsthand.

[seekfirstme]

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2021. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.net

Meditation: What is the significance of Jesus spending 40 days and nights of solitude, prayer and fasting in the Judean wilderness? In the Old Testament 40 days was often seen as a significant period of testing and preparation for entering into a covenant relationship with God. In the days of Noah, God judged the earth and destroyed its inhabitants in a great flood because of their idolatry and total rejection of God. Noah and his family were spared because they obeyed God and took refuge in the ark for 40 days. When the flood subsided God made a covenant with Noah and promised that he would not destroy the human race again. Jesus came to fulfill that promise.

Forty days of retreat to seek the face of God

When God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt he brought them into the wilderness of Sinai. Moses went to the mountain of the Lord at Sinai and remained there in prayer and fasting for 40 days (Exodus 24:18). At the conclusion of this 40 day encounter God made a covenant with Moses and the people. After the prophet Elijah had confronted the sin of idolatry (the worship of false gods) in the land of Israel and destroyed the 400 priests of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-40), he fled into the wilderness and journeyed for 40 days to the mountain of God at Sinai (1 Kings 19:8). There God spoke with Elijah and commissioned him to pass on the work of restoring the worship of the one true God in the land. After Jesus was anointed by the Spirit in the waters of the Jordan River, he journeyed to the wilderness of Judea for 40 days to prepare himself for the mission which the Father sent him to accomplish - to offer up his life as the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins. Through the shedding of his blood on the cross he won for us a new and everlasting covenant which fulfilled and surpassed all the previous covenants which God had made with his people.

God's Word and Spirit sustains those who seek God's will

Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us in their Gospel accounts that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. Mark states it most emphatically: "The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness" (Mark 1:12). Why was Jesus compelled to seek solitude for such a lengthy period? Was it simply a test to prepare him for his ministry? Or did Satan want to lure him into a trap? The word tempt in English usually means to entice to sin or wrong-doing. The scriptural word here also means test in the sense of proving and purifying someone to see if there are ready for the task at hand. We test pilots to see that they are fit to fly. Likewise God tests his servants to see if they are fit to be used by him.

God tested Abraham to prove his faith. The Israelites were sorely tested in Egypt before God delivered them from their enemies. Jesus was no exception to this testing. Satan, in turn, did his best to entice Jesus to chose his own will over the will of his Father in heaven. Despite his weakened condition, due to fatigue and lack of food for 40 days, Jesus steadfastly rejected Satan's subtle and not so subtle temptations. Where did Jesus find his strength to survive the desert's harsh conditions and the tempter's seduction? He fed on his Father's word and found strength in doing his will. Satan will surely tempt us and will try his best to get us to choose our will over God's will. If he can't make us renounce our faith or sin mortally, he will then try to get us to make choices that will lead us, little by little, away from what God wants for us.

As soon as John the Baptist had finished his ministry, Jesus began his in Galilee, his home district. John's enemies had sought to silence him, but the Gospel cannot be silenced. Jesus proclaimed that the time of restoration proclaimed by the prophets was now being fulfilled in his very person and that the kingdom of God was at hand. What is the kingdom of God? The word "kingdom" means something more than a territory or an area of land. It literally means "sovereignty" or "reign" and the power to "rule" and exercise authority. The prophets announced that God would establish a kingdom not just for one nation or people but for the whole world. God sent us his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, not to establish an earthly kingdom but to bring us into his heavenly kingdom - a kingdom ruled by justice, truth, peace, and holiness. The kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus' mission. It's the core of his Gospel message.

Two conditions for the kingdom - repent and believe

How do we enter the kingdom of God? In announcing the good news of the Gospel Jesus gave two explicit things each of us must do in order to receive the kingdom of God: repent and believe. Repent means to turn away from sin and wrong-doing in order to follow God's way of love, truth, and moral goodness. When we submit to God's rule in our lives and believe in the Gospel message the Lord Jesus gives us the grace and power to live a new way of life as citizens of his kingdom. He gives us grace to renounce the kingdom of darkness ruled by pride, sin, and Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44) and the ruler of this present world (John 12:31). Repentance is the first step to surrendering my will and my life to God.

Repentance means to change - to change my way of thinking, my attitude, my disposition, and the way I choose to live my life - so that the Lord Jesus can be the Master and Ruler of my heart, mind, and will. Whatever stands in the way of God's will and plan for my life must be surrendered to him - my sinful pride, my rebellious attitude, and stubborn will to do as I please rather than as God pleases. If I am only sorry for the consequences of my own sinful ways, I will very likely keep repeating the same sins that control my thoughts and actions. True repentance requires a contrite heart and true sorrow for sin (Psalm 51:17) and a firm resolution to avoid the near occasion of sin. The Lord Jesus gives us the grace to see sin for what it really is - a rejection of his love, truth, and wisdom for our lives and a refusal to do what he says is right and good for us. His grace brings pardon and freedom from guilt, and breaks the power of bondage to sin in our lives through the strength and help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. If we yield to the Holy Spirit and not to our sinful inclinations, we will find the strength and help we need to turn away from all wrong-doing and whatever else might keep us from living in his truth and love.

To believe is to take Jesus at his word and to recognize that God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to free us from bondage to sin and harmful desires. God made the supreme sacrifice of his Son on the cross to bring us back to a relationship of peace, friendship, and unity with our Father in heaven. He is our Father and he wants us to live in joy and freedom as his beloved sons and daughters. God loved us first and he invites us in love to surrender our lives to him. Do you believe in the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - and in the power of the Holy Spirit who transforms each one of us into the likeness of Christ?

"Lord Jesus, your word is life, joy, wisdom, and strength for me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may have the strength and courage to embrace your will in all things and to renounce whatever is contrary to your will for me."

The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2021.

RIVER-WALK

“A few persons, eight in all, escaped in the ark through the water. You are now saved by a baptismal bath which corresponds to this exactly.” —1 Peter 3:20-21

After Noah’s flood, God promised: “Never again shall all bodily creatures be destroyed by the waters of a flood” (Gn 9:11). In fact, God went a step farther than not destroying us by water. He decided to save us through water. “You are now saved by a baptismal bath” (1 Pt 3:21).

During Lent, thousands of catechumens are preparing for new life in Christ through the waters of Baptism (see Rm 6:4). We, who have already been baptized and begotten from above through faith in Jesus, are walking with those soon to be baptized. This Lenten walk to the living waters is an opportunity for all of us to renew our baptismal promises to the Lord Jesus. Millions will take this opportunity on Easter Sunday at every Mass celebrated in the world.

First, however, we must walk through the desert of Lent before coming to the life-giving waters of Easter (Mk 1:12). As we fast and pray, our hardened hearts begin to change. We repent of sin and remove from our lives those things incompatible with our baptismal commitment to Jesus. We are new, fresh, fully alive. Our Baptism is clearly “the pledge to God of an irreproachable conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pt 3:21).

Prayer:  Father, by Lent’s end may I feel as if I just emerged from the waters of Baptism.

Promise:  “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel!” —Mk 1:15

Praise:  “But God will redeem Me from the power of the nether world by receiving Me” (Ps 49:16). Praise You, Jesus! Your life and mission are prophesied in the Psalms.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Baptismal Promises - Do You Reject Satan?, order, listen to, or download our CD 83-1 or DVD 83 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

[dailyofficereadings]

Daily Office Readings December 01, 2019 at 11:00PM

Psalm 1-4

BOOK I

(Psalms 1–41)

Psalm 1

The Two Ways

1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 2

God’s Promise to His Anointed

1 Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling 12 kiss his feet,[a] or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Happy are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 3

Trust in God under Adversity

A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.

1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying to me, “There is no help for you[b] in God.”Selah

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. 4 I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill.Selah

5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. 6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

7 Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

8 Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!Selah

Psalm 4

Confident Plea for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 When you are disturbed,[c] do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent.Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!” 7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.

8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

Footnotes:

Psalm 2:12 Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain

Psalm 3:2 Syr: Heb him

Psalm 4:4 Or are angry

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Psalm 7

Psalm 7

Plea for Help against Persecutors

A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjaminite.

1 O Lord my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me, 2 or like a lion they will tear me apart; they will drag me away, with no one to rescue.

3 O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, 4 if I have repaid my ally with harm or plundered my foe without cause, 5 then let the enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life to the ground, and lay my soul in the dust.Selah

6 Rise up, O Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake, O my God;[a] you have appointed a judgment. 7 Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered around you, and over it take your seat[b] on high. 8 The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.

9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God. 10 God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart. 11 God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day.

12 If one does not repent, God[c] will whet his sword; he has bent and strung his bow; 13 he has prepared his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts. 14 See how they conceive evil, and are pregnant with mischief, and bring forth lies. 15 They make a pit, digging it out, and fall into the hole that they have made. 16 Their mischief returns upon their own heads, and on their own heads their violence descends.

17 I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Footnotes:

Psalm 7:6 Or awake for me

Psalm 7:7 Cn: Heb return

Psalm 7:12 Heb he

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Amos 2:6-16

Judgment on Israel

6 Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;[a] because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— 7 they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and push the afflicted out of the way; father and son go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; 8 they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge; and in the house of their God they drink wine bought with fines they imposed.

9 Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of cedars, and who was as strong as oaks; I destroyed his fruit above, and his roots beneath. 10 Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. 11 And I raised up some of your children to be prophets and some of your youths to be nazirites.[b] Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel? says the Lord.

12 But you made the nazirites[c] drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, “You shall not prophesy.”

13 So, I will press you down in your place, just as a cart presses down when it is full of sheaves.[d] 14 Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not retain their strength, nor shall the mighty save their lives; 15 those who handle the bow shall not stand, and those who are swift of foot shall not save themselves, nor shall those who ride horses save their lives; 16 and those who are stout of heart among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, says the Lord.

Footnotes:

Amos 2:6 Heb cause it to return

Amos 2:11 That is, those separated or those consecrated

Amos 2:12 That is, those separated or those consecrated

Amos 2:13 Meaning of Heb uncertain

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2 Peter 1:1-11

Salutation

1 Simeon[a] Peter, a servant[b] and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:[c]

2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

The Christian’s Call and Election

3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by[d] his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual[e] affection, and mutual[f] affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For anyone who lacks these things is short-sighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters,[g] be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

Footnotes:

2 Peter 1:1 Other ancient authorities read Simon

2 Peter 1:1 Gk slave

2 Peter 1:1 Or of our God and the Savior Jesus Christ

2 Peter 1:3 Other ancient authorities read through

2 Peter 1:7 Gk brotherly

2 Peter 1:7 Gk brotherly

2 Peter 1:10 Gk brothers

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

21 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.[a]” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd[b] spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Footnotes:

Matthew 21:3 Or ‘The Lord needs them and will send them back immediately.’

Matthew 21:8 Or Most of the crowd

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

#December 01 #2019 at 11:00PM

[updcbc]

March 17, 2019 - “Bracing Our Stand for Christ: The Denial of Peter” Luke 22:31-34, 54-62

Click READ MORE to read the full sermon.

Introduction

It is wise to revisit the sacredness of word. After a Sunday worship service I personally asked my beloved wife, “Why is it that you stopped singing a beautiful hymn during the worship?” She replied, “I struggled to a particular word of the hymn if it is really true in my life.” Such sobering thought reminded me to mean every word I say and reexamine my heart for worship. In all honesty we have our own share of failures on this regard. This should lead us to walk in the humility of Christ.

Simon Peter thought he was mature enough to make hard decisions in life since he walked closely with Jesus Christ. That was how the rest of the apostles perceived of themselves. Unfortunately, after almost three years together with Jesus, each one nurtured a dream to be greater than the rest. Jesus washed their feet and showed them to be servant of all. When Jesus reinforced his message about his death during his last supper with them, they all pledged not to abandon him. Peter gave a strong word to defend Jesus to death. Simon vowed to keep his word and was certain to deliver his promise. At the Sea of Galilee, he left everything at the call of Jesus to become fisher of men. At Caesaria Philippi, he made a great confession as a divine revelation that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of the living God. In the Upper Room in Jerusalem, he vowed to die for Jesus. That night Peter could not believe what he heard. Jesus foretold that he would deny him three times (22:21-34). He protested Jesus was wrong. No he was not. Indeed, he denied him as it was told (22:54-60a) and he was utterly devastated (22:60b-62). Like Peter, we all have our own stories in breaking the heart of God.

A. The Foretold Denial (22:31-34)

Jesus knew that his time of death had come. At the Upper Room in Jerusalem he gave his farewell message to his apostles who had been with him for three years. In that final moment, he showed how much he loved them by washing their feet and taught them to serve one another in humility and grace. Their last dinner was not an ordinary meal. The Last Supper was the institution of the new covenant through his sacrificial death at the cross. And just as the Father had sent him on earth, so he was sending forth his disciples to be his witnesses to the world. It was on that historic occasion that Jesus spoke that they would desert him like a scattered sheep as the shepherd was under siege. Simon Peter vowed to die for Jesus. Jesus foretold of his denial and restoration. Peter could not believe what he had heard.

 1. The Abandonment of Jesus

Jesus gave a personal address to Peter: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat” (22:31). In reference to his death, Jesus unveiled to his apostles that the hour of darkness had come. Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot would betray him that night under the influence of Satan. The eleven were unaware of this as Jesus spoke woe to his traitor. It was on that hour of darkness that Jesus granted Satan to unravel his close disciples as a farmer sifts the wheat. Jesus made it clear that he would be abandoned by his close disciples.

 2. The Reaffirmation for Peter

Such thought unsettled Peter. Yet, Jesus spoke of his restoration.

“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (22:32)

In effect, Jesus was saying in clearest terms that Peter would certainly abandon Jesus together with all the apostles. At the same time, Jesus gave a reaffirming assurance for his restoration to encourage his fallen brothers in coming back to the Lord. Indeed, the grace of God was at work in the midst of darkness.  

3. The Presumptuousness of Peter

Just as Simon Peter who hesitated to be washed of his feet by Jesus to be a true servant, so he desired to serve Christ in his own terms.  

“But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’” (22:33)

Peter spoke out loud what was on his mind. He wanted to be in charge over his life. And out of his misplaced zeal for Jesus whom he hoped as the king of Israel to dethrone the Roman Empire, he vowed to defend Jesus to death.

 4. The Foretold Denial of Peter

What was the response of Jesus?

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.’” (22:34)

Simon Peter was shocked. Inwardly he protested with self confidence. In all his might he would prove that Jesus was wrong.

B. The Threefold Denial (22:54-60a)

That night, Judas Iscariot left the group with no point of return. He appeared before the Sanhedrin and made a conspiracy with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus. Jesus knew the plot but the rest of the apostles were unaware of it. From the Upper Room, Jesus and the eleven apostles proceeded to the garden of Gethsemane situated on the Mount of Olives east of the city of Jerusalem. He called Peter, James and John—his core disciples—to wrestle with him in earnest prayer so that they would not fall into temptation. Yet they fell asleep because they were physically tired and emotionally drained. Jesus pleaded with his Father if it was possible to take the cup of suffering from him. And he earnestly pleaded three times in much sorrow. His sweat fell on the ground as if it were drops of blood. This was the greatest temptation Jesus faced. In the end, he yielded to the will of his Father to offer his life at the cross. Briefly after he prayed, the Jewish chief priests and temple guards led by Judas Iscariot arrived to arrest Jesus. Judas Iscariot betrayed him with a kiss as a sign for his arrest. Simon Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus, but he rebuked and stopped him. When Jesus was arrested, the apostles fled. Jesus was brought inside the courtyard of Caiaphas the High Priest. And in that place Peter experienced the darkest moment of his life.

 1. The Tension in the Courtyard

What did Peter do?

“Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.” (22:54-55)

Simon Peter stood on his word to be with Jesus and he followed him. A kindled fire in the middle courtyard gave a limited light over the place enough for visibility at a close distant. Peter sat with the people around. John the Beloved was also there since he had access to the place as a relative of the high priest. Jesus was seated in the middle of the crowd with his hands tied. He would be tried before the Sanhedrin. All eyes were on him. The silence of the night was broken by mockery. Jesus kept silent. Tension filled the air. Simon Peter could not believe the sudden twist of events. He could have thought no one would notice him as a stranger in a hostile crowd.

 2. The First Denial

Then someone approached him and he was taken aback. This was the gospel narrative according to Luke.

 “A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don't know him,’ he said.” (22:56-57) 

This was how Matthew recorded his gospel account.

“Now, Peter was sitting on the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. ‘You also were with Jesus of Galilee,’ she said. But he denied before them all. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ he said.” (Mt. 26:69-70)

The woman was a servant girl who was the door keeper on duty that night. Peter was able to enter the courtyard because John the Beloved talked to her to let Peter in. John had access to the place because he was known to Caiaphas the high priest (Jn. 18:15-16). Before this servant girl as witnessed by the people, Simon Peter denied Jesus.

3. The Second Denial

Peter felt discomfort and tried to isolate himself. Luke gave this record.

“A little later someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of them.’ ‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied.” (22:58) 

Matthew gave a detailed account.

“Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, ‘This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ He denied it again, with an oath: ‘I don’t know the man!’” (Mt. 26:71-72)

Yes, we hear it right. This time Peter denied Jesus, “with an oath.” In Hebrew thought, an oath is a solemn statement to claim it as plain truth. The Jews understood that anyone who makes an oath would be under curse if the claim was false.

 4. The Third Denial

Peter became restless but contained himself. Luke wrote the next scene.

“About an hour later another asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’ Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" (22:59-60a)

Matthew made a pointed account.

“After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, ‘Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.’ Then he began to call curses on himself and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know the man!” (Mt. 26:73-74a)

Simon Peter spiraled down at the bottom. And he was crushed inside.

C. The Devastating Remorse (22:60b-62)

It was then around four o’clock before dawn. The dreadful sound came.  And Peter was devastated. His world crumbled to the ground.

 1. The Rooster Crowed

Peter had spoken, “I do not know the man.” He swore and called curses upon himself. The gospel narrative according to Luke gave a piercing account, “Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed” (22:60b). This was followed with a chorus of crowing from roosters in the neighborhood. The echoing sound was like a thunderbolt. It pierced the heart of Simon Peter.

 2. The Somber Look

At the first crowing of a rooster, Simon Peter glanced to Jesus.

“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’” (22:61)

Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. Did he raise his eyebrows in condescension? “I have told you, Simon.” Did he stare at him in condemnation? “You swallow your word, Simon.” Or did Jesus look at him with compassion? “Remember my word, Simon.” The word of Jesus came alive with grace, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus looked at Peter not to put him down nor condemn him but to restore him. How do we look at someone who has fallen into sin?

3. The Heartbreaking Cry

Simon Peter could turn his ears deaf to the crowing of the rooster but he could never get rid of the penetrating eyes of Jesus on him. What did Simon Peter do? The gospel narrative gave a touching account, “And he went outside and wept bitterly” (22:62). In outburst he was devastated filled with sorrow and in overflowing tears of remorse. In the darkness of the night, Simon Peter groaned inside as if the coming dawn was sunset.

 Conclusion

Jesus confirmed about his death. Peter pledged he would die for him. Jesus foretold of his denial and restoration. Peter denied Jesus three times. The rooster crowed. Peter trembled. Jesus looked at him and their eyes met. And Simon Peter wept bitterly in repentance and grief. We are no better than Peter. How then should we care for our souls?  

Give careful thought to our word. Peter was zealous for Jesus but he was careless in speaking out an impulsive word to die for Jesus. Eventually he swallowed his own word in disgrace. In every word we say, may we do it in utmost care and mean it in our hearts.

Listen to the cry of our conscience. Peter denied Jesus. The rooster crowed. Peter was devastated and he trembled at sin. We break the heart of Christ in our careless word, impure thought, defiled motive and secret sin. We must come to our own senses. Listen afresh to the crowing of a rooster.

Look to the eyes of the Savior. The rooster crowed. Peter looked to Jesus. Jesus looked straight to Peter. And he gave him a look not of condescension or condemnation, but with compassion. At the cross, Jesus looks at us for our redemption and restoration. We must weep bitterly and mourn for our sins.

#sermon #sermons #updcbc #God #Christian #Christ #Jesus #Peter

[tpanan]

My Sunday Daily Blessings

June 23, 2019

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Lectionary: 169

First Reading: Genesis 14: 18-20

In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 110: 1, 2, 3, 4

"You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek."

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26

Brothers and sisters: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Verse before the Gospel: John 6: 51

Alleluia, Alleluia.

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever."

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 9: 11b-17

Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured.

As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here."

He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." They did so and made them all sit down.

Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

**Meditation:

Do you hunger for God and for the abundant life he offers you through Jesus Christ? Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna (bread) in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. When the people complained to Moses that they would die of hunger in the barren wilderness, God told Moses that he would "rain bread from heaven" for them to eat (Exodus 16:4,11-12). The miraculous provision of bread foreshadows the true heavenly bread which Jesus offers his followers who believe in him. Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the "bread of life" (John 6:35) and the "true bread of heaven" that sustains us now and for all eternity (John 6:58).

A sign of God's great generosity and goodness towards us Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is a sign of God's generous care and provision for his people. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves so that we may have something to share with others, especially those in need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who lack what they need?

Jesus feeds us with the true bread of heaven Jesus' feeding of the five thousand points to the superabundance of the Lord's Supper or Eucharist. In the Old Covenant bread and wine were offered as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Creator who made the earth fruitful to nourish and strengthen all his creatures. Melchizedek is an important Old Testament figure because he was both a priest and a king who offered a sacrifice of bread and wine to God on behalf of Abraham and his future offspring (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1-4). His offering prefigured the offering made by Jesus, our great high priest and king who gave a new and distinctive meaning to the blessing of the bread and the cup of wine when he instituted the "Lord's Supper" or "Eucharist" on the eve of his sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 7:26; 9:11; 10:12).

On the eve of  the exodus of the Jewish people from bondage in Egypt, God commanded his people to celebrate the Passover meal, with the blessing of unleavened bread and wine, and the sacrificial offering of an unblemished lamb (Exodus 12:5-8). The blood of the lamb was sprinkled on the doorposts as a sign of God's protection from the avenging angel of death who passed over the homes sealed with the blood of the passover lamb (Exodus 12:7,13). Every year in commemoration of the Exodus deliverance the Jewish people celebrate a Passover meal with unleavened bread as a pledge of God's faithfulness to his promises (Exodus 12:14; see Paul's description of the Christian Passover in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). The "cup of blessing" at the end of the Jewish Passover meal points to the messianic expectation when the future Redeemer, the Messiah King will come to rebuild his holy city Jerusalem.

Jesus poured out his blood for us At Jesus' last supper meal, after he had poured the final blessing cup of wine and had given thanks to his Father in heaven, he gave it to his disciples and said, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:27-28). Jesus did this as a memorial of his death, which would take place the next day on the cross of Calvary, and his resurrection which occurred on the third day - Easter morning. The shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross fulfilled once and for all the old covenant sacrifice of the paschal lamb at Passover time (Hebrews 10:11-14; 1 Corinthians 5:7: 1 Peter 1:18-19). That is why John the Baptist had prophetically called Jesus the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

Jesus made himself an offering and sacrifice, a perfect gift that was truly pleasing to the Father in heaven. He "offered himself without blemish to God" (Hebrews 9:14) and "gave himself as a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2). Jesus established the Lord's Supper and Eucharist as a memorial of his death and resurrection and he commanded his disciples to celebrate it until his return again in glory.

"The food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" When we receive from the Lord's table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward.

When you approach the Table of the Lord, what do you expect to receive? Healing, pardon, comfort, and rest for your soul? The Lord has much more for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist is an intimate union with Christ. As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us to break with disordered attachments to creatures and to be more firmly rooted in the love of Christ. Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?

Sources:

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

**Meditations may be freely reprinted for non-commercial use. Cite copyright & source: www.dailyscripture.net author Don Schwager© 2015 Servants of the Word  

[araitsume]

The Desire of Ages, pp. 50-58: Chapter (5) The Dedication

This chapter is based on Luke 2:21-38.

About forty days after the birth of Christ, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, and to offer sacrifice. This was according to the Jewish law, and as man's substitute Christ must conform to the law in every particular. He had already been subjected to the rite of circumcision, as a pledge of His obedience to the law.

As an offering for the mother, the law required a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. But the law provided that if the parents were too poor to bring a lamb, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering, the other for a sin offering, might be accepted.

The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish. These offerings represented Christ, and from this it is evident that Jesus Himself was free from physical deformity. He was the “lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:19. His physical structure was not marred by any defect; His body was strong and healthy. And throughout His lifetime He lived in conformity to nature's laws. Physically as well as spiritually, He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be through obedience to His laws.

The dedication of the first-born had its origin in the earliest times. God had promised to give the First-born of heaven to save the sinner. This gift was to be acknowledged in every household by the consecration of the first-born son. He was to be devoted to the priesthood, as a representative of Christ among men.

In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the dedication of the first-born was again commanded. While the children of Israel were in bondage to the Egyptians, the Lord directed Moses to go to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say, “Thus saith the Lord, Israel is My son, even My first-born: and I say unto thee, Let My son go, that he may serve Me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy first-born.” Exodus 4:22, 23.

Moses delivered his message; but the proud king's answer was, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2. The Lord worked for His people by signs and wonders, sending terrible judgments upon Pharaoh. At length the destroying angel was bidden to slay the first-born of man and beast among the Egyptians. That the Israelites might be spared, they were directed to place upon their doorposts the blood of a slain lamb. Every house was to be marked, that when the angel came on his mission of death, he might pass over the homes of the Israelites.

After sending this judgment upon Egypt, the Lord said to Moses, “Sanctify unto Me all the first-born, ... both of man and of beast: it is Mine;” “for on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto Me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast: Mine shall they be: I am the Lord.” Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:13. After the tabernacle service was established, the Lord chose the tribe of Levi in the place of the first-born of all Israel to minister in the sanctuary. But the first-born were still to be regarded as the Lord's, and were to be bought back by a ransom.

Thus the law for the presentation of the first-born was made particularly significant. While it was a memorial of the Lord's wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel, it prefigured a greater deliverance, to be wrought out by the only-begotten Son of God. As the blood sprinkled on the doorposts had saved the first-born of Israel, so the blood of Christ has power to save the world.

What meaning then was attached to Christ's presentation! But the priest did not see through the veil; he did not read the mystery beyond. The presentation of infants was a common scene. Day after day the priest received the redemption money as the babes were presented to the Lord. Day after day he went through the routine of his work, giving little heed to the parents or children, unless he saw some indication of the wealth or high rank of the parents. Joseph and Mary were poor; and when they came with their child, the priests saw only a man and woman dressed as Galileans, and in the humblest garments. There was nothing in their appearance to attract attention, and they presented only the offering made by the poorer classes.

The priest went through the ceremony of his official work. He took the child in his arms, and held it up before the altar. After handing it back to its mother, he inscribed the name “Jesus” on the roll of the first-born. Little did he think, as the babe lay in his arms, that it was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory. The priest did not think that this babe was the One of whom Moses had written, “A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.” Acts 3:22. He did not think that this babe was He whose glory Moses had asked to see. But One greater than Moses lay in the priest's arms; and when he enrolled the child's name, he was enrolling the name of One who was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. That name was to be its death warrant; for the system of sacrifices and offerings was waxing old; the type had almost reached its antitype, the shadow its substance. 

The Shekinah had departed from the sanctuary, but in the Child of Bethlehem was veiled the glory before which angels bow. This unconscious babe was the promised seed, to whom the first altar at the gate of Eden pointed. This was Shiloh, the peace giver. It was He who declared Himself to Moses as the I AM. It was He who in the pillar of cloud and of fire had been the guide of Israel. This was He whom seers had long foretold. He was the Desire of all nations, the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star. The name of that helpless little babe, inscribed in the roll of Israel, declaring Him our brother, was the hope of fallen humanity. The child for whom the redemption money had been paid was He who was to pay the ransom for the sins of the whole world. He was the true “high priest over the house of God,” the head of “an unchangeable priesthood,” the intercessor at “the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 10:21; 7:24; 1:3.

Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. In the temple the Son of God was dedicated to the work He had come to do. The priest looked upon Him as he would upon any other child. But though he neither saw nor felt anything unusual, God's act in giving His Son to the world was acknowledged. This occasion did not pass without some recognition of Christ. “There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.”

As Simeon enters the temple, he sees a family presenting their first-born son before the priest. Their appearance bespeaks poverty; but Simeon understands the warnings of the Spirit, and he is deeply impressed that the infant being presented to the Lord is the Consolation of Israel, the One he has longed to see. To the astonished priest, Simeon appears like a man enraptured. The child has been returned to Mary, and he takes it in his arms and presents it to God, while a joy that he has never before felt enters his soul. As he lifts the infant Saviour toward heaven, he says, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.”

The spirit of prophecy was upon this man of God, and while Joseph and Mary stood by, wondering at his words, he blessed them, and said unto Mary, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna also, a prophetess, came in and confirmed Simeon's testimony concerning Christ. As Simeon spoke, her face lighted up with the glory of God, and she poured out her heartfelt thanks that she had been permitted to behold Christ the Lord.

These humble worshipers had not studied the prophecies in vain. But those who held positions as rulers and priests in Israel, though they too had before them the precious utterances of prophecy, were not walking in the way of the Lord, and their eyes were not open to behold the Light of life.

So it is still. Events upon which the attention of all heaven is centered are undiscerned, their very occurrence is unnoticed, by religious leaders, and worshipers in the house of God. Men acknowledge Christ in history, while they turn away from the living Christ. Christ in His word calling to self-sacrifice, in the poor and suffering who plead for relief, in the righteous cause that involves poverty and toil and reproach, is no more readily received today than He was eighteen hundred years ago.

Mary pondered the broad and far-reaching prophecy of Simeon. As she looked upon the child in her arms, and recalled the words spoken by the shepherds of Bethlehem, she was full of grateful joy and bright hope. Simeon's words called to her mind the prophetic utterances of Isaiah: “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.... And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins.” “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.... For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 11:1-5; 9:2-6.

Yet Mary did not understand Christ's mission. Simeon had prophesied of Him as a light to lighten the Gentiles, as well as a glory to Israel. Thus the angels had announced the Saviour's birth as tidings of joy to all peoples. God was seeking to correct the narrow, Jewish conception of the Messiah's work. He desired men to behold Him, not merely as the deliverer of Israel, but as the Redeemer of the world. But many years must pass before even the mother of Jesus would understand His mission.

Mary looked forward to the Messiah's reign on David's throne, but she saw not the baptism of suffering by which it must be won. Through Simeon it is revealed that the Messiah is to have no unobstructed passage through the world. In the words to Mary, “A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,” God in His tender mercy gives to the mother of Jesus an intimation of the anguish that already for His sake she had begun to bear.

“Behold,” Simeon had said, “this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against.” They must fall who would rise again. We must fall upon the Rock and be broken before we can be uplifted in Christ. Self must be dethroned, pride must be humbled, if we would know the glory of the spiritual kingdom. The Jews would not accept the honor that is reached through humiliation. Therefore they would not receive their Redeemer. He was a sign that was spoken against.

“That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” In the light of the Saviour's life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are “thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. It declares that while God's hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me.

At the cross of Calvary, love and selfishness stood face to face. Here was their crowning manifestation. Christ had lived only to comfort and bless, and in putting Him to death, Satan manifested the malignity of his hatred against God. He made it evident that the real purpose of his rebellion was to dethrone God, and to destroy Him through whom the love of God was shown.

By the life and the death of Christ, the thoughts of men also are brought to view. From the manger to the cross, the life of Jesus was a call to self-surrender, and to fellowship in suffering. It unveiled the purposes of men. Jesus came with the truth of heaven, and all who were listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit were drawn to Him. The worshipers of self belonged to Satan's kingdom. In their attitude toward Christ, all would show on which side they stood. And thus everyone passes judgment on himself.

In the day of final judgment, every lost soul will understand the nature of his own rejection of truth. The cross will be presented, and its real bearing will be seen by every mind that has been blinded by transgression. Before the vision of Calvary with its mysterious Victim, sinners will stand condemned. Every lying excuse will be swept away. Human apostasy will appear in its heinous character. Men will see what their choice has been. Every question of truth and error in the long-standing controversy will then have been made plain. In the judgment of the universe, God will stand clear of blame for the existence or continuance of evil. It will be demonstrated that the divine decrees are not accessory to sin. There was no defect in God's government, no cause for disaffection. When the thoughts of all hearts shall be revealed, both the loyal and the rebellious will unite in declaring, “Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints. Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? ... for Thy judgments are made manifest.” Revelation 15:3, 4.

#egw #Ellen G. White #Christianity #God #Jesus Christ #Bible #conflict of the ages #the desire of ages #Jesus's prophesied first advent #the first Advent #sacrifice #dedication #passover #the names of Christ #fulfillment #type meets anti-type #history repeats itself #God's law vs. man's traditions

[troybeecham]

Maundy Thursday

The Gospel reading and a reflection:

John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (NRSV)

“Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Today’s and yesterday’s readings do an odd thing: yesterdays reading was taken right out of the middle of today’s. It can make it feel like two separate events, when I’m fact it was only one. Taking the story of the betrayal of Judas out as a single event does make a certain narrative sense, making it stand out as the heinous act it was. But it loses something, too, of the impact because it is easy to forget that he left just before Jesus washes his disciples feet, as he does in today’s reading.

The scene is very intimate. It is also filled with irony. Only Jesus and Judas know what will happen next: the arrest and trial of Jesus. The eleven are still basking in the hazy reverie of men thinking that they are soon to become powerful figures in the coming kingdom. And they are, just not in the manner they imagine. They will begin to become great in the kingdom over the following decades as they themselves learn to carry their own crosses as the missionaries of the Gospel, each of them dying as a martyr, just as Jesus died.

Though they still do not understand the importance of it, Jesus is preparing his followers for his death by equipping them with the one tool, the one attitude, the one spiritual path that will enable them to endure what is to come: a spirit of loving humility, of emptying oneself for the sake of others. It took the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit before any of them began to understand. The same is true for us, as well.

In that culture, servants usually washed the feet of guests before a meal; but here, it is Jesus, the Son of God, who does so and he does it “during supper”. Peter is scandalized by it. How could the man about to lead an armed revolt and be declared king act like a servant or slave!?! Peter remonstrates him. Imagine that, telling the Lord of creation that he’s doing it all wrong! How often do we do that, my friends, telling God who he must be rather than listening for God to tell us who we are?

Jesus answers: only if I wash your feet can you “share” with me in the Kingdom. Still thinking in earthly terms, Peter wants more than a little bit of the kingdom! “If washing my feet means I get a little, wash my whole body because I want it all!” Back in Matthew 20:21-23, Jesus asked if his disciples could drink from his cup in much the same manner, and they pridefully boast “Yes!” because they think of earthly power and glory. And they will all of them eventually drink from his cup, the cup he asks his Father if it can be done another way. With Jesus, we must always answer “Not my will, but yours be done.”

Jesus attempts again to explain. As he, “Lord and Teacher” has been a servant to them, so each one of the disciples is to be a servant to every other; they are to follow his “example”. God is glorified by the revelation in Jesus of God’s servanthood and humility. Jesus is now on the path to the cross. He gives them “a new commandment” (from which is derived the word Maundy - short for commandment): Jesus is his follower’s example of how to love. This mutual love will show who truly are his disciples. May his love so dwell in us that others might see Jesus.

It is after this that Jesus institutes the Holy Eucharist, the Most Blessed Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Jesus, our Servant Savior gives us his all, his everything, his flesh and blood even as he washes our feet.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

#father troy beecham #christianity #troy beecham episcopal #jesus #father troy beecham episcopal #saints #god #salvation #discipleship

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Heart of Steel - XII

Description: Sir James is known throughout the lands as the most fearsome and honorable warrior. Ballads have been written about him. Men fear him. He is the most trusted knight of the King Henry. So why has he given up the glories of war and pledged his loyalty to Princess Y/N? 

Pairing: Medieval AU -Knight!Bucky x Princess!Reader

Word Count: 3,000

Series Masterlist

When Y/N woke the morning after being rescued, her body ached like never before. She thought she knew soreness after her sword lesson with Bucky and Peter... but that was nothing compared to this.

Y/N hissed as she twisted her body to get out of bed. She looked out one of her many windows. From the where the sun sit, she guessed she’d slept late into the afternoon.

She walked into her private living room.

Wanda must have known she was waking soon, for she walked in with a giant tray of food. “You must eat.” She told the princess with a kind smile. “Regain your strength.”

Y/N sighed and just nodded. She was starving.

She’d been a captive of Hydra for a day and they’d given her no food or water. Last night, she’d been in such a shock and was so exhausted that food was the last thing on her mind. Now her stomach ached she was so hungry.

Y/N didn’t even bother putting on a robe, deciding to just sit at her little breakfast nook and eat in her nightgown.

Wanda sat down across from her, somehow knowing that Y/N didn’t want to be left alone even though she would never say so.

Wanda told her little gossips of the palace, things that had happened in court, drama about Tony and Pepper’s upcoming wedding. She just wanted to give Y/N the normalcy she so desperately needed. 

Wanda had been talking straight for nearly 30 minutes when Y/N blurted out, “I kissed Sir James.”

Wanda controlled her shock, knowing that showing a dramatic expression would dissuade Y/N from continuing.

“I thought I was dead… that I would never see him or your or my family again. He had just saved my life and I just… I could not stop myself. I-I-I kissed him, Wanda.”

“And… how did it feel?” Wanda asked slowly and carefully. She could not be treading more carefully.

Y/N’s brow furrowed. “I do not know.” Then the realization hit and her eyes widened as they met Wanda’s. “You cannot tell anyone, Wanda!”

“I would never, Y/N. You know this. Your secrets are my own.”

Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

Y/N jumped and then covered her face at the fright. Every little noise and touch scared her. It’s like she expected to be attacked again at any moment. 

Wanda gave her a sympathetic look before going to the door.

Y/N heard hushed whispers between Wanda and someone.

“Y/N, there is someone here to see you.” Wanda informed her.

The princess’ heart fluttered, somehow convincing herself it was Bucky. She hid her disappointment as Steve moved into the room.

“I am sorry for intruding. I just wished to check on you.” Steve told her quietly.

Y/N’s eyes flickered to Wanda for help. But her servant and best friend could do nothing for her.

Steve looked at Wanda, “Could you leave us please?” He asked politely.

Wanda nodded and left the two alone, closing the door behind her.

Steve slowly took the seat opposite of Y/N at the little breakfast nook.

An awkward silence settled between them. “How are you feeling?” Steve finally asked.

Y/N shrugged, a gesture that was not allowed for a princess. “I am fine.”

Steve winced at the lie and leaned forward. “Please… talk to me, Y/N.”

She just looked coldly at him. “What are you doing here?”

He leaned back in his chair. “When word reached that Prince Brock had taken you, my men and I changed course. I came as soon as I heard, Y/N.”

“If you then heard that he had married me, raped me, took my maidenhood. Would you have risked your men’s lives to save me?” Y/N challenged dismally.

Steve winced at her vulgarity and directness. “Why must we speak of this?”

She ignored his question. “Would you or would you not have come for me?” Her temper rose with each word.

“Yes!” He slammed his fist on the table, making Y/N jump.

Steve wasn’t mad at her for asking. He was mad that the what she spoke of had been so close to becoming a reality.

“I apologize.” Steve whispered. “I do not mean to frighten you.”

Y/N recoiled into her chair. “He said you would not…he said you would see me a whore and would not dare risk your life to save me.” Her voice shook in the whisper, her bottom lip trembled, and tears filled her eyes.

Steve’s face look heartbroken as he listened.

“He made me realize that to most I am not even a person. That my worth is based on my purity and beauty and royal blood. My honor could be taken away only because of something a man did to me...something I would have no control over.”

“Y/N…” He tried to interrupt.

“Can you look me in the eyes and honestly tell me you would wish to marry me after he did that to me? If there was a possibility that his child grew within me?” Y/N breathed.

Steve was desperate to comfort her. He reached across the table for her hand. But Y/N jumped out of her seat and stumbled backward, away from it.

Steve had never been so disgusted with himself.

He slowly stood from his chair and held his hands out, desperate to show her that he would not touch her or invade her space.

“To me...you are more than your title and royalty, Y/N. I grow sick thinking of what Brock could have done to you. But in the universe that he succeeded with his evilness, I still would never have abandoned you. It breaks me to know you think I ever could.”

Steve took in a shallow breath. “Perhaps it is too early to call what I feel for you love. It as though I feel the consciousness that I will.”

He stepped slowly to the door. “You shall always have me, Y/N. But it is unfair how easily you expect the worse from me.”

As soon as he left and closed the door behind, Y/N fell to her knees and sobbed into her hands. Her entire body shook. She felt sick and hated herself for accusing Steve of such terrible things. But she was trying to push him away.

Even in his death, Prince Brock’s words continued to poison the living. 

—————————

Y/N had enough of being cooped up in her room. She couldn’t focus on anything. She tried reading books, but then she’d realize she’d been staring at the same page for an hour. Wanda tried to play boardgames with her, but Y/N couldn’t concentrate on the rules. Eventually she gave up and changed out of her nightgown.

Y/N threw on a dress that was much too informal for a princess. But she couldn’t be restricted by corsets and heavy fabric. She was already struggling to breathe. She also refused to let Wanda do anything with her hair or makeup. Instead, she had it freely flowing around her shoulders. Her eyes were bloodshot from her crying and there were shadows under her eyes from the exhaustion. But Y/N couldn’t find it in her to care.

She rushed out of her room to find Sir Samuel and Sir Clinton guarding her door.

“Your Highness,” they greeted in unison with a slight bow.

“I will not be leaving the castle grounds and therefore do not need an escort.” She said rather abrasively.

The two men shared a look. “We have orders not to leave your side, Your Highness.” Sir Clinton informed her.

She glared. “From whom?”

“Everyone.” Sam quickly answered.

“I wish to go to my garden and both of you are more than well-aware that no one is permitted inside. You may stand guard outside the entrance.”

Sam looked uncomfortable with her defiance. “You should not be alone, Your Highness.”

“You may keep your opinions to yourself, Sir Samuels.” She snapped.

Y/N knew she was being awful. But she felt like she had no control over anything anymore.

She quickly started walking down the hallway, not caring if the two knights were following her or not.

When she reached the locked gate of her garden, she turned around to find that it was only Sir Clinton lingering behind her. She didn’t bother questioning it. When she opened the door with her key, Sir Clinton didn’t need to be told to stay outside.

Y/N took off her slippers and walked barefoot through the giant garden. The grass was cool against her skin. She decided she wanted to pick flowers. Her bedroom needed something beautiful and natural to look at.

There was a field at the far end, filled with every type of flower one could desire. Y/N started picked them with one hand and gathering them into a bundle with the other. She had gotten lost in the process, lost in this little world. So lost, in fact, that she didn’t hear the intrusion.

But she suddenly felt a shiver go up her spine, like her heart knew he was there.

Y/N slowly turned around to see Bucky watching her carefully from a few yards away. 

He wasn’t in his knight’s uniform. Instead he wore a much more casual tunic underneath a leather vest. He looked so hard and cold compared to the flowers that surrounded him. 


Y/N gave him a sorrowful and small smile. Yet her eyes softened at the sight of him.

Sam must have gone to fetch Bucky, knowing that no one was allowed inside Y/N’s private gardens... but him.

He slowly made his way to Y/N.

When he was finally right in front of her. She looked at him for a second before calmly resting her head on his chest. Instantly, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She felt him place a kiss on the top of her head as he rubbed circles on her back.

Y/N’s entire body relaxed. She sighed and breathed in his natural scent. She never got close enough to him to recognize it.

Bucky gave her a few moments to just hold onto him before he pulled away to get a good look at her.

“How have you been sleeping?” He asked her.

She looked at the ground in shame. “I do not know.”

“Not well, I take it then.” Bucky countered.

“I thought he was in my room. I woke up and he was standing over me, blood dripping from the arrow that was still lodged in his throat. His eyes were black, Bucky.”

The knight cupped her cheek. “Prince Brock is dead, Y/N. He cannot hurt you anymore. While you are in these castle walls, no one will harm you. I promise.”

But Y/N didn’t seem convinced. “Why have you not come to see me? Where have you been?” She said it like an allegation.

“I have been preparing for battle. We are planning attacks with the other kingdoms.” Bucky explained evenly. But they both knew there was more to it than that.

“So you will go…” she said mostly to herself. 

There was no surprise. She knew nothing had changed. Bucky needed to fight. He couldn’t cower behind the safety of the castle walls just because she wished it. Y/N knew this.

Bucky said nothing.

“You have been avoiding me, have you not?” Y/N still challenged.

Bucky’s eyes were filled with hurt, but he didn’t deny her accusation.

“You regret what happened that night. It was my doing. I should have known better than to be so bold. But I do not regret it myself. I thought I was going to die in that castle. I planned on ending my life before he could drag me to the alter and-and… force himself on me.”

“Stop, please.” Bucky interrupted. “I cannot handle the visions it causes me.” He closed his eyes in a wince.

Y/N looked away and thought this was his way of avoiding the real subject she was trying to discuss with him.

But Bucky saw into her thoughts.

He stepped even closer to her and brushed her hair out of her face. “How could I ever regret it?” He whispered.

Her eyes flickered up to his, caught off guard by his statement.

Bucky stared down at Y/N’s lips. And ever so slowly, he leaned forward. Y/N was frozen. Then, when his lips were just a centimeter away from her’s, he paused. Bucky tried to find the honor and strength to stop himself. But his heart was stronger.

This kiss was nothing like the one they shared in the rain.

Their first kiss was hurried and some sort of miracle. It was desperate and pressured, because they both knew how forbidden it truly was. But it was all filled with passion and secrecy. The two refused to use their words before then…yet their kiss said it all.

Now, it was different. Bucky’s lips were slow. Almost painfully so. It was the first proof that Bucky had a lot of practice and kissed many lips. But Y/N wasn’t thinking about that. How could she when he was kissing her like this?

Y/N’s concept of time was completely lost. They could have been kissing for an hour, they could have been kissing for a minute. She would never know.

Bucky eventually pulled away, but he didn’t let her go far.

His face turned sad when he read how tired she looked.

“I am sorry for the things that haunt you now. I tried to protect you from them. But it seems I am not strong enough to safeguard your dreams.” Bucky murmured. Y/N smirked and shook her head. “I am not sorry. I just wish I was stronger.” She thought about all of the men Bucky must have killed in his lifetime. Yet he never let the burden show. Did it not haunt him like Brock was haunting her?

“You are stronger than you credit yourself,” Bucky challenged.

Y/N ignored his comment and laced her fingers with his hand, still holding her bouquet of flowers in the other, as she led him through the field of flowers.

“Why have you scorned King Steven?” Bucky asked.

Y/N froze and dropped his hand.

“He wished to help you and you treat him as if he was the one to hurt you.” Bucky continued bravely.

“You kiss me and then find the audacity to bring him up?” Y/N spoke sharply.

Bucky took a step toward her, reaching for her hand again. But Y/N stepped back.

He sighed and ran a hand through his unruly hair. “I told him it was you that killed Brock, not me.”

“What?” Y/N cried out.

“I thought he should know. I - I wished for him to be there for you.” Bucky stumbled through his words.

Then the realization hit her.

“That is why you stayed away,” Y/N breathed. “You did not want to interfere with Steve’s intentions.”

Bucky just looked at the ground in guilt, not wanting to lie to her.

“What is the matter with you?” Y/N hissed.

“Please, I do no wish to argue with you.” Bucky begged. He wanted to add, ‘We do not know how much time we have left.’ But he did not wish to further upset her.

Y/N eyed him wearily, debating on continuing to argue with him or let it pass.

“You should sleep,” Bucky suggested softly. “I can do my best to keep the nightmares away.” He gave her a smirk.

How could she stay mad at him when he looked at her like that?

All of sudden, Bucky scooped her into his arms, causing Y/N to yelp in surprise. He carried her to the big willow tree at the foot of a pond. The one with the trunk so wide that Bucky’s arm-span wasn’t even long enough to cover half of it’s circumference.

Bucky sat down so Y/N sat completely in his lap, wrapped in his arms.

His close proximity immediately relaxed her.

Y/N rest her head in the crook of his neck.

Bucky loved the feeling of her even breaths against his neck.

“Sleep, Y/N.” He murmured into her ear before kissing the crown of her head.

They should talk about what had happened between them in the past few days. They should actually open up about their feelings for one another: what they meant, what they would mean.

But it was like they both knew it would be the thing that made it all crash before it even started. Their fantasy would die and they could never resurrect it afterward.

They were no fools. 

Though they finally acted on their feelings, neither of them forgot why it had taken them so long to do so. No matter what happened between them, they knew they could never actually be together.

Their love’s home was in the shadows, away from gazes, laced in secrecy, filled with fear of getting caught. The only place they could just be themselves with one another was this garden. Love like that could never survive. And they both knew it.

---------------

Part XIII

Whoop there it is. More to come. I promise. 

In the meantime, send me a love letter. 💌

#heart of steel masterlist #heart of steel series #knight!bucky #knight!bucky x princess!reader #knight bucky barnes #bucky knight au #marvel au #medieval!bucky #medieval!avengers #king!steve rogers #king!steve rogers x princess!reader #steve rogers au #bucky reader insert

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

4th June >> Mass Readings (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)  for Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

 or

Saint Kevin, Abbot (Ireland)  or Saints Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs (Ireland).

Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time (Liturgical Colour: Red) First Reading 2 Peter 1:2-7 You will be able to share the divine nature if you add goodness to your faith May you have more and more grace and peace as you come to know our Lord more and more.    By his divine power, he has given us all the things that we need for life and for true devotion, bringing us to know God himself, who has called us by his own glory and goodness. In making these gifts, he has given us the guarantee of something very great and wonderful to come: through them you will be able to share the divine nature and to escape corruption in a world that is sunk in vice. But to attain this, you will have to do your utmost yourselves, adding goodness to the faith that you have, understanding to your goodness, self-control to your understanding, patience to your self-control, true devotion to your patience, kindness towards your fellow men to your devotion, and, to this kindness, love. The Word of the Lord R/ Thanks be to God. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 90(91):1-2,14-16 R/ My God, in you I trust. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High    and abides in the shade of the Almighty says to the Lord: ‘My refuge,    my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!’ R/ My God, in you I trust. His love he set on me, so I will rescue him;    protect him for he knows my name. When he calls I shall answer: ‘I am with you.’ R/ My God, in you I trust. I will save him in distress and give him glory.    With length of life I will content him;    I shall let him see my saving power. R/ My God, in you I trust. Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:3 Alleluia, alleluia! How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia! Gospel Mark 12:1-12 They seized the beloved son, killed him and threw him out of the vineyard Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes and the elders in parables: ‘A man planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug out a trough for the winepress and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce from the vineyard. But they seized the man, thrashed him and sent him away empty-handed. Next he sent another servant to them; him they beat about the head and treated shamefully. And he sent another and him they killed; then a number of others, and they thrashed some and killed the rest. He had still someone left: his beloved son. He sent him to them last of all. “They will respect my son” he said. But those tenants said to each other, “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they seized him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. Now what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and make an end of the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this text of scripture: It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see? And they would have liked to arrest him, because they realised that the parable was aimed at them, but they were afraid of the crowds. So they left him alone and went away. The Gospel of the Lord R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. ————————-

Saint Kevin, Abbot (Ireland)

(Liturgical Colour: White)

First Reading

Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35

The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul.

The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common. The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and they were all given great respect. None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any members who might be in need. 

The Word of the Lord 

R/ Thanks be to God. 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 14(15):2-5

R/ The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain? He who walks without fault; he who acts with justice and speaks the truth from his heart;  he who does not slander with his tongue.

R/ The just will live in the presence of the Lord. 

He who does no wrong to his brother, who casts no slur on his neighbour, who holds the godless in disdain, but honours those who fear the Lord.

R/ The just will live in the presence of the Lord. 

He who keeps his pledge, come what may; who takes no interest on a loan and accepts no bribes against the innocent. Such a man will stand firm for ever.

R/ The just will live in the presence of the Lord. 

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 5:3

Alleluia, alleluia!

How happy are the poor in spirit:theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Alleluia!

Gospel

Matthew 5:1-12a

How happy are the poor in spirit

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:‘How happy are the poor in spirit;    theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle:    they shall have the earth for their heritage.Happy those who mourn:    they shall be comforted.Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:    they shall be satisfied.Happy the merciful:    they shall have mercy shown them.Happy the pure in heart:    they shall see God.Happy the peacemakers:    they shall be called sons of God.Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:    theirs is the kingdom of heaven.‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord 

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

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Saints Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs (Ireland).

(Liturgical Colour: Red) First Reading 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14 'The King of the world will raise us up to live for ever' There were seven brothers who were arrested with their mother. The king tried to force them to taste pig’s flesh, which the Law forbids, by torturing them with whips and scourges. One of them, acting as spokesman for the others, said, ‘What are you trying to find out from us? We are prepared to die rather than break the laws of our ancestors.’    With his last breath the second brother exclaimed, ‘Inhuman fiend, you may discharge us from this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up, since it is for his laws that we die, to live again for ever.’    After him, they amused themselves with the third, who on being asked for his tongue promptly thrust it out and boldly held out his hands, with these honourable words, ‘It was heaven that gave me these limbs; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again.’ The king and his attendants were astounded at the young man’s courage and his utter indifference to suffering.    When this one was dead they subjected the fourth to the same savage torture. When he neared his end he cried, ‘Ours is the better choice, to meet death at men’s hands, yet relying on God’s promise that we shall be raised up by him; whereas for you there can be no resurrection, no new life.’ The Word of the Lord R/ Thanks be to God. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 123(124):2-5,7-8 R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler. If the Lord had not been on our side    when men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive    when their anger was kindled. R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler. Then would the waters have engulfed us,    the torrent gone over us; over our head would have swept    the raging waters. R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler. Indeed the snare has been broken    and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord,    who made heaven and earth. R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler. Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:3 Alleluia, alleluia! How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia! Gospel Matthew 5:1-12 How happy are the poor in spirit Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them: ‘How happy are the poor in spirit;    theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle:    they shall have the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn:    they shall be comforted. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:    they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful:    they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart:    they shall see God. Happy the peacemakers:    they shall be called sons of God. Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:    theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven: this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.’ The Gospel of the Lord R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

[tj-van-heerden]

Joy, in the New Testament

Matt 5:10-12 [WEB] 10  Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 11  “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12  Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matt 13:20-21 20  What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 21  yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

Matt 13:44 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

Matt 18:12-13 12  “What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? 13  If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.

Matt 25:20-21 20  He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents in addition to them.’ 21  “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Matt 25:22-23 22  “He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents in addition to them.’ 23  “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Matt 28:7-9 7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” 8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

Mark 4:16-17 16  These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17  They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

Luke 1:13-14 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:26-28 26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”

Luke 1:41-44 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!

Luke 1:46-47 46 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. 47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,

Luke 1:58 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.

Luke 2:8-11 8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 6:22-23 22  Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. 23  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets.

Luke 8:13 Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation.

Luke 10:17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10:21 In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.”

Luke 13:17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Luke 15:6-7 6  When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7  I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

Luke 15:9-10 9  When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost.’ 10  Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.”

Luke 19:5-6 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully.

Luke 19:37-38 37 As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!”

Luke 24:40-44 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.”

Luke 24:51-52 51 While he blessed them, he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52 They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

John 3:27-29 27 John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full.

John 4:36 He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

John 5:35-36 35  He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36  But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me.

John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad.”

John 14:28 You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I.

John 15:11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

John 16:22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

John 16:23-24 23  “In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24  Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.

John 17:12-13 12  While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. I have kept those whom you have given me. None of them is lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13  But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.

Acts 8:6-8 6 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip when they heard and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 There was great joy in that city.

Acts 12:14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she didn’t open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

Acts 13:52 The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 15:3 They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

Acts 15:30-31 30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

Acts 16:31-34 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. 33 He took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. 34 He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God.

Acts 20:24 But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.

Rom 5:1-5 1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: 5 and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Rom 5:11 Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

Rom 14:17 for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Rom 15:10 Again he says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

Rom 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Rom 16:19 For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.

1Cor 7:29-30 29 But I say this, brothers: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none; 30 and those who weep, as though they didn’t weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn’t rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn’t possess;

1Cor 12:26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. When one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

1Cor 13:6 doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

2Cor 1:24 We don’t control your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.

2Cor 7:4-5 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction. 5 For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside.

2Cor 7:9 I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.

2Cor 7:13 Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

2Cor 7:16 I rejoice that in everything I am confident concerning you.

2Cor 13:9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect.

2Cor 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same mind. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith [or, faithfulness], 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Phil 1:3-4 3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy,

Phil 1:25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,

Phil 2:1-2 1 If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2 make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;

Phil 2:17-18 17 Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. 18 In the same way, you also rejoice, and rejoice with me.

Phil 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.

Phil 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”

Col 1:9-11 9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,

Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly,

1Thess 1:6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

1Thess 3:9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,

1Thess 5:16 Always rejoice.

Phlm 1:5-7 5 hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints, 6 that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Phlm 1:20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.

Heb 10:34 For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.

Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb 12:11 All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Jas 1:2-4 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Jas 4:8-10 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

1Pet 1:5-8 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved in various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ— 8 whom, not having known, you love. In him, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory,

1Pet 4:13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.

1John 1:4-7 4 And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled. 5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

2John 1:4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.

3John 1:3-4 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

Jude 1:24-25 24 Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time.”

Rev 18:19-21 19 They cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her great wealth!’ For she is made desolate in one hour. 20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets; for God has judged your judgment on her.” 21 A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, and will be found no more at all.

Rev 19:7-9 7 Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.” 8 It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 He said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.’ ” He said to me, “These are true words of God.”