Friday, September 21, 2018

Friday, September 21, 2018

Friday, September 21, 2018: (St. Matthew)

Jesus said: “My people, I called Levi, the tax collector to follow Me, and he left his place of collection immediately to follow Me. That night I went to his house for dinner. While I was there, the Pharisees criticized Me for eating with sinners. I told them that the sick need a physician, and I came to save sinners and not the self-righteous. I am calling all of My faithful not to judge people, because I am the only One to judge people, since I know everyone’s faults. Just as I called Levi to follow Me as Matthew, so I call all the people to follow My ways as well. When you become My disciple, you need to count the cost of giving up your old sinful habits, and make a new life with Me. I teach you how to love Me and to love your neighbor as yourself. Not everyone will desire to follow My way of life in the Spirit, which means giving up your will over to My Will. Some people are selfish, and they want to be in full control of their lives. If you love Me and accept Me as your Savior, then you will pick up your cross and carry it through the rest of your life. It was not easy for St. Matthew to give up everything to follow Me in faith. But this is what I call all of My faithful to do for love of Me. Trust that I will lead you on the right path to heaven.”

Jesus said: “My son, I want you to think of how your deep faith was formed. In a Catholic grammar school you were taught to memorize some basic truths of the faith. You remember your Baltimore Catechism of why you were placed on the earth. You are here to know, love, and serve Me for My greater glory. Your father gave you a deep love for Confession when he took all three of you boys to Confession every month for many years. He also brought you to Sunday Mass until you could drive yourself. You learned Theology and Philosophy when you went to St. John Fisher College for four years. Now you have been receiving My messages for 25 years, and you have seen Me perform many miracles and confirmations of My promises to you. Because of your deep faith, you trust in Me, and you are faithful to Me despite the fears, anxieties, and worries that the devil tempts you with. You have a faith that is shared with many people in My daily messages to you. You appreciate this special quiet time you have with Me in your Adoration hour. You also need to show your love for Me and your neighbor in your daily actions. Your prayer life and daily Mass and Holy Communion has firmed up your faith the most. Give praise and thanks to Me for your gift of faith and continue to share it with everyone.”