LIVE IT TODAY: Thursday, June 12, 2025
My child, your heart is my altar. Forgiveness is the fragrance of love. Reconcile and reflect My mercy.
LIVE IT TODAY: Thursday, June 12, 2025
A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN TODAY!
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GOD'S DECLARATION TO YOU TODAY
My child, your heart is my altar. Forgiveness is the fragrance of love. Reconcile and reflect My mercy.
INVOCATION
Come, Holy Spirit! Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, open my heart to hear and receive all that You desire for me. Draw me ever more deeply into the Love and Life of the Blessed Trinity!
GOSPEL | Matthew 5:20–26
Jesus said to his disciples:
"I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, 'You fool,'
will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly
while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."
EVERY DAY QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
The Altar of the Heart
Jesus intensifies the law, not to burden us, but to bring us to its true purpose—transformation of the heart. The righteousness that surpasses the scribes and Pharisees is not about stricter rules, but deeper love. It’s not enough to avoid murder—He’s calling us to root out the seeds of anger and contempt.
The word “Raqa” is an Aramaic insult meaning “empty-headed” or worthless. Jesus is pointing to how casually we write people off, how we harbor silent grudges, or nurture inner judgment. These become spiritual prisons, cutting us off from communion with God and others.
And here’s the radical truth: Jesus connects reconciliation with worship. Before we offer our gifts at the altar, He tells us to be reconciled. Why? Because our relationships with others reveal the authenticity of our relationship with God.
This must begin in the home. How often do we allow unresolved tension to fester in our marriages? How easily do we become short with our children? The Eucharist we receive is not just a private transaction—it is a public declaration of our commitment to love as Christ loves.
Let’s make our homes altars of mercy. Let’s pray over our spouses and children, asking the Lord to expose and heal every place of resentment or woundedness. Let’s name the lies that divide, and declare the truth that unites: You are loved. You are forgiven. You belong.
“The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that communion with God is inseparable from reconciliation with our brothers and sisters.” (CCC 2840)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Heart Check:
Where am I holding onto anger or judgment?
Reconciliation First:
Is there someone I need to seek forgiveness from—or offer it to?
Family Mercy:
What’s one way I can restore peace in my home today?
LIVE IT
Going around, each person share one way they’ve felt hurt or misunderstood recently (if willing), and then pray over one another: “Jesus, pour Your mercy into (Name)’s heart and help us love like You.”
DAILY PARENT & GRANDPARENT BLESSING
LORD JESUS CHRIST, let Your holy anointing be upon each of our children, grandchildren, and godchildren this day and week, including all to whom they are called in vocation, and all future generations! In Your Sacred Name we claim them for You! We renounce all whispers, lies, and influences of the Enemy! We pray right now that each know Your loving Presence, be forged in virtue, and be flooded with an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to live fully their identity and mission in You now and through all eternity, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother! Amen.
PARENT BLESSING PROJECT: bit.ly/ParentBlessing
GOING VERTICAL
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Just as the vertical beam upholds the horizontal beam of the Cross, so too does undistracted, dedicated daily turning to God as our lifeblood uphold and strengthen every part of life. Start with just three minutes. Wait patiently for the breakthrough beyond the noise. Let Him speak.
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