In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that what we do and endure matter. He called the Disciples "salt of the earth" and "light of the world." Like a sprinkling of salt that enhances the flavor of food or a lamp that brightens a room, continuing to learn from the Lord and to share His teaching keep faith from becoming lackluster. Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament law and revelations given through the prophets. For example, swearing to do something and then reneging remains wrong, but Jesus advised just saying "yes" or "no" and meaning

Religious leaders tried to ensnare Jesus with clever questions. They recognized themselves in His parable about tenant farmers who would not get away with trying to take over a landowner's vineyard by beating or killing servants and even slaying the owner's son. Jesus said to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, holding nothing back. Love of neighbor followed that foremost command. Paul advised Timothy to testify to the Lord, who will deny anyone who denies Him. Scripture-the Word of God-anchors our faith. What keeps us from talking t

Peter pointed out that the Twelve had given up a lot, and he wanted to know what they would get in return. Jesus foretold the mockery and death that He would suffer, prompting James and John to ask for reserved places right beside Him in glory. Even the Apostles had a lot to learn about serving. With figs out of season, Jesus caused a tree without fruit to wither-an example of dramatic results the Disciples could receive by praying with belief. When we doubt that God will grant what we ask, do we try to see whether the doubt comes from withered

In prayer, Jesus said that He had accomplished the work given to Him by the Father. He prayed for others sent to carry on His mission. After the Resurrection, Jesus met a group of the Disciples on the beach, where He asked Peter three times to confirm His love for the Lord-the same number of times that Peter had denied knowing Jesus as He faced Crucifixion. If we become distressed because it seems that the Lord keeps asking us to show our love for Him, do we stop to realize what it would take to tally every time God has shown His loving forgive

Jesus had told the Disciples that they would mourn but then rejoice to see Him again. He rose but would return to the Father, wanting them to continue His work and not let persecution stop them. They should love one another, remain in His love, and testify to that love. Knowing that they could bear to hear only so much, Jesus promised that the Spirit would come to guide them. When the Lord seems distant, do we ask to come closer to heartfelt understanding of what we need in order to love as He taught?

Before the Crucifixion and Ascension, Jesus promised the Disciples that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to remind them of things forgotten and give them new enlightenment. Most importantly, the Lord told His friends to love one another, as He loved them. He would go to the Father, and they knew the way-a comment that baffled Thomas until Jesus called Himself the way! After the miraculous cure of a crippled man, early Church missionaries Paul and Barnabas shouted that people must not treat them like gods. On the other hand, persecutors thr

Like a good shepherd, whose sheep know and follow His voice, Jesus leads the faithful. Before the Crucifixion, He assured the Disciples that He would go, prepare a place for them in the Father's house, and come back. They already knew the way to get there-Jesus Himself! When we fail to see God working in today's world, do we look at how we can do better at allowing God to work through us?