Saint Paul urged the Philippians to consider other people, not just their own interests. Jesus had spoken more dramatically. In select company at the home of a leading Pharisee, Jesus advised inviting the poor to banquets. Compared with the love that God deserves, even love for family might seem like hatred. Discipleship has costs but far more value than possessions. In a parable, a dishonest steward about to get fired by the property owner hoped that quickly reducing amounts that debtors owed would lead to later favors in return. Such tactics

After a night in prayer, the Lord chose the Twelve Apostles. Like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a huge bush, that small group grew into a worldwide Church. As Jesus made His way to Jerusalem and the Cross, someone asked how many would be saved. The Lord seemed discouraged as He told people to try, although many would find themselves too weak to enter the narrow gate. Saint Paul later advised Christians in Ephesus to get strength from the Lord—to make righteousness their armor and carry faith like a shield. He also asked for their prayer

Jesus got people’s attention by addressing everyday, practical concerns from a spiritual perspective. For example, someone in a crowd wanted the Lord to tell his brother to share an inheritance. Jesus responded with a parable about a rich man who died right after planning to build bigger barns and live in leisure for years after a bountiful harvest. God creates each person for good works and provides the ability to accomplish them. It takes time and cultivation for talents to develop, but God has patience with us. Saint Paul used the image of

In the notoriously corrupt city of Nineveh, people believed the prophet Jonah’s warning from God to repent or perish. Centuries later, God sent Jesus as the key to salvation, but scribes and Pharisees blocked the doorway as they challenged His wisdom. Jesus started small, calling the Twelve Apostles. He later sent 72 missionaries in pairs to proclaim the Kingdom of God at hand and cure the sick in His name. God forgives sins, except when a person “blasphemes against the Holy Spirit” by refusing without regret to accept His mercy. Persecut

Knowing the great commandment to love God and neighbor, a scholar of the law asked Jesus to define neighbor. Through a parable, the scholar got the message that merciful and neighborly mean the same thing. In a story about a friend knocking at the door at midnight in need of a favor, Jesus illustrated the importance of praying, day or night, and not giving up on God. Two sisters, Martha and Mary, had different ideas of how to show hospitality when Jesus came to visit. Jesus sided with Mary, who listened to Him without distraction. Saint Paul sh

After a man named Job lost his work animals, his herd of sheep, and even his children, he came understandably close to losing his faith. He didn’t understand why so much hardship had befallen him. James and John asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy a Samaritan town that refused to welcome them. They could do great things but had much to learn about the childlike humility that our Lord desires. In a preview of the Church intended to carry on His work until He comes again, Jesus sent 72 missionaries to proclaim the k

People can choose whether to at least try to make the Light and Love of the Lord visible. Saint Paul advised not putting off opportunities to do good works. Love and justice go hand in hand, and doing the right thing matters to the Lord more than sacrifice. Herod the Tetrarch (son of Herod at the time of Jesus’ birth) had John the Baptist beheaded. Rumors spread that John, Elijah, or one of the other prophets had come back to life in Jesus. While speculation swirled, Peter blessedly recognized Jesus as the Christ. When the Lord warned that He