Gospel
His disciples asked him,
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,
that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered,
“Neither he nor his parents sinned;
it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When he had said this, he spat on the ground
and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him,
“Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
“Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Some said, “It is, ”
but others said, “No, he just looks like him.”
He said, “I am.”
So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”He replied,
“The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes
and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’
So I went there and washed and was able to see.”
And they said to him, “Where is he?”
He said, “I don’t know.”They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
“He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”
So some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the sabbath.”
But others said,
“How can a sinful man do such signs?”
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
“What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”
Now the Jews did not believe
that he had been blind and gained his sight
until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight.
They asked them,
“Is this your son, who you say was born blind?
How does he now see?”
His parents answered and said,
“We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.
We do not know how he sees now,
nor do we know who opened his eyes.
Ask him, he is of age;
he can speak for himself.”
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews,
for the Jews had already agreed
that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ,
he would be expelled from the synagogue.
For this reason his parents said,
“He is of age; question him.”So a second time they called the man who had been blind
and said to him, “Give God the praise!
We know that this man is a sinner.”
He replied,
“If he is a sinner, I do not know.
One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”
So they said to him,
“What did he do to you?
How did he open your eyes?”
He answered them,
“I told you already and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
They ridiculed him and said,
“You are that man’s disciple;
we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses,
but we do not know where this one is from.”
The man answered and said to them,
“This is what is so amazing,
that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners,
but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man were not from God,
he would not be able to do anything.”
They answered and said to him,
“You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?”
Then they threw him out.
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
He answered and said,
“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him,
“You have seen him,
the one speaking with you is he.”
He said,
“I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said,
“I came into this world for judgment,
so that those who do not see might see,
and those who do see might become blind.”
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this
and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”
Jesus said to them,
“If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.
Thank you your positive posts continue to have a positive influence on me.
On a selfish note the one thing I have given up for Lent has already had a positive benefit on my health.
Cheers and God please continue to bless President Trump in these harrowing times!
Hi Dekester! SO glad to see you are a Trump Supporter like me!
How’s the “Climate” out there currently? Last time I was out your way, there seemed to be an overabundance of “Karens”! LOL!
Hi John,
Plenty of Karen’s to be sure!
The “ switched on” are on fire and “ bouncing”
The sheep and Karen’s are shell shocked.
Covid revelations have shut them up.
Masks are still around, but they were look idiotic especially yesterday as it was 15 C here yesterday, and shorts weather for many.
Trudeau is hated more than ever.
Cheers!
Yes, a light in dark times shines all the brighter.
Everyday I pray that PRESIDENT TRUMP has the courage, health, strength, and opportunity to lead this great Republic once again.
After two millennia most folks still have trouble taking the Son of God at face value, or taking the Messiah at His Word. If I were to be honest I’d have to admit I’m challenged by Him as well. Better to be challenged and on my knees before Him!
All I can do is believe while asking Him to “help my unbelief”. His grace always more than makes up for my lack!
Thank you, Menagerie…
Dear Kaweah Kid, Feed on the Scriptures; eat them and drink them and fill your bowels with the Word and Spirit of God. There are some very very good Prayers for understanding in the Bible; which were put there for us. As you find them, write them down, and pray them often; make them yours! And the Lord will answer those prayers in a wonderful way. As your understanding is strengthened, your faith will also grow firm as a rock!
The Lord bless you.
Maybe these will help to start with.
Psalm 119:73 “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.”
Psalm 119:98 “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.”
Ephesians 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
After reading this, I feel that ONLY Women should be “priests” nowadays! MAYBE it would get more Men to “drop everything”, if they knew that “Miss Universe” would be preaching to them on Sundays!
Too many women are following the dark side now and have made a sacrament of killing their own children. They have also elected a man who molests those children who managed to make it out of the womb. I don’t think suddenly they’re going to be guiding us spiritually.
This is an excellent passage that is so relevant today. There are still proverbial “Pharisees” today that attack Christianity because it threatens their hedonistic way of life. Christ said that: “HE is the Truth, the Way, and the Light”. Those that live by the Christian principles have seen “The Light”. Thanks to Menagerie for including this gospel.
Jesus frees us from Spiritual Blindness and Sin …
The Pharisees were upset with Jesus’ miracle on two counts. First, he healed the blind man on the Sabbath, which they considered a serious violation of the command to rest on the Sabbath. Second, how could a “sinner” and a “sabbath-breaker” do such a marvelous work of God! The man who claimed to have been healed by Jesus must not have really been blind to begin with! Contrary to this false charge, the fact of this man’s blindness was well known to many people, including the parents who testified under oath that he had indeed been blind since birth. The prejudice of the religious leaders made them blind to God’s intention for the Sabbath (to do good rather than evil) and to Jesus’ claim to be the One sent from the Father in heaven to bring freedom and light to his people. The Jewish leaders tried to intimidate both this cured man and his parents by threatening to exclude them from membership in the synagogue – the local congregation of the worshiping community of Jews. This man was shunned by the religious authorities because he believed that Jesus healed him and was the Messiah.
Freedom from spiritual blindness
John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, remarked:
“The Jews (the Pharisees) cast him out of the Temple; the Lord of the Temple found him.” If our witness of Jesus and his redeeming work in our lives causes friends or foes to reject us, it nonetheless draws us nearer to the Lord Jesus himself. Paul the Apostles warns us to avoid the darkness of sin that we might walk more clearly in the light of Christ (Ephesians 5:8-12).
Do we allow any blind-spots to blur our vision of what God is offering us and asking of us?
The Lord Jesus is ever ready to heal us and to free us from the darkness of sin and deception. There is no sickness, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual that the Lord Jesus does not identify with. Isaiah prophesied that the “Suffering Servant” would be bruised for our iniquities and by his stripes we would be healed (Isaiah 53:5). The Lord offers us freedom from spiritual blindness due to sin and he restores us to wholeness of body, mind, soul, and heart. Augustine of Hippo, in his commentary on this Gospel passage, remarks: “If we reflect on the meaning of this miracle, we will see that the blind man is the human race …
We already know, who the “One Sent” is.
Unless he had been sent, none of us would have been freed from sin.”
PrayerJesus, in your name the blind see, the lame walk, and the dead are raised to life. Come into our lives and heal the wounds of our broken hearts. Give us eyes of faith to see your glory and hearts of courage to bring you glory in all we say and do.
Psalm 23:1-6 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want;
2 he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
The unchangeable Light, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
“I entered into my inmost self with You, Lord, as my guide – And this I was able to do because You were my helper. I entered in and saw with the eye of my soul, the unchangeable Light, very different from earthly lights. It was above my mind but not the way oil is above water or heaven above the earth. It was superior because it made me, and I inferior because I was made by it. Those who know the truth know this light, and those who know it know eternity – It is charity that knows it.” (excerpt from Confessions 7,10)
Don Schwager
Very excellent comments. Thank you.
Sigh. Honestly I’d prefer CTH rely less on bible stories. You do so much good work, I don’t know why you cling to something outside your scope. Like yes, you could get a good example from the tooth fairy story, but no you shouldn’t post either of them here.
You don’t have to read them. It is Sunday. Menagerie is a gift to this website. What you prefer is not CTH’s preference. So, just skip it. Go to the next post. Just a suggestion.
or to aol.com stories…..
Excellent response to BlackChop in my opinion, Deborah
Very true Deborah.
I expect we will see more posts like this when Menagerie gets here nice and lovely bi-weekly articles up and going.
Especially if she decides to spend time writing her wonderful articles on Bible scriptures which she is so good at.
For some reason that kind of writing really attracts ugliness and weirdos.
They come out of the woodwork in a frenzy.
Very simple, skip this particular post whose title clearly states the content.
Many of us enjoy this series, particularly during Lent.
Just scroll on by.
It is those Bible stories that are the foundation for this once great nation and it’s people.
We, as a nation have turned our backs on God.
We openly mock God and his commandments by allowing our government to legislate sin!
We banned even the mentioning of God’s name anywhere that could actually benefit from his inclusion, his wisdom and his Mercy.
If we don’t restore our country’s relationship with God, and have respect for the lords will again.
Nothing else we ever try attempting to fix America will matter if we don’t obtain God’s blessings FIRST.
Very good comments. Ironically, the lyrics to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” came to mind today. I haven’t heard that sung in avery looong time. Do we even have a Republic anymore???
No. Your information is biased and doesn’t stand serious historical scrutiny.
You are commenting about the myriad of Gnostic Christian sects that flourished during the first centuries of current era, like if they were serious, solid religious movements. When in reality, most gnostic Christian cults were wacko sects with bizarre ideas and practices. Think Reverend Jim Jones, or the numerous abusive guru-centric or New Age cults that sprout like mushrooms after rain in our societies.
One shouldn’t trust MSM programs about Christianity, like the ones by History Channel (where reality is history), National Geographic etc … since they have ulterior agendas and general hostility towards traditional Christians.
Curious what you mean by “outside your scope”? If your salvation isn’t inside your scope what is?
Well said.
You can’t have one without the other. Take the biblical understanding, the actual spiritual understanding, out of the treehouse and it can not stand. Just like taking away the biblical understanding that the founding fathers recognized as essential to our republic.
Drinking of these waters offered in this setting is not “clinging”…..it is people singing! Join in.
BlackChop, Bible stories are the actual words from God’s mouth – to His creatures – us.
He wants all people to know Him, trust Him, and love Him. That’s why He gave us the Bible.
Those who accept Jesus as their Lord, love Him for who He is and what He has done for us.
They want to learn His ways so we can follow.
We understand He is our Maker, Provider, Protector, Healer, Savior, Lord, and King.
In truth, God is our everything for life!
Would you accept a kind challenge?
Read a chapter of the gospel of John – or one of the other three gospels – every day for awhile.
Ask the Lord to help you understand the stories – and His Word.
He will – and it will transform your whole heart and mind.
You will never be the same again. Promise! He changed me!
Peace and blessings to you.
🌷 🌷 🌷
Black Chop, this is a privately owned site and the owner is a God loving Christain. It is not for you to say what ‘should or should not’ be posted. Or what someone’s “scope” is.
Your preferences are noted.
There are many here who have experienced miracles of Biblical proportion and know better than most, the need for God’s word.
Yet all of us here will agree on and defend your right to voice your opinion, as defined in the First Amendment.
And:
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. “
Aptly stated, Aggiegirl!
Was going to post reply to black chop but you blessed me with a much better response. Thank you Aggiegirl. God’s blessings to all who are welcome here…..
Entirely unnecessary commentary. You know you would sow strife and that was your intention. Reflect on what that means. The good work is being done for spiritual reasons and arises out of their faith. Yet you would prefer to shut that engine down..so you can fell uncomfortable in your skin. Shameful. BlackChop indeed. Comparing The Bible to the tooth fairy is just simply left tarded to the max.
Sigh. Religion is not your cup of tea. Fine. We don’t begrudge you skipping this, or any other post. We don’t oppose you being able to choose, or not choose, to read any site on the internet. So why should your opinion matter over those who want to read this post?
Please don’t stop the Sunday Bible verses.
While I am unable to interact with all my fellow Treepers lately, reading the Lent postings help me.
Also my wife finished Bible in a year and I have started it. And since it’s close to Easter time to watch “The Passion” again.
May we all continue to Pray for President Trump in these coming days as well.
In Jesus name Amen.
Yes ma’am! I, for one, would like to see even more from you.
I never have commented on your posts but I do read them.
I don’t go to any organized religious services due to my long held suspicions of the various leaders’ possible secret agendas or misconstrued discourses.
However, I do enjoy listening or reading those who are true believers in my estimation. You are one who of a very few for me!
I enjoy your postings immensely!
The only recognized ordained person I hold any faith in is the Catholic Cardinal Vingano.
Pleased don’t let this detractor keep your focus on your Sunday devotionals and spreading the Gospel to the rest of us.
Some people’s arrogance and narcissistic tendencies should not be a hindrance.
Black Knight, I have avoided church attendance for years.. I couldn’t find one I wanted to stay at..
I know I am going to heaven whether I enter a building or not.. I got lazy.. I figured I could read the bible..
I would watch televised mass or preachers to get more of God’s word within..
But.. I am starting to feel differently, because the evil is so obvious it has drawn me closer to The Father..
We started attending a church this year at the start of Lent. It is a Catholic Church with a song service
by a talented group of singers. Our doctor attends, we noticed on the first day.
I do not know if this will last but I will say I am eager to attend this afternoon.
Lord God, I pray you change hearts and minds, that you give us wisdom and revelation, In Jesus’ name..
Praise the Lord and God bless America and her Americans.
And Lord God, especially bless Menagerie… extraordinarily and abundantly
Thanks for your encouraging words. I do crave for a place but I am very cautiously skeptical of all of them.
I can’t say that I got lazy though.
I don’t just read the Bible, I study it meticulously, and all of the Apochrypha, Dead Sea Scrolls, Nag Hammadi,etc etc. and sincere prayers of all sorts all day in all kinds of ways, sometimes with eyes wide open.
I am a True Believer and know I need fellowship with others, but every time I see or hear something suspicious to my understandings and discuss and debate with clergy of any persuasion, I encounter every single time dismissiveness, anger and judgment. Not gonna take that from anyone on spiritual matters, lest the Master himself.
Those times I’ve used scripture purposefully and with good intent to counter what I believe to be incorrect precepts, I leave the affected party speechless or denouncing my beliefs, or unable to defend including highly educated clergy. I figured out a long time ago that my studies in private led to at least an equal understanding than most of the clergy I’ve met. Though I’ll have to admit they have led way more pious lives than my admittedly sinful existence.
The one thing that I do believe is ‘The Kingdom of God lies within:’ ‘the body is the temple;’ ‘when two or three are gathered in my name…;’ ‘seek and ye shall find…..;’ ‘be of a pure heart (in spiritual matters)….’ ——Anyone can approach God for Salvation, Forgiveness & Absolution without an intermediary.
Maybe I will be led someday to some place or to someone.
The only one I trust right now is one who I do not know and resides in Italy – Cardinal Vigano.
What a blessing your comment is to me.
A Prepared One who will be needed in days to come to shed light upon and correct the “woke christianity” currently happening in the buildings and “christian academia.”
In times past Father God showed me the paganism/ new ageism entering into His Body. I tried to share with others but they didn’t wish to hear – “who do you think you are?”
They want Another Jesus Christ – one made in their image.
I too have been pulled from the buildings but find refreshing here in these postings and comments because these people are my Brethren, no matter the Sect, because we are One in Him.
God bless CTH and obedient Menagerie for this blessing released to us all. Amen
Your comment blessed bara.. especially this part:
“..find refreshing here in these postings and comments because these people are my Brethren, no matter the Sect, because we are One in Him.”
..and Black Knight, your study habits of The Word are truly an example for me. Thank you.
Praise the Lord!
It’s Lent, it’s Sunday, and for years Menagerie has gifted us with her faith and spiritual posts. We are grateful.
Reading the room isn’t your strong suit, is it?
Love Menagerie and the Bible posts. I also enjoy the comments. Our country and our President Trump need our prayers. When we look at the Bible and the Gospels, we come to realize that God always picked imperfect men for his work – Solomon, David, Peter, Paul, John, John Paul II to name a few. Here we had also imperfect men, Reagan and now Trump. I am not saying they are doing God’s work, but you have to wonder why in spite of all the persecution they had to endure, they are still standing.
Yes, it gives me pause also. I have seen others, in my personal life, who amaze and inspire me and I conclude it is only with the Grace of God that we humans can accomplish anything. What HIS Will is, I do not know. God bless.
I’m very fond of these Bible posts. And Menagerie, here is a scripture that describes you best – 1 Timothy 4:6
Father Franks video is about 40 minutes long. I strongly suggest you take 40 minutes of your life to watch and listen. It can truly change your life forever. God Bless You!
Hi Chop! I really hope that you read everything till you got to here. Really!
It’s quite possible the LORD put some of His words from the book of John in your heart and you don’t even know it now. Maybe saved for when He thinks best for you.
Have a great Sunday onward.
When I read BlackChop’s comment, I look forward to everyone’s reactions to his opinion. It will certainly cause us to sit up straight in our pews.
He reminds me of the kid in the backseat whining “Are we there yet?”
I’m glad he’s here and part of the ride.
Sigh. The people on this site are so kind and genteel so I was going to let this dopey post slide until I read the tooth fairy comment .
Sigh. So on a beautiful Sunday ,on a lovely post about Lent by our lovely Menagerie ,
I’m going to say the following…
Sigh. BC, you are a dumba** !
1 Peter 3:8-12
“Now the end: All be single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tender-hearted, humble, not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you were called, so that you should inherit blessing.
“For, ‘The one desiring to love life, and to see good days, let him keep the tongue from evil, and lips not to speak deceit.
“‘Also let him turn away from evil, and let him do good. Let him seek peace and let him pursue it. Because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those doing evil.’”
Are you judging me JDV ?
Sounds evil to me !
1 Peter 3:8-12
“Now the end: All be single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tender-hearted, humble, not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you were called, so that you should inherit blessing.
“For, ‘The one desiring to love life, and to see good days, let him keep the tongue from evil, and lips not to speak deceit.
“‘Also let him turn away from evil, and let him do good. Let him seek peace and let him pursue it. Because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those doing evil.’”
Admin…Please remove this/my comment as I seem to have made a friend and this nonsense doesn’t belong on M’s wonderful post.
But before it goes … JDV ,too bad you don’t have a word of wisdom for the dumba**
who equates “Bible stories with tooth fairy stories” !
Self reporting.
Why post your negative comment on an extremely kind and thoughtful post.
A post written by a kind soul that I may never meet, but whose input has had a profound impact on a an individual like me.
Menagerie is a “ Gem”
Cheers!
Any strike of an intended insult will only strengthen a believer’s faith in God through Jesus Christ.
If you can understand the power struggle and sacrifice of Trump (and the American people ) vs. The Establishment, then you might can appreciate the story of Jesus a little better. It’s pretty much similar if you ask me. MAGA wants to rid the country of an Establishment wing that clings to power only for the sake of greed, and which subsequently burdens it’s citizens for those same indulgences, and Trump has placed himself at the front line to be persecuted for the purpose of delivering the message. Of course, only the political tones are similar because Jesus was divine and His mission was different and could not be performed by any mere man, but an interesting correlation to consider.
It is 10:32 as of this reply. I just finished reading every comment currently posted to this subject and I cannot find a single person/post who has supported you regarding your comments.
Yet, you have 1 👍.
Do tell, did you like yourself? Inquiring minds would like to know the depths of your depraved narcissism.
If you can’t see the spiritual battles being waged in the world currently, you need to pay better attention. All the posts here on CTH are relevant to the situations at-hand currently in the world. There’s a battle raging between good and evil I assure you.
That you would not scroll by but instead stop to comment tells me that perhaps you are hearing that redemptive Voice off in the distance. I pray for you that as you go on it will become so loud there will be no way to ignore it. I promise it will be life changing.
Thank you, Betsy… it’s true. We have ALL been wanderers, lost, and looking for the righteous path.
No coincidence that BlackChop came to visit.
Lovingkindness, dear friends, draws folks to Christ. That’s how He captured me.
“The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Della, surely three of the most awe-some words ever written or uttered…
Lovingkindness, mercy, and Grace
Betsy, I can’t think of any better…
(love your hyphenated awe-some. It’s used flippantly – as awesome time, pizza.
Should be reserved for God, in AWE of Him.)
🙏🏻 🙏🏻 🌷
Even the lowly hyphen has its wonder-ful uses.🙏🏻
Preference noted.
Like it or not, America is in a spiritual battle for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What else besides a corrupt spirit gives thoughts to humans like Obama or the Bidens, or the Clintons?
The truthful, accurate, telling of the progression of events, from Exodus to the Gospels, edifies those who will take God’s Word to heart. Choose to be a critical thinker and explore, without bias, the written and archeological evidence – before presuming/assuming the writer is outside his or her scope.
warmly,
Waawaashkeshi
Oh, you are so close! Your eyes are open and you have been blessed with understanding.
Consider starting with Genesis 1 though.
Not only archaeological and historical written records but the duality of the Scriptures revealing the descent of man (souls) into matter (body) and how to return to that state of immortal everlasting Grace.
The Father used (and uses) the Logos (Word) to inspire men to use the written historical record with a divinely inspired lesson in their MINDS that could be incorporated in such records (sacred scripture) as to where we really devolved from and to where we can return and how to accomplish.
Keep exploring my friend’
I’m a practicing Pharisee and I enjoy this content.
This is Sundance’s site: these posts are part of the gestalt, are instructive, entertaining and enlightening. SD is a gift, accept the gift in all its aspect.
I’m pretty sure the father of lies would prefer less bible stories told as well. Sigh….
Welcome, Blackchop. I appreciate your comment.
I have been where you are, but, through opening myself up to others’ words about Christ, joining a Bible-based church and quietly working my way through God’s word, The Bible, my soul and mind have changed and are changing. It is a blessing and a challenging work in progress. It is easy to stay blind to politics, to the wickedness in this world and blind to God. Because when you are red-pilled and you SEE, you can no longer stay on the sidelines.
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The light has always been there, you have to stop being purposefully blind, open your eyes and see it, Blackchop.
As Christians, it our job and our mandate from Christ to gently help Blackchop and others overcome their blindness.
BlackChop: You should be given the opportunity to express your ideas about the concepts of Right and Wrong, Justice, the Human Conscience, and the ~role ~all of our USA Governments have with Americans, in administering our ~laws. [A local county judge can decide a law is unjust and unconstitutional; the Supreme Court has the ultimate power.]
Many citizens in the past and currently believe the idea of a ‘Just Law’ originates from a God in Heaven. Unfortunately, for many of us, we seem to have developed into a country, where ‘Right and Wrong’ and ‘Justice’ depends upon, whomever is in control of the ‘levers’ of government powers.
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“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men…” Our Declaration of Independence.
………….. [Clarence Thomas expressed the ~Idea of the ‘Natural Law’ as found in our USA documents, and literally the Hounds of Hell were unleashed on a Justice of the Supreme Court.]
+”We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice…” Our US Constitution preamble.
………….. [We are engaged in a struggle currently about the idea of ‘Justice’ in our society.
******************************************************
BlackChop, please tell ‘Where does the idea of ‘Right and Wrong’ and ‘Justice’ originate?
Go easy there BlackChop. For your own good.
Some people believe Jesus is God in the flesh. It would do you well to look into His life, death, burial, resurrection and enthronement.
I understand your doubt. I too was once blind to His actual existence. And then I met Him on the “Damascus Road,” when He gave me eyes to see. It’s been nothing short of an amazing journey ever since. And gets better every day.
He can do the same for you. But God will not be mocked.
Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call on Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6
As some of us have agreed to be ‘links in a chain’ of prayer. This is what I was given:
The Word of the Lord…
PS. 139:19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
20 For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.
PS. 135:15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands.
16 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;
17 They have ears, but they do not hear; Nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.
IS. 24:10 10 The city of confusion is broken down; Every house is shut up, so that none may go in.
IS. 29:15 Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, And their works are in the dark; They say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who knows us?”
16 Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay;
For shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”?
Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?
IS. 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!
IS. 28:13 But the word of the Lord was to them, “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little,”
That they might go and fall backward, and be broken And snared and caught.
Hosea 9:9 They are deeply corrupted, As in the days of Gibeah.
He will remember their iniquity; He will punish their sins.
IS. 52:1 Awake, awake!
Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city!
For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you.
2 Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O Jerusalem!
Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion!
IS. 59:4 No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth.
They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
IS. 58:6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?
IS. 51:12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid
Of a man who will die, And of the son of a man who will be made like grass?
Zech. 10:3 “My anger is kindled against the shepherds, And I will punish the goatherds.
For the Lord of hosts will visit His flock, The house of Judah, And will make them as His royal horse in the battle.
Zech. 11:17 “Woe to the worthless shepherd, Who leaves the flock!
A sword shall be against his arm And against his right eye;
His arm shall completely wither, And his right eye shall be totally blinded.”
1 Cor. 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
IS. 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people,
A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,
And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.”
IS. 65:6 “Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silence, but will repay— Even repay into their bosom—
John 16:20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
IS. 51:22 Thus says your Lord, The Lord and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people:
“See, I have taken out of your hand The cup of trembling, The dregs of the cup of My fury;
You shall no longer drink it.
23 But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you,
‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.’ And you have laid your body like the ground,
And as the street, for those who walk over.”
2 Thes. 1:6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,
Amos 3:6 If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people be afraid?
If there is calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?
7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?
Amos 4:2 The Lord God has sworn by His holiness: “Behold, the days shall come upon you
When He will take you away with fishhooks, And your posterity with fishhooks.
Amos 5:10 They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, And they abhor the one who speaks uprightly.
11 Therefore, because you tread down the poor And take grain taxes from him,
Though you have built houses of hewn stone, Yet you shall not dwell in them;
You have planted pleasant vineyards, But you shall not drink wine from them.
12 For I know your manifold transgressions And your mighty sins:
Afflicting the just and taking bribes; Diverting the poor from justice at the gate.
13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time.
Haggai 2:6 “For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.
1 Cor. 14:33A For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us….. 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Rev. 3:10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
MT. 13:9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Blessed be the Word of the Lord!!
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Happy Laetare Sunday.
Bless you, Menagerie…
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
Lord, please open everyone’s eyes in this land “to see” You,
turn from their wicked ways, and accept Your salvation.
I believe, Jesus, and worship you as Lord, Savior, Master and King.
Thank you, Holy God, for giving Your perfect, righteous Son for all people.
Blessings on you all!
🙏🏻 ✝️ 🙏🏻
From yesterday, dearest Della…
Yes, yes! Have to know that before receiving His grace… Thanks, Betsy!
(just watched livestream church service – still weeping. A powerful message by a younger Pastor Spurgeon.
Not sure if he’s related to Charles? But he’s on pastoral team and excellent. Encourages my heart knowing there are remnants in younger generation to carry on the gospel light. This is Pastor Alistair Begg’s church, he was out of town. Message is all about Paul’s thorn – and God’s grace. How we need it…
(https://www.parksidechurch.com) livestream viewing up till tomorrow, then in archives.
Surely some connection. Thank you! Charles Spurgeon speaks very deeply to me. I am looking forward to hearing this man.
Boy Howdy, aint that the truth!!
It truly is, sir.
The word of God speaks to our minds, never more so than when we go through troubled times. Thank you, God, for not leaving us in silence, but speaking words eternally through the ages to today. And thank you, Menagerie, for being a messenger.
We were all blind, but many of us can now see…
Truth
All I can pray for at this time is GOD to protect and keep President Trump and Melania safe. GOD keeps my family safe EVERY day and night.
Just beautiful! Thank you!
O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
A great portrayal here in The Gospel Of John movie.
Thanks! 🕊💕
…and thanks to Menagerie for posting the scripture today. 🕊
God worked through the blind man, to give him understanding that he was to follow the Word to go wash his face. This isn’t a faith act. It was a compelling from God to do as he was told. Yet, how many of us follow the push from God to go do likewise?
“The Seven Last Words of Christ” is a mistranslation of the French word “paroles” which should be “phrases.”
Les Sept Paroles du Christ is a marvelous cantata by Theodore Dubois, a French composer who lived into the 20th century, and is considered a “minor master.”
But even a minor master can hit a home run!
The work has been a standard in many churches, particularly Catholic ones, during Lent. I heartily recommend it for your contemplation during Lent, especially as a way to spend Good Friday.
Here is a marvelous orchestral performance by a Catholic choir in Korea:
Part I
Part II
Translation of the Latin text:
Introduction: Soprano Solo (Lamentations 1:12; Ruth 1:20)
O you who travel down this road, listen and see whether there is any sorrow like mine!
For the Lord Almighty hath dealt bitterly with me. Call me now no more Naomi, from today call me Mara. (i.e. Bitter)
First Word Baritone and Tenor Solo, with Chorus
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
And the people clamor’d: He is death-guilty; (Matthew 26:66)
take him, take him, let us crucify him! (Mark 15:13)
Be his blood on us, and on our children! (Matthew 27:25)
Then they did crucify Jesus, and the two thieves, one at His right hand, the other at His left hand. (Luke 23:33)
Second Word Duet for Tenor and Baritone, with Chorus
Thou shalt be in Paradise today with me. Amen, so I tell thee. (Luke 23:43)
Hear me, O Lord, and remember me, when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. (Luke 23:42)
Third Word Solos for Soprano, Tenor, Baritone with Chorus
See, O woman! here behold thy son beloved. (John 19:26-27)
Fourth Word Baritone Solo
God, my Father, why hast Thou forsaken me? (Matthew: 27:46 and Mark 15:34)
All those who were my friends, all have now forsaken me, and they that hate me do now prevail against me; and he whom I have cherished, he hath betray’d me.
Even the vine that I have chosen, and that I have planted: wherefore art thou now so strangely turned into bitterness, that I by thee am crucified?
Fifth Word Chorus, and Solos for Tenor and Baritone
I am athirst! (John 19:28)
And the Jews then passing by him, all did rail upon him, and wagging their heads at him, they said unto him: Ah! Thou wouldst fain destroy the temple; if thou be Jesus, Son of the Father, now from the cross descend thou, that we behold it, and believe on thee when we behold it. If thou art king over Israel, save thyself, then! (Mark 15:29-30)
Sixth Word Tenor Solo and Chorus
Father, into Thy hands I commend my soul. (Luke 23:46)
For Thou art my God and my Father; Thou art my Savior. (Psalm 89:26)
Seventh Word Solo for Soprano, Tenor and Baritone, with Chorus
And with a loud voice Jesus cried, exclaiming: “It is finished!” And He did bow His head, and rendered up His spirit (John 19:30)
And it was about the sixth hour; and the sun was darkened, and darkness covered the earth, until about the ninth hour; and the veil of the temple was rent, and all the earth did quake; (Luke 23:44)
and the rocks were rent, and all the graves were opened wide. (Matthew 27:52)
Epilogue
Christ, we do all adore Thee, and we do praise Thee forever; for on the holy cross hast thou the world from sin redeemed
Thank you
You are quite welcome!
Look into the Symphonie Francaise by Theodore Dubois: another excellent work!
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you again, kind sir.
Dome Of The Rock As Seen From The Rooftops Of The Old Quarter.
4TH SUNDAY OF LENT
Entrance Antiphon
Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.
Be joyful, all who were in mourning;
exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast. Cf. Is 66:10-11
…
Collect
O God, who through your Word
reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way,
grant, we pray,
that with prompt devotion and eager faith
the Christian people may hasten
toward the solemn celebrations to come.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Panoramic view of Bethlehem with church of the Nativity of Christ in the foregroun
1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
The Lord said to Samuel: “Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.”
As Jesse and his sons came to the sacrifice, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is here before him.” But the Lord said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any one of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.” Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The Lord said, “There—anoint him, for this is the one!” Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of the Lord rushed upon David.
…
Psalm 23:1-6
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul. R.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage. R.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. R.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come. R.
All the posts are beautiful, precious, Molon.
Thank you, and be blessed.
🌷 🙏🏻
It is through experiencing and observing persecution and injustice that God opens the eyes of the blind. I think we are seeing that today with President Trump and conservatives, Christians, etc. Every day the eyes of the blind are opened, even people like Tucker Carlson.
Thanks Menagerie, goes very well with My Utmost, Proverbs 19, and Psalms 90-95. Blessings all
“Here’s mud in your eye!” Is derived from this passage as a blessing/cheers
Thank you Menagerie. Appreciated. I actually hadn’t read that full passage directly.
Once we can see, we are held to higher standards. Life here on Earth is by nature sinful, and not necessarily fair. Faith in our Father and heaven will carry us through, and yet, we are given many gifts and blessings during our perilous journey.
Today, March 19, had it not fallen on a Sunday, the Holy Day of the Lord God, we would celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Joseph.
St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us.
St. Joseph, Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Jerusalem – The Apparition of angel to St. Joseph in the dream paint in St. Ann church by unknown artist
Thank you for posting . This happens to be one of my favorite accounts of the miracles of the Lord Jesus.
I chuckle every time about how the formerly blind man spoke back to the exasperated Pharisees.
He had courage and stood his ground!
“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”
Biblical Ephesus Stadiu
Ephesians 5:8-14
Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says:
Menagerie,
This year the lectures for the masses (Roman Catholic) in every Sunday are there, intentionally, for the understanding of the beginnings of Christianity.
They were written in a impersonal way, without exclamations, comments, affections, admirations, cries of triumph.
The Evangels are 4 different documents, written in different times, and without combined agreement. And the authors risked their lives writing them.
Christianity started that way. Menagerie continue that mission.
Thanks for the Verse.
His deeds were great, But his word gives life to your soul and strength to your heart.
” Because you believed you are healed.” are very powerful words from our savior.
I believe. Are two of the most powerful words you can speak.
I listened to this passage at Mass today. I forgot how long it was, and yet so profound.
Very fitting for what could be coming this week. The time for ‘fence’ sitting Rinos and ‘independents’ is over, choose.
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this
and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”
Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.
Like the woman at the well scene, I can’t wait to see this in the movie series, the Chosen.
2 Peter 3:9
We are seeing, and wish that all would see, but we are also suffering under the same. But not my will but yours be done.
I felt same way during todays Gospel reading…very apropos.
This day is the Third Sunday of Great Lent, or the Fast, in the Orthodox Christian Church.
It is the Sunday of the Veneration of the Precious and Life-giving Cross of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
This day is also the commemoration of the Finding of the Precious Cross and Nails of the Passion of Jesus Christ by Saint Helen the Empress in the year 326.
March 6th- Patristic Calendar of the Orthodox Christian Church
March 19th – civil or commercial calendar
BEAUTIFUL. Very humbling. Thank You.
Prayer for our children and their friends is invaluable. God answers prayers!
My older son’s young classmate and friend (parochial school) was diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor gave a “good” prognosis, with treatment 90-95% chance of survival. The side effects from the brutal treatment would include hair loss and sterility.
We prayed fervently. The first day he returned to class after being cleared following the initial round of treatment, every boy in the class had shaved his head also. The cancer went into remission, but returned two years later. Again, more prayers and medical treatment, and he has been cancer-free since then.
My older son texted earlier today. He just learned his friend’s wife is now pregnant, in spite of earlier medical opinions that he would never be able to have kids. God is so good!
Don’t stop praying, and rejoice when the prayers are answered! Jesus still heals perfectly!
Sitting in Mass yesterday, it struck me how profound the Readings were given our current events. In particular Ephesians 5: 8-14. “…Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible….”