“Mary brought a pound of costly perfume made from genuine, aromatic nard, with which she anointed Jesus’ feet. Then she dried His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the ointment’s fragrance.”–John 12: 3
I love this passage from John. It makes me think. “Am I willing to give everything I have and everything I am to Jesus without counting the cost?” Good question to think about during Holy Week.
Now to the second last section of the Sermon on the Mount.
Ask, Seek, Knock
(Matthew 7: 7-12)
7: 7 Ask. . .given you: Jesus advocates perseverance in prayer. Answered prayers stem from faith-filled intentions. (CCC 2609)
CCC 2609 “Once committed to conversion, the heart learns to pray in faith. . .the beloved Son gives us access to the Father. . .He can tell us to “seek” and to “knock” since He Himself is the door and the way.”
7: 11 you then, who are evil: Jesus indicates the pervasive sinfulness of man. good things: the material necessities of life as well as the grace to live as God’s children.
7: 12 do so to them: Jesus states the Golden Rule positively. (CCC 1970)
CCC 1970 “the entire Law of the Gospel is contained in the ‘ new commandment’ of Jesus, to love one another as He has loved us.”
The Narrow Gate
(Matthew 7: 13-14)
Cities surrounded by a fortified wall had both wide and narrow gates for access. Main, wide gates were big enough for whole caravans to pass through. Small, narrow gates permitted only pedestrians. Jesus is telling us that many will pass through this “easy” gate to “destruction.” The “few” must exert some effort to make it to “life.”
False Prophets
(Matthew 7: 15-20)
These so-called prophets appear harmless, yet their ministry breeds error, division, and immorality. (2 Peter 2: 1-3)
2 Peter 2: 1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their licentiousness, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words; from of old their condemnation has not bee idle and their destruction has not been asleep.”
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Wednesday: Matthew 7: 21-29
Study Question: In Catholic Tradition, what is sanctifying grace?
Meditation: Am I ready to carry my small sharing in the Cross of Jesus?
Dr. Linda L. Powell 
Good post and enjoyed reading. “Without counting the cost?” That is always the big question isn’t it? “Carrying our small sharing in the Cross of Jesus?” That is always another “big question.” It is hard to do these things, and without faith and grace, I do not think we could. I know I could not without offering it all in union with the “cost” and “sufferings” of Christ. I have to believe even in my weakness, (which there are many) God still loves me and will help me through it all. Again good thought provoking post! God Bless, SR
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Thank you. Your comments are also very touching and thoughtful and add value to the post. I appreciate them.
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