Book: Matthew

Jesus summarised the way by saying “Love God with everything you have and love your neighbour.” We find that easy enough to accept as the answer to a question but much harder to really live by.

All that is required to inherit all the fullness of the Kingdom is to accept the invitation and throw yourself wholeheartedly into the celebration.

God calls the most ordinary people to be his followers and through following we become a blessing to others.

Baptism is a public affirmation of our openness to the God who transforms us and calls us to continue the mission of Jesus.

If we live as though Christ was reigning now, we will always be ready for what he is about to do.

Jesus calls us to follow his lead in rejecting easy comfortable paths and choosing the tough road of costly active love.

God’s love unconditionally seeks all people.

God will entrust us with more when we have proved trustworthy with what we have been given.

God’s grace is extravagant and should inspire celebration (but often inspires grudging).

Jesus is God’s chosen liberator from birth and calls us to follow him among the innocent sufferers bringing hope and freedom.

There is an illuminating contrast between the response of the pagan magi and the response of the biblical scholars, and between the kingship of Jesus and the kingship of Herod.

Christ has identified himself with the poor and needy and we will be judged on how we respond to his need.