Day: March 24, 2024

Rahab: Faith and Courage

/ theconsecratedwoman / Leave a comment

Bible Verse: Joshua 2:9-11  

9 She said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
 
Even though Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute residing in Jericho, she was aware of the miracles God had performed for the Hebrews (Israelites) and acknowledged the Lord as the God over heaven and earth. When Joshua dispatched two spies to Jericho, they sought refuge in Rahab’s home. Learning of the spies’ presence, the king of Jericho sent a message to Rahab to surrender them. Rahab deceived the messenger, claiming ignorance of the spies’ whereabouts and redirecting pursuit. In truth, she had concealed them on her roof. Before the night ended, Rahab negotiated with the spies to secure the safety of herself and her extended family once the Israelites would conquer the land bestowed upon them by the Lord.

Because of her faith and courage, Rahab and her family were saved when Jericho fell to the Israelites. Rahab later married an Israelite and became an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ according to the genealogy recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 1:5).
 
The Lesson: The story of Rahab teaches us that no matter our past, faith and courage can transform our lives and enable us to make a positive impact. Rahab’s inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ emphasizes the power of redemption and the possibility of change. Today, we can draw inspiration from Rahab’s story to embrace our own potential for transformation, to trust in God, and to act courageously for the well-being of ourselves and others, knowing that the past does not define our future.

Palm Sunday

/ theconsecratedwoman / Leave a comment

Verse of the Day: Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”