The Gospel lesson for Feb. 19, 2023 is taken from . The blind beggar sat beside the road as Jesus traveled to Jericho. He could not see with his physical eyes yet he held a deeper insight into Jesus identity and saw clearer than others who Jesus truly was………..he would not be silenced.  He had faith in Jesus whereas many who could see physically remained spiritually blind. How do we know this? Because upon hearing that Jesus was passing by he calls to Him using His Messianic title, “Son of David.” He boldly answers Jesus query, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” Jesus’ reply is instant, “Recover your sight, your faith has made you well.” At once, the beggar’s sight is restored! What is his response? He followed Jesus, glorifying God AND all the people who witnessed it also gave praise to God. Jesus, let me see clearly that by Your suffering You restore to me a right spirit to confess You truly. Amen

The Gospel lesson for Feb. 12, 2023 is taken from . The Parable of the Sower describes four soils. They represent all of those who heard the Word of God. The first soil along the well-traveled path immediately rejected it. The second soil among the rocks quickly accepted it, but soon fell back into old patterns of sin. In the third soil deep in the thorny brambles the seed grew, but the pleasures of life stunted its fruitfulness. It is only in the rich and cultivated fourth soil that the seed bore much fruit. The seed is the Word of God that is sown in the ear of the hearer, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (V. 8) In this parable Jesus describes how the same seed sown in different types of soil grew and produced fruit. Jesus isn’t limiting who hears His teaching; it is available to all people. He “scatters” the seed everywhere – even in seemingly unlikely places. So too, it is our job to scatter the seed – everywhere! We are not called to judge the soil of another’s heart, but to remain in God’s Word – obedient to His teaching and direction so that His Word produces abundant God pleasing fruit in our lives. “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you……..” ()