"The mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' Jesus said, 'Woman, what do you want from me? My hour has not come yet.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you"(John 2: 3-5)NJB
Lessons from the Miracle of Cana:
We learn that Mary's prayer was very effective in getting result at the marriage feast of Cana. Mary was not discouraged by the protests of Jesus. She knew her son intimately.
Jesus told the servants to 'fill the jars with water.' This command reminds of Elisha, Naaman and the River Jordan.(2Kings 5:10) Peter was similarly commanded to cast his net into the water.(John 21:6) Trust and obedience brought miracle.
Pius Xll wrote in his Apostolic Letter, Per Christi Matrem, of May 15, 1947: "The maternal office of mediatrix really began at the very moment of her consent to the Incarnation; it was manifested for the first time by the first sign of Christ's grace, at Cana in Galilee; from that moment it rapidly spread down through the ages with the growth of the Church."
Books on Mary
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Friday, January 20, 2006
Those who provided for Jesus!
"Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means"(Luke 8:2-3).
Women who benefited from the ministry of Jesus provided for His needs and those of His disciples. They provided for them "out of their means." The widow of Zarephath provided for Elijah out of her meagre resources. God blessed this source and it never dried up.
This incidence is typical of God's arrangement for providing the future disciples of Christ. In the Old Testament, we see many instances of God providing for His servants through people. This principle was established with the levitical priesthood. Elisha, the prophet was likewise provided for by a couple in the course of his work. In the New Testament, we find abundant examples from the works of the Twelve and St Paul.
What are the lessons for us? God makes adequate provisions for the needs of those who preach the gospel. God prefers a situation of weakness and dependence for His servants so that His wisdom and power can triumph through their work. God in fact wants His collaborators in the work of salvation to imitate the simplicity of Jesus Christ. He appoints people to supply the needs of His workers.
How do the disciples of Christ today appropriate God's blessings and provisions for them? First, they must be aware of these provisions in the Bible. They must understand what God's word or promise is saying to their particular situation. Disciples of Jesus must believe his word and act on this word. Trust and obedience activate the power of the word.
Women who benefited from the ministry of Jesus provided for His needs and those of His disciples. They provided for them "out of their means." The widow of Zarephath provided for Elijah out of her meagre resources. God blessed this source and it never dried up.
This incidence is typical of God's arrangement for providing the future disciples of Christ. In the Old Testament, we see many instances of God providing for His servants through people. This principle was established with the levitical priesthood. Elisha, the prophet was likewise provided for by a couple in the course of his work. In the New Testament, we find abundant examples from the works of the Twelve and St Paul.
What are the lessons for us? God makes adequate provisions for the needs of those who preach the gospel. God prefers a situation of weakness and dependence for His servants so that His wisdom and power can triumph through their work. God in fact wants His collaborators in the work of salvation to imitate the simplicity of Jesus Christ. He appoints people to supply the needs of His workers.
How do the disciples of Christ today appropriate God's blessings and provisions for them? First, they must be aware of these provisions in the Bible. They must understand what God's word or promise is saying to their particular situation. Disciples of Jesus must believe his word and act on this word. Trust and obedience activate the power of the word.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Training the Conscience
Have mercy on me, O God, in your faithful love, in your great tenderness wipe away my offences; wash me clean from my guilt, purify me from my sin (Psalm 51:1).
King David used frequent examination of conscience to maintain his close relationship with God. Psalm 51 and many other psalms bear witness to this fact.
How often should we examine our conscience? Because conscience is the compass through which we know what is right or wrong, we must train it so that we can trust it. Jesus warns us: "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life" (Luke 21:34). It is through frequent examination of conscience that we maintain our watchfulness. When we form our conscience to depend on the Word of God rather than on the opinion of man, it becomes reliable and we trust it to lead and guide us.
How do we train our conscience? Begin by asking the Holy Spirit for light. Examine your thoughts, words and actions during the day. Look at four areas of your life: Your relationship with Christ, family, work and social life. Look for the good and the bad during the day. Thank God for the positive response to His graces during the day and ask for pardon for the shortcomings and the grace to do better. Five minutes spent reviewing the entire day, will reap a harvest of deep peace for the night.
A habit of examination of conscience is like the daily weeding of our garden. No unwanted weed will have the chance to develop deep root. Examination of conscience helps us to be alert and proactive in our lives. As the Book of Proverbs tells us: "For in vain is the net baited while the bird is looking on" (Proverbs 1:17). Instead of reacting to crisis, we see danger signals through the practice of frequent examination of conscience.
King David used frequent examination of conscience to maintain his close relationship with God. Psalm 51 and many other psalms bear witness to this fact.
How often should we examine our conscience? Because conscience is the compass through which we know what is right or wrong, we must train it so that we can trust it. Jesus warns us: "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life" (Luke 21:34). It is through frequent examination of conscience that we maintain our watchfulness. When we form our conscience to depend on the Word of God rather than on the opinion of man, it becomes reliable and we trust it to lead and guide us.
How do we train our conscience? Begin by asking the Holy Spirit for light. Examine your thoughts, words and actions during the day. Look at four areas of your life: Your relationship with Christ, family, work and social life. Look for the good and the bad during the day. Thank God for the positive response to His graces during the day and ask for pardon for the shortcomings and the grace to do better. Five minutes spent reviewing the entire day, will reap a harvest of deep peace for the night.
A habit of examination of conscience is like the daily weeding of our garden. No unwanted weed will have the chance to develop deep root. Examination of conscience helps us to be alert and proactive in our lives. As the Book of Proverbs tells us: "For in vain is the net baited while the bird is looking on" (Proverbs 1:17). Instead of reacting to crisis, we see danger signals through the practice of frequent examination of conscience.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Take and eat
"Take and eat it,' he said; 'this is my body.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God, and gave it to them. 'Drink it, all of you,' he said; 'this is my blood, which seals God's covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."(Matthew 26: 26-28)
Jesus is the bread of life. Jesus gives us Himself as food and drink in the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is spiritual food. "Man does not live by bread alone, there is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Man has great hunger and thirst for material things. The genuine bread, 'the bread of life' will gradually free man from excessive appetite for material things.
The Documents of Vatican II comments on the Eucharist: "At the Last Supper, on the night when He was betrayed, our Saviour instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of His Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries until He should come again, and so to entrust to His beloved spouse, the Church, a memorial of His death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us."
Jesus is the bread of life. Jesus gives us Himself as food and drink in the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is spiritual food. "Man does not live by bread alone, there is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Man has great hunger and thirst for material things. The genuine bread, 'the bread of life' will gradually free man from excessive appetite for material things.
The Documents of Vatican II comments on the Eucharist: "At the Last Supper, on the night when He was betrayed, our Saviour instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of His Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries until He should come again, and so to entrust to His beloved spouse, the Church, a memorial of His death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us."
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Faith is Yes to God
Faith is Yes to God
“Sir, “answered the official, ‘Come down before my child dies.’ ‘Go home,’ said Jesus ‘your son will live.’ The man believed what Jesus had said and started on his way; and while he was still on the journey back his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive.” (John 4: 50 – 51)
What is faith? “The man believed what Jesus had said and “started on his way.” Faith is believing in God’s word and acting on that belief.
What is God saying to me today on my most urgent desires? On health, I hear him saying to me: “By my stripes you are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 5) On my project, he says: “Yahweh himself will lead you; he will be with you; he will not fail you or desert you. Have no fear, do not be alarmed.” Deuteronomy 31: 8) NJB
Do I believe these words of God? Lord I believe, strengthen my faith.
The court official believed in the word of Jesus and acted: “He started on his way.” How do I act on God’s word to me? How do I “start on my way?” I pursue my dream everyday. “Be patient and wait for the Lord to act.” (Psalm 37:7)
“Sir, “answered the official, ‘Come down before my child dies.’ ‘Go home,’ said Jesus ‘your son will live.’ The man believed what Jesus had said and started on his way; and while he was still on the journey back his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive.” (John 4: 50 – 51)
What is faith? “The man believed what Jesus had said and “started on his way.” Faith is believing in God’s word and acting on that belief.
What is God saying to me today on my most urgent desires? On health, I hear him saying to me: “By my stripes you are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 5) On my project, he says: “Yahweh himself will lead you; he will be with you; he will not fail you or desert you. Have no fear, do not be alarmed.” Deuteronomy 31: 8) NJB
Do I believe these words of God? Lord I believe, strengthen my faith.
The court official believed in the word of Jesus and acted: “He started on his way.” How do I act on God’s word to me? How do I “start on my way?” I pursue my dream everyday. “Be patient and wait for the Lord to act.” (Psalm 37:7)
Monday, January 16, 2006
Obedience is better than Sacrifice
Obedience is better than Sacrifice
“My food is to do the will of the one who sent me, and to complete his work.” (John 4:34)
The Father sent Jesus to the world to redeem the world from sin. That is the mission of Jesus Christ, given by the Father. Jesus understood his job so well. Fulfilling this task, gives his life sustenance as food does to the body. “Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The word of God equals the will of God. Food apart from sustaining us gives us pleasure. Doing God’s will gives Christ maximum pleasure. How about us?
How different Jesus is from us when it comes to obedience to God’s will. In 1 Samuel 15: 16 – 23, the prophet Samuel rebuked Saul for substituting his own will for God’s will. And Saul protested, “I did indeed obey the Lord and fulfill the mission on which the Lord sent me.” (1 Samuel 15: 20) And the prophet Samuel told him that “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission than the fat of rams.”
In Psalm 40: 8, it is written, “In the scroll of the book it is written of me, my delight is to do your will; your law, my God is deep in my heart.” This scripture applies not only to Jesus Christ but to all the redeemed.
“My food is to do the will of the one who sent me, and to complete his work.” (John 4:34)
The Father sent Jesus to the world to redeem the world from sin. That is the mission of Jesus Christ, given by the Father. Jesus understood his job so well. Fulfilling this task, gives his life sustenance as food does to the body. “Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The word of God equals the will of God. Food apart from sustaining us gives us pleasure. Doing God’s will gives Christ maximum pleasure. How about us?
How different Jesus is from us when it comes to obedience to God’s will. In 1 Samuel 15: 16 – 23, the prophet Samuel rebuked Saul for substituting his own will for God’s will. And Saul protested, “I did indeed obey the Lord and fulfill the mission on which the Lord sent me.” (1 Samuel 15: 20) And the prophet Samuel told him that “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission than the fat of rams.”
In Psalm 40: 8, it is written, “In the scroll of the book it is written of me, my delight is to do your will; your law, my God is deep in my heart.” This scripture applies not only to Jesus Christ but to all the redeemed.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Worship is Adoration
Worship is Adoration
“But the hour will come – in fact it is here already – when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: this is the kind of worshippers the Father wants. God is spirit and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4: 23 – 24)
The message from Jesus today is about the genuine worship of God. Genuine adoration of the Father will be in spirit and truth. What does this mean? “God is spirit and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.” In order to worship God properly, we must realize our spiritual nature and close all the doors to our senses. The senses are evidence of materiality and are distraction and obstacle to genuine worship. When I close my eyes, I pray better. It also helps during prayer to be still and cultivate a sense of the presence of God.
It is only the Holy Spirit in us who leads us into the true worship of the Father. The Holy Spirit inspires us to worship and teaches us how to adore God.
On worship, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say, “To adore God is to acknowledge, in respect and absolute submission, the ‘nothingness of the creature’ who would not exist but for God. To adore God is to praise and exult him and to humble oneself, as Mary did in the Magnificat, confessing with gratitude that he has done great things and holy is his name. The worship of the one God sets man free from turning in on himself, from the slavery of sin and the idolatry of the world.” (CCC # 2097)
“But the hour will come – in fact it is here already – when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: this is the kind of worshippers the Father wants. God is spirit and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4: 23 – 24)
The message from Jesus today is about the genuine worship of God. Genuine adoration of the Father will be in spirit and truth. What does this mean? “God is spirit and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.” In order to worship God properly, we must realize our spiritual nature and close all the doors to our senses. The senses are evidence of materiality and are distraction and obstacle to genuine worship. When I close my eyes, I pray better. It also helps during prayer to be still and cultivate a sense of the presence of God.
It is only the Holy Spirit in us who leads us into the true worship of the Father. The Holy Spirit inspires us to worship and teaches us how to adore God.
On worship, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say, “To adore God is to acknowledge, in respect and absolute submission, the ‘nothingness of the creature’ who would not exist but for God. To adore God is to praise and exult him and to humble oneself, as Mary did in the Magnificat, confessing with gratitude that he has done great things and holy is his name. The worship of the one God sets man free from turning in on himself, from the slavery of sin and the idolatry of the world.” (CCC # 2097)
Saturday, January 14, 2006
The Spring of Water Inside
The Spring of Water Inside
“Whoever drinks this water will get thirsty again; but anyone who drinks of the water that I shall give will never be thirsty again: the water I shall give will turn into a spring inside him, welling up to eternal life.” (John 4: 14)
What is this water that Jesus promises to give? We know that water is very essential for life. No life can exist without water. Water quenches agonizing thirst and supports life. Jesus Christ is speaking obviously of spiritual water. But what is it? What is it in spiritual life that is analogous to water? What is it that without which spiritual life will be dead and impossible? What is it that we should thirst for so much as we thirst for water? What is it that refreshes and satisfies as water? Jesus promises that the water he gives will quench thirst permanently. The source of this water is inside, supplying as and when need.
This water is the Holy Spirit which Christ promised. The promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. The first disciples of Jesus drank of this water and they remained refreshed and spiritually vital all their life.
“By this power of the Spirit, God’s children can bear much fruit. He who has grafted us onto the true vine will make us bear ‘the fruit of the Spirit: …. Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.’ ‘We live by the Spirit’; the more we renounce ourselves, the more we ‘walk by the Spirit.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 736)
“Whoever drinks this water will get thirsty again; but anyone who drinks of the water that I shall give will never be thirsty again: the water I shall give will turn into a spring inside him, welling up to eternal life.” (John 4: 14)
What is this water that Jesus promises to give? We know that water is very essential for life. No life can exist without water. Water quenches agonizing thirst and supports life. Jesus Christ is speaking obviously of spiritual water. But what is it? What is it in spiritual life that is analogous to water? What is it that without which spiritual life will be dead and impossible? What is it that we should thirst for so much as we thirst for water? What is it that refreshes and satisfies as water? Jesus promises that the water he gives will quench thirst permanently. The source of this water is inside, supplying as and when need.
This water is the Holy Spirit which Christ promised. The promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. The first disciples of Jesus drank of this water and they remained refreshed and spiritually vital all their life.
“By this power of the Spirit, God’s children can bear much fruit. He who has grafted us onto the true vine will make us bear ‘the fruit of the Spirit: …. Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.’ ‘We live by the Spirit’; the more we renounce ourselves, the more we ‘walk by the Spirit.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 736)
Friday, January 13, 2006
Jesus - the Perfecter of our faith
Jesus – the Perfecter of our faith
“God gives him the Spirit without reserve. The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him. Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life: the anger of God stays on him.” (John 3: 34 – 36)
Everything has been entrusted to Jesus by the Father: our destiny, spiritual life, family, job, money, health, food and tools. And key to appropriate these blessings is belief in Jesus.
What does belief in Jesus mean? It means:
Belief in Jesus is demanding. Full belief in Jesus is a journey and not a destination or series of events. We come to it one step at a time. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that God gives us “the grace of believing in his Son Jesus, ‘the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (CCC #147)
“God gives him the Spirit without reserve. The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him. Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life: the anger of God stays on him.” (John 3: 34 – 36)
Everything has been entrusted to Jesus by the Father: our destiny, spiritual life, family, job, money, health, food and tools. And key to appropriate these blessings is belief in Jesus.
What does belief in Jesus mean? It means:
- To know the heart of Jesus intimately.
- To know his word and dwell on it since ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. Ignorance of Christ is unbelief.
- To love Jesus passionately, that is to love his person, his life style, his qualities and his Church.
- To follow Jesus everywhere, that is, profound, total and massive commitment to serve him with all our soul, heart, mind and strength.
Belief in Jesus is demanding. Full belief in Jesus is a journey and not a destination or series of events. We come to it one step at a time. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that God gives us “the grace of believing in his Son Jesus, ‘the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (CCC #147)
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Believing in the Son
Believing in the Son
“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.” (John 3: 16)
Jesus is the expression of God’s love for the world. To the question, how do you know that God loves the world? The simple answer is: Jesus. The presence of Jesus in our life is the conclusive evidence of God’s love for us. That is, “for everyone who believes in him.”
What does believe in Jesus mean? It means we accept Jesus as the light of our life, the center and the explanation of our life. To believe in Jesus also means that I agree freely to walk in this light. The light is provided by the Gospel.
To believe in Jesus progresses in time to knowing him intimately, loving him passionately and making the commitment to follow him everywhere.
“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.” (John 3: 16)
Jesus is the expression of God’s love for the world. To the question, how do you know that God loves the world? The simple answer is: Jesus. The presence of Jesus in our life is the conclusive evidence of God’s love for us. That is, “for everyone who believes in him.”
What does believe in Jesus mean? It means we accept Jesus as the light of our life, the center and the explanation of our life. To believe in Jesus also means that I agree freely to walk in this light. The light is provided by the Gospel.
To believe in Jesus progresses in time to knowing him intimately, loving him passionately and making the commitment to follow him everywhere.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The Empowering Holy Spirit
The Empowering Holy Spirit
“I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God: what is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3: 5-6)
Without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. The world and Satan would be too strong for us to overcome by our own means. How do we get this presence and power? In Baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit. In the sacrament of Confirmation, “we receive the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.” (CCC #1302)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches further that “Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
We need the Holy Spirit to succeed.
“I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God: what is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3: 5-6)
Without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. The world and Satan would be too strong for us to overcome by our own means. How do we get this presence and power? In Baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit. In the sacrament of Confirmation, “we receive the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.” (CCC #1302)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches further that “Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
- it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, ‘Abba! Father!’
- it unites us more firmly to Christ;
- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by world and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.” (CCC #1303)
We need the Holy Spirit to succeed.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Filial Trust
Filial Trust
“Destroy this sanctuary, and in 3 days I will raise it up…. But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body, and when Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the words he had said.” (John 2: 19 – 22)
Jesus knew his future intimately. He predicted what was going to happen to him. Jesus was in control of his destiny. He was providence himself. Here he said that he would allow his body to be destroyed but in three days time, he would raise it up again. It was after his resurrection that his disciples remembered this prediction and believed the scripture and the words of Jesus.
In the Book of Isaiah, God challenged the false prophets thus: Can they prove that they are gods by predicting the future and explaining the past? Of course they could not. They were objects made by human hands. They have mouth but speak not.
Jesus knows us intimately. He knows our past and our future. He is our providence and our destiny is in his hands. “Christ invites us to filial trust in the providence of our heavenly Father (Matthew 6: 26 – 34), and St. Peter the apostle repeats: ‘Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about “(1 Peter 5:7; cf. Ps 55:23) – CCC #322.
“Destroy this sanctuary, and in 3 days I will raise it up…. But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body, and when Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the words he had said.” (John 2: 19 – 22)
Jesus knew his future intimately. He predicted what was going to happen to him. Jesus was in control of his destiny. He was providence himself. Here he said that he would allow his body to be destroyed but in three days time, he would raise it up again. It was after his resurrection that his disciples remembered this prediction and believed the scripture and the words of Jesus.
In the Book of Isaiah, God challenged the false prophets thus: Can they prove that they are gods by predicting the future and explaining the past? Of course they could not. They were objects made by human hands. They have mouth but speak not.
Jesus knows us intimately. He knows our past and our future. He is our providence and our destiny is in his hands. “Christ invites us to filial trust in the providence of our heavenly Father (Matthew 6: 26 – 34), and St. Peter the apostle repeats: ‘Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about “(1 Peter 5:7; cf. Ps 55:23) – CCC #322.
Monday, January 09, 2006
A Powerful Intercessor!
A Powerful Intercessor
“The mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said, ‘Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2: 4)
How much I love this scripture! Son and mother found themselves together in the same wedding party. And we see Mary display here all the graces that made her so beloved of people through out the centuries. She was watchful and observant of what was happening around her. She watched as the servants drew the wine to serve. She observed the guests enjoy the food and the wine. Then the wine ran out. The servants looked at one another with embarrassment and looked for the master of ceremony. At this point, Mary quietly intervened. She approached Jesus who was surrounded by his friends.
How did Mary know what to do? Had she observed Jesus perform a miracle in their home? How did she come by this extraordinary confidence to believe that her Son will do her bidding? Mary was inspired by the Holy Spirit to provoke the first miracle of Jesus.
There are many lessons here for us. The most important is that this miracle at Cana was not only another epiphany for Jesus but also a revelation of God’s plan for Mary in the history of salvation. A powerful intercessor! More powerful than Moses because she enjoys the prerogatives of a mother.
“The mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said, ‘Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2: 4)
How much I love this scripture! Son and mother found themselves together in the same wedding party. And we see Mary display here all the graces that made her so beloved of people through out the centuries. She was watchful and observant of what was happening around her. She watched as the servants drew the wine to serve. She observed the guests enjoy the food and the wine. Then the wine ran out. The servants looked at one another with embarrassment and looked for the master of ceremony. At this point, Mary quietly intervened. She approached Jesus who was surrounded by his friends.
How did Mary know what to do? Had she observed Jesus perform a miracle in their home? How did she come by this extraordinary confidence to believe that her Son will do her bidding? Mary was inspired by the Holy Spirit to provoke the first miracle of Jesus.
There are many lessons here for us. The most important is that this miracle at Cana was not only another epiphany for Jesus but also a revelation of God’s plan for Mary in the history of salvation. A powerful intercessor! More powerful than Moses because she enjoys the prerogatives of a mother.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
The Lamb of God
The Lamb of God
“Look, there is the lamb of God.” (John 1: 36)
Jesus is the Lamb of God. What are the attributes of a lamb? Meekness, gentleness and tenderness. Jesus is the image of God the Father. One of the purposes of his incarnation is to reveal to us the nature of God. In John 1: 36, we see Jesus that is meek, gentle and tender. A God that is very lovable.
Jesus as the Lamb of God is a concept we should reflect on always. Lamb of God is one of the tenderest descriptions of Jesus. It shows the power that created the universe as powerless.
Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. The Catechism of the Catholic Church comments thus, “After agreeing to baptize him along with the sinners, John the Baptist looked at Jesus and pointed him out as the ‘Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’ By doing so, he reveals that Jesus is at the same time the suffering Servant who silently allows himself to be led to the slaughter and who bears the sin of the multitudes, and also the Paschal Lamb, the symbol of Israel’s redemption at the first Passover. Christ’s whole life expresses his mission: ‘to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 9CCC # 608)
Jesus is the Lamb that defeated the ferocious enemy, the ruler of the powers and the principalities. Is it not amazing that in describing the power that defeated Satan, the image of a gentle, meek and tender lamb is used? God displays his mighty power not through brute force but through meekness, gentleness and tenderness.
What is the lesson for us? Lord Jesus, make us meek, gentle and tender like you.
“Look, there is the lamb of God.” (John 1: 36)
Jesus is the Lamb of God. What are the attributes of a lamb? Meekness, gentleness and tenderness. Jesus is the image of God the Father. One of the purposes of his incarnation is to reveal to us the nature of God. In John 1: 36, we see Jesus that is meek, gentle and tender. A God that is very lovable.
Jesus as the Lamb of God is a concept we should reflect on always. Lamb of God is one of the tenderest descriptions of Jesus. It shows the power that created the universe as powerless.
Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. The Catechism of the Catholic Church comments thus, “After agreeing to baptize him along with the sinners, John the Baptist looked at Jesus and pointed him out as the ‘Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’ By doing so, he reveals that Jesus is at the same time the suffering Servant who silently allows himself to be led to the slaughter and who bears the sin of the multitudes, and also the Paschal Lamb, the symbol of Israel’s redemption at the first Passover. Christ’s whole life expresses his mission: ‘to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 9CCC # 608)
Jesus is the Lamb that defeated the ferocious enemy, the ruler of the powers and the principalities. Is it not amazing that in describing the power that defeated Satan, the image of a gentle, meek and tender lamb is used? God displays his mighty power not through brute force but through meekness, gentleness and tenderness.
What is the lesson for us? Lord Jesus, make us meek, gentle and tender like you.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Practice What You Teach
“The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptize with the Holy Spirit. ‘Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the chosen One of God.” (John 1: 34)
John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord. He did this work by word, action and the example of his life. When Christ Jesus appeared, he had a ready audience. “When the student is ready, the teacher appears,” says the Chinese proverb.
Like John, we too have seen Jesus at work in his Church. We can bear witness that he is the Son of God. Our work is to prepare students to meet the teacher. Like John the Baptist, we do this by our word, our action and the example of our life.
John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord. He did this work by word, action and the example of his life. When Christ Jesus appeared, he had a ready audience. “When the student is ready, the teacher appears,” says the Chinese proverb.
Like John, we too have seen Jesus at work in his Church. We can bear witness that he is the Son of God. Our work is to prepare students to meet the teacher. Like John the Baptist, we do this by our word, our action and the example of our life.
- Believe what you read.
- Teach what you believe.
- Practice what you teach.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
The Fullness of Jesus
“Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received – yes, grace in return for grace, since, though the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.” (John 1: 16)
Christ is full of grace. Jesus is full of all goodness. Christ is full of all resources. Jesus is full of power, honor and glory. Christ is full of mercy and compassion. Jesus is full of patience and love. Jesus Christ is full of kindness and generosity.
Jesus desires to fill us with his fullness. How much do we desire to be filled? How eagerly do we pray to be filled? All the good things we have come from Jesus: family, health, job, money, tools and toys, and food. How about the delays, disappointments, obstacles and trials of life? All these also pass through the most loving and most powerful providence of Jesus. His loving providence guiding us every step and protecting us every moment of the today is far more powerful than our impotent providence.
The Law came through Moses. The law represents work, human effort, will power and positive thinking. From Jesus Christ comes the opposite: grace and truth. Jesus brings us the truth about God, the world and man.
Let us praise and thank Jesus and say: “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. With joy I will draw water at the fountain of salvation.” (Isaiah 12: 2 – 3)
Christ is full of grace. Jesus is full of all goodness. Christ is full of all resources. Jesus is full of power, honor and glory. Christ is full of mercy and compassion. Jesus is full of patience and love. Jesus Christ is full of kindness and generosity.
Jesus desires to fill us with his fullness. How much do we desire to be filled? How eagerly do we pray to be filled? All the good things we have come from Jesus: family, health, job, money, tools and toys, and food. How about the delays, disappointments, obstacles and trials of life? All these also pass through the most loving and most powerful providence of Jesus. His loving providence guiding us every step and protecting us every moment of the today is far more powerful than our impotent providence.
The Law came through Moses. The law represents work, human effort, will power and positive thinking. From Jesus Christ comes the opposite: grace and truth. Jesus brings us the truth about God, the world and man.
Let us praise and thank Jesus and say: “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. With joy I will draw water at the fountain of salvation.” (Isaiah 12: 2 – 3)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Where is Jesus?
“He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him. But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name.” (John 1: 11-12)
For many centuries, God prepared the chosen people through the prophets for the coming of the Messiah. Yet we read that when the Messiah came, his people did not accept him. They failed to recognize him.
When we fail to recognize Christ today in his various manifestations, acceptance becomes almost impossible. Just as the prophets and rabbis prepared the chosen people for the coming of the Christ through prophecies and teachings, so Jesus Christ himself through his teachings prepare us for the various ways he will continue to manifest himself to us day by day. How does Christ manifest himself to us today? Where is Jesus?
Christ acts principally today “through the sacraments he instituted to communicate his grace.” (CCC #1084)
“Christ is always present in his Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the Sacrifice of the Mass not only in the person of his minister, ‘the same now offering, through the ministry of priests, who formerly offered himself on the cross,’ but especially in the Eucharistic species.” (CCC # 1088)
“He is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church. Lastly, he is present when the Church prays and sings, for he has promised ‘where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.” (CCC #1088)
“He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him. But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name.” (John 1: 11-12)
For many centuries, God prepared the chosen people through the prophets for the coming of the Messiah. Yet we read that when the Messiah came, his people did not accept him. They failed to recognize him.
When we fail to recognize Christ today in his various manifestations, acceptance becomes almost impossible. Just as the prophets and rabbis prepared the chosen people for the coming of the Christ through prophecies and teachings, so Jesus Christ himself through his teachings prepare us for the various ways he will continue to manifest himself to us day by day. How does Christ manifest himself to us today? Where is Jesus?
Christ acts principally today “through the sacraments he instituted to communicate his grace.” (CCC #1084)
“Christ is always present in his Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the Sacrifice of the Mass not only in the person of his minister, ‘the same now offering, through the ministry of priests, who formerly offered himself on the cross,’ but especially in the Eucharistic species.” (CCC # 1088)
“He is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church. Lastly, he is present when the Church prays and sings, for he has promised ‘where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.” (CCC #1088)
“He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him. But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name.” (John 1: 11-12)
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
The Word is the Light
“The word was the true light that enlightens all men.” (John 1:9)
The word is the Word of God. This Word created all men and all things. The Word is also the light that gives meaning to man and the world. Without the word, man’s life will be meaningless and just material. The word gives meaning to the spiritual nature of man.
There are two lights in the world: the light of the word and the light of Satan, which in reality is darkness. This light is error or a lie. It distorts the image of man by trying to portray man as material. But Christ is the true light of the world. Where is this light? Where is Christ? Christ is alive. He is found in the Church. He is in the word of God. He is in the sacraments. He is where two or three are gathered in his name. It is clear that visible eyes cannot perceive Christ today. We need the eyes of faith to do so.
The word of God is the true light that enlightens us on all the aspects of our life: family, health, job, money, tools and food. Any other light will lead us into error. To appropriate the full meaning of the light of the word for our life, we ask: What does the word of God say to me on: health, family, money, job, food and tool. The answer we get is the light to follow.
The word is the Word of God. This Word created all men and all things. The Word is also the light that gives meaning to man and the world. Without the word, man’s life will be meaningless and just material. The word gives meaning to the spiritual nature of man.
There are two lights in the world: the light of the word and the light of Satan, which in reality is darkness. This light is error or a lie. It distorts the image of man by trying to portray man as material. But Christ is the true light of the world. Where is this light? Where is Christ? Christ is alive. He is found in the Church. He is in the word of God. He is in the sacraments. He is where two or three are gathered in his name. It is clear that visible eyes cannot perceive Christ today. We need the eyes of faith to do so.
The word of God is the true light that enlightens us on all the aspects of our life: family, health, job, money, tools and food. Any other light will lead us into error. To appropriate the full meaning of the light of the word for our life, we ask: What does the word of God say to me on: health, family, money, job, food and tool. The answer we get is the light to follow.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Who is Jesus?
“In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower.” (John 1: 1 – 5)
St. John the Evangelist is speaking about Jesus. He wrote his gospel after more than half a century reflecting on the earthly life of Jesus, on his passion, death and resurrection. Out of the four Gospels, that of St. John is the most spiritual.
St. John answers the question “Who is Jesus” by saying that Jesus is the Word of God. He was with God from the very beginning. All things came to be through him. He is the light that scatters darkness.
After many years of reflecting on the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, we too must be able to write our own gospel about Jesus? Who do you perceive Jesus to be? Even if you cannot yet write your own gospel about Jesus, you can make an act of faith that Jesus Christ is:
St. John the Evangelist is speaking about Jesus. He wrote his gospel after more than half a century reflecting on the earthly life of Jesus, on his passion, death and resurrection. Out of the four Gospels, that of St. John is the most spiritual.
St. John answers the question “Who is Jesus” by saying that Jesus is the Word of God. He was with God from the very beginning. All things came to be through him. He is the light that scatters darkness.
After many years of reflecting on the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, we too must be able to write our own gospel about Jesus? Who do you perceive Jesus to be? Even if you cannot yet write your own gospel about Jesus, you can make an act of faith that Jesus Christ is:
- The light of the world
- The truth
- The way
- The life
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Make Disciples
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commandments I gave you. And know that I am with you always’ yes, to the end of time.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)
This is the final scene in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus gave the great commission to his disciples. Christ was also speaking to us when he said: “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations….” For three years Jesus trained his disciples. They were ready. Only one thing was lacking. The presence of the Holy Spirit.
Have you heard the call of Christ to evangelize in your work place? In your family? How does Christ prepare us for this work? He prepares us through Scripture, through prayer and through the Eucharist. Through these means, he increases his life in us.
Jesus promised to be with his disciples always – now and to the end of time. We too enjoy this same promise.
This is the final scene in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus gave the great commission to his disciples. Christ was also speaking to us when he said: “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations….” For three years Jesus trained his disciples. They were ready. Only one thing was lacking. The presence of the Holy Spirit.
Have you heard the call of Christ to evangelize in your work place? In your family? How does Christ prepare us for this work? He prepares us through Scripture, through prayer and through the Eucharist. Through these means, he increases his life in us.
Jesus promised to be with his disciples always – now and to the end of time. We too enjoy this same promise.
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