The Habit of Sin
“I tell you most solemnly, everyone who commits sin is a slave. Now the slave’s place in the house is not assured, but the son’s place is assured. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8: 34 – 36)
Sin is slavery to passion, to self, food, drink, money, habit, etc. Every sin involves the law of compulsion. It is said: Sow a thought, you reap a word and sow a word and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny. The habit or slavery to sin does not happen all at once. The addiction to cocaine does not happen with the first sniff. The very first act sets the stage for the next one and the next one until the habit is formed. Then the law of compulsion takes over. At this point, the stuff says: “Hi, I am here, you must use me now.” And the addict can no longer say No.
Jesus says that he has come to set us free from this compulsion to act sinfully. When sin as alcohol says to me, “Come and drink me now.” I am free to respond: Christ said: “Man does not live by drink alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God.” For every temptation, there is a script (scripture) for it. We must become like good actors familiar with the appropriate response. The word of God makes us truly free because it exposes the lies and errors of the devil. Let the habit of eating the word of God everyday become second nature to us.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
The Truth will make you Free
The Truth will make you Free
“If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.” (John 8: 31)
To know Jesus, you must know his word. To know his word, you must read it, meditate on it again and again until you become very familiar with it. St. Jerome said that “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Christ’s word is truth. Jesus says of himself “I am the truth, the way and the life.” Jesus is the truth that Scripture reveals.
Truth comes as light to chase away error or darkness that is associated with sin, ignorance and death. When the veil of darkness is lifted, one sees the light, that is, the reality on any question, like: family, health, job, money, tools and food.
Jesus promises that knowledge of truth leads to freedom. Am I free in regard to family, health, job, money, tools and food? Not yet. But I trust completely in the word of God. I believe that I am being made free everyday. I do not understand how and I may not see much progress but I believe.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your word. Thank you for the opportunity to read and reflect on your word. Lord heal me by your word and set me completely free by your word.
“If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.” (John 8: 31) This is one scripture that can be put to test.
“If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.” (John 8: 31)
To know Jesus, you must know his word. To know his word, you must read it, meditate on it again and again until you become very familiar with it. St. Jerome said that “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Christ’s word is truth. Jesus says of himself “I am the truth, the way and the life.” Jesus is the truth that Scripture reveals.
Truth comes as light to chase away error or darkness that is associated with sin, ignorance and death. When the veil of darkness is lifted, one sees the light, that is, the reality on any question, like: family, health, job, money, tools and food.
Jesus promises that knowledge of truth leads to freedom. Am I free in regard to family, health, job, money, tools and food? Not yet. But I trust completely in the word of God. I believe that I am being made free everyday. I do not understand how and I may not see much progress but I believe.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your word. Thank you for the opportunity to read and reflect on your word. Lord heal me by your word and set me completely free by your word.
“If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.” (John 8: 31) This is one scripture that can be put to test.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
10 Tricks of the Devil
My Top Ten Tricks of the Devil
"When he lies he is speaking true to his nature, because he is a liar, and the father of lies" (John 8:44)NJB
"Put on the full armour of God so as to be able to resist the devil's tricks." (Ephesians 6;11)
Falsehood is the most consistent attribute of the devil. Paul urged the Ephesians to put on the full armour in order to resist the tricks of satan. The Cure of Ars used to say, "The devil is a big dog on a chain, who threatens and makes a lot of noise but who only bites those who go too near to him" (Selected Sermons).
These are my top ten tricks of the devil:
1. We pray for miracles and events to happen and when they do, we fail to give God the full credit by dismissing them as coincidences.
2. Don't bother about the saints; they are dead.
3. The devil does not exist.
4. You don't have to belong to a Church to worship God.
5. Why pray since prayers are not answered.
6. All religions lead to heaven.
7. Jesus is not true God and true man.
8. It is impossible to keep on the straight path. Accept yourself as you are.
9. Why go to Church today, you can go next week. Why accept Jesus today, you can do it next year. Why tithe today, you can do it when you get a better job.
10. Be anxious about your job, health, money, family relationship and future.
"When he lies he is speaking true to his nature, because he is a liar, and the father of lies" (John 8:44)NJB
"Put on the full armour of God so as to be able to resist the devil's tricks." (Ephesians 6;11)
Falsehood is the most consistent attribute of the devil. Paul urged the Ephesians to put on the full armour in order to resist the tricks of satan. The Cure of Ars used to say, "The devil is a big dog on a chain, who threatens and makes a lot of noise but who only bites those who go too near to him" (Selected Sermons).
These are my top ten tricks of the devil:
1. We pray for miracles and events to happen and when they do, we fail to give God the full credit by dismissing them as coincidences.
2. Don't bother about the saints; they are dead.
3. The devil does not exist.
4. You don't have to belong to a Church to worship God.
5. Why pray since prayers are not answered.
6. All religions lead to heaven.
7. Jesus is not true God and true man.
8. It is impossible to keep on the straight path. Accept yourself as you are.
9. Why go to Church today, you can go next week. Why accept Jesus today, you can do it next year. Why tithe today, you can do it when you get a better job.
10. Be anxious about your job, health, money, family relationship and future.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
The Light of Jesus
The Light of Jesus
“I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in he dark; he will have light of life.” (John 8: 12)
Christ is the light of the world. He is the meaning of life; he is the explanation to all the questions about life and the world. How? Here are a few examples:
What is the meaning of family life? Ask Jesus.
How do I conduct myself in the family as a father, mother or child? Ask Jesus.
What is the purpose of family life? Ask Jesus.
What is man’s purpose on earth? Ask Christ.
What is the purpose of work? Ask Jesus.
What is the meaning of suffering and death? Ask Jesus.
What is the purpose of money? Ask Jesus.
For every question about life, Jesus has a point of view. His point of view is the light that should guide our thinking and behavior. If we follow Christ’s teaching on everything, we should never walk in the dark. We will be guided by the light of life.
“I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in he dark; he will have light of life.” (John 8: 12) This is God’s promise. It is true.
“I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in he dark; he will have light of life.” (John 8: 12)
Christ is the light of the world. He is the meaning of life; he is the explanation to all the questions about life and the world. How? Here are a few examples:
What is the meaning of family life? Ask Jesus.
How do I conduct myself in the family as a father, mother or child? Ask Jesus.
What is the purpose of family life? Ask Jesus.
What is man’s purpose on earth? Ask Christ.
What is the purpose of work? Ask Jesus.
What is the meaning of suffering and death? Ask Jesus.
What is the purpose of money? Ask Jesus.
For every question about life, Jesus has a point of view. His point of view is the light that should guide our thinking and behavior. If we follow Christ’s teaching on everything, we should never walk in the dark. We will be guided by the light of life.
“I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in he dark; he will have light of life.” (John 8: 12) This is God’s promise. It is true.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit
“If any man is thirsty, let him come to me! Let the man comes and drinks who believes in me! As scripture says: From his breast shall flow fountains of living water.’ He was speaking of the Spirit which those who believed in him were to receive.” John 7: 38.
On the morning of June 19, 1996 when I read and commented on the above scripture, I woke up to find that thieves had broken into my living room and cleaned up everything. My reflection on the scripture written in my journal that day was more of prayer for guidance and wisdom than on any other thing. I recognized the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 7: 38 and I asked the Lord to minister to my bruised feelings through his Spirit.
Today, ten years after, I am amazed to note how “this also had passed away” as the saying goes. What happened on that day of June that seemed so large and unforgettable has after ten years become a tiny foot print in my walk on the shifting sand of life.
When I read John 7: 38 today, February 2006, what occurs to me immediately are two scriptures from the Old Testament, both from Isaiah:
“All you who are thirsty come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk!” (Isaiah 55: 1)
“With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation, and say on that day: give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.” (Isaiah 12: 3).
In both scriptures from Isaiah, we see clear pointer to the Holy Spirit, “which those who believed in him were to receive.” Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. From my experience I have found that Christians from every denomination and background who may disagree on everything are all agreed on the Holy Spirit, his gifts and his operations.
“If any man is thirsty, let him come to me! Let the man comes and drinks who believes in me! As scripture says: From his breast shall flow fountains of living water.’ He was speaking of the Spirit which those who believed in him were to receive.” John 7: 38.
On the morning of June 19, 1996 when I read and commented on the above scripture, I woke up to find that thieves had broken into my living room and cleaned up everything. My reflection on the scripture written in my journal that day was more of prayer for guidance and wisdom than on any other thing. I recognized the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 7: 38 and I asked the Lord to minister to my bruised feelings through his Spirit.
Today, ten years after, I am amazed to note how “this also had passed away” as the saying goes. What happened on that day of June that seemed so large and unforgettable has after ten years become a tiny foot print in my walk on the shifting sand of life.
When I read John 7: 38 today, February 2006, what occurs to me immediately are two scriptures from the Old Testament, both from Isaiah:
“All you who are thirsty come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk!” (Isaiah 55: 1)
“With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation, and say on that day: give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.” (Isaiah 12: 3).
In both scriptures from Isaiah, we see clear pointer to the Holy Spirit, “which those who believed in him were to receive.” Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. From my experience I have found that Christians from every denomination and background who may disagree on everything are all agreed on the Holy Spirit, his gifts and his operations.
Monday, February 06, 2006
The Right Time
The Right Time
“The right time for me has not come yet, but anytime is the right time for you.” (John 7: 6)
The cousins of Jesus asked him to manifest himself openly in Judaea and Jesus said that the right time for him to do so has not come. This reminds me of the concept of the two times: Chronos and Kairos. While chronos measures physical time – minutes, hours, days, weeks and years, kairos is God’s right time for any event. In the Scriptures, kairos is also indicated as the fullness of time. When we look at the life of Christ, we sense that he seemed to judge time as kairos instead of chronology. The world judges time chronologically but the saints do so in kairos.
We learn also from John 7: 6, that there is a time for everything. To succeed in anything, one must align himself with God’s timetable. How do we find out God’s time in any issue?
First, believe that God is in control of the event. Second, pray for light and guidance. Third, wait for God to speak. “Faith that is firm is also patient.” (Isaiah 28: 16) Lastly, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2: 4)
The hardest part in this formula is to wait for God to speak. Surrender the problem and the time-table for the solution to God.
“The right time for me has not come yet, but anytime is the right time for you.” (John 7: 6)
The cousins of Jesus asked him to manifest himself openly in Judaea and Jesus said that the right time for him to do so has not come. This reminds me of the concept of the two times: Chronos and Kairos. While chronos measures physical time – minutes, hours, days, weeks and years, kairos is God’s right time for any event. In the Scriptures, kairos is also indicated as the fullness of time. When we look at the life of Christ, we sense that he seemed to judge time as kairos instead of chronology. The world judges time chronologically but the saints do so in kairos.
We learn also from John 7: 6, that there is a time for everything. To succeed in anything, one must align himself with God’s timetable. How do we find out God’s time in any issue?
First, believe that God is in control of the event. Second, pray for light and guidance. Third, wait for God to speak. “Faith that is firm is also patient.” (Isaiah 28: 16) Lastly, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2: 4)
The hardest part in this formula is to wait for God to speak. Surrender the problem and the time-table for the solution to God.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Whom shall I go to?
Whom shall I go to?
“Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe, we know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6: 67 – 70)
When Jesus said, “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world..”(John 6:51) most of the multitude that followed him found the message too much. They disbelieved him and went away. But Jesus did not call them back and say, “You misunderstood me, I was only speaking symbolically.” Instead he challenged the disciples who did not go away to believe the message or to go away with the rest. Happily, inspired by the Holy Spirit once again, Peter spoke for the rest: Jesus has the message of eternal life. His word is true. There is nothing out there to go to.
On the feast of Sacred Heart, 1996, I too received a most astonishing message from Jesus: “My grace is always with you.” This message was also too much for me and without the help of grace, it was not possible for me to believe it.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your message on 061496. You have said the same again many times since that date. I believe you. I know that your word is truth. I also know that you are faithful to your promises. Lord, may I grow in the understanding of your message. May every aspect of my life be influenced by the truth of your message. May my life be enriched by this message.
The seed is the word of God. All that is required of me is to be still and remain calm and believe and the seed will grow. It has fallen on a fertile soil. I water the soil through prayer and the word of God.
“Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe, we know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6: 67 – 70)
When Jesus said, “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world..”(John 6:51) most of the multitude that followed him found the message too much. They disbelieved him and went away. But Jesus did not call them back and say, “You misunderstood me, I was only speaking symbolically.” Instead he challenged the disciples who did not go away to believe the message or to go away with the rest. Happily, inspired by the Holy Spirit once again, Peter spoke for the rest: Jesus has the message of eternal life. His word is true. There is nothing out there to go to.
On the feast of Sacred Heart, 1996, I too received a most astonishing message from Jesus: “My grace is always with you.” This message was also too much for me and without the help of grace, it was not possible for me to believe it.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your message on 061496. You have said the same again many times since that date. I believe you. I know that your word is truth. I also know that you are faithful to your promises. Lord, may I grow in the understanding of your message. May every aspect of my life be influenced by the truth of your message. May my life be enriched by this message.
The seed is the word of God. All that is required of me is to be still and remain calm and believe and the seed will grow. It has fallen on a fertile soil. I water the soil through prayer and the word of God.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
The Spirit and the Flesh
The Spirit and the Flesh
“It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6: 63)
The Bread of life which Jesus gives is a spiritual food which gives life to the soul. This life is the real life. The flesh which is fed by material bread has nothing to offer. “Man does not live by bread alone.” The word of God gives man life. The Bread of life also gives him life. To have real life to the full, life that endures, man needs the word of God and the Bread of life. We thank God for these two great gifts in the Church.
How can we develop a strong rapport with the word of God and the Bread of life? The Spirit gives the life of grace. He gives it through his word and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
“It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6: 63)
The connection to the Spirit is the word of God and the Bread of life.
“It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6: 63)
The Bread of life which Jesus gives is a spiritual food which gives life to the soul. This life is the real life. The flesh which is fed by material bread has nothing to offer. “Man does not live by bread alone.” The word of God gives man life. The Bread of life also gives him life. To have real life to the full, life that endures, man needs the word of God and the Bread of life. We thank God for these two great gifts in the Church.
How can we develop a strong rapport with the word of God and the Bread of life? The Spirit gives the life of grace. He gives it through his word and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
“It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6: 63)
The connection to the Spirit is the word of God and the Bread of life.
Friday, February 03, 2006
The Flesh that is given for the world
The Flesh that is given for the world
“I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” (John 6: 51)
Jesus Christ is the living bread. The word of God is a living word. The living bread gives eternal life. The living word gives also eternal life. The living bread is the flesh of Christ given for the life of the world. The life that is spoken of here is the spiritual life, the life of the soul. The soul is immortal.
Lord Jesus, I believe that you give me your flesh in the Eucharist as my food. You said it and your word is true. I also believe that I have eternal life here and now because I believe your word. Lord, I need a strong faith. Give this to me, dear Jesus. Then I can share this faith with others and fulfill your purpose for my life. May I grow in you every time I come to your holy table. Lord, I also pray that you multiply for me the number of times I come to the Eucharist. Make me deeply grateful for this gift. I ask for all this in your name Jesus. Amen.
“I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” (John 6: 51)
Jesus Christ is the living bread. The word of God is a living word. The living bread gives eternal life. The living word gives also eternal life. The living bread is the flesh of Christ given for the life of the world. The life that is spoken of here is the spiritual life, the life of the soul. The soul is immortal.
Lord Jesus, I believe that you give me your flesh in the Eucharist as my food. You said it and your word is true. I also believe that I have eternal life here and now because I believe your word. Lord, I need a strong faith. Give this to me, dear Jesus. Then I can share this faith with others and fulfill your purpose for my life. May I grow in you every time I come to your holy table. Lord, I also pray that you multiply for me the number of times I come to the Eucharist. Make me deeply grateful for this gift. I ask for all this in your name Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Bread of Life
Bread of Life
“I am the Bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6: 35)
Jesus is the genuine Bread of life. Under the appearance of bread and wine, he gives us himself in the Eucharist.
When I come to Jesus in Holy Communion, what do I seek? I seek what is promised and I am absolutely sure that I will receive it. Jesus promises me two things explicitly in John 6: 35. If I eat him, the Bread of life, then I will never be hungry and I will not know thirst. O Holy Spirit, what does this mean? It is said that Scripture is the best commentary of Scripture. “Man does not live on bread alone, there is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In another place, Jesus said, “Do not worry about what to eat and what to drink.” We observe that the world is engrossed in food. They worry about it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening and at all times. Jesus calls this attitude pagan.
What is the cure for this disordered attachment to food? The cure is the Bread of life. When we consume the Bread of life, little by little, it frees us from the disordered attitude towards food and drink. It replaces it with the desire for food that lasts forever.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Signs of Grace
Signs of Grace
“So they said, ‘What sign will you give to show us that we should believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers had manna to eat in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” (John 6: 30)
Suppose I ask Jesus today: ‘What sign will you give to show me that I should believe in you? What work will you do?’ What answer should I expect?
In 1996, I wrote the following to this question: “The greatest sign is the presence of the Holy Spirit in me. I know that the peace and tranquility that I enjoy does not have its source in me. The increasing meaning of the word of God in my life is another sign. The Church, the community of people who believe in Jesus is a living sign. The miracles in my life convince me of God’s constant intervention. Answers to my prayers are not just accidents or coincidences. They are signs of favor of God.” Today, 2006, tens years later, I will add the gift of the Eucharist and the gift of the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
My faith in Jesus is growing. I thank him for the wonderful gift of perseverance. It is not possible to persevere for ten years in following a shadow. Jesus Christ has become a solid reality in my life.
“So they said, ‘What sign will you give to show us that we should believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers had manna to eat in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” (John 6: 30)
Suppose I ask Jesus today: ‘What sign will you give to show me that I should believe in you? What work will you do?’ What answer should I expect?
In 1996, I wrote the following to this question: “The greatest sign is the presence of the Holy Spirit in me. I know that the peace and tranquility that I enjoy does not have its source in me. The increasing meaning of the word of God in my life is another sign. The Church, the community of people who believe in Jesus is a living sign. The miracles in my life convince me of God’s constant intervention. Answers to my prayers are not just accidents or coincidences. They are signs of favor of God.” Today, 2006, tens years later, I will add the gift of the Eucharist and the gift of the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
My faith in Jesus is growing. I thank him for the wonderful gift of perseverance. It is not possible to persevere for ten years in following a shadow. Jesus Christ has become a solid reality in my life.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
"This is working for God"
“This is working for God.”
“Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is working for God: ‘you must believe in the one he had sent.” (John 6: 28 – 29)
What must we do today if we are to do the works that God wants? The inspired answer is: Believe in Jesus. But what does believing in Jesus mean?
Believe that Jesus is well and alive.
Believe that he speaks to us in the Scriptures.
Believe that he is the Lord of history.
Believe that he is in full control of our life.
Believe that he is our savior and redeemer.
Believe that he is our light and salvation.
Believe that he is all that we need and want.
Believe that he wants us to use our time, talent and treasure to serve him.
Believe that he is training us for this service.
Believe that Jesus is our king and boss.
Believe in all his promises.
If we believe all the above, it will have impact in the way we think, speak and act today. For example, we will not be afraid of anything because we know that Jesus is in charge. We will be patient in everything because we trust his wisdom and power.
The key to relationship with God is faith. Faith establishes a supernatural outlook. Out of faith flows everything.
“Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is working for God: ‘you must believe in the one he had sent.” (John 6: 28 – 29)
What must we do today if we are to do the works that God wants? The inspired answer is: Believe in Jesus. But what does believing in Jesus mean?
Believe that Jesus is well and alive.
Believe that he speaks to us in the Scriptures.
Believe that he is the Lord of history.
Believe that he is in full control of our life.
Believe that he is our savior and redeemer.
Believe that he is our light and salvation.
Believe that he is all that we need and want.
Believe that he wants us to use our time, talent and treasure to serve him.
Believe that he is training us for this service.
Believe that Jesus is our king and boss.
Believe in all his promises.
If we believe all the above, it will have impact in the way we think, speak and act today. For example, we will not be afraid of anything because we know that Jesus is in charge. We will be patient in everything because we trust his wisdom and power.
The key to relationship with God is faith. Faith establishes a supernatural outlook. Out of faith flows everything.
Monday, January 30, 2006
The Food that endures
The Food that endures
“Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.” (John 6:27)
As I read this, a number of scriptures on food occur to me:
“Man does not live on bread alone.”
“Do not worry about what to eat.”
Paul wrote about over-attachment to material food which is perishable.
About ten years ago, I worried about what to eat. Pausing to reflect on that period of my life today, it is amazing to see what a wonderful deliverance the Lord gave me over food. The root cause of my problem with food was errors and untruths about food. Some of these errors are: Food gives much pleasure. Food is one of the most important things in life. I cannot do without food. The truth about food is exposed by the word of God. Material food is transient and perishable. The pleasure is momentary.
In John 6: 27, Jesus Christ is saying that the most important food is himself. This is the “food that endures to eternal life.” Jesus fulfils the promise to offer us himself as food in the Eucharist. On the Eucharist and food, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say: “The miracles of the multiplication of the loaves, when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes the loaves through his disciples to feed the multitude, prefigure the superabundance of this unique bread of his Eucharist. The sign of water turned into wine at Cana already announces the Hour of Jesus’ glorification. It makes manifest the fulfillment of the wedding feast in the Father’s kingdom, where the faithful will drink the new wine that has become the Blood of Christ.” (CCC #1335)
“Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.” (John 6:27)
As I read this, a number of scriptures on food occur to me:
“Man does not live on bread alone.”
“Do not worry about what to eat.”
Paul wrote about over-attachment to material food which is perishable.
About ten years ago, I worried about what to eat. Pausing to reflect on that period of my life today, it is amazing to see what a wonderful deliverance the Lord gave me over food. The root cause of my problem with food was errors and untruths about food. Some of these errors are: Food gives much pleasure. Food is one of the most important things in life. I cannot do without food. The truth about food is exposed by the word of God. Material food is transient and perishable. The pleasure is momentary.
In John 6: 27, Jesus Christ is saying that the most important food is himself. This is the “food that endures to eternal life.” Jesus fulfils the promise to offer us himself as food in the Eucharist. On the Eucharist and food, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say: “The miracles of the multiplication of the loaves, when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes the loaves through his disciples to feed the multitude, prefigure the superabundance of this unique bread of his Eucharist. The sign of water turned into wine at Cana already announces the Hour of Jesus’ glorification. It makes manifest the fulfillment of the wedding feast in the Father’s kingdom, where the faithful will drink the new wine that has become the Blood of Christ.” (CCC #1335)
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Do not be afraid!
Do not be afraid
“They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.” (John 6: 19 – 20)
Jesus is in every event in my life. He is saying to me here: ‘Do not be afraid. I am present.’ How can I make this truth serve me everyday? In the midst of the hot events of my life, how can I call to mind the sure presence of Jesus? One way is to cultivate the presence of Jesus through the Jesus prayer. Jesus!
Lord Jesus, I believe you are present in my life through the Holy Spirit. I thank you for the peace and tranquility that is your gift. Sometimes I forget about your presence and become anxious and afraid. I feel that I am in control of events and I feel so inadequate. Lord teach me to live in your presence every moment of my life. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you, in God, whose word I praise, in God I put my trust and have no fear, what power has human strength over me?” (Psalm 56: 3-4)
In order to live constantly in the presence of Jesus, I will immerse myself in the words of Jesus and say the Jesus prayer.
“It is I. Do not be afraid.”
“They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.” (John 6: 19 – 20)
Jesus is in every event in my life. He is saying to me here: ‘Do not be afraid. I am present.’ How can I make this truth serve me everyday? In the midst of the hot events of my life, how can I call to mind the sure presence of Jesus? One way is to cultivate the presence of Jesus through the Jesus prayer. Jesus!
Lord Jesus, I believe you are present in my life through the Holy Spirit. I thank you for the peace and tranquility that is your gift. Sometimes I forget about your presence and become anxious and afraid. I feel that I am in control of events and I feel so inadequate. Lord teach me to live in your presence every moment of my life. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you, in God, whose word I praise, in God I put my trust and have no fear, what power has human strength over me?” (Psalm 56: 3-4)
In order to live constantly in the presence of Jesus, I will immerse myself in the words of Jesus and say the Jesus prayer.
“It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Pick up the Pieces
Pick up the Pieces
“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing get wasted. So they picked them up, and filled 12 hampers with scraps left over from the meal of 5 barley loaves.” (John 6: 11-14)
Christ feeding the 5000 with 5 barley loaves and a few fish tells us that our feeding can never be an impossible task for God. Jesus himself taught us to ask Our Father everyday with confidence for our daily bread. If we do what God requires of us, he has guaranteed to provide not only our daily bread but all our necessities. And what requires of us is to “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness ….Then ask and you shall receive.” (Matthew 6: 33; 7:7)
“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing get wasted. So they picked them up, and filled 12 hampers with scraps left over from the meal of 5 barley loaves.” (John 6: 11-14)
Christ feeding the 5000 with 5 barley loaves and a few fish tells us that our feeding can never be an impossible task for God. Jesus himself taught us to ask Our Father everyday with confidence for our daily bread. If we do what God requires of us, he has guaranteed to provide not only our daily bread but all our necessities. And what requires of us is to “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness ….Then ask and you shall receive.” (Matthew 6: 33; 7:7)
Friday, January 27, 2006
The One Single Word
The One Single Word
“You study the scriptures, believing that in them you have eternal life; now these same scriptures testify to me, and yet you refuse to come to me for life.” (John 5: 39)
We find Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, we find him as types: Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. In the New Testament, we find the Word who has become flesh, the true image of the Father. John 5:39 encourages us to seek Jesus in the Scriptures. “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened for you.” When we seek Jesus in the Scriptures, we find him and when we find him, we find life.
The Church teaches that “Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely:
You recall that one and the same Word of God extends throughout Scripture, that it is one and the same Utterance that resounds in the mouths of all the sacred writers, since he who was in the beginning God with God has no need of separate syllables, for he is not subject to time.” (CCC #102)
“You study the scriptures, believing that in them you have eternal life; now these same scriptures testify to me, and yet you refuse to come to me for life.” (John 5: 39)
We find Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, we find him as types: Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. In the New Testament, we find the Word who has become flesh, the true image of the Father. John 5:39 encourages us to seek Jesus in the Scriptures. “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened for you.” When we seek Jesus in the Scriptures, we find him and when we find him, we find life.
The Church teaches that “Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely:
You recall that one and the same Word of God extends throughout Scripture, that it is one and the same Utterance that resounds in the mouths of all the sacred writers, since he who was in the beginning God with God has no need of separate syllables, for he is not subject to time.” (CCC #102)
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Jesus as Light
Jesus as Light
“John was a lamp alight and shining and for a time you were content to enjoy the light that he gave.” (John 5: 35)
Jesus Christ is the perpetual light of the world. Jesus is the “light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1: 4 – 5). We find this light shining in the pages of the Gospel, in every word that Jesus has spoken. We find in Christ, light to guide us in every situation. And his guidance is unerring.
God as light is a dominant theme of Sacred Scripture. First, we see that light is pleasant (Ecclesiastes 11:7). Scripture then tells us that God himself is light (1 John 1:5). The Lord is my light, my everlasting light (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 60 19 20; Micah 7:8). This light is Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
“John was a lamp alight and shining and for a time you were content to enjoy the light that he gave.” (John 5: 35)
Jesus Christ is the perpetual light of the world. Jesus is the “light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1: 4 – 5). We find this light shining in the pages of the Gospel, in every word that Jesus has spoken. We find in Christ, light to guide us in every situation. And his guidance is unerring.
God as light is a dominant theme of Sacred Scripture. First, we see that light is pleasant (Ecclesiastes 11:7). Scripture then tells us that God himself is light (1 John 1:5). The Lord is my light, my everlasting light (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 60 19 20; Micah 7:8). This light is Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Bearing Witness
Bearing Witness
“You sent messengers to John, and he gave his testimony to the truth: not that I depend on human testimony.” (John 5: 33)
“Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Isaac asked his father Abraham. “My son, God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering,” replied Abraham. (Genesis 22: 7-8) “Behold, the Lamb of God,” said John the Baptist as he pointed to Jesus. (John 1: 37) God himself has fulfilled the prophecy of Abraham in providing his Son, Jesus as the sacrificial lamb. John gave his testimony about the Lamb. The testimony is true and reliable because it was inspired by God.
Jesus tells us also in John 5: 33 to depend on the word of God as the only testimony to the truth.
John the Baptist paid the supreme price for bearing testimony to the truth. “Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He endures death through an act of fortitude. “Let me become the food of the beasts, through whom it will be given me to reach God.” - St. Ignatius of Antioch (CCC #2473)
“You sent messengers to John, and he gave his testimony to the truth: not that I depend on human testimony.” (John 5: 33)
“Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Isaac asked his father Abraham. “My son, God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering,” replied Abraham. (Genesis 22: 7-8) “Behold, the Lamb of God,” said John the Baptist as he pointed to Jesus. (John 1: 37) God himself has fulfilled the prophecy of Abraham in providing his Son, Jesus as the sacrificial lamb. John gave his testimony about the Lamb. The testimony is true and reliable because it was inspired by God.
Jesus tells us also in John 5: 33 to depend on the word of God as the only testimony to the truth.
John the Baptist paid the supreme price for bearing testimony to the truth. “Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He endures death through an act of fortitude. “Let me become the food of the beasts, through whom it will be given me to reach God.” - St. Ignatius of Antioch (CCC #2473)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Jesus - Source of Eternal Life
Jesus – Source of Eternal Life
“For the Father, who is the source of life has made the Son the source of life, and because he is the Son of Man, has appointed him supreme judge.” (John 5: 26 – 27)
Jesus Christ is the source of life. The true life is the eternal life we have been promised, starting from here and now and then forever and forever. If Christ is the source of life, how does he give us this life? Jesus procured this life for all men through his passion and death. He mediates this life to us through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source of life par excellence. When we receive the consecrated Bread and Wine, we receive truly Jesus, the source of life and life itself.
Jesus is also the supreme judge of the world. At the moment of our death, we will face Jesus. “Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ,” teaches the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1021). In the final judgment, he will judge all mankind. But our judgment starts here and now. If you are alive in Jesus, then you have here and now eternal life. Do everything to maintain that life by dwelling in the Word and making use of the lavish gifts of the sacraments.
In the creed, we profess, “I believe in life everlasting.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “Those who die in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ. They are like God for ever, for they ‘see him as he is,’ face to face.” (CCC #1023)
“For the Father, who is the source of life has made the Son the source of life, and because he is the Son of Man, has appointed him supreme judge.” (John 5: 26 – 27)
Jesus Christ is the source of life. The true life is the eternal life we have been promised, starting from here and now and then forever and forever. If Christ is the source of life, how does he give us this life? Jesus procured this life for all men through his passion and death. He mediates this life to us through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source of life par excellence. When we receive the consecrated Bread and Wine, we receive truly Jesus, the source of life and life itself.
Jesus is also the supreme judge of the world. At the moment of our death, we will face Jesus. “Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ,” teaches the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1021). In the final judgment, he will judge all mankind. But our judgment starts here and now. If you are alive in Jesus, then you have here and now eternal life. Do everything to maintain that life by dwelling in the Word and making use of the lavish gifts of the sacraments.
In the creed, we profess, “I believe in life everlasting.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “Those who die in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ. They are like God for ever, for they ‘see him as he is,’ face to face.” (CCC #1023)
Monday, January 23, 2006
Believe what you read
Believe what you read
“I tell you most solemnly, whoever listens to my words, and believes in the one who sent me, has eternal life; without being brought to judgment he has passed from death to life.” (John 5: 24)
Jesus is saying that two things are required in order to start enjoying eternal life here and now. First, we must listen to words of Jesus in the Gospel. He added elsewhere that we must believe in these words, dwell in it and act on it. When we do this, then we believe also in the Father who sent Jesus.
But what is eternal life? It consists here and now in true knowledge of the Father and Jesus Christ. True knowledge of the Father comes from the acceptance of what the Father has revealed about himself. For example, “Yahweh, Yahweh, a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34: 6 – 7) The Father wants his adopted children to know him as tender, loving, compassionate, faithful, kind and infinitely patient. Belief in such a God already constitutes eternal life here and now. Such a belief provides a powerful paradigm for daily and constant victories in life.
Belief comes from listening to the words of Jesus in the Gospels and in the Bible.
Lord Jesus, help us to believe what we read, to teach what we believe and to practice what we teach.
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