SeekFirst“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33)On the 1st of November 1996, I confided the following to my journal:[Yesterday at Mass, I made the resolution to attend daily Eucharist as from 11/01/96. I regard this development as a big grace and I thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for it. I see it as the first fruit of the October devotion. My prayer to God is that since I am not capable of carrying out such a lofty resolution on my own, that he should provide me with all the physical and spiritual strength I need to carry it out.I recall the miracle of my friend, Carrena who told me in 1992 that for over 10 years, he had attended Mass everyday without missing one day. May God give me the same blessing not just for 10 years but for the rest of my life.The October devotion was concluded yesterday with the Mass novena in the last 9 days and the extra Rosary during the month. How do I feel now about my prayer request? Very confident. For one thing, I have come to know more about the Blessed Virgin Mary form the book of Fr. Francis Ripley, “Mary, Mother of the Church”, which I bought on October 25th. I came to realize as I never did before that it is God’s will that all graces come to us through Mary. I also learned of the constant teaching of the Church articulated so well by many pontiffs that Mary is very powerful in her intercession on our behalf. I started the devotion this October asking for one favor and one favor only: the total success of the Enterprise. In the concrete, I seek for the following graces:- A burning zeal to see the will of God accomplished in my life with regard to the Enterprise.
- To seek God’s will and not mine in every detail of the Enterprise.
- Faith that is firm, unwavering and constant that God is for me and with me in this project and therefore success is guaranteed.
- Patience to wait for God’s time, realizing that everything that happens takes place when God chooses.
- Wisdom to know what to do and when in every step in this project.
- Humility to totally depend on God for everything vis-à-vis the Enterprise.
I have sought for these graces through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I believe I will get everything I asked for and more.I feel deeply encouraged by the grace for the daily Eucharist. To me it is like “seeking first the kingdom of God and all that he requires of me” and then challenging God to fulfill his promise to supply all my needs.Today marks two weeks since the commencement of the Enterprise. Looking back at everything that has happened so far, I thank God that I am benefitting from the preparation I made. I am following my scripts closely. Considering how things have gone so far, it appears as if the Holy Spirit is in a hurry to establish for me his priority in the Enterprise. The thrust and emphasis of my effort have been spiritual development. Although I have spent time thinking of money and security, these thoughts are clearly secondary.With the blessing of the daily Eucharist, I know for certain that I am heading in the right direction. God will fulfill his word to me at the right time. “All other things shall be mine without the asking. For the Father knows that I need them. And indeed, for this reason, he has placed me here.” This is my belief. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!]It has been 10 years since I wrote the above reflection. Reading this again today in 2006, I marvel at God’s faithfulness.
Rejoice in Hope“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12: 12)Have peace! Be calm! Enjoy the peace that Christ offers you every morning in the Eucharist. That is his gift and he wants you to have it. God is surely for you and with you in this Enterprise. Be thoroughly convinced of this fact. Wait patiently for God’s time. God has time for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Let your hope make you joyful, calm and patient. Know that this hope is built on the word of God and not on changeable man. No word of God is impossible for him and his word is enduring. Trust in God’s disposal of events. Things may change. People may change. Laws may change. The weather may change. But God is faithful. He remains the same forever. In this journey, just as he was with Abraham, Moses and Joshua, he is surely with you. Never doubt that. God will not abandon you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) This is the promise of one who is true and faithful. God is guiding you every step in this project. You know his presence through the faith you have in the Enterprise, the peace and calm you feel. God’s guidance is peace.
Spiritual Warfare“For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our battle are not of the flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses. We destroy arguments and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10: 3 – 5)Where are we hitting him? Where is his soft spot?Where are we wasting armor?What are the most strategic weapons in our arsenal? Faith Eucharist Prayer/Rosary Word of GodWhat are the most powerful weapons in the enemy’s arsenal? DiscouragementSpiritual Information Warfare: Competitive StrategyWhat is the enemy doing? Do you fully understand his strategy and tricks?What is he planning to do? Can you predict his moves from past experiences?W Doubts Misinformation Worry FearWhat are the strategic war zones? Family Health Job Money Tools Food
God is light“God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. If we say that we share in God’s life while we are living in darkness we are lying, because we are not living the truth. ……. The blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1: 5 – 7)God is light and sin is darkness. As I prepare for the Sacrament of reconciliation this last Saturday of the month, I find the first reading for today’s Mass most appropriate. To live God’s life is to live in the light. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) Powerful stuff! I will remember this particularly this morning as I go to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the upright. He is the sacrifice to expiate our sins, and not only ours, but also those of the whole world.” (1 John 2: 1 – 2)What are the areas of my life where God’s light has not penetrated? Where does the word of God needs to shine in my life? O Holy Spirit, please show me.
Do not panic“Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people.” (Acts 6: 8)What do we need for ministry above everything else? The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides all the resources and tools we need for the mission. My number one task is to cultivate the person of the Holy Spirit.“They found they could not stand up against him because of his wisdom, and the Spirit that prompted what he said.” (Acts 6: 10)I find here a fantastic fulfillment of the promise of Christ in Matthew 10: 17 – 20.“Be prepared for people to hand you over to the Sanhedrims and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, and evidence to them and the gentiles. But when you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.” (Matthew 10: 17 – 20)What is the message in today’s scripture? When you find your faith challenged, do not panic for full help will be given. “I promise to be your strength in proportion to the trust you place in me.” Jesus, I want to trust you 100%.
Glad Tidings“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brought glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, ‘Your God is King!” (Isaiah 52: 7)This scripture seems to point to the mission of John the Baptizer. John was the messenger with glad tidings. He was the chosen herald who announced the coming of Jesus and all it brings: peace, salvation and good news.John the Baptizer has done his work and is gone. But the work of announcing the good news and glad tidings continue to this day. I believe that the Father draws me near to Jesus in order to participate in this work.How do I respond to those I meet who are hungry for the word of God? - I ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my response.
- I ask Mary, Queen of the Apostles to help me.
- I give them a short personal testimony relating to their situation.
He worked by their side“After the Lord Jesus had talked with them, he was taken up to heaven and sat at the right hand of God. The disciples went and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and proved that their preaching was true by the miracles that were performed.” (Mark 16: 19 – 20)Jesus went up to heaven after he completed the work his Father gave him. Before he did so, he commissioned his disciples to carry out the work the Father entrusted to them through Jesus. The great commission continues to this day. I too believe that I have been called to serve in the Kingdom by the side of Jesus. I feel deeply encouraged to know that the Lord is working by my side. Even as a disciple, Jesus is there working by my side. The scripture today says that Christ proved that the work of the disciples was true by the miracles they performed. What can b e the proof right here and right now that Christ is working by my side and that all that I am doing is true, that is, of Christ? “By their fruits you shall know them.”
He Scolded Them“Last of all, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating. He scolded them, because they did not have faith and because they were too stubborn to believe those who had seen me alive. He said to them, ‘Go throughout the whole world and preach the Gospel to all mankind. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues; if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, who will get well.” (Mark 16: 14 – 18)Jesus did not scold his disciples for deserting him during his passion. Peter was not rebuked for denying him during his trial. But he scolded them for not believing those who witnessed to his resurrection. Unbelief could be hardness of heart. “O that we may hear his voice today and not harden our hearts. “ Faith gives us access to all God’s promises. Unbelief locks the door to God’s blessings.Note that after scolding them, Jesus commissioned the same unbelieving disciples to “preach to all mankind.” Very interesting. He did not say: “You have failed the final test. Now let me start afresh and recruit men who are capable of faith and the work of the kingdom which all depends on faith. “ Is this an instance of divine realism?One other thing to note in the above scripture is that Jesus appeared only to his disciples after he rose from the dead. He did not show himself to everybody. Today like then, only those who believe in him “see” him. To all his disciples, he gives power. Power to overcome the world. Power to preach the gospel. For Jesus, the work of building the Kingdom of God is always a priority.
He was buried“Joseph bought a linen sheet, took the body down, wrapped it in the sheet, and placed it in a tomb which had been dug out of the solid rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the entrance to the tomb.” (Mark 15: 46)When I reflected on the above scripture ten years ago, I wrote the following:“We see in the burial of Jesus the completion of his life cycle as a man. He was born, grew up and became a man. He died and now he is buried. He experienced every event of our humble human nature. Yesterday at Mass, the genealogy of Jesus Christ from the Gospel of St. Matthew was read. For the first time, I felt I understood the message of the genealogy. Christ Jesus descended from ordinary men and women and not from angels. A good number of his ancestors were rascals. All the four women mentioned in the genealogy had skeletons in their cupboard. David, the man after God’s heart was not perfect. Solomon fell from grace. Rehoboam fell into open rebellion. But these are men and women whom it pleased God to use to prepare for the coming of Christ. In Mark 15: 46, we meet Joseph of Arimathea, the man chosen to bury Jesus. Jesus died like all his ancestors. He was buried but he rose again on the third day. Praise God!
Trust, love and obedience“It was 9 o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. …..At noon the whole country was covered in darkness, which lasted for three hours. At 3 o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud shout, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” (Mark 15: 25, 33)According to Mark in the above passage, Jesus spent 6 hours on the cross. I had always thought he spent 3 hours. For 6 hours, he endured excruciating pain and agony. On top of this, he was mocked and insulted all the time. How is it that I tend to take lightly what happened on the cross? I think the reason is spiritual darkness. I remember St. Ignatius Loyola saying that if it is possible for us to gain an insight into what happened on the cross, we will hate sin forever. Lord Jesus, grant me this insight. Grant me the grace to see what you did for me on the cross.What happened on the cross? Jesus suffered for 6 hours and died.Who is Jesus? The Son of God.Why did he die on the cross? To save me from sin. What should be my response to this truth? Trust, love and obedience.
Things will Happen“The soldiers put a purple robe on Jesus, made a crown out of the branches, and put it on his head. Then they began to salute him: ‘Long live the King of the Jews!’ They beat him over the head with a stick, spat on him, fell on their knees, and bowed down to him. When they had finished mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him.” (Mark 15: 17 – 20)Jesus knew what he would go through during his passion. He predicted it. He did so in order to strengthen the faith of his disciples and to remove the element of surprise as his passion starts to unravel. Jesus speaks to us in Holy Scripture. He knows already everything that will happen to us in life. He is saying: “Look at my word. Look at what I have said about my disciples. Believe it. So do not be surprised when things start happening to you.”What is certain is that things will happen to us as disciples of Jesus. What is comforting is that Christ knows about it already. What is required of us is faith in Jesus.
Trust Him“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests know to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6 – 7)“Be still my soul: the Lord is on thy side; bear patiently the cross of seeking his will. Leave to thy God to order and to provide. You are going through a change in your life and life style. Know that in every change, he faithful will remain. Be still my soul: thy best thy heavenly Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”“Have peace! Be calm! Relax! Be assured that God is for you and with you in the Enterprise. Look right and left, the signs are everywhere. Wait patiently for God’s time. He has a time for everything. Let your firm hope make you joyful and patient. Have complete trust in God’s disposal of events. God is faithful. He will not abandon you nor forsake you. He is guiding you every step in this project. And his guidance is peace. Trust him.”
Do not be afraid!“Then Peter said, ‘I swear that I am telling the truth! May God punish me if I am not! I do not know the man you are talking about.’ Just then a cock crowed a second time, and Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will say three times that you do not know me.’ And he broke down and cried.” (Mark 14: 71 – 72)Jesus predicted Peter’s behavior but Peter did not believe him. As followers of Jesus, we face on daily basis many dangers and temptations. The New Testament is full of warnings on the need to be vigilant and alert. The New Testament is also full of remedies to the various dangers and temptations we face in our Christian walk.What particular door was open in Peter through which the devil walked in unchallenged? Fear! Fear of suffering. What does Jesus say on the subject of fear? Don’t fear those who do no more than cause you physical suffering?You can only retain your life by losing it.Do not be afraid.Take up your cross everyday and follow me.Lord, grant us the grace to overcome fears in our lives.
The Crowd and Justice“Pilate spoke again to the crowd, ‘what, then, do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ Pilate wanted to please the crowd, so he set Barnabas free for them. Then he had Jesus whipped and handed him over to be crucified.” (Mark 15: 12 – 15)We meet Jesus again under the control of the powers of darkness. Can there be true justice in the world? Pilate knew very well that Jesus was handed over to him out of malice. The right thing was for him to set him free. He chose to please the crowd. Christ had predicted that in the world his followers will be persecuted. For any Christian to expect otherwise is to doubt the words of Jesus. The process of justice has not changed since the time of Pilate. The people responsible for administering justice are still motivated to pleasing whatever “crowd” they happen to serve at the material time. Peace and justice shall reign in full measure in the kingdom of God.
They Slapped Him“They all voted against him: he was guilty and should be put to death …. Some of them began to spit on Jesus, and they blindfolded him and hit him. ‘Guess who hit you?’ they said. And the guards took him and slapped him.” (Mark 14: 64 – 65)This is the moment of the reign of darkness and the forces of evil are at their best game: lies, condemnation, insults, cruelty, torture and death. Who is the victim in this case? A man who is absolutely innocent. Why are they doing this to Jesus? His Father decreed that he should go through this in order to save us from these same forces of evil. Through the passion and death of Christ, we gain strength to overcome the forces of evil in our own lives. We do not succumb to threats of lies, insults, torture and death. How did Christ behave as a captive of the forces of darkness? He behaved with calm dignity and acceptance. He had prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane for strength to endure and now he enjoys that strength. As a disciple of Jesus, temptations will surely come. It could come in many guises. As a good soldier, I prepare for the worst through faith and prayer. We draw inspiration from Jesus Christ, our model. We follow his example.
Scriptures Must be Fulfilled“Did you have to come with swords and clubs to capture me, as though I were an outlaw? Day after day, I was with you teaching in the Temple, and you did not arrest me. But the scriptures must come true.” (Mark 14: 48 – 49)“But the scriptures must come true.” God’s word is true and must be fulfilled. Christ’s food is to do the will of his Father. His Father’s will for his earthly life is spelt out in the scriptures. Jesus delighted in the will of his Father and embraced his plan for his life. He never opposed his Father’s will even when it is unfavorable to him. His Father willed that he came into the world to save it through suffering and humiliation. Since his Father is all powerful and all wise, his chosen method for saving the world is the best.The Father also has a plan for my life. That plan is good. The Father’s plan for my life can also be found in the scriptures. Lord Jesus, grant me deep faith and courage to embrace the Father’s plan for my life.
Your Will and Not Mine“The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch ……. Father, my Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want …… ‘Simon, are you asleep? Weren’t you able to keep awake even for one hour? ….. Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14: 32 – 38)The hour has come for Jesus to suffer. How did he handle the situation?- He went to a secluded place, his “closet” and prayed.
- It was a moment when he had to confront reality all alone. He did not waste time being disappointed that Peter, James and John were sleeping.
- He bared his heart to the Father. He was afraid of what he saw coming. But if it is his Father’s will, he will accept it.
- He drew strength and power from the knowledge that his suffering had been sanctioned by his Father.
Knowing Christ“More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3: 8)To know Christ intimately, to love him passionately and to follow him everywhere is a goal I work on everyday. To know Christ intimately, I must associate with him frequently through:- Prayer
- Word of God
- Sacraments: Eucharist & Reconciliation
- Visit to the Blessed Sacrament
- Devotion to his Mother
- Writing
- Teaching
- Spiritual Reading
To know Christ intimately is a major purpose of my life. It is the 50% of the mission. It is the learning component of the mission. The other 50% deals with the communicating part of my ministry: sharing Christ Jesus.Lord Jesus, that I may know you and the power of your resurrection. Amen!
Watch and Pray“Then Jesus said to them, ‘All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.’ ……’Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” (Mark 14: 27 – 30)Why did Jesus make this prediction? Was it to intimidate or humiliate the disciples? No! It was to make them prepared for what is to come. He knows his disciples very well. He knows the future. The disciples did not believe him.Jesus who knows us very well says: “Be sober, be awake, be on your guard. Be vigilant at all times so that you cannot be surprised. I warn you. The enemy is always looking for an opportunity to drag you down. Do not give him any loop hole.”But what are we to be watchful over? This must be our most precious possessions, our treasures. For the heart will always be where the treasure is. Our treasures are: the Holy Spirit living in us, faith, hope, love, the Eucharist, prayer, the word of God. We watch over them through prayers. We watch over them through using them everyday.
The Eucharist“While they were eating, Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. “Take it,” he said, “this is my body.” “Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God, and handed it to them; and they all drank from it. Jesus said, “This is my blood which is poured out for many, my blood which seals God’s covenant.” (Mark 14: 22 – 24)As I reflect on the above passage, I come to realize that for us, the Eucharist represents not just a great mystery but also one of the greatest acts of faith we are called upon to make. I have the great privilege to take part a couple of times a week in the reenactment of this act in obedience to Christ.In the Eucharist, I receive a piece of white host looking no different from what it looked like before the consecration. It tastes and feels exactly the same before and after the consecration. Then I receive the cup of wine, in every material way similar before and after the consecration. Yet I believe that the host and the wine are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. What is the authority for such an amazing confession? The above passage, Mark 14: 22 – 24 is one. Similar passages in Matthew and Luke is another. A very important authority for this belief is the chapter 6 of the Gospel of St. John. To crown it all, is the constant belief and practice of the Church in the Eucharist in the past 2000 years. The Tradition with regard to the Eucharist is rock solid. Is it possible that the Holy Spirit who has been promised to lead and guide the Church into all truth will deceive the Church in such an important matter? And for so long? If the faith and practice of the Church in this one act is an error, where do we have a guarantee of truth?Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Eucharist.
