This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.

"Beloved:  bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God."  (2 Timothy 1: 8 RM)

On Day 12 of 40 of Lent 2017, St Paul urged the young Timothy and us in his 2nd Letter to Timothy to be ready at all times to accept our share of the sufferings of witnessing to Jesus and His Gospel.  Jesus had infinite power to resolve every problem on earth before He ascended into Heaven.  Why did He not do it? To give us opportunity to earn glorify.

Without Jesus we can do nothing. (John 15: 5). We need Jesus to live the Christian life.  We need Jesus to start these 40 Days of Lent. We need Jesus to finish the Journey.

Fix your gaze therefore on Jesus and you will finish the race set before you.  (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

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Pray for your enemies and those who persecute you.

"Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."  (Matthew 5: 44 RM)

How do you love those who persecute you? By praying for them. Every day. Prayer is the greatest gift one friend can give to another. 

Once upon a time, I got a subsidized loan from the company I worked for to build a home.  I had no experience with contractors. The contractor disappeared with the money I gave him to build the house.  What must I do? Find him and lock him up? Sue him? A tiny voice said to me:  "Pray for him. Forget him. I will help you."   I finished the house on time.

I experienced these blessings for obeying the spiritual law of praying for the contractor who caused me immense pain:
1.  Money flowed to me from unexpected sources.
2.  I got a better and more experienced contractor.
3.  I had peace and learned a great lesson which served me well in the future.

Three years after I finished the house, three senior managers colluded against me and got me fired.  When this happened, I had the home but was penniless because I invested every penny in the house.  Again temptation:  Sue the men, sue the company.  I remembered the lesson from the contractor.  I prayed for the men by name every day for five years before the pain went away. I added this lesson to the previous lesson.

On Day 11 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God says to us: "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5: 48)

Glory to You Lord Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God the Father.

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You shall live because of the virtues you have practiced.

"But if the wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die!"  (Ezekiel 18: 21 NABRE)

On Day 10 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Scripture for today calls for Conversion. At the beginning of Lent, we saw that Lent provides a unique opportunity for continuous Conversion because of the immense outpouring of grace and mercy that God promises in this Season.  We have now done 1/4th of the Journey. How do you assess your progress?

In verse 22 of the same chapter 18 of Ezekiel, God says that he who accepts the grace of Conversion "shall live because of the virtue he has practiced."

Some of these virtues are called Corporal Works of Mercy:
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead

Friday in the First Week of Lent:
Stations of the Cross.

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Everyone who asks receives.

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to  you.   For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  (Matthew 7: 7 - 8 NABRE)

On Day 9 of 40 of Lent 2017, it is all about Prayer. The Holy Spirit, Lord and Master of Prayer takes us through a powerful course on Prayer. The word from the Book of Esther  (Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23 - 25) gives us a great template on Prayer:  Posture for Prayer, Time for Prayer, Duration for radical and warrior- type Prayer, words for Prayer and so on.

In the Gospel, Matthew 7: 7 - 12, Jesus promises the certainty of answer to Prayers. This is a great encouragement for us in Lent where Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting form the three pillars of Lent and the Christian life.

The way to experience the pure joy of answered prayer is to ask and keep asking.  God who knows exactly what you need hears  every word of your prayer.  If your request is not in accordance with His superior plan for you, He will do the best thing for you.  Pray with persistence and never give up hope. (Cf Luke 18: 1)

"Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,  or a snake when he asks for a fish?  If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him."  (Matthew 7: 7 - 12 NABRE)

How perfect are you as a father or mother?  If you do not give your son a poisonous snake when he asks for a toy, what do you take God for? A wicked monster?

I believe in prayer.
I believe in the word of God.
I believe in miracle.
I leave the rest to God.

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The word of God came to Jonah a second time.

"When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out."  (Jonah 3: 10 NABRE)

In the Day 8 of 40 of Lent 2017, we see from the story of Jonah that our God is the God of a second chance. Actually, I am enjoying this second chance.  But the main lesson today is that God saw from their actions that they are ready to convert.

What type of actions is God seeking from us today?
Consider some Spiritual Works of Mercy:

1. Instruct the ignorant
2. Counsel the doubtful
3. Admonish sinners
4. Bear wrongs patiently
5. Forgive offences willingly
6. Comfort the afflicted
7. Pray for the living and the dead

"My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn."  (Psalm 51: 19)

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The word has its time for fulfilment.

"Thus says the LORD:
Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
"And do not return there till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
Giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth;
It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it."  (Isaiah 55: 10 - 11 RM)

On the 7th Day of Lent 2017, the Holy Spirit releases to the Church one of the great Scriptures on the power of the word of God.

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword."  (Hebrews 4: 12 NLT)

God's word accomplishes its purpose.  It succeeds utterly in its mission.  If you need to wait for it, wait with courage for its time of fulfilment is near.  19 years ago, God gave me the following word:
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."  (Matthew 6 : 33 NLT)
Although the second part of this Covenant is still work in progress, I am already seeing rich fruits from this word of prophecy.

Abba Father, may your word accomplish its effects in our lives.
Glory to You, LORD Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God the Father!

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Behold, now is a very acceptable time.

"The LORD said to Moses“  Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them" :
  
“You shall not steal.
You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another.
You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the the LORD."  (Leviticus 19: 1, 11- 12)

On Day 6th of Lent 2017, the word of God reminds us of His laws and gives us excellent reasons for obeying them.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul."  (Psalm 19: 8)

“You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart.
Though you may have to reprove him, do not incur sin because of him.
Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”  (Leviticus 19:16 - 17)

"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."  (Psalm 19: 9)

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Man does not and cannot live on bread alone.

“No! For the Scriptures tell us that bread won’t feed men’s souls: obedience to every word of God is what we need.”  (Matthew 4: 4 TLB)

Jesus answered the devil with the above quote from Deuteronomy 8 verse 3.

Since man is made up of body, soul and spirit, no amount of bread, money, homes, clothing, health, cars, etc would ever satisfy man.   Only God who knows exactly what man needs can satisfy him.

The Eucharist, the heavenly bread, nourishes our faith, increases our hope and strengthens our charity.   As we start our 5th Day of Lent 2017, learn to hunger for Jesus, the true and living Bread and strive to live by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

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The Lord will renew your strength and you shall be like a watered garden.

"Thus says the LORD:
If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted."  (Isaiah 58: 9 -  10 RM)

Yesterday, Day 3 of Lent 2017, the Lord showed us how to get right with Him through fasting.  Today the message is more pointed: Get rid of oppression in your family and your work place.  Gossiping, slander, every sin of the tongue, dirty talk are all hateful to Yahweh.

Today, there is a lot of consolation in the promises that go with the Covenant of grace and mercy:

"Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength,
and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails."  (Isaiah 58:  10 -  11)

There are a number of concrete promises above: health, prosperity, light and guidance.  They are all yours.

Almighty God, to serve You is to reign.  Transform our hearts and minds during these 40 days.  Amen.

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First Friday in March 2017

Today is the First Friday in March.

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

#3.  I will console them in all their troubles.

In Promise #3, Jesus does not promise a trouble free life.  "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  (John 16: 33 NLT)

Remind the Lord often of these promises.

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This is the fasting that I approve.

“Why do we fast, but you do not see it? afflict ourselves, but you take no note?”  (Isaiah 58: 3 NABRE)

The people queried God and He answered them thus:
"See, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers.
See, you fast only to quarrel and fight and to strike with a wicked fist!"  (Isaiah 58: 3 -  4)

Now the Lord states the type of fast He approves: 
"Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking off every yoke?
Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house;
Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?"  Isaiah 58: 6 -  7)

This is the type of fast that brings transformation of life and huge blessings especially during the Season of Lent.

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If anyone wishes to come after me, he must take up his cross daily and follow Me.

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”  (Luke 9: 22 NABRE)

At the beginning of Lent 2017, we hear Jesus speaking of the absolute necessity, the inevitability of His suffering.   Why is the Spirit giving us this Scripture now?  Consider these reasons:

#1.  Are you fully aware of the power of the cross and the necessity of your own suffering?
#2.  No following of Christ without suffering.  Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.  (Pope Benedict XVI).
#3.  The Son of Man must suffer before His glorification.  (Luke 24: 26).  What is a divine necessity for Jesus is true for us.

There are 35 Doctors of the Church,  great men and women who clarified our doctrine of faith and showed us by example how to live the Christian life.  They all suffered physical, emotional and spiritual pains.  But each one of them accomplished their destiny in spite of their terrible sufferings. 

Our suffering is blessing in disguise.  No cross, no crown. 
So at the beginning of Lent 2017,  the mystery and contradiction of the cross is set before us to grapple with.

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If you hear His voice today, harden not your heart.

"Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."  ( 2 Corinthians 6: 2 NABRE)

The Season of Lent which begins today is a great Season of favors and spiritual gifts.  First and foremost the gift of conversion.  Whether we are beginners or advanced in our Faith Journey,  continual conversion is all the Christian life is all about.

The word of God urges us not to postpone our conversion.  Do not say:  "I am young.  Let me enjoy some more fun."   ( Cf Sirach 5: 1 - 8).  God overlooks sins to bring us to repentance.  He spares us because of His Mighty Mercy.
"For gracious and merciful is the Lord, slow to anger,  rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment."  (Cf Joel 2: 2 - 18)

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."  (Cf Psalm 95: 8)

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Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed.

"Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The offering of the just enriches the altar: a sweet odor before the Most High."  (Sirach 35: 6 - 8 NABRE)

I cannot forget the first I heard about not appearing before the LORD empty-handed.  I had assumed it was alright to whine: I have no money.  I have no job and blame the Lord for my situation.  Today, I remember the widow's mite and try to behave accordingly.  (Mark 12: 41 -  44;  Luke 21: 1 -  4)

"With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, and do not spare your freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means."  (Sirach 35: 10 - 12)

"For he is a God who always repays
and will give back to you sevenfold."  (Sirach 35: 13)

"Trust in God at all times, O my people!  Pour out your hearts before him."  (Psalm 62: 9)

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The Lord brought me out to a place of freedom.

“You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”   (Mark 10: 21 NABRE)

Jesus looked with love at a rich young man who came to Him for advice and said the above.  What is the One Thing holding you back from fully embracing the call of Jesus?  Money, job, possessions, comfort?  Your pathway to the victory and freedom you yearn for is renouncing this One Thing and letting Jesus take control.

Once upon a time, my life was secretly controlled by alcohol.  One Saturday in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I received a green light from Jesus to ask for healing.  I went home from Church and emptied all the bottles of liquor in the toilet.  I regained my freedom.

"The Lord became my Protector.  He brought me out to a place of freedom;  He saved me because He delighted in me."  (Cf Psalm 18: 19-20 RM)

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Why are anxious about everything?

"But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”
Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget, I will never forget you."  (Isaiah 49: 14-15 NABRE)

"Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all."  (Psalm 62: 2 - 3)

"Trust in God at all times, O my people!  Pour out your hearts before him."  (Psalm 62: 9)

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The Almighty has done great things for Mary.

"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

The above verse is from the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise to God when she visited Elizabeth.

Jesus did not honor Mary during her earthly life and at times seemed even to ignore her.  Mary's life here below may be described as ordinary and even insignificant.  Mary was probably known to a handful of disciples and her relatives.  Then one day she died and then the cult of Mary burst on the world like  a nuclear force.  Consider a few of what happened after Mary died:

#1.   Basilicas, Cathedrals, Churches, Universities, Institutes sprout up all over the world in her name.
#2.  Prayers and intercessions began simultaneously everywhere in her name.
#3.  The Holy Rosary believed to be a gift from God to the Church began to be used as a popular devotion  around AD 1000 and rapidly spread everywhere.  Today probably some  20 Billion Hail Marys are said round the clock all over the world every day. 

#4.  The Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Christology) becomes illuminated when seen through the mystery of Mary.  New doctrines and dogmas were defined to honor Mary. 

Some people ask:  Don't you honor Mary too much?  Her children rush to answer without hesitation:  NOT ENOUGH for the Mother of our God and Savior.

Is our God a faithful God?  Remember:  the best is yet to come for you.  God has reserved the best wine to the last.  (Cf John 2: 9)
"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

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The Almighty has done great things for Mary.

"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

The above verse is from the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise to God when she visited Elizabeth.

Jesus did not honor Mary during her earthly life and at times seemed even to ignore her.  Mary's life here below may be described as ordinary and even insignificant.  Mary was probably known to a handful of disciples and her relatives.  Then one day she died and then the cult of Mary burst on the world as a nuclear force.  Consider a few of what happened after Mary died:

#1.   Basilicas, Cathedrals, Churches, Universities, Institutes sprout up all the world in her name.
#2.  Prayers and intercessions began simultaneously everywhere in her name.
#3.  The Holy Rosary believed to be a gift from God to the Church was launched around AD 1000 and rapidly spread all over the world.  Today probably around 20 Billion Hail Marys are said round the clock all over the world.
#4.  The Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Christology) becomes illuminated when seen through the mystery of Mary.  New doctrines and dogmas were defined to honor Mary. 

Some people ask:  Don't you honor Mary too much?  Her children rush to answer without hesitation:  NOT ENOUGH for the Mother of our God and Savior.

Is our God a faithful God?  Remember, the best is yet to come for you.  God has reserved the best wine to the last.  (Cf John 2: 9)
"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

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A faithful friend is beyond price.

"A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings."

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."  (Sirach 6: 5, 15 - 17 RM)

This word of God touches me to the core.  I need desperately to learn the art of making and keeping friends.  Lord Jesus, You are my best Friend and constant Companion, help me to make human friends.

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2-24

"A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings."

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."  (Sirach 6: 5, 15 - 17 RM)

This word of God touches me to the core.  I need desperately to learn the art of making and keeping friends.  Lord Jesus, You are my best Friend and constant Companion, help me to make human friends.

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