Behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat.

“Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat,  but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22: 31 - 32).

Today is Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. We remember Christ's Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem to accomplish His mission through the Cross.

Just as Satan was given permission to sift Job like wheat, Satan has again been given permission to sift you and me like wheat. Our most merciful Savior and Teacher has prayed for us and has given us a cheat sheet to pass this test.

“Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.” Jesus said. (Luke 22: 46).

Your cheat sheet from the Master is: STOP SLEEPING AND PRAY.
Jesus taught that Prayer is a vital necessity. While Jesus never taught that we WORK Always,  Jesus asks us to pray always. A Christian who does not pray will not experience miracles. His faith is dying. He cannot overcome temptations. He has a wide open door for Satan to tempt him in all sorts of ways.

Through the power of Prayer, Jesus is strengthened in His inner self and ready to embrace the will of His Father during His temptations.
"Father, if this chalice cannot pass without my drinking it, your will be done." (Matthew 26: 42).

"Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all names.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!" (Philippians 2: 8 - 9).

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We come to faith by hearing the word of God and seeing His marvelous works.

"Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done [the raising of Lazarus] began to believe in him." (John 11: 45).

On Saturday in the 5th week of Lent 2019, we see that faith comes also from seeing or witnessing the wonderful works of God. Yesterday, we read:
"Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.”  And many there began to believe in him." (Cf John 10: 40 - 42).

So, how do we come to faith?
#1 By hearing and believing the testimony of credible witnesses. As above.
#2 By seeing or witnessing the wonderful works of God. Some people have come to faith by surviving terrible auto accident, health crisis, financial meltdown, etc. They become convinced that nothing short of divine intervention saved them. If you are open to the supernatural, you must have examples from your life or others of divine interventions.

We have about one week to the end of Lent 2019. Everyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life. Eternal life starts here and now. Do you experience the deep peace of the Kingdom? Are you an overcomer of the problems of life through your faith?

"Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son:
everyone who believes in him has eternal life.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!" (John 3: 16).

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Is your faith growing?

"He [Jesus] went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.  Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.”  And many there began to believe in him." (John 10: 40 - 42).

On Friday in the 5th week of Lent 2019, our word today is: "And many there began to believe in him." (John 10: 42).
Is your faith growing? If you have been feeding on the word of God in this Lenten series, then the unqualified answer is Yes! For anything to grow, there is need of constant nurturing. That is why Jesus said that you cannot know the truth and the truth cannot make you free unless you persevere day after day in His word. Thank You Jesus for Your precious words this Lent. Thank You for strengthening our faith.

"Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the cross,so that dead to sin, we might live for righteousness.
By his wounds we have been healed." (1 Peter 2: 24).

"Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Repent, says the Lord,
for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!" (Matthew 4: 17).

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Abba Father keeps all His promises.

"Here is my covenant with you: you are to become the father of a multitude of nations." (Genesis 17: 4).

On Thursday in the 5th week of Lent 2019, we choose a word of God that can set us free from anxiety and doubt. "The Lord remembers his covenant forever." God remembers all His promises to Abraham and fulfills every one of them. He remembers His promises to the Blessed Virgin Mary and fulfills every promise. Joshua reminded the people that God has not defaulted in a single promise He made to Israel. The Lord remembers all His promises to David and fulfills all.

Our God is a Father who keeps His promises. This truth which I know from Scripture and believe, sets me free from anxiety and doubt. Thank You Father, O Faithful God!

"Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life; you have the message of eternal life.
Glory and praise to you, O Christ!" (John 6: 63, 68).

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You can enjoy unbelievable freedom by persevering in My word.

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 31 - 32).

On Wednesday in the 5th week of Lent 2019, we hear in the Scripture above a message we can use at once. The Jewish crowd who heard Jesus wanted to know what He meant by being "set free." Set free from illness, poverty, prison, joblessness? We are happy they asked because Jesus used their question to instruct us on the true nature of freedom and the true freedom that sets us free from all types of harmful dependencies and slavery. Listen to Jesus:

"Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin." (John 8: 34). And therefore not free.
Jesus is saying that directly or indirectly sin is at the root of all the evil that torments man. Jesus came to deal with sin decisively through the Cross.

If the Son of God sets you free,  then you will truly be free. (Cf. John 8: 36).
How does Jesus set you free?
#1 Feed on His word every day.
#2 Feed on His Body.
#3 Completely trust in Jesus.

"Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Man does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!" (Matthew 4: 4).

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Moses interceded for the people and the Lord had mercy on them.

"We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Intercede for us with the Lord to save us from these serpents.’ Moses interceded for the people, and the Lord answered him." (Numbers 21: 7 - 8).

When the people got frosty in their attitude on the way to the Promised Land, they took it out on God and Moses. The punishment was swift and deadly. Quickly repenting of their sin, they begged Moses to intercede for them. Moses interceded for them. Those of them who repented and became obedient were healed.

Prayer is a key component of most religious traditions. We have seen that throughout Sacred Scripture, Intercessory prayers are conditio sine qua non of a living faith. The prophets and priests owe their continued relevance to this necessity. Jesus Christ is our able High Priest who intercedes for us day and night at the Father's right hand. The Blessed Virgin Mary owes her exalted position in Heaven as Queen and Mother to her Intercessory prowess. A giant Prayer Warrior. Saints in Heaven pray for us all the time. Our Guardian Angels and the Archangels protect us and intercede for us.

Where is the Prayer of Intercession in your spirituality? Who do you intercede for and how much time do you devote to interceding for your loved ones who have passed into eternity? Remember the Four Last Things: Death and Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Many souls destined for Heaven will of necessity need purification. The Church calls this stage and process Purgatory.

"When I am lifted up from the earth,I will draw all to myself, says the Lord." (John 12: 32).

"Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower;whoever finds this seed will remain for ever.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!" (Gospel Acclamation).

"O God, who choose to show mercy not angerto those who hope in you,grant that your faithful may weep, as they should,for the evil they have done,and so merit the grace of your consolation.Through Christ our Lord." (Prayer Over the People).

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Your word O Lord is the light of the world.

"I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8: 12).

On Monday in the 5th week of Lent 2019, we receive a great light from the Light of the world. What does Jesus mean when He claimed emphatically that He is the light of the world? Jesus means exactly what Sacred Scripture proclaims in Psalm 119: 105.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Jesus is the word. He is in the word and that word is light. The light of His word shines in many dark areas of the world: Abortion, atheism, materialism, pornography, cruelty to the poor, homeless and immigrants.

When you order your life with the word of God, your thought, word and action will be guided by the Holy Spirit of truth. You will have the light of life and see things as they are. REALITY. Consider this example:
Many people play a game of chance, lottery to win money and become rich. What if they know this truth?

"The child of God can fear no ill,
His chosen, dread no foe;
We leave our fate with thee, and wait Thy bidding when to go.
‘Tis not from chance our comfort springs, Thou art our trust, O King of kings."  (Lauds - Liturgy of the Hours).

The above exposition of 2 Corinthians 1: 3 shines the light on the truth that the comforts we enjoy in life comes directly from the Father of mercies and God of all comforts and not from Chance. Playing lottery, a game of chance or luck denies this truth. The player risks falling into the trap of the enemy, the father of lies.

The Church shines the light of Christ in the world. The Church is protected from error through the infallible ministry of the Holy Spirit.

"Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Now is the favourable time: this is the day of salvation.
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!" (2 Corinthians 6: 2).

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I am doing a new thing in your life.

"Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
In the wilderness I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers." (Isaiah 43: 18 - 19).

On the 5th Sunday of Lent 2019, the Lord has great encouragement for those who believe they are spent force, have used up all their gifts and are quietly waiting to transition to the next world. The Lord says to you: Forget the past completely: all your accomplishments, the silver and gold medals, the long resumés. The Lord is about to begin a new thing in your life: the Next Step and the More.

Are you prepared for this? It all depends on your "... forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3: 13).

What if you think: "I am already too old!" The Lord says to you:
"He gives power to the faint,
abundant strength to the weak.
Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint." (Isaiah 40: 29 - 31).

Depend on faith and not on your intelligence.

"Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks – come back to me with all your heart, for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!" (Joel 2: 12 - 13).

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In my extremity, I cried to the Lord. He heard my cry.

"The waves of death rose about me; the pains of the netherworld surrounded me.In my anguish I called to the Lord,and from his holy temple he heard my voice."
(Cf. Psalm 18: 5, 7).

Our reflection today, Saturday in the 4th week of Lent 2019 is from Psalm 18 which is used in the Entrance Antiphon. Have you ever been overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable problems? Let us face it, very few of us have gone through the experience of martyrdom. Christ tasted this during His Passion and Crucifixion.

The message of our Scripture today is the infallible power of prayer. Ask, seek and knock. You shall not ask, seek or knock in vain. Jesus Christ knew after His painful cry from the Cross that His Father would not abandon Him to the underworld. Psalm 22 which He quoted from the Cross ended in a triumphant note.
God provides all our necessities through His loving Providence. Quit doubting. Believe!

"Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart,take the word of God to themselvesand yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!" (Cf Luke 8: 15).

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Is this your appointed time?

"They tried to arrest him, but his hour had not yet come." (Cf John 7: 30).

On the First Friday of April, in the 4th week of Lent 2019, we reflect on the Hour of Destiny. Jesus refers uncannily to His hour not yet come or His hour has come. What is this hour that Jesus talks about all the time? We know that the biblical concept of time is divided into Chronos from where we get chronology: years, months, weeks, hours, minutes, etc. Is this what Jesus means? Or does He allude to Kairos, which can be interpreted as the hour of grace. The Hour set by the Almighty Father for the execution or realization of certain plans.

God’s Kairos hour governs the major events in the life of Jesus. It also governs the major events in your life. Are you impatient that some prayers or expectations of yours have not been fulfilled? Are you in the appointed time? Nothing happens in God's government of the world before the appointed time.

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3: 1).

"Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks –come back to me with all your heart, for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!" ( Joel 2: 12 - 13).

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Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday.

April 05, 2019 First Friday in April.

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:  Jesus promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.  In the 4th month of the year 2019, we look at Promise #4.

#4.  "They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death."

The key word in this promise to me is DEATH.  Do you find the subject of death troubling?

I consider Promise #4 a great Promise.  St Augustine says:  "If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well."  To die well therefore is what every human being must desire.  Most of the post Ascension apparitions of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary to mystics promise succor at the time of the last struggle of death to those who honor them in the manner they specified.  The Church declared St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, patron saint of Happy Death.  I believe in the Resurrection of the dead and life everlasting. The thought of dying no longer scares me.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass.

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, click the link below:

http://sfjweb.com/?q=content/sacred-heart-12-promises

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Moses interceded with God for the People.

"Let me alone, then, that my anger may burn against them to consume them." The Lord said to Moses. (Exodus 32: 10).

On Thursday of the 4th week of Lent 2019, we ask, what is Intercession? Intercession looms so high in the doctrine of salvation that few topics are more important. What is intercession? Intercession is beseeching God earnestly on behalf of someone in dire need of mercy.

In our Scripture today from Exodus 32, let us see what Moses did as intercessor on behalf of Israel when they apostasized by worshiping the golden calf.
"But Moses implored the Lord, his God, saying, “Why, O Lord, should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a strong hand?" (Exodus 32: 11).

Who else is intercessor in the Bible?
Abraham, Jacob, David, Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah. Intercession is a key aspect of the job description of a prophet. It is also a key part of the ministry of the Aaronic priesthood and the Christian priesthood.
One of the principal titles of Jesus Christ is our Able and Eternal High Priest. Jesus Christ in Heaven is continually interceding for us besides the throne of grace and mercy of God. When we intercede for people, we do so through Jesus Christ and in His name. We do not ask God to remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but to remember the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. The Church intercedes for her children day and night through Jesus and in His name. What are the saints doing in Heaven now? Interceding for the Church and for the family and friends of the saints.

Prayer moves God.

"Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life; you have the message of eternal life.
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!" (Cf. John 6 :63, 68).

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The Lord has not forsaken you.

“The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” Said Zion. (Isaiah 49: 14).

On Wednesday, in the 4th week of Lent 2019, we see the kindness and mercy of God in full display. The People broke the Covenant with God and suffered as a result. The suffering was at a breaking point. They must have muttered thus: "We are convinced now that God has utterly forsaken and forgotten us." How close have you been to despair? You pray for recovery from illness but no sign of healing. For the mending of a broken family but things get worse. For financial improvement but slide into bankruptcy. Or any one of the conditions that befalls man on earth.

If you or your loved ones is in any of the above situation, God has a special good news for you in His word today.

"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: 15).

But in case you still have some doubts, "See, upon the palms of my hands I have engraved you." The Lord God assures you. (Isaiah 49: 16).

Now, the ball is in your court:
To believe or not to believe. It is a choice. If you believe, appropriate the Scripture, write it down, memorize it and repeat it until it is yours.

"The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down." (Psalm 145: 13 - 14).

The Lord is gracious and merciful. His mercies never fail.

"Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son: everyone who believes in him has eternal life.
Glory and praise to you, O Christ!" (John 3: 16).

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Do you want to be well?

 “Do you want to be well?" (John 5: 6). You too. Do you want to be well? Jesus is asking you and me on Tuesday, in the 4th week of Lent 2019. Although this question was posed to the man who had been ill for 38 years, the deeper meaning of this Scripture applies to you and me on the health of our soul. There are grievous illnesses that are not of the body but are so consequential that they affect our eternal destiny. The healing of these assures us of immortality. Eternal Bliss! This is what the grace of Lent brings to us. Reconciliation and healing. We are less than 3 weeks to Holy Week. Have you taken advantage of the numerous and generous provisions for Sacramental Reconciliation? Why wait for the last minute since no one is assured of tomorrow. "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8: 36). "Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! A pure heart create for me, O God, and give me again the joy of your help. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!" (Psalm 50:12,14). SeekFirstcommunity.com

Do not consult your fears and doubts but your hopes.

"The royal official said to him [Jesus], “Sir, come down before my child dies.”  Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left." (John 4: 49 - 50).

On Monday, in the 4th week of Lent 2019, we see two great expositions on Faith. In the above Scripture from John 4, Jesus said to the royal official whose son was close to death: Go home, "your son will live." He believes Jesus and went home and found his son recovered at the precise time of his encounter with Jesus.

In the first Reading from Isaiah 65, God promises through Isaiah:
"See, I am creating new heavens
 and a new earth; The former things shall not be remembered nor come to mind." (Isaiah 65: 17).
Do you recognize in this promise the same as the promise of the Kingdom of God, the constant obsession of Jesus during His public ministry? Can you come to believe that for you personally this could be a promise for the NEXT and the MORE in your life?

Faith is radical trust and confidence in the word of God; in His promises.
Without faith, you cannot enjoy the abundant life promised by Jesus in John 10: 10.
How do you come by strong faith?
#1 Prayer: No prayer, no answer, no miracle.
#2 Feeding daily on the word of God. When you pray, you talk to God. When you read the word of God, God talks to you.
#3 When you overcome trials, fears, worries and doubts, you receive a bump in your faith. The beloved Pope St John XXIII leaves us a wise counsel below:

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but what is still possible for you to do." (Pope St John XXIII).

"Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
My soul is waiting for the Lord,
I count on his word, because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! (Psalm 129: 5, 7).

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Have mercy on me. I have sinned.

"Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.  I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." (Luke 15: 17 - 18).

On Sunday, the 4th week of Lent, we reflect on the model of conversion offered us in the story of the Prodigal Son. Conversion, metanoia is what Lent is all about. Not just a conversion from a life of sin, but conversion from a mediocre Christian to a Spirit-filled Christian, on fire to be an ambassador for Christ. This is possible for everyone because of the mercy of God who has promised that Lent is a favorable time for mercy and favors.

Let us reflect on the what the Church teaches about conversion:

"The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father: the fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father's house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father; the journey back; the father's generous welcome; the father's joy - all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of that new life - pure worthy, and joyful - of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father's love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way."(CCC 1439).

Be who you are redeemed to be:
A new creation and ambassador for Jesus Christ. (Cf 2 Corinthians 5: 17 - 21).

"Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
I will leave this place and go to my father and say:
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.’
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!" (Luke 15: 18).

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Let us strive to know the mercy of God.

"The tax collector stood at a distance, beating his breast and saying: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." (Luke 18: 13).

On Saturday in the 3rd week of Lent 2019, the Gospel is the Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisees. In this reflection, we want to dwell on Mercy as a key attribute of God.

In the first Reading from Hosea 6: 1 - 6, we hear this urgent cry:  "Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord; as certain as the dawn is his coming. He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.” (Hosea 6: 3).

God reveals Himself as Mercy in the Bible. The word Mercy is used 273 times in the Bible (KJV version) and 13 times during the Mass. Hosea urges us to strive to know the Lord. If all that we know of God is that He is merciful, we are as good as any saint. Unfortunately, the observant Pharisee did not know this truth.

Never forget the ABC of Mercy:
Ask for mercy.
Be merciful.
Completely trust Jesus for mercy.

"Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Harden not your hearts today,
but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Glory and praise to you, O Christ!" (Psalm 94: 8).

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You alone are God.

"Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, for you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God." (Psalm  86: 8, 10).

Our key Scripture for Friday in the 3rd week of Lent is from the Entrance Antiphon. As we draw nearer to the great Solemnity of Easter Vigil and the renewal of our Baptismal Promises, you may call this Friday, "No to Idols Friday." After soul searching, we say to God: "You are the only God." Not money, not science, not technology, not health, not family, not power, lust or fame. "You alone are God." You are the Evergreen Cypress Tree. Because of You, we are alive and still faithful. (Cf Psalm 85: 10; Hosea 14: 8).

"The Lord our God is Lord alone!  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12: 29 - 30).

"Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower; whoever finds this seed will remain for ever.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!" (Gospel Acclamation).

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Has faithfulness disappeared from the Church?

"Thus says the LORD:
This is what I commanded my people: Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper." (Jeremiah 7: 23).

What does Abba Father say to Peter, James and John on the Mountain of Transfiguration?
"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Cf Matthew 17:5, Mark 9: 7, Luke 9: 35). This message seems to be the running theme of Lent 2019. Today, Thursday in the 3rd week of Lent 2019, the Lord pleads with us and added some sweet carrots: "Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper." (Jeremiah 7: 23).

But sad enough, the people refused to listen. "Say to them: this is the nation that does not listen to the voice of the LORD, its God, or take correction.
Faithfulness has disappeared; the word itself is banished from their speech." (Jeremiah 7: 28).

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

"Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks – come back to me with all your heart, for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!" (Joel 2: 12 -13).

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Study the Law. Observe the Law. Teach the Law.

"But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

On Wednesday in the 3rd week of Lent, we hear one dominant theme from the Mass Readings: Teach the Law [the word]. The message comes strongly from the first Reading from Deuteronomy 4 and Matthew 5. Below are the Scriptures:

#1 "Israel, hear the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to observe." (Deuteronomy 4: 1).

#2 "See, I am teaching you the statutes and ordinances as the Lord, my God, has commanded me." (Deuteronomy 4: 5).

#3 However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children." (Deuteronomy 4: 9).

From the Gospel:

#4 "But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

#5 "Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

The Church is in dire need of teachers of the word of God: catechists and evangelists. Without teaching and knowledge, a people perishes. (Cf Hosea 4: 6).

Therefore,
Believe what you read.
Practice what you believe.
Teach what you practice.

"Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life; you have the message of eternal life.
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!" (Cf. John 6: 63, 68).

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