Instrument of punishment

"The instrument of one's sin are his instrument of his punishment." (Wisdom 11: 16) Revised English Bible

"One is punished by the very things by which one sins." (New Revised Standard Version)

"A man is punished by the very things through which he sins." (New American Bible)

"The agent of sin is the agent of punishment." (New Jerusalem Bible)

The above scripture came to me as a technical knockout when I read it during my desert experience 12 years ago. It sounded so true and I knew it was true. Reflections and observations of life since then have confirmed this gem of Bible truths. Although the scripture itself was etched into my memory, I lost the reference and did not discover it till today, 12 years after I discovered the scripture.

The full passage goes like this: "In return for the foolish imagination of those wicked people, which deluded them into worshiping reptiles incapable of reason, and mere vermin, you sent upon them in your vengeance mindless swarms to teach them that the instruments of someone's sin are the instruments of his punishment." (Wisdom 11: 15 – 16)

If the sin is love of money, money will be the instrument of punishment. If the sin is over indulgence with food or alcohol, food or alcohol will be the instrument of punishment.

 

No More Delay

"There will be no further delay in the fulfilling of any of my words. What I have said shall be done now – declares the Lord Yahweh." (Ezekiel 2: 28)

The Message:

• Prepare yourself for action
  
• Be always prepared
  
• Be sober and be alert
  
• Do not think or say "The vision concerns a distant future ….. for times ahead." (Ezekiel 12:27)
  
• Things may happen very suddenly
  

The Promise:

• God's plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11)
  
• I will lead you across (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
  
• I will open for you a door (Revelation 3:8)
  
• I will fight for you (Exodus 14: 14; Joshua 1:9; 2 Chronicles 20: 15, 17)

God guiding

"Then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land." (Isaiah 58:11)

 

You will guide me (Psalm 31: 3)

Let your good Spirit lead me (Psalm 143: 10)

Lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139: 24)

Lead me in your truth (Psalm 25: 5)

 

The Lord will guide you continually (Isaiah 58: 11)

With your counsel you will guide me (Psalm 73: 24)

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know (Isaiah 42: 16)

He will lead them to springs of water (Isaiah 49: 10)

I lead them with cords of love (Hosea 11: 4)

I lead you in the way you should go (Isaiah 48: 17)

The Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16: 9)

 

The Lord has guided me (Genesis 24: 27, 48)

However far away I go, your hand leads me (Psalm 139: 10)

You lead them to your holy habitation (Exodus 15: 13)

The pillar of cloud to guide them (Nehemiah (9: 12, 19)

He leads ne in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23: 3)

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1)

Led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8: 14)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

A Time of Favor

"Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am." (Isaiah 58: 9)

When is the "then?"

There is a time of favor when God answers prayers as it were automatically. When is this time? The Church teaches that the season of Lent is a holy season of grace. But there are conditions to be fulfilled in this special season of Kairos. Isaiah 58: 9 – 14 lists these conditions:

• Offer your food to the hungry (deprive yourself for the hungry)
  
• Satisfy the needs of the afflicted
  
• Refrain from breaking the Sabbath
  
• Desist from oppression
  
• Do away with the clenched fist and the malicious words
  

The favors promised are:

• Your light will rise in the darkness
  
• Your darkest hour will be like noon
  
• You will be like a watered garden
  
• Your ancient ruins will be rebuilt
  
• You will be called rebuilder of broken walls
  
• You will find true happiness in Yahweh
  
• You will triumph over conditions on earth
  

The Working of God’s Providence

"If one prays with faith, even today, the Lord does not fail to perform miracles of healing. But God's providence ordinarily works through responsible commitment, through the resources of intelligence, of science, of appropriate medical and social assistance." (Pope John Paul II)

How does God providence work?

God providence works through the most direct and natural medium available here and now. The working of God's providence is marked by utter simplicity. This simplicity can deceive the senses. It requires the eyes of faith to see and appreciate the operation of God's providence.

Character is destiny2

"It is for this destiny that God himself has been shaping us; and as a pledge of it he has given us the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 5: 5)

The destiny:

• Friend and companion of Jesus
  
• His ambassador
  
• Ministry of reconciliation
  

How has God been shaping me for this destiny?

SJC, CSSP, SJ, Ife, Kano, London, Lagos, Abidjan, Paris, Lagos, Houston, AJS, QOP, 1414, Enterprise.

The Real Presence of Christ in the Mass

Christ is present in the Mass:

• In the person of his minister
  
• Especially under the Eucharistic species
  
• He is present in his word, since it is himself who speaks when the Holy Scriptures are read in the Church.
  

The Mass because it is an action of Christ the priest and his Body the Church, is a sacred action surpassing all others. No other action of the Church can match its claim to efficacy, nor equal the degree of it.

The Liturgy is the summit towards which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time, it is the fountain from which all her power flows. The renewal in the Eucharist of the Covenant between the Lord and man draws the faithful into the compelling love of Christ and sets them afire. From the Eucharist as from a fountain, grace is channeled to us.

DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH (Vatican Council II)

CONSTITUTION ON THE LITURGY (Vatican Council II)

The Laity in the Church

Christ is the Supreme and Eternal Priest.

Christ wills to continue his ministry and serve through the laity too.

He therefore vivifies them in the Spirit and unceasingly urges them on to every good and perfect work.

Christ intimately associates me too in his life and mission.

He also gives me a share in his priestly function of offering spiritual worship for the glory of God and the salvation of men.

During the celebration of the Mass, I have the opportunity to offer my:

• Works
  
• Prayers/desires
  
• Apostolic endeavors
  
• Home life
  
• Mental and physical relaxation
  
• Hardships of life
  

To the Father along with the Lord. Through this means, I consecrate the world to God.

DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH (Vatican Council II)

Mind of Christ

"Put on the mind of Christ." (Philippians 2:5)

The basic point is this: We bring our thinking in line with Christ's understanding of life today.

How I wish I could say with St. Paul "But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2: 16)

The Mass

What is the Mass?

It is the great mystery of our faith. The word mystery comes from the Greek word, mysterion which is translated by the Latin, sacramentum. It signifies a secret, something hidden and unknown. It could be a secret religious rite to which only the fully initiated are admitted.

What happens in the Mass is that God's mysterious plan, conceived from all eternity and brought to its fulfillment in his Divine Son's passion, death and resurrection is made present.

The Mass is a marvelous drama jointly produced by Christ and his Church.

During the Mass, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion. "Communion" has its roots in the Greek koinonia, which includes the notions of fellowship, unity, sharing and community. Communion is first with the Lord and from that to all believers.

The Bible and the Mass, Stravinskas

Open Door

"I know about your activities. Look, I have opened in front of you a door that no one will be able to close – and I know that although you are not very strong, you have kept my commandments and not disowned my name." (Revelation 3:8)

The Lord knows about my activities. He knows everything about my job, the joys, the successes and the frustrations. Jesus knows all about me.

The Lord opened many doors in my life:

• UACN
  
• UEF
  
• QOP
  
• AJS
  

All these doors are now closed. There are many things in life that are transient. There are a few that are permanent. Jesus promises in Revelation 3:8 to open a door that will be permanently open for me. That door is Christ himself. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

The Lord also knows all about my weaknesses.

Weakness:

• Gideon's clan was the weakest in Manasseh (Judge 6:15)
  
• We have no power against their great army (2 Chronicles 20: 12)
  
• We are unable to build the wall (Nehemiah 4: 10)
  
• Without me you can do nothing (John 15: 5)
  
• I know you have only a little power (Revelation 3: 8)
  

  
   

• I will boast of my weakness (2 Corinthians 11: 30; 12: 5, 9)
  
• I am content with weakness, for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12: 10)
  
• They won strength out of weakness (Hebrews 11: 34)
  
• Christ's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12: 9)
  

  
   

• Help the weak (1 Thessalonians 5: 14)
  
• Strengthen the weak knees (Hebrews 12: 12)
  

  
   

• God chose what is weak (1 Corinthians 1: 27)
  
• The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8: 26)
  
• A high priest able to sympathize in our weakness (Hebrews 4: 15)
  

  ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE
  

A Shower of blessings

"God, you rained down a shower of blessings, when your heritage was weary you gave it strength. Your family found a home, which you in your generosity provided the humble." (Psalm 68: 9-10)

PROVISIONS:

• God richly supplies us with everything to enjoy (1 Timothy 6: 17)
  
• God will equip you with everything good to do his will (Hebrews 13: 21)
  
• The provisions of his Spirit (Philippians 1: 19)
  
• His divine power has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1: 3)
  
• The Lord will provide a lamb (Genesis 22:8, 14)
  

 

• God provided for his people in the wilderness (Psalm 105: 40-41)
  
• You provided for them in the wilderness (Nehemiah 9: 21)
  
• You provided for the poor (Psalm 68: 10)
  

Divine Help

God helps you (Genesis 49:25; 1 Chronicles 12: 18)

Eliezer, God was my help (Exodus 18:4)

God is my helper (Psalm 54: 4)

The Lord is my helper (Hebrews 13:6)

The Lord is your shield of help (Deuteronomy 33: 29)

A very present help in trouble (Psalm 46: 1)

Our help is in the name of the Lord (Psalm 124: 8)

Ebenezer, this far has the Lord helped us (1 Samuel 7:12)

The Lord helped David wherever he went (2 Samuel 8:6; 1 Chronicles 18:6, 13)

He has helped his servant Israel (Luke 1: 54)

You are the helper of the orphan (Psalm 10: 14)

My help is from the Lord (Psalm 121: 2)

Your help made me great (2 Samuel 22: 36; Psalm 18:35)

The Lord helped me (Psalm 118: 13)

With us is the Lord to help us (2 Chronicles 32: 8)

Christ is able to help those who are tempted (Hebrews 2: 18)

The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8: 26)

We have an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1)

If the Lord had not been my help (Psalm 94: 17)

 

God helped the Levites to carry the ark (1 Chronicles 15: 26)

The wall had been built with the help of God (Nehemiah 6: 16)

God helped Uzziah against his enemies (2 Chronicles 26: 7)

Jehoshaphat cried out and the Lord helped him (2 Chronicles 18: 31)

 

The hand of the Lord on them to help (Ezra 7: 6, 9, 28; 8:18, 22, 31; Nehemiah 2:8, 18)

 

The Father will give you another helper (John 14: 16)

The helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send (John 14: 26)

The helper whom I will send from the Father (John 15: 26)

I will send the helper to you (John 16: 7)

 

We have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Rejoice O highly favored One

"Rejoice, you who enjoy God's favor! The Lord is with you!" (Luke 1:28)

The Angel Gabriel also said to Mary:

• Mary, do not be afraid, you have won God's favor.
  
• The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow.
  
• For God's promises can never fail.
  

Mary answered:

• You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.
  

I like very much the reminder that God's promises never fail. Here are a few other instances of this word:

• With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19: 26, Mark 10: 27)
  
• What is impossible for man is possible for God (Luke 18: 27)
  
• With God nothing is impossible (Luke 1: 37)
  
• Nothing will be impossible for them (Genesis 11: 6)
  
• Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17: 20)
  
• I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4: 13)
  

The battle of prayer

"Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings." (1 Peter 5: 8 – 9)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say on prayer:

"Prayer is a gift of grace but it always presupposes a determined response on your part because those who pray "battle" against themselves, their surroundings, and especially the Tempter who does all he can to turn them away from prayer. The battle of prayer is inseparable from progress in the spiritual life. We pray as we live because we live as we pray."

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen."

Blow at the head of Satan

"Then Uzziah said to her (Judith): 'Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth, who guided your blow at the head of the chief of our enemies. Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God." (Judith 13: 18 – 19)

The above scripture was read on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11, 1997. On that day, I saw clearly the semblance of Judith to Mary, the Mother of Christ very clearly. Judith was the prototype of Mary. I scribbled the following in my journal:

"Mary is blessed by the Most High God above all other women on earth.

It is God, the Blessed One who has guided her to cut off the head of the leader of our enemies, Satan.

Your praises O Mary will never depart from the hearts of those who remember the power of God.

O Mother, your praises will endure forever."

 

Mary – Our Mother

"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her;

Exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her!

Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort,

That you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts!

For thus says the Lord:

Lo, I will spread prosperity over her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.

As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap;

As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort." (Isaiah 66: 10-14)

 

The above scripture was read at Mass on February 11, 1997 on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is clear that the Church intends us to turn our reflection to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ as we read and meditate on Isaiah 66: 10-14 on this day. I confided the reflection below to my journal on this occasion.

"I rejoice with Mary and I am glad for her. I love Mary. I share her joy with all my heart because I recognize her as the Mother of Sorrows.

I will suck fully of the milk of her comfort. I will drink deep with delight from her generous breasts.

God blesses her with prosperity which flows over her like a river.

O House of gold!

O Ivory Tower!

I will be suckled, carried on her lap.

As a mother comforts her son, so Mary, my mom will comfort me.

When this happens, my heart shall rejoice and my body flourish like the grass.

And everybody will know that the hand of the Lord is upon me. Amen!"

EXAMPLE

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps." (1 Peter 2: 21)

• Christ washed their feet as an example (John 13: 15)
  
• Christ suffered, leaving us an example (1 Peter 2: 21)
  
• In me Christ demonstrated his patience as an example (1 Timothy 1: 16)
  
• Observe those who live according to Paul's example (Philippians 3: 17)
  
• We offer ourselves as a model for you (2 Thessalonians 3: 9)
  
• The Thessalonians were an example to all believers (1 Thessalonians 1 : 7)
  
• The prophets were an example of suffering and patience (James 5: 10)
  
• Be an example to believers (1 Timothy 4: 12)
  
• Show yourselves to be an example of good deeds (Titus 2:7)
  
• Elders should be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5: 3)
  

(ROGETS THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Be anxious for nothing

"So do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6: 34)

• Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6)
  
• Do not be anxious about what to say in your defense (Matthew 10: 19, Mark 13: 11, Luke 12: 11)
  
• Do not worry about what to eat or drink (Matthew 6: 25-31, Luke 12: 22)
  
• Who by being anxious can add a cubit to his life? (Matthew 6: 27, Luke 12: 25)
  
• The worries of this world choke the word (Matthew 13: 22, Luke 8: 14)
  
• Do not be weighed down by the worries of life (Luke 21: 34)
  
• Do not let your heart be troubled (John 14: 1)
  
• Do not be anxious (Luke 12: 29)
  
• I want you to be free of anxiety (1 Corinthians 7: 32)
  
• Cast your anxiety on him (1 Peter 5: 7)
  

ROGETS THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE

Faith Gives Us Access

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the Promised Land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God." (Hebrews 11: 8-10)

By faith I embarked on the Enterprise. I set out without knowing what I was going to do. By faith I stayed in the land as if it was not the Promised Land. I lived in "tents." I looked forward to the city with foundation, designed and built by God.

Abraham went out not knowing where he was going: But God knows the destination. Abraham showed the obedience of faith and God counted it in his favor. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in "tents." Jesus Christ lived in "tents." (Matthew 8: 20; Luke 9: 58). No condition is permanent and this world is a tent for every living person. God has prepared a homeland for all of us. (Hebrews 11: 16)

Prepare yourself for action

"As for you, prepare yourself for action." (Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19)

When I read the above scripture ten years ago, I appropriated it immediately and confided the reflection below to my journal:

"How do I prepare myself for action?

• Prayer
  
• Eucharist
  
• Word of God
  
• Ministry
  
• Study
  

What is the fruit of preparation?

• At the right time, you will stand up and tell them all that I command you.
  
• You will have no fear of them for God will make you fearless in their presence.
  
• They will certainly try to terrorize you and discourage you. Resist it for if you let yourself be broken before them, I will break you before their eyes. I rebuke temerity in those who know me.
  
• You will be a pillar of iron.
  
• You will be a wall of bronze.
  
• Be prepared to stand against the whole country if I ask you.
  
• They will fight against you but will never overcome you.
  

For I am with you to rescue you, Yahweh declares."

Give

"Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap; because the standard you use will be the standard used for you." (Luke 6: 38)

I discovered only recently that I have the gift of intercessory prayer. A couple of months ago, I attended a weekend workshop called "Call and Gift." During the workshop, participants were encouraged to make an inventory of their gifts. I have known for some time that I love to pray. I love the Mass; I love saying the Rosary. I enjoy communal prayers like the Divine Office. But it never occurred to me to add up all these likings and draw their appropriate conclusion from it: gift. Reviewing my journal entry of 1997, ten years ago, I found that I confided the reflection below on Luke 6: 38.

"What can I give now?

• Compassion, forgiveness
  
• Prayers/Intercession
  
• Talent in publishing Christ
  
• Time
  
• Letter apostolate
  

Daniel, a captive in Babylon gave to his people at their hour of great need a noble gift. He interceded for them before God. Prayer is the key. I can imitate Daniel."

 

Intercessory Prayer

"O my Lord, God great and to be feared, you keep the covenant and show faithful love towards those who love you and who observe your commandments." (Daniel 9: 4)

In Daniel 9: 4 – 10, I see the young prophet exercising the office of the priest. He intercedes on behalf of his people and stood in the gap for them. I can do the same. O Holy Spirit, use my gift of intercessory prayer as you wish. Lead me, guide me and use me.

If God is for us

"If God is for us, who can be against us? Is it possible that he who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?" (Romans 8: 31 – 32)

This is an incredible logic. To demonstrate his love and concern for you, God gave up his son, Jesus Christ. Now, what can be more valuable than his son, Jesus? In other words, God wants us to put his Son on one side of the scale and whatever desire or hope we have on the other side. How does that tally? The answer is clear. In giving us his Son, Jesus, God has given us everything.

I know for certain that God is for me in the Enterprise. I will fear nothing. I trust his wisdom and power. Every day, I am getting more and more ready to trust and to obey.

Temporary or Permanent Residence?

"Rabbi, how good it is for us to be here. Let us erect three booths on this site, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (Mark 9: 5)

Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to the mountaintop to experience his Transfiguration. They experienced joy and comfort and wanted the incident to be permanent. But there is work for them elsewhere. The Enterprise has been marked by immense spiritual and material favors. Am I tempted like Peter to cling to this at all cost? Is there work for me elsewhere?

Offering Everything

"I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing – all this because you obeyed my command." (Genesis 22: 15 – 18)

God is faithful. We can never outdo him in generosity. Trust him at all times. He rewards faith. He rewards obedience. In his recompense, he goes further than our desires and hopes.

Behold the Lamb

"But the Lord's messenger called to him from heaven, 'Abraham, Abraham!' 'Yes, Lord,' he answered. 'Do not lay your hand on the boy,' said the messenger. 'Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son." As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son." (Genesis 22: 9 – 13)

Isaac said to the Abraham, his father: We have the priest, the altar and everything for the sacrifice. But where is the lamb? Abraham answered him: God will provide the lamb at the appropriate time.

When John the Baptizer saw Jesus, he said to the crowd: Behold the Lamb of God, who is the true sacrifice for our sin.

The Church teaches that Jesus is not only the Lamb for the sacrifice, he is also the priest and the altar.

Readiness for Test

"God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, 'Abraham!' 'Ready!' he replied. Then God said: 'Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you." (Genesis 22: 1-2)

God tested Abraham's faith and his readiness to obey. It was a severe test but Abraham was ready for the test. He believed in God's goodness, wisdom and power. And because of this, it was easy for him to obey. In the Annunciation story, Mary's faith and readiness to obey were also tested. We know from Mary's Magnificat that she knew her God very well. Faith that is firm is born from experiential knowledge of God's goodness, wisdom and power.

Am I prepared to undergo a severe test in my life if it comes now? What do I fear most to lose in life? Family, health, money, job, property or tools, daily food? Jesus says: we find our life only when we are ready to lose it. The more detached we are from things, the more free we are.

Easter Monday 2007

"My heart has prompted me to seek your face; I seek it, Lord; do not hide your face from me." (Psalm 27: 8 – 9)

Ten years ago, I confided to my journal this reflection on the above scripture:

"My heart has prompted me to seek God with a singleness of purpose this Lent. I know he will not hide his face from me. I can never forget the Lent of 1988. I had not observed Lent for a very long time. My heart prompted me to give up smoking just on Ash Wednesday. After Ash Wednesday, the desire to smoke dried up. God healed me of smoking addiction. Praise God!"

Today is Easter Monday. Since the miraculous healing I experienced at the beginning of Lent 1988, Lent has become my favorite season in the liturgical calendar. Today, my manner of living before and after Lent has synchronized. Thank you Jesus.

Peter the Rock

"Peter said: you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered: You are Peter, the rock on which I will build my Church." (Matthew 16: 16 – 18)

Just before Easter 2007, I ordered the 2000 Years of Papal History from Peter to Pope Benedict XVI. Recorded by an eminent Harvard trained historian, Fr. John O'Malley, S.J., the precious gem came to me in 12 CDs. As I listened with awe to this incredible story, at times it did not seem to me that the papacy was the rock on which Christ built his Church. But certainly rock it was, rock it had been and rock it is still today. How do I know this? Build a house on rock and it stands. Build it on sand and it is washed away in a fierce storm.

Thank you Jesus for your wisdom and power.

A Promise fulfilled

"The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want." (Psalm 23: 1)

Ten years ago, I confided to my journal the reflection below on the above scripture:

"How true this is in my life today. Everything I need I have. Those things the Lord in his wisdom and goodness sees that I do not need, he does not provide. This is the way it is supposed to be. I trust the Lord in all things and at all times.

Psalm 23 which I repeated and visualized for two years (1995 and 1996) is now fulfilled in my life. God has indeed given me repose in green pastures. Originally, I saw the promise of a green pasturage as a successful information systems company. But God has better plans for me – the Enterprise. He has restored my spirits through the tranquil streams by which he leads me.

I know for certain that nothing now frightens me: no support or security issues intimidate me. This is because his goodness and faithful love will pursue me every day of my life. One of the greatest gifts the Lord has given me in the Enterprise is the fulfillment of unexpected promise:

"I make my home in the house of Yahweh for all time to come" (Psalm 23: 6)

I am in the house of Yahweh every day.

Strengthen your brothers

"The Lord said to Simon Peter: I have prayed that your faith may not fail; and you in your turn must strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22: 23)

"…. And the gates of the underworld can never overcome you." (Matthew 6: 18)

 

How I love to claim the above scriptures. But why not? Jesus Christ has prayed for me too. I may be tempted, the storms may rage, the underworld may unleash it most severe fury, the assurance of the protection of Christ is my bulwark. A thousand may line up behind me and ten thousand face me, I will not be afraid.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear?

The lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?" (Psalm 27: 1)

My Good Shepherd

"Who do people say the Son of Man is? …… But you, who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16: 13, 15)

• You are my Lord and my God.
  
• You are my Savior and my Redeemer
  
• You are my King and my Boss
  
• You are my best Friend and my Companion
  
• You are my Good Shepherd.
  
• You are my Security and my Doctor.
  

Thank you Jesus for being all these to me and much more.

My flock

"Give a shepherd's care to the flock of God that is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, as God wants; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it." (1 Peter 5: 2)

God has made me my brother's keeper. He has also entrusted everybody with a flock. Who is my flock today?

• Family
  
• Ministry
  
• Friends
  
• People I intercede for
  
• Clients
  

These are people I meet every day in thought, word or person.

God instructed man to be his brother's keeper. Since the Christian is called to a higher standard, we are commanded to do it not as a "duty but gladly."

Higher Standard

"For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5: 20)

• Do not be angry with your brother.
  
• Forgive your brother completely from the heart.
  

The new standard is higher than the old. For a friend and companion of Jesus, this standard will still be higher.

Knowledge of God 2

"You have made heaven and earth, and all the marvels that are under heaven. You are the Master of the universe and no one can resist you, Lord." (Esther 4: 17c)

Esther's knowledge of God reminds me of two other biblical characters: Hannah, mother of Samuel and Mary, Mother of Jesus. In a prayer of thanksgiving, these two women poured forth their knowledge of God and faith in him. How empowering it is to know God. To know that God our Father is almighty, all wise, all loving and to act on this knowledge everyday is to live a truly victorious life.

How can we come by this knowledge of God?

The word of God, the Bible is the source of true knowledge of God.

Sovereign God

"Lord, Lord, Almighty King, everything is subject to your power, and there is no one who can withstand you in your determination to save Israel." (Esther 4: 17b)

"For in putting all things under him he made no exceptions." (Hebrews 2: 8)

God made no exceptions to the law that "All things serve him." (Psalm 119:91)

He made no exceptions to the law that "All things work together for good to them that love him." (Romans 8: 28)

Jesus Christ has absolute power to save us. There are no exceptions in this. Everyone is included.

 

"It follows, then, that his power to save those who come to God through him is absolute, since he lives forever to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7: 25)

Christ's power to save is absolute. The power of Jesus is not bound by the limitations of geography or time. He has absolute power in the truest sense of the word. He is therefore worthy of absolute trust.

Example of Jonah

"The word of Yahweh was addressed to Jonah a second time. 'Up!' he said, 'Go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach to it as I shall tell you.' Jonah set out and went to Nineveh in obedience to the word of Yahweh." (Jonah 3: 1 – 3)

Jonah had learned his lesson after the experience of disobeying God the first time he heard God's command. His trying to escape God was futile. Because the gifts and call of God are irrevocable (Romans 11: 29), the call came a second time. This time, Jonah was ready to do what he was commanded. He set out in obedience to Yahweh to preach 'what Yahweh shall tell him,' no more, no less. The Ninevites were also ready for God's word and responded to the call for conversion.

Lord, your gifts and call are irrevocable. Thank you for your faithfulness and mercy. May your gifts and call to me not be in vain. Amen!

The Rain and the Snow

"For, as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and do not return before having watered the earth, fertilizing it and making it germinate to provide seed for the sower and food to eat, so it is with the word that goes from my mouth: it will not return to me unfulfilled or before having carried out my good pleasure and having achieved what it was sent to do." (Isaiah 55: 10 – 11)

As I write this, I look out of the window and gazed at the rain and thunder blasts. I thought to myself: "It is true that God himself sends the rain and snow." This something that no government or human can claim to do. God sends the rain and the snow to water the earth, fertilize it and make it provide the food we need. Human beings claim to produce the food. But they cannot claim to produce the land on which the food grows or the water that fertilizes the land.

God says to me in the above scripture: The rain and snow carry out the divine order faithfully. So does every word of God.

O God, grant me the grace never to doubt your word. May all your word to me come be fulfilled. Amen!

Corporate Works of Mercy

"Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take as your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me." (Matthew 25: 34 – 35)

Corporate works of mercy:

• Feed the hungry
  
• Give water to the thirsty
  
• Welcome the stranger
  
• Clothe the naked
  
• Visit the sick
  
• Visit the prisoner
  

Lord, help me to see you in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the prisoner. And when I have seen you in them, inspire me on what to do. Amen!

Enticing Promises

"Yahweh will always guide you, will satisfy your needs in the scorched land, he will give strength to your bones and you will be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never run dry." (Isaiah 58: 11)

• Continual guidance (Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 3:5)
  
• Total and sufficient support (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 6:34)
  
• Healing (Matthew 8: 17; Psalm 103: 2)
  
• Fresh and renewed (Psalm 3: 5)
  

God promises continual guidance, total and sufficient provision even when resources are generally scarce. Good health and renewal of mind and body are also promised. My God, these are very generous and very enticing promises. Who am I not to fall for them? Bless me lavishly with all of them. Amen!

Time for Temptation

"The Spirit sent Jesus out toward the desert. He stayed in the wasteland 40 days, put to the test there by Satan. He was with wild beasts, and angels waited on him." (Mark 1: 12 – 15)

What does the temptation of Jesus teach me?

For forty days, Jesus was tempted by Satan. He overcame the temptation and angels ministered to him. There is a time for everything says the Book of Ecclesiastes:

• A time to be born and a time to die
  
• A time to kill and a time to heal
  
• A time to cry and a time to laugh
  

There is also a time for spiritual consolation and a time for temptation.

Lord, help me to realize the period of temptation and enable me to put on the full armor you gave me in Ephesians 6: 10 – 20.

The Blood of Christ

"See, I am now establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you ….. " (Genesis 9: 8 – 15)

The blood of Jesus Christ is the sign of the new covenant.

The Eucharist recalls this deed. The Eucharist is the supreme promise of our salvation.

Awesome Promises for Lent

"Then you will cry for help and Yahweh will answer; you will call and he will say, 'I am here.'"(Isaiah 58:9)

I call the whole of Isaiah 58, the covenant statement for Lent.

God promises: If you truly turn to me with all your heart during this Lent, ask and I will give you anything. But first of all, listen to what I am asking of you:

• Do away with the yoke
  
• Do away with clenched fist
  
• Do away with malicious words
  
• Deprive yourself for the hungry
  
• Satisfy the needs of the afflicted
  

Now listen to my promises to you:

1. Your light will shine in the darkness
   
2. I will always guide you
   
3. I will satisfy your needs in the scorched land
   
4. I will give strength to your bones
   
5. You will be like a watered garden:
   
6. Like flowing spring whose waters never run dry
   
7. Your ruins will be rebuilt
   
8. You will build on age-old foundations
   
9. You will be called 'Breach-mender'
   
10. Restorer of streets to be lived in
    

Wow! Very powerful message for Lent.

Lord God, your promises are awesome and they delight my heart. I believe every one of them. Help me to live according to your word so that I can enjoy these promises.

 

Health for service

"And going into Peter's house Jesus found Peter's mother-in-law in bed and feverish. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him." (Matthew 9: 14 – 15)

Good health is one of God's great blessings in life. One blessing that I thank God for with regard to health is the healing of the fear of ill-health. There was a time in my life when I look at the future and wonder what sort of health misfortune might befall me. Then little by little, I came to understand that my good health today was not an accident but a purposeful gift of God. Whatever God gives, he can maintain. So I started praying for the grace to overcome fear of ill-health. It took a longtime for me to notice that I am free of self-imprisonment of unruly imagination with regard to health. God will always provide as much health as I need to do his work. This is enough for me.

Share your food

"Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me: to break unjust fetters, to undo the thongs of yoke; to let the oppressed go free, and break all yokes? Is it not sharing your food with the hungry, and sheltering the homeless poor; if you see someone lacking clothes, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own kin?" (Isaiah 58: 6 – 7)

Lord, you are all powerful, all wise and all loving. Why do you allow the conditions of injustice to exist and even flourish? Why do you allow some people to go without food and clothes? Lord, what will you have me do?

Continue to follow your Lenten program. I will speak to you at appropriate times.

When I am afraid

"Master! Master! We are lost!' Then he woke up and rebuked the wind and the rough water; and they subsided and it was calm again. He said to them, 'Where is your faith?" (Luke 9: 24)

When I become afraid in the face of trials, I will call on the Lord to help me. I remember Psalm 56: 3 – 4:

"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)

 

Help me Jesus to realize that you are always near.

Promised Land

"Look, today I am offering you life and prosperity, death and disaster …. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of Yahweh your God, obeying his voice, holding fast to him; for in this your life consists, and on this depends the length of time that you stay in the country which Yahweh swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that he would give them." (Deuteronomy 30: 15, 19 – 20)

I confided the reflection on the above scripture to my journal in 1997.

"This is one of my PL scriptures. What is Yahweh, my Lord saying to me today?

His provision for me here and now is life and prosperity. Father, thank you.

To obtain this provision, I must:

• Obey his voice, that is, listen t and comply to what he says to me. I know I can do it by God's grace. I feel I can do. And I want to do it.
  
• Love Yahweh, my God. But how do I love Yahweh? What does the scripture say on this? Love your neighbor whom you see. Do to him in every occasion as you would like him to do to you. For example, I love people to pray for me. Do likewise to your neighbor. I enjoy gifts from people. Give gifts to your friends. I like receiving emails and letters from friends. Send friends emails and letters. Show that you love God by doing to your neighbor as you want him to do to you.
  
• Hold fast to God, that is, hold fast to his words and promises. Let no delay shake you. Nor obstacles and disappointments dislodge you from the chosen path. Affirm God's promises all the time. Be patient as you wait for the fulfillment of God's promises in your life."
  

 

Lent and Food

"For God says, 'In an acceptable time I have heard you; on the day of salvation I have helped you.' Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Ten years ago, I confided the reflection on the above scripture to my journal:

"Lent is the time acceptable to God for 'rending the heart.' Does that mean that in seeking God, certain times are more acceptable than other times? Likewise, are some places more acceptable than others?

Lent is a time of grace. I recall that I experienced the miracle of healing from tobacco in the Lent of 1988. My great desire during this Lent is to overcome and neutralize the attraction of food in my life. God healed me of tobacco and alcohol. Now I want to be totally healed of food. But food is unlike alcohol and tobacco. It is a necessity. I want to overcome the inordinate attachment to food."

I am happy to report that God has totally healed me of attachment to food. I cannot recall the exact time of this healing. But without doubt, the healing started during the period of Lent.

 

A Clean heart

"A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me." (Psalm 51: 12)

Lenten objective

"Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me." (Psalm 51:14)

Without God, I can do nothing. O Lord, if you open my lips, my mouth shall then proclaim your praise. I am willing. Open it, dear Lord.

I read, I believe, I teach, I practice

"Keep your deeds of mercy secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you." (Matthew 6: 1-6)

"Whenever you pray, go to your room, close your door, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees what no man sees, will repay you."

"When you fast, see to it that you groom your hair and wash your face. In that way no one can see you are fasting but your Father who is hidden; and your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." (Matthew 6: 16 – 18)

We are mid way in Lent 2007 and it is a good time to remember what we heard at the beginning of Lent.

Lord, help me to believe what I read, to teach what I believe and to practice what I teach.

I read, I believe, I teach, I practice.

 

Rend your hearts

"Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God." (Joel 2: 13)

We hear this scripture usually on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. How do I rend my heart?

Jesus supplies the answer in another Ash Wednesday reading from Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18:

1. Pray
   
2. Fast
   
3. Almsgiving
   

When we do this in response to the word of God in Joel 2:13, we die with Christ during Lent and therefore are qualified to rise with him at Easter.

Oh Blessed Sunday

"God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on that day he rested after all his work of creating." (Genesis 2:3)

"Thou shall keep the Sabbath day holy." This is today my best commandment. I love the weekends and especially Sundays. I cannot have enough of a Sunday. I enjoy the communal Mass with more people. I enjoy the festival atmosphere of the sacred assembly when we gather for Sunday worship. I like the more solemn nature of the Mass. I dress my best for the occasion. My Sunday meals are different, richer and tastier. I take a long walk along the Bayou. I indulge myself in a long siesta. These are some of the reasons why I love Sunday.

It was not always so. The gift of Sunday is one of the major gifts of the Holy Spirit when he called me back to the companionship of Jesus Christ. Before this, I regarded Sunday as a work free day. That means the day I don't go to the office to be bothered by the boss. Sunday was the day I could do my own thing. But my perspective on Sunday changed when I embraced the word of God. I discovered with some amazement that Sunday is God's gift to man. But because it is couched in the language of command and law, many of us miss the point. The next step in my reflection was to look at the rest of the nine commandments and wonder whether God also intended every one of them as gift for the fulfillment of man.

• "Thou shall not steal."
  
• "Thou shall not commit adultery."
  
• "Honor thy father and thy mother."
  

Can the above commandments and the rest of them be for the enjoyment and benefit of man? The answer is a big yes. Who says so?

• The Bible
  
• The Church
  
• The best of our race
  

And today, I believe it.

 

Copy of God

"God, created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them." (Genesis 1: 27)

I am created in the image of God. What is an image? I would say that an image is a visual representation of the original. The synonyms of image are: copy, picture, representation, icon, figure, likeness, illustration, reflection. It is mind boggling to think of myself as a picture, copy, icon of God. But scripture says this is who I am. Not just me, but every man and woman. What can limit the potential of man? Who can limit the potential of man? The answer to both questions is: Nothing and Nobody. The creator himself designed man for life everlasting.

Touching Jesus

"And wherever he went, to village or town or farm, they laid down the sick in the open spaces, begging him to let them touch even the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched him were saved." (Mark 6: 56)

I thank you Jesus for your healing ministry. I have benefited from it and your healing hand sustains me every day. This is why even when I had health insurance, I knew that you are my best Doctor. I depend on you to keep me healthy enough to do the work you have allotted me every day. You have never failed in this. Even when I feel unwell and unable to work, I know that it is a downtime and I do not worry at all. Every day, you allow me to touch you in the Eucharist and as I do, you infuse new life into me. Thank you, Lord.

God created everything

"In the beginning, God created heaven and earth." (Genesis 1: 1)

God created everything and saw that everything he created was good. I have been impressed by the truth of scripture that God equipped the human mind with the ability to know him. This truth is confirmed by anthropology. Everywhere on earth, ancient man knew of the existence of God. He did not need teachers or missionaries to tell him about the creator of the universe. He looked, he saw, he observed and he believed. The Church teaches that this faith in God through his acts of creation is what makes it possible for man to accept revelation.

Thank you Lord for your goodness that you manifested everywhere in creation.

All things to all men

"Although I am not bound to anyone, I made myself the slave of all so as to win over as many as possible. To the weak I became a weak person with a view to winning the weak. I have made myself all things to all men in order to save at least some of them." (1 Corinthians 9: 22 – 23)

To paraphrase Paul: "I can glory in my weakness because through it I can be all things to all men. In the past, I tended to project a too strong a personality and it frightened and alienated people." Paul used his rich and varied background and experiences to win souls for Christ. To those who boast that they knew Jesus in the flesh and had seen him, he revealed his own credentials. To the weak who are depressed by their sins, he shows his uncomplimentary past and tells them how the grace of Jesus saved him from that fate. Biography can be a powerful tool in evangelization.

If Paul used his rich and varied background to promote Christ Jesus, so can I. I know what it is to be addicted to tobacco and alcohol. I have experienced ill health for a long period and I have also enjoyed the sweetness of complete recovery. I have been jobless for years and I have the experience of having three jobs at the same time. God's wonderful providence has permitted me to experience the ups and downs of life so that I can be all things to all men.

Lord Jesus, may your graces to me not be ineffective. Amen!

I am under compulsion

"Preaching the gospel is not a subject of a boast; I am under compulsion and have no choice. I am ruined if I do not preach it! If I do it willingly, I have my recompense; if unwillingly, I am nonetheless entrusted with a charge." (1 Corinthians 9: 16 – 19)

This is a classical statement of purpose: "I was created to do this."

My purpose is to learn and to teach. If I do this willingly, I have my recompense. Today, I try to do this willingly and with joy. Help me Lord never to boast about it.

Pity

"So as he stepped ashore, he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them at some length." (Mark 6:34)

Notice here two actions by Christ that I can learn to imitate:

1. He took pity on the "sheep".
   
2. He taught them at some length.
   

O Christ, the Teacher, you taught your "sheep" the way of life. Teach me too the way of life and enable me to teach this way to others.

Jesus Christ is a good boss.

"Come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while." (Mark 6: 31)

Jesus Christ is a good boss.

My delight is to do

"I pray that the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood that sealed an eternal covenant, may prepare you to do his will in every kind of good action; effecting in us all whatever is acceptable to himself through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13: 20 -21)

God is preparing me to do his will. O St. Paul, may you say the above prayer for me today. St. Peter, pray for me too.

What are the key elements of this preparation here and now?

• The Eucharist
  
• The Word of God
  
• Mary
  

All three graces have increased in quantity and quality since the happy inception of the Enterprise. Everything God is doing to prepare me is to enable me to live and realize my destiny, that is, the fulfillment of the promise of Psalm 40: 6 – 8:

"You wanted no sacrifice or cereal offering, but gave me an open ear; you did not ask for burnt offering or sacrifice for sin; then I said, 'Here I am, I am coming.

In the scroll of the book it is written of me, my delight is to do your will, your law, my God, is deep in my heart." (Psalm 40 6 -8)

Sharing your resources

"Keep doing good works and sharing your resources, for these are the kind of sacrifice that pleases God." (Hebrews 13: 16)

Share your resources: time, talent and treasure.

Lord Jesus, all that I am and all that I have come from you. You are my great Shepherd. You never fail to supply me all that I need. You remind me today in this holy season of Lent to have no fear in sharing all that you have given me. I respond to you and say: Take and receive all my time, talent and treasure. Please dispose of them as you will. I no longer want to have any control over them.

Keeping a promise

"When the daughter of this same Herodias came in and danced, she delighted Herod and is guests; so the king said to the girl, 'Ask me anything you like and I will give it to you." (Mark 6: 22)

If Herod would strain himself to keep a promise, what of God and his promises?

Yes, I can trust God. I can trust God on Hebrews 13:5. God is indeed worthy of my trust.

The Power of Biography

"Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will be forever." (Hebrews 13: 8)

It is exactly the same Jesus Christ that St. Paul, St. Augustine, St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Josemaria knew that I am dealing with today. Jesus Christ is the eternal youth.

Man by contrast is in a state of constant change and evolution on the physical, spiritual, mental and economic levels of his being. I am a different man today that I was at the inception of the Enterprise. But Jesus Christ remains the same.

How can I apply this truth in my life here and now? How can I use the power of biography to manage my tomorrow? Because Jesus Christ is unchanging and constant, I know I can trust him.

The measure of God’s love

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3: 16)

I attended the RCIA catechesis this morning in my church and I learned the following:

"The measure of our love for God is awareness of his love for us." – Liturgy of the Hours

When I ask myself how much aware am I of God's love for me, the answer came back quickly: "Very much." God loves me so much that he gives me his Son in the Eucharist not just every Sunday but every day. The Eucharist is the gift that contains all gifts. It is the whole that makes the fraction irrelevant. I realize that it is God's miraculous grace that gives me the constant desire to receive his Son, Jesus in the Eucharist. The desire does not nor can come from me. I am unable to sustain the desire over time. I cannot create the wherewithal that makes my being before Christ a daily reality. This light has sustained me whenever doubts assail me. Mother Angelica of EWTN says: "Doubts increase our faith when we act according to our beliefs rather than our reasoning."

Thank you so much dear Father for loving me so much. Grant me the grace to respond to your love shown me daily in the Eucharist.

Avarice

"Put avarice out of your lives and be content with whatever you have; God himself has said: I shall not fail you or desert you, and so we can say with confidence: With the Lord on my side, I fear nothing. What can human beings do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5)

What is avarice? Avarice is extreme desire to amass wealth. It is greed. To be avaricious means to be immoderately fond of accumulating. Avarice is wanting more than we need today because of fear of shortages in the future. Fear of what the future holds causes avarice. Lack of faith in God and his loving providence causes fear.

Lord, grant me strong faith in your powerful and loving providence so that I can leave tomorrow completely in your hands.

Call and Gifted

"For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11: 29) – New Revised Standard Version

"For the gracious gifts of God and his calling are irrevocable." – Revised English Bible

"For the gifts and call of God are irrevocable." – New American Bible

"There is no change of mind on God's part about the gifts he has made or his choice." – New Jerusalem

I shudder when I apply this scripture to myself. I flash back to 1972 when I had a great desire to be a friend and companion of Jesus. I abandoned that dream for many years. About 1992, that dream started slowly but surely to come back to me. Today I want nothing else but to be a friend and companion of Jesus. Certainly God has not revoked his gracious gifts to me or his calling.

My God, I thank you for your faithful love. May your gifts and call to me not be ineffective in Jesus name. Amen!

Decorum in Mission

"If you enter house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust under your feet as evidence to them." (Mark 6: 10)

This is a detailed instruction to the apostles on how to behave in mission field. Proper decorum must be observed at all times. No jumping from place to place. Jesus taught his disciples to expect failure and rejection. And also how to deal with them when they happen. Lord teach me how to use these ideas in my work.

Trusting God to provide

"And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff, no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, 'Don't take a spare tunic." (Mark 6: 8-9)

Trust me completely for all that you need for this mission. After all, it me who sends you. Do you imagine that I am so poor? Or perhaps you think that I am such a careless and heartless employer? When I fed 7000 people with a few loaves and fish, how left over did you gather? I want you also to be free of every unnecessary baggage. Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice and God will always take care of all your needs.

Lord Jesus, I hear you well this morning. I believe I am where I am because of your call and your leading. Teach me how to follow you, how to trust you completely in this mission.

The Mystery of Jesus

"With the coming of the Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and most of them were astonished when they heard him. They said, 'Where did the man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been granted him, and these miracles that are worked through him?" (Mark 6:2)

The people who were amazed by the teaching of Jesus in the synagogue knew that the wisdom of Jesus was granted from above. The Old Testament taught them that wisdom is a gift of God. God grants wisdom to those who fear him, desires wisdom and study his word. The people also knew that the power of Jesus to work miracles came from above. Jesus was a mystery to them.

Lord Jesus, teach me that I may teach like you. Grant me much wisdom for your work. Amen.

Discipline and Fruitfulness

"Of course, any discipline is at the time a matter for grief, not joy; but later, in those who have undergone it, it bears fruit in peace and uprightness." (Hebrews 12:11)

Today, I can bear testimony to the truth of the above scripture. When in 1995, God was shaping new attitudes in me with regard to family, health, money, tools, jobs and food, I was full of grief. What terrible suffering, I thought to myself at the time. Today, I enjoy every moment my calm and confident attitude vis-à-vis money, health, job, family, tools and job. It is not that I am perfect. I am still in the race heading towards the goal.

God's training for me is bearing "fruit in peace and uprightness" and perseverance. Thank you Father.

Your training

"Perseverance is part of your training; God is treating you as his sons. Has there ever been any son whose father did not train him? If you were not getting this training, as all of you are, then you would be not sons but bastards." (Hebrews 12: 7)

How is God training me in perseverance? Through delays, obstacles and disappointments. God teaches me to wait. God teaches me to begin again after every fall. Yes, I have learned to be ready to make a fresh beginning.

Train me

"My son, do not scorn correction from the Lord, do not resent his training, for the Lord trains those he loves, and chastises every son he accepts." (Hebrews 12: 5)

This word of God transformed my desert experience in 1995. I had lost everything including my health. I kept awake at night wondering what was going on in my life. I could not see an end to my situation. Then one Sunday, I heard the above scripture proclaimed from the altar. It was addressed to me. I believed what I heard. I felt immediately peace and knew that I had an answer to all my queries to God. That Sunday afternoon, I confided in my journal what happened. It is almost 12 years since the private revelation and events since then had vindicated that the desert experience was God's greatest blessing and gift to me.

Thank you Father, for training me. I am all yours. Train me as you see fit.

Do not be afraid

"But Jesus overhead what they said and he said to the president of the synagogue, 'Do not be afraid; have faith." (Mark 5: 36)

Jairus approached Jesus believing that he could heal her daughter. Before Jesus could do that, a storm broke: Jairus' daughter died. Everything seemed lost. Jairus would have thought: "If only the Master had hurried and arrived while the child was still alive, he could have done something." Jesus knowing what Jairus was thinking, urged him not to waver in his original belief inspite of the new development.

I started the Enterprise with firm belief that this is God's will for me. Then I encountered fierce storms and saw many giants. I panicked. "O Lord I am sinking. Save me!" The Lord reached out his hand and grabbed me. He said to me: "Emmanuel, do not be afraid; only have faith. Maintain the faith which you had originally in the Enterprise. I will not fail you nor forsake you." Thank you, Jesus. These are sweet words.

Persistent Desire

"My daughter,' he said 'your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free from your complaint." (Mark 5: 34)

What truth is the above snippet of scripture teaching me today?

Faith that is firm is also patient, the Prophet Isaiah teaches. This woman's persistent search for health led her to all sorts of ineffective remedies. She had tried everything. At long last, she came to Jesus. Her persistent desire shows her faith. Jesus rewarded her faith with healing.

Today, I seek healing in a number of areas in my life. If I am to learn from this woman's example, I do not need to try all sorts of ineffective remedies before coming to Jesus. I need to be persistent in my desire for healing. Faith that is firm is also patient. Patient hope is never disappointed, scripture teaches.

Opposition from sinners

"Think of the way he persevered against such opposition from sinners and then you will not lose heart and come to grief." (Hebrews 12:3)

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is a time for resolutions, a time to begin afresh. It is a season of grace, a season that God himself calls "a favorable time; a very acceptable time." Lent is also a time for great temptations. When we enter into the spirit of Lent, we move into the desert. The desert is a place of struggle; it is a place and time for spiritual warfare. Those who are opposed to God will oppose us. Hebrews 12:3 urges us to be steadfast in the face of "such opposition from sinners." In order not to falter, we should fix our eyes on Jesus who "persevered against such opposition from sinners." If we do not fix our eyes on Jesus, then we "will lose heart and come to grief."

Wait on God

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD,

stand in justice and fear,

prepare yourself for trials.

Be sincere of heart and steadfast,

incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,

undisturbed in time of adversity.

Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;

thus will you be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever befalls you,

when sorrowful, be steadfast,

and in crushing misfortune be patient;

For in fire gold and silver are tested,

and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.

Trust God and God will help you; trust in him, and he will direct your way;

keep his fear and grow old therein.



You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,

turn not away lest you fall.

You who fear the LORD, trust him,

and your reward will not be lost.

You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,

for lasting joy and mercy.

You who fear the LORD, love him,

and your hearts will be enlightened.

Study the generations long past and understand;

has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?

Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?

has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?

Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;

he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble

and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth."

Sirach 2: 1 - 11

Eyes fixed on Jesus

"Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection." (Hebrews 12: 12)

In the Enterprise, I fix my eyes on Jesus all the time.

I feel inspired by the example of Jesus and the saints. When I think of the joy which lay ahead, I persevere.

What joy am I presently looking forward to?

Joy of my ministry. Joy of growth in friendship and companionship with Jesus.

Cloud of Witnesses

"With so many witnesses in a great cloud all around us, we too, then, should throw off everything that weighs us down and the sin that clings so closely, and with perseverance keep running in the race which lies ahead of us." (Hebrews 12:1)

Who are my witnesses and my inspirations?

• Peter
  
• Paul
  
• John the Evangelist
  
• Augustine
  
• Ignatius Loyola
  
• Francis Xavier
  
• Peter Canisius
  
• Louis de Monfort
  
• Therese of Lisieux
  
• Dominic
  
• Vincent de Paul.
  

These and many more are my patron saints. These and million others have completed the race, proving that it can be done. Why can't I? Anthony Robbins, the motivational writer would say: Seek their strategy. Unilever PLC will put it this way: Go for the best practice.

What are the things that weigh me down? What excess baggage am I carrying here and now?

"Then there are others who receive the seed in thorns. These have heard the word, but the worries of this world, the lure of riches and all the other passions come in to choke the word, and so it produces nothing." (Mark 4: 15-20)

Proclaim

"Go home to your people and tell them all the Lord in his mercy has done for you.' So the man went off and proceeded to proclaim in the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed." (Mark 11: 19 – 20)

"I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers." (Psalm 18:50; 21:23)

Lord, will you help me do this? I know the answer. Thank you Jesus.

Babel

"The Lord came down to see the city and tower that they had built. Then the Lord said: "If now, while they are one people, all speaking the same language, they have started to do this, nothing will later stop them from doing whatever they presume to do. Let us then go down and there confuse their language, so that one will not understand what another says." Thus the Lord scattered them from there all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the speech of all the world. It was from this place that he scattered them all over the earth." (Genesis 11: 5 – 9)

God shows in this story that he is in control of events and not man. He is the Lord of history who brings low the pride of man whenever he wishes. God's loving providence governs everything.

"The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations;

he foils the designs of peoples.

But the plan of the Lord stands forever,;

the design of his heart, through all generations."

(Psalm 33: 10-11)

The Power of Faith

"These were men who through faith conquered kingdoms, did what was upright and earned the promises. They could keep a lion's mouth shut, put out blazing fires and emerged unscathed from battle. They were weak people who were given strength to be brave in war and drive back foreign invaders." (Hebrews 11: 33)

I too can overcome through faith.

Through faith, we overcome the world. (1 John 5: 4-5)

"And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who can overcome the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

Light and Guidance

The Lord will guide me always (Isaiah 58:11)

You will guide me (Psalm 31:3)

Let your good Spirit lead me (Psalm 143:10)

Lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:24)

Lead me in your truth (Psalm 25:5)

The Lord will guide me continually (Isaiah 58:11)

With your counsel you will guide me (Psalm 73: 24)

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know (Isaiah 42: 16)

He will lead them to springs of water (Isaiah 49:10)

 

I lead them with cords of love (Hosea 11:4)

I lead you in the way you should go (Isaiah 48: 17)

The Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9)

The Lord has guided me (Genesis 24: 27, 48)

However far away I go, your hand leads me (Psalm 139: 10)

You lead them to your holy habitation (Exodus 15: 13)

(Roget's Thesaurus of the Bible)

Waiting for the Lord / Expectation

1. Wait for the Lord (Psalm 27: 14; 37:34)
   

• Wait patiently for him (Psalm 37: 7)
  

  
   

1. I wait for you (Psalm 25: 21)
   

• For you I wait all day (Psalm 25: 5);
  

  
   

1. I wait for the Lord more than a watchman wait for the morning (Psalm 130: 5-6);
   

• I wait for God my savior (Micah 7:7)
  
• I wait patiently for the Lord (Psalm 40: 1)
  
• I wait in silence for God (Psalm 62: 1, 5)
  
• We wait for you (Isaiah 26: 8, 33: 2)
  

  
   

1. Those who wait for the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40: 31)
   

• Those who wait for the Lord will inherit the land (Psalm 37: 9)
  
• Blessed are those who wait for him (Isaiah 30: 18)
  
• May those who wait for you not be ashamed through me (Psalm 69:6)
  
• This is our God for whom we have waited (Isaiah 25:9)
  
• The Lord is good to those who wait for him (Lamentation 3: 25)
  

  
   

1. Be like men waiting for their Master (Luke 12: 36)
   
2. Saul was told to wait 7 days for Samuel (1 Samuel 10: 8; 13:8)
   
3. David will wait until word came (2 Samuel 15; 28)
   

 

(Roget's Thesaurus of the Bible)

Spirit of fear

"God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1: 7)

Very often in his ministry, Jesus Christ tells us: "Do not be afraid." The truth is that when we look around us, we see so many things to cause us fear. We live our human condition in an environment of insecurity and fear inducing events. Let us consider some of these for a moment:

• Family
  
• Money
  
• Health
  
• Job
  
• Food
  
• Tools
  

These are things that cause us worry and fear. Why did Jesus tell us so often not to be afraid? First, God's loving providence provides and protects us in every situation. And the naked truth is that there is nothing we can do to change the situation that causes us fear. Then consider the Holy Spirit that God has given us – "the spirit of power and of love, and of a sound mind."

Sowing and Reaping

"Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit." (Galatians 6: 7-8)

Or this translation:

"Make no mistake about this: God is not to be fooled; everyone reaps whatever he sows. If he sows in the field of his unspiritual nature, he will reap from it a harvest of corruption; but if he sows in the field of the Spirit, he will reap from it the harvest of eternal life." (Galatians 6: 7-8)

It is impossible for men to break the established divine order in nature. There is a sowing time. There is a reaping time. The reaping will be exactly the same nature as the sowing. He who sows rice will reap rice and he who sows grass will reap grass. Nobody expects a harvest of rice after sowing grass.

Lent is coming. Lent provides us a window of opportunity to sow "in the field of the spirit." God himself describes lent as a favorable time for sowing. When we seize the opportunity provided by lent to sow good spiritual seeds for forty days, God rewards us by providing us abundant spiritual harvest that lasts all through life. Twenty years ago, I decided to fast from smoking on Ash Wednesday. After Ash Wednesday, I continued the fast from smoking. After lent, the desire to smoke dried up completely in me. Ten years ago, I decided to fast from television during lent. All through lent, my television gathered dust. After lent, I resolved to fast from television every Wednesday and Friday. Today, days could go by without my switching on the television. God blessed me with the desire to sow good seeds "in the field of the spirit" at a time of favor and rewarded me with rich spiritual harvest.

God provides food for the young lion

I did not know why I suddenly felt like working in the St. Justin Martyr and St. Cyril of Alexandria area. But that was where I worked today. On my way, I stopped at St. Thomas Aquinas and took a nap. I made a few sales calls on my way to St. Justin Martyr. There, I visited briefly before going to the nearby Bishop Fiorenza park where I ate my lunch. I took Elridge to Westheimer. On Dairy Ashford, I saw Tomas of Bonanza Photos and chatted with him for some time. Tomas told me that he had not received a single call from the ad he placed with me in SCA. We talked about auto insurance costs. I advised him to try AARP.

 

Why does advertising work for one customer and not for another. Christ said that the Kingdom of God is like a farmer who sows a seed and then goes to bed. While he sleeps, the seed sprouts and grows. How? The farmer does not know. The seed grows to be one day a huge shrub that provides lodging and food to numerous birds. I also think of the young lion who goes to hunt. He does not know what game he would catch or even if he would catch any at all. How our efforts yield result is a mystery. What is required of us is faith and to be at our post and do our duty. Isaiah complained that his life is wasted because he could not see any result. God told him: Not so. The Prophet Habakkuk says:

 

"For though the fig tree blossom not

nor fruit be on the vines,

and the terraces produce not nourishment,

Though the flocks disappear from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

Yet will I rejoice in the Lord

and exult in my saving God.

God, my Lord, is my strength;

he makes my feet swift as those of hinds.

and enables me to go upon the heights."

(Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19)

 

The Prophet Habakkuk is a deep man of faith. About faith, he wrote: "The just man, because of his faith, shall live."

What is required of us is trust in God, who provides the young lion his food and does the same for the sick and old lion.

Christ was tested

"Since Christ was himself tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2: 18)

I am tested through delays, obstacles, disappointments and temptations. Through these tests, Jesus refines and purifies me as gold and silver are purified and refined. (Malachi 3: 2) God wants me to pass the test, become stronger and help other people who are tested. Christ knows my situation. He is aware of what I am going through. I look to him for help.

Refine me

"For he will be like a refiner's fire, like fullers' alkali. He will take his seat as refiner; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they can make the offering to Yahweh with uprightness." (Malachi 3: 2 – 3)

Lord Jesus, please refine me. Purify me. Make me whole.

The Lord uses my daily life and circumstances to refine and purify me. Because I am aware of this, I make an offering of all my actions, disappointments, delays and obstacles to the Lord every day.

Mustard Seed

"The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which, at the time of its sowing, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth. Yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade." (Mark 4: 31)

The mustard seed of God's word is alive, potent and sharper than a two-edged sword even if it comes in a tiny form. The origin of Christianity bears witness to this truth. What started very small with a handful of men grew into the biggest shrub. Many "birds of the air" today shelter in its shade. Many women and men make a decent living from this huge shrub. The beginning of a project may be small but if that enterprise is God's will, it will grow.

When Peter and the Apostles were arraigned before the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel, a leading member of the Sanhedrin prophesied: "If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will be unable to destroy them. " (Acts 5: 38). The history of Christianity proved that the enterprise is from God.

Trusting God for the harvest

"This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear." (Mark 4: 26)

St. Paul taught that he who scatters much seed harvests more. We scatter seed in the Church through our ministry work. But the key idea in the above scripture is not how much we do but rather trust in God who makes "the land produce first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear." (Mark 4: 26)

What is required of me oh man?

• To prepare well for my ministry
  
• To pray for its success
  
• To leave the outcome completely to God
  

And remembering what St. Paul said that the harvest is in direct proportion to the sowing, I ask God for the grace of generosity so that I can give more to his work and not less.

Faith guarantees blessings

"Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of realities that are unseen." (Hebrews 11:1)

What are the blessings I hope for today?

• To know Christ, love him and serve him
  
• Greater faith, patience, wisdom, humility
  
• Total success of the Enterprise
  

Only faith can guarantee these blessings. But how? Do I believe that I can have these blessings? Yes, I do. I am therefore blessed by my faith. What I now do is to wait patiently for the realization of my hope. I wait in joyful hope.

"It was by faith that Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac." (Hebrews 11: 17)

"Abraham was confident that God had the power even to raise the dead." (Hebrews 11: 19)

I shall not fear

"But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep." (Mark 4: 38)

Can God be asleep?

"God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep. Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps." (Psalm 121: 3-4)

"So we shall not be afraid though the earth be in turmoil, though mountains tumble into the depths of the sea, and its waters roar and seethe, and the mountains totter as it heaves." (Psalm 46: 2 -3)

Why must we not be afraid? Because …

"Yahweh Sabaoth is with us, our citadel, the God of Jacob." (Psalm 46: 3)

"Why are you so frightened? Have you still no faith?" (Mark 11: 40). If you know who is with you, you should not fear. My grace is always with you, no matter what.

Please come quickly

"Only a little while now, a very little while, for come he certainly will before too long." (Hebrews 10: 37)

Marana tha! Come Lord Jesus! Please come quickly. This was the constant prayer of the early Church. They desired intensely to see the kingdom of heaven realized as soon as possible. What they heard about being pilgrims in this world with a superior homeland in heaven, they believed with all their heart. To drive the lesson home were the constant persecutions, tribulations and sufferings they face on daily base. No wonder they hungered for a release from their current situation. While material prosperity is desirable, it may not be good for everybody. Who can doubt the fact that material prosperity deadens the senses to the spiritual? There is a tight correlation between the desire for heaven and detachment from this world. The more attached we are to this world, the more we feel that heaven is desirable but only in the far distant future.

"Only a little while now, a very little while, for come he certainly will before too long." (Hebrews 10: 37)

Come Lord Jesus. Please come quickly!

Be fearless

"Do not lose your fearlessness now, then, since the reward is so great. You will need perseverance if you are to do God's will and gain what he has promised." (Hebrews 10: 35 – 36)

It is the Holy Spirit who makes us bold and fearlessness. Biblical characters chosen by God for specific mission were all bold and fearless. David and the prophets in the Old Testament were bold and fearless. After the Pentecost, all the apostles became bold and fearless. Paul who had a natural boldness to his character acquired a supernatural boldness after he received the Holy Spirit. The above scripture from Hebrews indicate that it is possible to lose our fearlessness. We lose it if we succumb to sin and remain in sin. We lose it if we fellowship too much with the world. The world has boldness in worldly matters but very timid when it comes to the things of God.

We are encouraged by the above scripture to be constant and steadfast because the reward is very great. Dear Holy Spirit, give us the grace of boldness and perseverance so that we can serve Jesus Christ as he deserves to be served.

By Faith

“Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8: 17)

How did Christ take away our infirmities and bore our diseases when we can see so many infirmities and disease in the body of Christ, not to mention the world at large? The answer is in Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19.

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he sojourned in the Promised Land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was passed the normal age – and Sarah herself was sterile – for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the shore.

All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth, for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had the opportunity to return. But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer the only son, of whom it was said, Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name. He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and received Isaac back as a symbol.” (Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19)

How did Christ take away our infirmities and bore our diseases when we can see so many infirmities and disease in the body of Christ, not to mention the world at large? The answer is by faith. By faith in the word and action of Christ, we appropriate the promised blessing. Once we do that, although the physical condition of disease and infirmities may still be present, they lose completely their sting. The conditions remain in order to sharpen in us the desire for the fullness of the promise, which is everlasting life. It is through faith that we appropriate God’s promises of:
· Peace
· Provision
· Protection
· Power
· Purpose
· Pardon
Lord Jesus, increase our faith.

Sufferings and Humiliations After Conversion

“Remember the great challenge of the sufferings that you had to meet after you received the light, in earlier days; sometimes by being yourselves publicly exposed to humiliations and violence, and sometimes as associates of others who were treated in the same way.” (Hebrews 10: 32 – 33)

When we respond to the grace of Jesus Christ and embrace him and his way, the world does not stand up and say: “Hurray! Congratulations!” in fact, conversion could bring about great challenges and sufferings. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews was fully aware of this. Every saint who has walked this path knows that this is true.

What did I expect on that fateful day in 1995 when I signed my name in my bible and promised to Jesus: “From this day till I die, I will follow you, love you and serve you?’ I expected that Jesus would be very happy that at long last, I have got the message. But I also expected many other things. At that time, I was broken in health, my finances were broken and I had no job. Life was indeed very grim to put it mildly. I genuinely expected all these problems to be fixed if not in days in a few weeks. What did I get? It took almost two years for me to recover my health. I did not get any job till five years after my conversion. After I got a job and almost 8 years later, the Lord provided just the money I needed. But that is ok for me since I have never desired or prayed to be a millionaire.

Today’s scripture describes the same condition that I have personally experienced and can attest to. But what is not mentioned is the joy, the consolation and peace that come with a genuine conversion experience. I can attest to this too. I often wonder what my life would have been if I have had a similar conversion experience 20 years earlier. Knowing Jesus brought a fresh spring time in my life. I have never been happier and fulfilled as I am today. Thank you Jesus.