Follow Christ

"My one command to them was this: Listen to my voice, then I will be your God and you shall be my people. In everything follow the way that I mark out for you, and you shall prosper." (Jeremiah 7: 23)

Father, I will obey. I will listen to your voice. In everything Daddy, I will follow the way you have marked out for me. Help me with your grace in my weakness dearest Father. Sustain me with your strength. Be always my God and my Father. Prosper the work of my hands. Grant me your prosperity and blessing in everything. Make me a blessing to others.

"Follow the way that I mark out for you."

Christ is the way, the truth and the life.

The 7-Way Plan

 

 

Great Paschal Mystery

"Father, help us to be ready to celebrate the great Paschal Mystery. Make our love grow each day as we approach the feast of our salvation …. " (Mass Prayer in Lent)

We ask God to help us to be ready for Easter. How does God prepare us to celebrate the great Paschal Mystery? He encourages us to pray more, to fast more and give more alms to the needy. When we respond to His word, He blesses us with greater Easter joy and peace.

He answered me

"I am the Savior of all people says the Lord. Whatever their troubles, I will answer their cry, and I will always be their Lord." (Mass Prayer)

Whatever their troubles:

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

God answered me when I cried to him to save me from the above troubles one time or the other in my life. He was indeed my Savior. He is always my Lord. Today, I am crying to Him to let me experience His perfect love that drives out fear. I promise Him that when He answers my prayer, I will ask for a powerful ministry to help my neighbors to experience this powerful and perfect love too. I know whom I trust. I know that at the right time He will answer this prayer as He had done in the past.

Praise, honor and glory to You, eternal Father.

Your All-Powerful Word

"In truth, I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved." (Matthew 5: 18)

All God's purposes are to be accomplished through the law.

The law is sacrosanct.

The law is alive and active.

The law tends towards its fulfillment. (Habakkuk 2: 2-4)

The law, the word of God cannot be returned to God without accomplishing its purpose.

Our Roadmap

"And now, Israel, listen to the laws and customs which I am teaching you today, so that, by observing them, you may survive to enter and take possession of the country which Yahweh, God of your ancestors is giving you." (Deuteronomy 4:1)

We are pilgrims on earth. We journey towards our permanent homeland. God's laws and customs are the road map and the signs on this great journey.

The Word of God as Nourishment

"Lord, during this Lenten season nourish us with your word of life and make us one in love and prayer ….." (Mass Prayer in Lent)

God nourishes us with His word especially in Lent. The selection of readings is excellent, designed to excite faith and conversion. Note how the Holy Spirit guides the Church in the planning of the Liturgy. The Church urges the faithful to attend daily Mass during Lent so that they could be nourished with the rich scriptures of this joyful season.

Direct my steps

"Lord, direct my steps as you have promised, and let no evil hold me in its power." (Psalm 119: 133)

Where God has promised to lead and guide me:

• Psalm 58: 11
  
• Psalm 23
  
• Proverbs 3:5
  
• Deuteronomy 31: 6
  

Step by step guidance

Moment by moment protection from evil

Thank you Father.

Forgiving our debtors

"Then Peter went up to him and said, 'Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as 7 times?' Jesus answered "Not seven, I tell you, but 77 times." (Matthew 18: 21-22)

If we forgive our debtors, God will forgive us our sins and answer all our prayers. Lord, teach me to forgive completely.

 

 

Supremely Gentle and Merciful

"Do not abandon us to shame but treat us in accordance with your gentleness, in accordance with the greatness of your mercy." (Daniel 3: 42)

God is supremely gentle and merciful.

Our Whole Heart

"And now we put our whole heart into following you, into fearing you and seeking your face once more. " (Daniel 3: 41)

Lent is the time to put our whole heart into following God through:

• Fasting
  
• Prayer
  
• Alms-giving
  

In Lent, we demonstrate a greater keenness in observing the commandments.

The call and the anointing

"Lord, you call us to your service and continue your saving work among us. May your love never abandon us….." (Mass Opening Prayer)

It is the Father who called me to serve Christ Jesus.

Father, bring what you have initiated to a successful conclusion. Grant success to the Enterprise.

Apple of God’s Eye

"I call upon you, God, for you will answer me; bend your ear and hear my prayer. Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shade of your wings." (Psalm 17: 6,8)

Answer to prayer is certain.

Guard me as the apple of your eye: step by step guidance; moment by moment protection from all harms. Preserve me from every assault of the devil. Hide me in the shade of your wings.

If we open the eyes of our spirit, we see that we are engaged in continuous spiritual warfare. We need God's constant help in order to fight and keep standing. God promises us His guidance and protection. Faith gives us access to these promises.

Hope in the Lord

"I hope in the Lord; I trust in his word; with him there is mercy and plenty of redemption." (Psalm 130: 5,7)

Yes, I trust in God's promise. I hope in the Lord. I wait on the Lord. Hope does not disappoint because it is built on faith in God's word. God honors his name and word/promise above all things.

Praise and honor to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Naaman the Leper

"And in the Prophet Elisha's time there were many suffering from virulent skin-diseases in Israel, but none of these were cured – only Naaman the Syrian." (Luke 4: 27)

The story of Naaman the leper is one of my favorites in the Old Testament. I gleaned a number of lessons from it. Some of the lessons are:

God's sovereignty is shown in His reaching outside Israel to show His mercy and power. I see also the loving providence of God in planting the Israelite slave girl in the household of Naaman. Naaman's servants persuaded him to act as Elisha the Prophet had instructed him to do. That is, to plunge seven times into the River Jordan. In the act of the servants, I perceive elements of sincere and loving evangelization. How this contrasts from what we see today where the servants might have said: "it is not our business to convince him. He is old enough to know what he wants. We do not want to appear intolerant or coercive. He is a free man; he should decide for himself.' Finally, I see the act of plunging into the water as a type and shadow of the Sacrament, especially Baptism. The Sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace that affects what it signifies. It is a small material sign that affects mighty works. The simple act of plunging into the River Jordan brought Naaman the healing that no other means was able to give him.

God favors those who trust in His ways.

 

Simple Actions – Great Results

"Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? All the more reason then, when he says to you, 'Bathe, and you will become clean." (2 Kings 5:13)

A Sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, affecting what it signifies.

A sacramental can be described as a sacramentette, an external agent delivering the effects they promise.

Faith gives us the promise of God's peace, provision, protection, power, purpose and pardon. Faith also gives us the full effects promised by the Sacraments and sacramental.

Naaman's servants encouraged Naaman to have faith by their words.

God is pure spirit. He has left man some conditions and material agents through which we unleash his power on our behalf. Some of these are:

• Sacraments
  
• Sacramentals
  
• Bible
  
• Prayer
  
• Fasting
  
• Almsgiving
  

The Holy Spirit and Mission

"The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, 'Set out at noon and go along the road that leads from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road." (Acts 8: 26)

The Holy Spirit is the power behind the missionary activity of the Church. He is the main principle of apostolic productivity and fruitfulness.

Spirit and Mission

Spirit and Evangelization

 

St. John of God

"Father, you gave St. John of God love and compassion for others. Grant hat by doing good for others we may be counted among the saints in your Kingdom …." (Opening Prayer in the Mass of St. John of God)

St. John of God is one of my patron saints. He is my patron saint for book/pamphlet distribution ministry. St. John of God after his conversion spent his life doing good for others in book distribution and tending the sick.

Spring of Water

"Jesus answered and said to her, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in heaven a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4: 13-14)

The water that Jesus gives is the Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus for this incomparable gift. Grant me the grace to be totally open to the Holy Spirit during this coming Lent.

" ¹ On that day, you will say: I give you thanks, O LORD; though you have been angry with me, your anger has abated, and you have consoled me.

2

God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.

3

With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation,

4

and say on that day: Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.

5

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth.

6

Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!" (Isaiah 12)

 

Hope does not disappoint

"And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans5: 5)

The Navarre Bible Commentary has the following commentary on the above text:

"The love which St. Paul speaks of here, at one and the same time, God's love for us – manifested in his sending the Holy Spirit – and the love which God places in our soul to enable us to love him. The Second Council of Orange, quoting St. Augustine, explains this as follows: "To love God is entirely a gift of God. He, without being loved, loves us and enabled us to love him. We were loved when we were still displeasing to him, so that we might be given something whereby we might please him. So it is that the Spirit of the Father and the Son, whom we love with the Father and the Son, pours charity into our hearts"

Meribah and Massah

"Oh that today you would hear his voice: 'Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works." (Psalm 95: 8-9)

Meribah and Massah are types and shadows of testing ground in the desert. Some spots in the desert are harsher than others. In your desert, transition experience, watch out for the Meribah and the Massah. No matter how tough the situation, listen to what God is saying to you. Harden not your heart.

Is the Lord with us or not?

"In those days, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?' ….'Is the Lord in our midst or not?'" (Exodus 17: 3-7)

Why did the Lord allow the people to be very thirsty without providing them water? God was testing them. The desert experience was essentially a period of training and testing for the people. But at Massah and Meribah, the people turned the table and tested God. If God was genuinely with them, he would surely have provided them with water. We too tend to equate God's presence in our lives with his gifts. If I have everything I need here and now, it means that God is with me. But when I experience delays, disappointments and obstacles, I ask: "Is the Lord with me or not?" The message of Exodus 17: 3-7 is that God is always with his people in thick or thin.

Lent is a good time

"God of all compassion, Father of all goodness, to heal the wounds our sins and selfishness bring upon us, you bid us turn to fasting, prayer and sharing with our brothers. We acknowledge our sinfulness, our guilt is ever before us; when our weakness causes discouragement, let your compassion fill us with hope and lead us thru a Lent of repentance to the beauty of Easter Joy." (Mass Prayer in Lent)

The Church always sees God as Father of all goodness and God of compassion. Whenever I read of God's infinite mercy and goodness, it brings joy to my heart. At a time of great challenges, these perennial and healing truths are refuge and stronghold for me. Today is one such occasion. I am in great need to know intimately God's perfect love for me. Scripture says that "Perfect love drives out fear." I want God's perfect love for me to drive out the fear I feel on a project.

The above prayer promises that God heals the wounds that our sins and selfishness bring upon us by bidding us turn to fasting, prayer and sharing our resources with our brothers. Lent is a favorable time for doing this. During this holy period of self-denial, we are guaranteed that our prayers will be heard. Finally, we are told that God does not want us to be discouraged by our weaknesses. Lent is a good time.

Overcome evil by good

"Father, you have taught us to overcome our sins by prayer, fasting and works of mercy. When we are discouraged by our weakness, give us confidence in your love ….." (Mass Opening Prayer in Lent)

Lex orandi, lex credendi. We believe that we can overcome our sins by prayer, fasting and good works of mercy. Lord, teach me the truth of this.

The Promise and the Fulfillment

"I will prove my holiness through you …. I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins. I will give you a new spirit within you, says the Lord." (Ezekiel 36: 23-26)

This is a great promise. Let it be done to me, Father, according to your word.

Through Baptism, God poured clean water over us and washed away our sins. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, he continues to maintain us free from sin and the attachment to sin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is like a house-cleaning agent.

God's promise to give us a new spirit was first fulfilled at Pentecost and then at our Confirmation.

 

Lost and Found

"But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15: 32)

God our Father is a merciful, compassionate, long-suffering, faithful, omnipotent and great God who desires the lost to be found and the dead to sin to come to life of grace.

A time of adversity

"When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine and now he began to feel the pinch; …. then he came to his senses." (Luke 15: 14-17)

Times and Seasons

There is a time for everything: a time for prosperity and a time for adversity. There is a time for growth and a time for recession. The prodigal son came to his senses in a time of adversity. Without the adversity, his life might have ended in dissoluteness. We thank God for the time of plenty and also for the time of adversity.

Remembering

"Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He pardons all your iniquities; he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction; he crowns you with kindness and compassion." (Psalm 103: 1-4)

Forgetfulness of God's benefits is a terrible state to be in. Forgetfulness of God's benefits exposes us to the risk of despair and hopelessness. A crisis overcame yesterday may come back tomorrow. If we do not remember how we overcame, how do we handle the new crisis? It is a good habit to write down the steps employed by technical support to solve a computer problem. Why? The same or similar problem may pop up before you know it.

I keep a journal and try to write down all God's blessings. The act of writing etches the event deep inside my memory. When a new crisis develops, I search inside my memory for clues on how similar situations were handled in the past. This has helped me to see a pattern of God's interventions.

"Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He pardons all your iniquities; he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction; he crowns you with kindness and compassion." (Psalm 103: 1-4)

 

Grant us to see wonders

"With shepherd's crook lead your people to pasture, the flock that is your heritage, living confined in a forest with meadow land all around. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old! As in the days when you came out of Egypt, grant us to see wonders!" (Micah 7: 14-15)

I confided the following reflection on the above to my journal in 1999.

"3.30 am, I woke up and did not sleep again until I got out of bed at 4.30 am. I asked Christ again as I did before the BS yesterday to bless me enormously this jubilee year. I asked him to grant me to see wonders. I asked for light and guidance on my ministry."

God’s Gifts to us

"God our Father, by your gifts to us on earth we already share in your life. In all we do, guide us to the light of your kingdom…" (Opening Mass Prayer)

• God's gifts to us:
  
• The Holy Spirit
  
• The Church
  
• The Sacraments
  
• Faith, Hope and Love
  
• Communion of Saints
  

These gifts help us to share God's life here and now.

Attributes of God

"The Lord is loving and merciful, to anger slow, and full of love; the Lord is kind to all, and compassionate to all his creatures." (Psalm 145: 8-9)

Attributes of God:

• Loving
  
• Merciful
  
• Slow to anger (long-suffering)
  
• Kind
  
• Compassionate
  
• Omnipresent
  
• Omniscient
  
• Great
  
• Forgiving
  
• Pure
  
• Holy
  
• Eternal
  

The Great Reversals

"Have you never read in the scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing and we marvel at it. " (Matthew 21: 42)

The great reversals: Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers. God accepted him and promoted him the prime minister of Egypt. Jesus Christ was rejected and crucified. God promoted him by raising him from the dead and confirming him both Lord and God. Why then should we fear rejection? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own perception. In everything you do, acknowledge him and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5)

They sold Joseph

"They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver, and these men took Joseph to Egypt." (Genesis 37: 28)

They sold Joseph.

"To you Lord I look for protection, never let me be disgraced. You are my refuge; save me from the trap they had laid for me." (Psalm 31: 2, 5)

Once upon a time, my employer treated me badly. God became the guardian of my rights; he became my refuge and protector. I was "sold" by my "brethren," but God saved me.

 

Immense Benefits from Small Acts

"Merciful Father, may our acts of penance bring us your forgiveness, open our hearts to your love and prepare us for the coming feast of the resurrection …. " (Opening Mass Prayer in Lent)

I am reminded that God our Father is a merciful God. What a consoling and healing truth! Our Lenten acts of penance although insignificant in themselves produce immense spiritual benefits. Just as Namaan the leper was healed of leprosy by dipping himself seven times in River Jordan, so do our acts of penance capable of bringing forgiveness, healing from sin and opening our hearts to God's love.

 

Harvest and Perseverance

"Happy are they who have kept the word with a generous heart, and yield a harvest through perseverance." (Luke 8: 15)

Harvest must surely come if we persevere in studying God's word and serving him in holiness and justice.

I delight in God’s Promises

"Happy the man who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season; and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers." (Psalm 1: 1-3)

I believe in prayer.

I believe in the word of God.

I believe in miracles.

I leave the rest to God.

I delight enormously in God's promises; I covert them.

Trusting in Yahweh

"Blessed is anyone who trusts in Yahweh, with Yahweh to rely on. Such a person is like a tree by the waterside that thrusts its roots to the stream: When the heat comes it has nothing to fear, its foliage stays green; untroubled in a year of drought, it never stops bearing fruit." (Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8)

To trust in Yahweh means to trust that his word is true; to trust that he will do what he says.

I trust God for everything and at all times.

"When the heat comes …" This refers to the inevitability of times and seasons. The Psalmist says that those who trust in Yahweh fear no bad news.

To Serve God is to Reign

"All-powerful God, to serve you is to reign: help us to serve you in holiness and justice. …" (Opening Prayer in the Mass of St. Casimir on March 4)

When I read the above prayer, I wanted to make sure I understand the meaning of the verb to reign and so I searched the Merriam Webster's Dictionary and found the following definition:

1 a : to possess or exercise sovereign power : rule b : to hold office as chief of state although possessing little governing power

2 : to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch
3 : to be predominant or prevalent

Is Jesus Christ not prophet, priest and king? Is it not our destiny to share in this royal dignity of the Son of God as adopted sons and daughters of God. To serve God is indeed to reign.

 

 

Active in good works

"God of love, bring us back to you. Send your Spirit to make us strong in faith and active in good works …" (Mass Prayer in Lent)

In the Lent of 1999, I confided the following to my journal:

"Lent is a period of grace, a period of Metanoia, a time of returning to God in every area of our life. We call on the Holy Spirit to make our faith strong and enable us to be active in good works.

Where do I need my faith made strong this Lent? Where do I need to be more active in good works?

I need my faith strengthened in God's providence for me. I need to believe more in God's promise of:

• Peace
  
• Provision
  
• Protection
  
• Power
  
• Purpose
  
• Pardon
  

In terms of good works, I need to be engaged in pamphlet apostolate."

After almost ten years of writing the above, I am still praying for stronger faith in God's loving and powerful providence for me. I did start the pamphlet apostolate and it is on-going.

 

Correct Thought

"Test me, O God, and know my thoughts; see whether I step in the wrong path, and guide me along the everlasting way." (Psalm 139: 23-24)

How does God test me? Through his word. His word challenges every area of my life. Are my thoughts on family, health, job, money, tools and food formed by God's word?

Father, I want your word to completely form my thoughts so that when you test my thoughts, I will not be found wanting.

Correct thought is the key to correct action. To have the mind of Christ is to have correct thought on every issue.

Going up to Jerusalem

"Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the son of man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised up again." (Matthew 18: 18-19)

Ezekiel was sent to "snakes and scorpions." Jeremiah was sent to rebellious Israel. Both prophets foreshadow Jesus' ministry. Just as Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Jesus were not sent to a nice party filled with well-groomed men and women, no Christian should expect such a ministry. Jesus says that if they persecute him, they will surely persecute his followers. St. Paul writes that the presence of persecution is a sign that we are following in the footpath of Jesus. When we are baptized, we die with Jesus so that we can rise with him.

Persecution

"Come on,' ' Let us concoct a plot against Jeremiah, for the law will not perish for lack of priests, nor advice for lack of wise men, nor the word for lack of prophets. Come on, let us slander him and pay no attention to anything he says." (Jeremiah 18:18)

Blessed are those who suffer persecution for the cause of right, the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

If they persecute me, they will persecute you.

Persecution is a necessary ingredient in the mission of the Baptized.

Baptism and Mission

"Ever-loving God, you called Blessed Katherine Drexel to teach the message of the Gospel and to bring the life of the Eucharist to the African American and Native American peoples. By her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor and the oppressed and keep us undivided in love in the Eucharistic community of the Church. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son. Amen" (Opening Prayer in the Memorial of St. Katherine Drexel, Virgin – March 3)

Saint Katherine Drexel, Virgin:

(1858 – 1955) Born into a wealthy Philadelphia family, Katharine took an avid interest in the material and spiritual well-being of African and Native Americans. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People, and opened mission schools in the West for Native Americans and in the South for African Americans. In 1915 she founded Xavier University in New Orleans. At her death, there were more than 500 sisters teaching in 63 schools. (Roman Missal)

The mission of St. Katherine Drexel: Go and teach the message of the Gospel and bring the life of the Eucharist to African American and Native American people. St. Katherine was chosen, called and anointed for this mission. She was chosen for this mission at her Baptism, anointed for it in her Confirmation and at the fullness of time called to dedicate her life to it. She succeeded.

I am also called for a specific mission at my Baptism. I am anointed for it by the Holy Spirit. I am waiting for the fullness of time. In the meantime, I recognize that preparation time is part of the mission.

 

 

 

God’s Perfect Love

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love." (1 John 4: 18)

"Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" (Mark 6: 50)

What are you worried about?

• Family
  
• Job
  
• Money
  
• Health
  
• Tools
  
• Future
  

1 John 4:8 states that there is no fear in love. If I truly understand and believe in God's love for me, I would see that his love includes my family, job, money, health, tools and of course my future. When my love is imperfect, I think I deserve punishment from God and therefore my health or my money may not be covered by God's love. God's love for us is perfect and includes everything that we care for. How comforting to hear Jesus say to us: "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" How beautiful is the truth of God's loving providence for all of us.

 

Divine Pedagogy

"Father, teach us to lead good lives, encourage us with your support and bring us to eternal life …." (Mass Prayer)

How does God teach us to live good lives?

These are some of the elements in the divine pedagogy:

• Word of God
  
• The Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  
• Family
  
• Friends
  
• Circumstances
  

In the divine teaching plan, there are also sticks and carrots. The carrots are the many ways in which God supports or encourages us. Some of them are listed above and others are:

• Good health
  
• Peace
  
• Music
  
• Books
  
• Job
  

 

Practice what you teach 2

"The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore observe and obey what they teach you; but do not be guided by what they do, since they do not practice what they teach." (Matthew 23: 2-3)

Fruit of the fourth Joyful Mystery is Obedience.

Mary and Joseph obeyed all the laws, statutes and customs prescribed by God.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Lord, I want to practice what I teach. Make me a teacher of the Eucharist. You bless me every day with this awesome gift. Let the Eucharist be the source, center and summit of my life. Give me the assignment of drawing people to the Eucharist. Then you will help me every day to practice what I teach. Amen!

A Sacrifice of Praise

"He that offers praise as a sacrifice glories me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God." (Psalm 50: 23)

What is a sacrifice of praise? A sacrifice of praise is the sacrifice of thanksgiving. It is the Eucharist, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, renewed daily at Mass. Why is this sacrifice the most pleasing to God? This is because in the sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus Christ is the priest, the Lamb of God and the altar of sacrifice. Everything is pure and perfect and this is why a sacrifice of Thanksgiving (Eucharist) honors God more than any other.

Obey

"If you are willing to obey, you shall eat the good things of the earth. But if you refuse and rebel, the sword shall eat you instead – for Yahweh's mouth has spoken." (Isaiah 1: 19-20)

Obedience to God's law brings peace, prosperity and security.

In the 4^th Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary, we ask God for the gift on an obedient heart. We ask Mary, the obedient handmaid of the Lord to intercede for us so that we may grow in obedience.

Father, I am willing to obey. Bend my will to your law. Create in me a new spirit.

Rebellion brings fear, pain, poverty and insecurity.

The life of David proves the truth of Isaiah 1: 19-20. When David obeyed, God was with him and for him. When he disobeyed God, he ate the bread of wrath and drank the water of bitterness.

Protect Your Church

"Lord, watch over your Church, and guide it with your unfailing love. Protect us from what could harm us and lead us to what will save us. Help us always, for without you we are bound to fail……" (Mass Prayer in Lent)

In the above prayer, the Church bares its soul to God and says it as she feels and believes it to be. Let us look at the components of the prayer.

Church: Ekklesia, sacred assembly, people of God. Jesus Christ says that wherever two or three are gathered in his name, he is there.

"Guide your Church with your unfailing love" - It is very comforting to know that God's love cannot fail. It is not like human love which is constrained by the weakness of flesh and blood.

"Protect us from what could harm us" These could be: false prophets, heretical ideas, associations, books, movies, places, media programs, entertainments, food, etc.

"Lead us to what will save us" There are: the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Word of God, Prayer, Ministry, etc.

"Help us always" – Help us right here, right now and every time and every place.

"Without you, we are bound to fail" – God is the source of all inspiration, power and success.

The constituent parts of this prayer flow from scripture. Lex orandi, lex credendi. The rule of prayer is the rule of belief. What does the Church believe? Watch her lips as she prays.

Pagan Obsession

"Father of mercy, hear our prayer. May the grace of this mystery prevent us from becoming absorbed in material things ……." (Mass Prayer in Lent)

How comforting it is to be reminded that our God is Father of mercy. We know that he hears our prayer because Jesus has taught us so. But what we don't fully appreciate is how quickly and how deeply we can be absorbed by the material culture surrounding us. The antidote to his evil is ever present and accessible: the Eucharist, the great mystery of our faith.

The Eucharist is the great mystery that delivers us from pagan obsession with:

• What to eat and what to drink
  
• What to wear
  
• Where to live
  
• Money
  

As frequent Communion delivers us from all the above, it transforms our heart and mind to seek God's kingdom and justice everywhere and every time.

 

Be Compassionate

"Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6: 36-37)

Your word, Lord, is spirit and life.

Holy Spirit, come and help me to understand these words.

Make me compassionate. Teach me not to judge, criticize and condemn. Teach me to be forgiving. Amen.

The ABC of Mercy:

A – Ask for mercy

B – Be merciful

C – Completely trust Jesus for mercy

Redemption from sin2

"O my Lord, God great and to be feared, you keep the covenant and show faithful love towards those who love you and who observed your commandments: we have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly, we have betrayed your commandments and rulings and turned away from them." (Daniel 9: 4-5)

In the Lent of 1999, I confided the reflection below to my journal on the above scripture.

"Paraphrase what God is saying to me in the above text:

I am the Lord, your God. I am great and to be feared. I keep the covenant and show faithful love to those who love me and who observe my commandments. You have sinned, you have done wrong, you have acted wickedly, you have betrayed my commandments and rulings and turned away from them.

Lesson: I started the first of March with great excitement about my forthcoming birthday on the 17^th of the month. This is going to be a special birthday – a jubilee. I asked God for blessings and birthday gifts. In his word to me in Psalm 26: 11- 12, "But I walk without blame; redeem me, be gracious to me! My foot stands on level ground; in assemblies I will bless he Lord," and in Daniel 9: 4 – 10, God is saying to me that the greatest gift is redemption from sin.

God's greatest gift to us in Christ Jesus is redemption from sin. Sin deprives us of divine filiation. Freedom from sin means living in grace. This is God's greatest gift to man. When we live in grace, in divine filiation, then all things are ours. We discover and feel the truth of Christ's word in Matthew 6: 33-34:

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and his justice before everything else, and all the rest will come to you as well. So do not be anxious about tomorrow; tomorrow will look after itself. Each day has troubles enough of its own."

Seek first redemption and then all things are yours. This has been the consistent message of this Lent. Break the cycle of sin, slavery and suffering through the abundant grace of God at this season. This is also the means of getting what you want in life.

"Praise and honor to you Lord Jesus Christ. Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the message of eternal life." (John 6: 63, 68)

Christ's words become spirit and life to me when I act on them in obedience of faith.

Redemption from sin

"God our Father, teach us to find new life through penance. Keep us from sin, and help us live by your commandments of love …. " (Mass Prayer in Lent)

During Lent, we find new life through penance. We ask God to keep us from sin. Sin is the enemy of our relationship with God. If through God's mercy, we are free from sin, then we can always call God our Father. Redemption is redemption from sin so that we can live with the confidence of adopted children of God.

"Redeem me, and have mercy on me; my foot is set on the right path, I worship you in the great assembly." (Psalm 26: 11-12)

Listen to Him

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Matthew 17:5)

Thank you Father for pointing Jesus to us. Open our hearts to listen to the words of your Son. Move our wills to obey him.

We listen to Jesus in the scriptures. St. Jerome says that ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ. We listen to Jesus especially as the scripture is proclaimed in the Eucharist. We also listen to Jesus in the prayers of the Church.

Sorrowful Mysteries

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

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary contemplates the passion of Jesus Christ from Gethsemane to Calvary. We pray for the grace to share in these sufferings in our daily life, starting in small things. We remember that he who is faithful in little things will be faithful in bigger things. If we cannot accept pinpricks for the sake of Christ, definitely, we cannot accept martyrdom.

Hope in God

"Our soul waits for the Lord,

who is our help and shield.

For in God our hearts rejoice;

in your holy name we trust.

May your kindness, Lord, be upon us;

we have put our hope in you.

(Psalm 33: 20-22)

 

I place my hope for the success of the Enterprise on God alone.

I started the Enterprise with the Lord; I am continuing it today with the Lord. And with God's grace, I shall conclude it with the Lord.

 

Leave your kinsfolk

"Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you … " (Genesis 12: 1 – 4)

The Enterprise is a going forth from the land of my kinsfolk. It is leaving behind my father's house for the land that God has shown me. The Enterprise is journey with Christ and to Christ. God promises me abundant blessings.

Father, I hear your word again today and I believe it. Let it be done to me according to your word and not according to the smallness of my faith.

I hold firmly to this word. I never waver from this vision. My faith in this has been compounding since 0296. Thank you Father. As my faith compounds, my patience is strengthened. Faith that is firm is also patient.

Father of light

"Father of light, in you is found no shadow of change but only the fullness of life and limitless truth. Open our hearts to the voice of your word and free us from the original darkness that shadows our vision. Restore our sight that we may look upon your Son who calls us to repentance and a change of heart …. " (Opening Prayer in Mass)

God is the Father of light. Satan is the father of lies. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Satan changes all the time like a chameleon to suit his agenda. In God is found fullness of life and limitless truth. In Satan is found death and empty lies.

Because we know that everything is a gift, we pray to God to open our hearts to the voice of his Son; without this grace, we cannot hear Jesus speak to us in his word. If we do not perceive clearly the light in God's word, it is because we still have darkness in us that clouds our ability to see. We ask God to free us from this darkness and restore our sight that we may see Christ in his word calling us to repentance and change of heart.

Listening to the Son

"God our Father, help us to hear your Son. Enlighten us with your word, that we may find the way to your glory … " (Mass Prayer in Lent)

God is our Father. I am never tired of repeating this because it is such a comforting truth. Jesus Christ in his ministry of the word paints the picture of a Father that is altogether loving and immensely compassionate. I need to remember that I have such a Father as I face struggles in my life. Jesus says that our Father already knows what we need and will provide fully for every need.

The Father wants us to know and accept his Son, Jesus. He gives us the grace to hear and understand his word. To understand and accept the words of Jesus Christ is to find the way to glory.

Remember your mercies

"Remember your mercies, Lord, your tenderness from ages past. Do not let our enemies triumph over us; O God, deliver Israel from all her distress." (Psalm 25: 6, 3, 22)

God's mercies and tenderness from ages past extend from age to age to those who fear him. The Bible is a record of God's faithful mercies and tenderness towards man from age to age.

We pray to God daily not to allow our enemies triumph over us because our enemies are constantly alert and prowling around seeking for whom to devour. Today is the day of favor. It is also the day of battle with the enemy. The Bible is also a record of man's struggle with the enemy of mankind. Our success or failure in life depends on our trust in God and his word.

Finally, we pray to God to deliver Israel from all her distress. The Church is the new Israel. The distress of Israel/Church is the distress caused by her own sins and the sins of the world.

The Word and the Eucharist

"Lord, may the word we share be our guide in the kingdom. May the food we receive assure us of your constant love …. " (Mass Prayer in Lent)

In the Eucharist, God's word is broken open for our encouragement, light and guide. After the Mass, we go to our homes and our jobs to face issues concerning the family, job, money, health, tools and food. The word of God we hear at Mass should provide us light to deal with the various issues we face in the day.

In the Eucharist, we receive Jesus Christ as our food. This communion is a pledge of God's constant love for us. We find consolation in the truth that Jesus Christ is for us and with us because he gave himself freely to us in the Eucharist. This is the greatest gift.

The word of prophecy

"But I say this to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; so that you may be children of your Father in heaven for he causes his sun to rise on the bad as well as the good, and sends down rain to fall on the upright and the wicked alike." (Matthew 5: 44-45)

 

Every word of God is a prophecy and a promise containing a prediction and a condition for fulfillment. In the above prophecy, Jesus is predicting that those who love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them will be free. They will also be children of God and enjoy everything that comes with that status. Now is this promise true? Ask anybody who has tried forgiving his enemies and praying for his persecutors. I raise my hand in testimony. This action of forgiving and praying for our enemies has the most cleansing and liberating effect possible in life. Why is this so? This is because every word of God contains a powerful agent to bring about that which is promised.

Keeping God’s Commands

"Happy those whose way is blameless, who walk by the teaching of the Lord.

Happy those who observe God's decrees, who seek the Lord with all their heart.

They do not wrong; they walk in God's ways.

You have given them the command to keep your precepts with care. (Psalm 119: 1-4)

 

In reading through the Bible, I observe that a lot of blessings is attached to keeping God's commandments. Some of the Bible heroes may not be canonized by the Church because of the life they lived. Without exception, each of them lived with the fear of the Lord. They did their best to keep God's laws and when they failed, they were quick to repent. Every one of them was immensely blessed by God. King David is my star among the Bible heroes. He was a great sinner but he loved God intensely. He lived completely in a supernatural environment in which God is the first cause of everything. David sought the Lord with all his heart.

Worship in spirit and truth

"Eternal Father, turn our hearts to you. By seeking your kingdom and loving one another, may we become a people who worship you in spirit and truth …" Mass Prayer in Lent

God is our eternal Father. Lent is a time of divine favor. One of our desires in the period of Lent is to turn to God with all our hearts, to seek his kingdom and to love one another. The disciplines of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving when undertaken with generosity enable us to attain this objective. We thus become who we are created to be – sons and daughters who worship our eternal Father in spirit and truth.

Observe all the commandments

"Yahweh your God commands you today to observe these laws and customs; you must keep and observe them with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 26:16)

Father, if I observe all your commands and customs, you promise me:

"That he will be your God, but only if you follow his ways, keep his statutes, his commandments, his customs, and listen to his voice … he will raise you higher than every other nation he has made, and you will be a people consecrated to Yahweh, as he has promised." (Deuteronomy 26: 17-19)

Thank you Father for this promise. The Holy Spirit in me will help me to observe all God's laws and customs.

The word of God is perfect

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; his commandments are the wisdom of the simple." (Psalm 19:8)

The 10 commandments as a system of law is perfect. The word of God revives the soul. When the soul is depressed, burdened, give it the tonic of the WOG.

How are the simple and uneducated to attain wisdom? Through the word of God. God's word is the school of wisdom for everyone but especially for the simple.

The Spirit of the Magis

"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)

In Ignatian spirituality, the spirit of the magis is the intense desire to do more and not less for Christ. If we live this spirit, in everything we do, we do more than is strictly required and never less. Magis means going to the extra mile for the love of Christ Jesus. This is the spirit that impelled St. Francis Xavier, one of the first Jesuits to desire to conquer all the Far East for Jesus Christ in the 16^th Century.

Christ says in Matthew 5: 20 that the mediocre spirituality of the scribes and Pharisees will not be enough in the new dispensation. O Holy Spirit, teach me the principle of the magis.

Sentinels

"I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn." (Psalm 130: 5-6)

Isaiah says that faith that is firm is also patient.

To find out what it means to be patient, I checked the dictionary and found the following:

1 : bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2 : manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3 : not hasty or impetuous
4 : steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

Faith that is firm can endure trials and pain while waiting for an answer. It is not hasty or impetuous in seeking a resolution. It is steadfast in the goal that is expected despite opposition, difficulty or adversity. Won't it be nice to have such a faith?

Abandoning Uprightness

"But if the upright abandons uprightness and does wrong by copying all the loathsome practices of the wicked, is he to live? All his upright actions will be forgotten from then on; for the infidelity of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, he will most certainly die." (Ezekiel 18: 24)

Persevere in doing good to the very last.

Your endurance to the last will save your life.

 

When I broke with God in the years of my rebellion and wilderness, all my upright actions were forgotten. I died to the life of grace. We are truly alive because of the supernatural life of God in us. This life is supplied by the indwelling Holy Spirit. When we live in sin and refuse reconciliation with God, this life dies.

Observance of Lent

"Lord, may our observance of Lent help to renew us and prepare us to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ ….. " (Opening Prayer in a Lenten Mass)

I wrote the following comment in my journal on the above in 1999:

How we observe Lent:

• Fasting and abstinence
  
• Prayer and almsgiving
  

We are renewed through the observance of the above exercises and others. This observance becomes a mysterious vehicle of grace.

Promise and Fulfillment

"Ask, and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you ….. " (Matthew 7: 7 – 12)

This is big promise from Jesus. Do I believe this? Yes, I do. Do I believe that this applies to me all the time? I do not know. We read in the Book of Joshua these beautiful words about God's faithfulness to his promises:

"And so the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to their fathers he would give them. Once they have conquered and occupied it, the Lord gave them peace on every side, just as he had promised their fathers. Not one of their enemies could withstand them; the Lord brought all their enemies under their power. Not a single promise that the Lord made to the house of Israel was broken; every one was fulfilled." (Joshua 21: 43 – 45)

We see in Scripture again and again that God is a Promise Keeper. My relationship with the Holy Spirit has grown from my experience that I can ask for help and receive it in a timely fashion.

I cried, you answered

"O Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth." (Psalm 138: 3, 1,4)

I learned from the experience of Israel that no matter how deeply they had offended God and no matter how long they stayed in rebellion, once they cry out to Yahweh, he answers them and saves them. This reminds me of the Divine Mercy. The mercy and compassion of God is unfathomable.

The ABC of Mercy states:

• Ask for mercy
  
• Be merciful
  
• Completely trust Jesus for mercy.
  

 

Remember God’s works

"Then calling to mind all the wonderful works of the Lord, he (Mordecai) offered this prayer …" (Esther 4: 17a)

I have found again and again from personal experience that calling to mind the wonderful works of God in my life produces immediate impact on faith, hope and love. In time of dire need and crisis, this therapy never fails. I also know that it works for others. I have used it successfully to alleviate mild depression in others.

Why is remembering God's wonderful works in our life so powerful in lifting us up from despondency? We know that what happened before can happen again. The fire of hope is lighted. And we feel gratitude and love for the one who relieved us in the past at the moment of dire need. We are emboldened to ask for help in the present crisis. God's standing promise can be claimed: "Call upon me at the time of need and I will answer you."

Satan being the father of lies and deception will give anything to cause us to forget God marvelous deeds in our life. I try to build up purposely a list of these wonderful works in my life. I printed the list and put it in a wall in my workstation and bedroom. As long as I am in my home, the devil has little chance of winning in this game. Whenever I am attacked by doubts, I don't have to think hard to remember. I glance at the wall and see the list. And then I give thanks and the discouragement vanishes. Thank you Jesus.

The Courage to act

"Father, without you we can do nothing. By your Spirit help us to know what is right and to be eager in doing your will." Mass Prayer in Lent

The Holy Spirit helps us on two levels:

• Light to know what is right
  
• Courage to do it
  

Jesus promised that the Father grants our prayers on our needs and even more so when we ask for the Holy Spirit.

My groaning

"Let my words reach your ears, Lord; listen to my groaning, and hear the cry of my prayer, O my king, my God." (Psalm 5: 2-3)

What is my prayer? What is my groaning and cry to God this Advent?

Greater docility to the Holy Spirit

I have come to recognize that the success of my spiritual journey, the Enterprise is in direct proportion to my openness to the Holy Spirit.

The Bread of life 2

"Father, you never fail to give us the bread of life. May this Eucharist renew our strength and bring us to salvation." Mass Prayer in Lent

Father has blessed me very frequently with the Eucharist since 1996. The Eucharist renews our strength and moves us closer to full redemption. Our life is a journey; a journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Our destination, that is, salvation cannot be reached in one day or without struggle. The Eucharist is the food that sustains us in this journey. Every thought, word or deed moves us closer to our homeland or away from it.

A Sign

"This is an evil generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of man be a sign to this generation." (Luke 11: 29 – 30)

The Church is an authentic sign of the existence and presence of God in the world today. During the consistory of November 24, 2007, Pope Benedict said that the gathering of Bishops and people from every part of the world is a sign of the unity and universality of the Catholic Church. It is also a sign that God is with the Church. Such a gathering is not possible by human means.

A broken, humbled heart

"A broken, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn." (Psalm 51: 19)

God's word convicts us of our sins. God will respond with mercy to our brokenness and humility before his word.

I believe

"God saw their effort to renounce their evil ways. And God relented about the disaster which he had threatened to bring on them, and did not bring it." (Jonah 3: 10)

When God saw their response to his word, he became merciful and tender.

Preparation is the key to success:

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

Second Chance

"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 Yahweh." (Jonah 3: 1-3)

The word of Yahweh is addressed to the prophet a second time. To which 'city' is the Lord sending me? What message does he want me to preach?

Father, I will go wherever you send me. I will say exactly what you want me to say. Jonah obeyed the Lord and delivered the message of the Lord. The result was a rich harvest.

"And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sack cloth, from the greatest to the least." (Jonah 3: 5)

I observe here a principle of apostolic productivity: Cast the net where Jesus asks you to do so.

Faith comes from hearing

"Lord, look upon us and hear our prayer. By the good works you inspire, help us to discipline our bodies and to be renewed in spirit…" (Eucharistic Prayer in Lent)

Lent is a time of grace; a favorable time to ask and receive God's favors. When we listen attentively to God's word during Lent, we may be inspired on the good works to undertake during Lent. Just as faith comes through hearing (Romans 10: 17) so too does God's inspiration. When we act on our faith, we are blessed. We pray during Lent that God will help us to act on the inspirations he gives us.

During the Lent of 1988, I got the inspiration to abstain from tobacco for Ash Wednesday. I did and then I got the inspiration to abstain from tobacco for the period of Lent. I acted on this inspiration and was completely freed from the curse of tobacco. In the Lent of 1999, I was inspired to discipline my body through self-control with regard to food.

Desert Journey

"Remember your mercies, Lord; your tenderness from ages past. Do not let our enemies triumph over us." (Psalm 25: 6, 3, 22)

Early in 1999, I confided to my journal the reflection below on the scripture above.

"Remembering God's mercies and tenderness from ages past is a bulwark against the inevitable struggles in our desert journey. Today, when I install my Epson 440 Printer, the first file I will print is Voyage So Far. This is a document celebrating God's mercies and tenderness to me dating from SJC63.

The enemies continue to wage pitiless war against us on all fronts. Father, may your mercies and tenderness protect me from every assault of the evil one.

Purpose, Personality and Position

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own perception. In everything you do acknowledge him and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5)

God knows the best. He has seen the whole pattern of the weaving with regard to my life's purpose. He is making a strategic match between my:

• Purpose
  
• Personality
  
• Position (environment)
  

I trust God to arrange the best.

My purpose and personality are constant. My position is constantly changing. What I need above all is to have a firm faith in God's plan for my life. I like the way Isaiah talked about faith in Isaiah 7:9:

"If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all." (NRSV)

"Have firm faith or you shall fail to stand firm." (Revised English Bible)

"Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" (New American Bible)

"If you will not take your stand on me, you will not stand firm." (New Jerusalem Bible)

"You do not believe me? If you want me to protect you, learn to believe what I say." (New Living Translation)

 

Four of the above translations talk about the quality of faith in terms of firmness. I looked up "firm' in Merriam Webster Dictionary and found the following:

1 a
: securely or solidly fixed in place  b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous  c
: having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
2 a(1) : not subject to change or revision (2) : not subject to price weakness : steady  b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast  c
: well-founded

Restraining our earthly desires

"Lord, may we who receive this sacrament restrain our earthly desires and grow in love for the things of heaven…." Opening Prayer in Mass in Lent.

The Eucharist helps us to restrain our earthly desires:

• Food
  
• Drink
  
• Human affections
  

As we decrease in materiality, we increase in spirituality.

Our Doubts

"My God of justice, you answer my cry; you come to my help when I am in trouble. Take pity on me, Lord, and hear my prayer." (Psalm 4:2)

This is our faith: God is our Father. He is an utterly just God. He is the guardian of my rights. He comes to my help when I am in trouble. Mother M. Angelica says: "Doubts increase our Faith when we act according to our beliefs rather than our reasoning."

I will act as if God is with me in every step and every moment of this day.

Christ the King

"The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, 'He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.' Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, 'If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.' Above him there was an inscription that read, 'This is the King of the Jews.' Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, 'Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." (Luke 23: 35 – 39)

The above scripture is taken from the Gospel on the Solemnity of Christ the King, November 25, 2007. I watched the Mass of the Rings in St. Peter's Square in Rome carried by the EWTN. At this Mass, Pope Benedict gave rings to the new cardinals created in the Consistory of yesterday, November 24. Commenting on the above scripture he said that the enemies of Christ challenged him to come down from the cross in order to prove that he is the Messiah. But instead, Christ showed his regal power by choosing to remain on the cross.

The saints show the power of God by accepting suffering and death. Pope John Paul II showed the power of God through his patience during his long illness. Mother Theresa showed the power of God through her life of poverty and complete dedication to the service of the poor and the sick.

Do not babble

"In your prayers do not babble as the gentiles do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6: 6-7)

Why do the pagans babble when they pray? They pray according to their knowledge and belief about their gods. Their gods are local, not omnipotent or omniscient. Their gods are not omnipresent or all-loving. The pagan prays to convince his god to act for him.

But our God is a Father who knows what we need even before we ask him. He has a loving and provident plan for our life. Jesus wants us to know God as a loving Father. He wants us to come to him not just begging for what we need, which will be provided anyway but to come to him in praise and thanksgiving. Animals have the instinct to care for their young ones. The human being who is created in the image of God has an elevated instinct when it comes to protecting and providing for his young ones. Now consider who God is. Jesus describes God as a Good Shepherd who provides all that we need.

Fruitfulness of God’s word

"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 forth from my mouth: it will not return to me unfilled or before having carried out my good pleasure and having achieved what it was sent to do." (Isaiah 55: 10-11)

I pray that God's word will be fruitful in my life. How can I prepare my heart and mind to be good soil to receive the seed of the sower? I will use the tools of prayer and study. I believe that God will complete what his word has started in my life.

Discipline of Lent2

"Father, look on us, your children. Through the discipline of Lent help us to grow in our desire for you ….. " (Opening prayer in Mass in the season of Lent)

God is our Father. He gave us the holy season of Lent as a time of favor to grow to know him more, to love him more and to serve him more. We grow through decreasing our dependence on the following:

• Food
  
• Drink
  
• Snacks
  
• Money
  
• Television
  
• Sightseeing
  
• Etc
  

As we decrease in our materiality, we grow in our spirituality.

The Indestructible 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)

It is Christ's will that the papacy be the rock on which the indestructible foundation of the Church is built. Matthew 16: 16, 18 is the foundation scripture. Word and experience, theory and practice have confirmed this in 2000 years of Church history. The enemies of the Church had never been able to destroy the papacy. There had been many serious attempts in the past. There will continue to be attempts to do so till the end of time. But we know from the word of God that they will not succeed. Jesus Christ keeps his pledge come what may.

Dark Valley

"Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage." (Psalm 23: 4)

Christ was at my side when I walked the dark valley of:

• AJS84
  
• UEF86
  
• PAE91
  
• AJS94
  
• Desert95
  

What lessons have I learned from the above?

Dark valleys will be regular occurrences in the journey of life.

As Christ was faithful in the first dark valley, so will he be till the last.

As Christ was with me in the dark valley protecting and encouraging me, so will I be with my flock when they walk the dark valleys of the lives.

The Chief Shepherd

"When the chief shepherd appears, you will be given the unfading crown of glory." (1 Peter 5: 4)

Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd. What are the qualities of Christ, the Shepherd?

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have no want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

Besides restful waters he leads me;

He refreshes my soul." (Psalm 23)

 

Christ the Shepherd provides all that we need for life and protects us from all dangers.

I am also a shepherd of the flock that the Lord has entrusted to me. In Psalm 23, Jesus proposes himself as a model. I am to shepherd my flock as Jesus Christ himself shepherds me. I will take the needs of my flock to the Chief Shepherd who has the resources to satisfy all living things.

 

"In due season, he gives food to all living things. When he opens his hand all are satisfied."

The Flock

"Give a shepherd's care to the flock of God 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)

Strengthen the faith of your flock as Christ has strengthened your faith.

Pray for your flock as Christ has prayed for you.

We may not be bishops but each of us is entrusted with a flock. Who is my flock? Who is my neighbor?

• Family
  
• Prayer partners
  
• Friends and benefactors
  
• All those whom God sends to me every day.
  

I prayed for compound faith in order to exercise my ministry. Today, I ask Jesus to grant me a compound knowledge of his word so that I can be effective in serving the flock that he has entrusted to me. Through daily reading and reflection on Sacred Scripture, I hope to gain the faith and knowledge I need to serve Christ in the ministry that he is calling me.

Robust Faith

"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: 32)

On the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, February 22, 1999, I confided the following reflection to my journal.

Jesus said to Emmanuel: I have prayed that your faith may not fail; and you in your turn must strengthen your brothers.

Jesus prayed that my faith will remain strong. Lord, since you prayed that my faith may not fail, I have the boldness and confidence to ask you to grant me a compound faith. Strengthen my faith and grant me the ministry of encouragement. Anoint me for this, dear Jesus. Lord, I dare to believe NOW that I have what I have asked for. Thank you Jesus. May you be completely glorified through this gift. Amen!

Lessons from the Desert

"If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.' He said in reply, 'It is written:

One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 3-4)

 

The Temptation of Jesus was the proximate preparation for his ministry. Jesus was led into the desert by the devil to be tried. Jesus was tested on the following points:

• Food
  
• Use of power
  
• Possessions /prosperity
  

The three temptations of Jesus are types and shadows of our struggle. If the enemy were to tempt me today, what will he say to me? What have I learned from the Temptation of Jesus?

• Man does not live on bread alone.
  
• Man does not live on money alone.
  
• Man does not live on salary alone.
  
• Man does not live on job alone.
  

"Man lives on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

It is through faith that we appropriate God's promise of provision.

Accused and Acquitted

"One single offence brought condemnation, but now, after many offences, have come that free gift and so acquittal!" (Romans 5: 16)

In February, 1999, I confided the reflection below on the above text to my journal.

"Once upon a time, a certain big man was tried for many offences and was acquitted by the senate.

Jesus Christ is the Senate who through his passion and death and resurrection acquitted us of so many offences. This acquittal is a free gift. I experienced a joy in the acquittal of the man tried by the senate. Do I realize the significance of this incident to my own acquittal?

The devil, the accuser of man goes before the Senate, Jesus Christ and presents a list of all my sins with proofs. After he had carefully presented his case, my Advocate swings into action. He overcomes his argument one by one. Then comes my acquittal.

Thank you Jesus. Now that I am acquitted, I will no longer submit to the yoke of slavery."

A Prayer for healing

"Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me …. " (Psalm 51: 1-2)

How many times in my life have I used this Psalm of David to find healing and peace at a moment of brokenness? Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding me to this effective prayer at the moment of great need. Yes, God is merciful and good. His compassion is great. He is always disposed to deploy his great compassion and love to meet our needs. The Church uses Psalm 51 a great deal in the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time of favor. When we show signs through our Lenten observances that we want God to act for us, he responds magnanimously.

Forbidden fruits

"We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die." (Genesis 3: 2-3)

• What are the fruits in my life that I am forbidden to eat under pain of death?
  
• What are the fruits that are tempting me today?
  

The word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword. It reveals the secrets of the heart. Reading and reflecting on the word of God constantly leads us to self-knowledge.

Walking by faith

I heard a great question from the Christian Radio during my lunch.

"What area of my life do I need to walk in faith today?"

 

I surveyed the 6 war zones:

1. Family
   
2. Job
   
3. Money
   
4. Health
   
5. Tools
   
6. Food
   

 

Then I rephrased the question: "What is the most challenging area of my life today?"

At first, I thought the clear answer was job. Then I considered the answer closely. I am self-employed in 3 areas I consider myself competent and enjoy. These 3 areas of my endeavor are:

• JSP
  
• CLI
  
• SFJ
  

 

If I say that I am challenged in these businesses, does that not imply incompetency? After considering the question more deeply, I settled for the 2 interrelated areas of job and money. How do I walk in faith in these 2 areas?

Think of the October 07 gift: "God is the source of all inspiration and power." He is the source of all inspiration for job as well as money. All the good things I have done in my life has come from God's inspiration and power. I have recognized and articulated this truth as early as 1982. I therefore resolved to trust God today to inspire me. I remember too that God is a good communicator. He not only inspires but provides the power to act on his inspiration.

He answered me

"When he calls on me, I will answer; I will rescue him and give him honor. Long life and contentment will be his." (Psalm 90: 15-16)

God is the guardian of my rights. In 1994 when I called on him to defend my rights, he answered in a storm cloud. Although it appeared that my rights were trampled upon, I knew he was with me by the peace I enjoyed. He rescued me from NCAU and ZAN and through the Enterprise gave me honor.

Yes, long life and contentment will be mine.

Desert Feast

"Lord, receive our sacrifice of praise and reconciliation. Let it free us from sin and enable us to give you loving service…." Opening Prayer of the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the bloodless sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God.

God said to Pharaoh, "Let my people go, that they may celebrate a feast to me in the desert." (Exodus 5: 1) Whatever prevents us from the Eucharist is the Pharaoh in our life. The desert feast, worship or service foreshadows the Eucharist. The Eucharist frees us from sin enables us to offer to God loving service. The Eucharist is the anointing that breaks the yoke of Pharaoh.