Believe in Jesus

"This is carrying out God's work: must believe in the one he has sent." (John 6: 29)

Believe in Jesus:

Know Jesus intimately

Love Him passionately

Follow Him everywhere

St. Stephen

"Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people." (Acts 6:8)

God has inspired me to ask for a large portion of the spirit of love, wisdom and power. Stephen is one of my patron saints.

Light of truth

"God our Father, your light of truth guides us to the way of Christ. May all who follow him reject what is contrary to the gospel….." (Mass Prayer)

God's light of truth – the word of God and the teaching of the Church.

The way of Christ is the Via Dolorosa.

What is contrary to the gospel:

"For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2: 16)

Obedient servant

"Lord, bless us with your heavenly gifts, and in your mercy make us your obedient servants…" (Prayer at Mass)

Jesus Christ was obedient to His Father. Lord, make me your obedient servant.

Interpreting the Scriptures

"Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures." (Luke 24: 27)

Jesus Christ interpreted the scriptures authoritatively. He gave the same authority to His Church. If Jesus did not Himself say that all scriptures point to Him, this truth is not evident on its own. It is therefore misleading to assert that we can read scriptures and interpret it correctly for ourselves. We need the teaching authority of the Church to tell us authoritatively that this is what scripture means.

Lord Jesus, open my mind to understand scriptures.

Ransomed

"If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one's works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb." (1 Peter 1: 17-21)

The precious blood of Jesus Christ ransomed me from my futile conduct.

Jesus Prayer

"Lord, you will show us the path of life.

I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed." (Psalm 16: 11, 8)

How do I set the Lord ever before me? Jesus prayer is the one word prayer that anybody can use at any time. The Jesus prayer constitutes simply the name of JESUS. The name of Jesus is a full prayer in itself.

Witness to the resurrection 2

"God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses." (Acts 2: 32)

The apostles were the chief eye witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. We are Christians because we believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection, our faith is worthless. Without the resurrection of Jesus, the Church becomes like a social club but a club that promises only suffering and renunciations of comforts without offering anything positive. Because of the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own resurrection, we know that there is a better life than this one.

I am called to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Can one witness to prayer if one does not pray? Can one witness to the resurrection of Christ if one has not experienced this reality? To bear witness to the resurrection is to bear witness to the truth that Christ is alive and is present in me through the Holy Spirit. He is present in a unique way in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is also present in the Church when it gathers for worship.

To bear witness to the Christ present in me is to produce the fruits of Christ in my life.

Witness to the resurrection

"God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses." (Acts 2: 32)

The apostles were the chief eye witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. We are Christians because we believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection, our faith is worthless. Without the resurrection of Jesus, the Church becomes like a social club but a club that promises nothing but suffering and renunciations of comforts without offering anything positive. Because of the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own resurrection, we know that there is a better life than this one.

Author of all truth

"Father in heaven, author of all truth, a people once in darkness has listened to your Word and followed your Son as he rose from the tomb. Hear the prayer of this newborn people and strengthen your Church to answer your call. May we rise to come forth to the light of day to stand in your presence till eternity dawns …." (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)

God is the author of all truth. The death and resurrection of Jesus ushered in a new age. It is the time of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make him the father of all nations. The Church is the new people of God marked by four attributes: one, holy, catholic and apostolic. At Easter, the Church asks the Father to strengthen the Church to fulfill its mission.

Restore the joy of our youth

"God our Father, may we look forward with hope to our resurrection, for you have made us your sons and daughters, and restored the joy of our youth……" (Mass Prayer)

In his passion and death and resurrection, Jesus Christ reconciles us to God and at the same time restores our spiritual youth which was lost by the sin of Adam and Eve. When we participate in the Eucharist, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ restore the joy of our youth.

The Eucharist and Love

"Lord, may this Eucharist which we have celebrated in memory of your Son, help us to grow in love ….."

The Eucharist helps us to grow in the love of God and of our neighbor.

Spiritual Sacrifice

"Merciful Lord, make holy these gifts and let our spiritual sacrifice make us an everlasting gift to you……"

In the Offertory, we offer the bread and wine, which represent the fruits of our labor to God. As the priest makes the offering on our behalf, we offer silently our joys and sorrows, our delays, disappointments and obstacles. In a holy exchange, God gives these back to us as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Do not be afraid

"It's me. Don't be afraid." (John 6: 20)

Peace is the special gift of Easter. This peace is a deeper awareness that Christ who was dead is now alive forever more. He is near me. He is in me. So I will not fear. I will not be afraid for Casa. I will not be afraid for SFJ. I will not be afraid for the Enterprise. I will not be afraid of anything. It is Jesus Himself who tells me, 'Don't be afraid.'

Time of famine

"Lord, let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you…

See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them inspite of famine." (Psalm 33: 18 – 19)

God will have mercy on those who trust in Him to have mercy on them. I trust in God to have mercy on me with regard to the Enterprise. In fact, I believe He will.

God watches over those who fear Him. Lord, fill me with your fear.

Those who hope in God will be delivered from death and God will supply their needs even in time of famine.

Service of the word

"We ourselves will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word." (Acts 6: 4)

I am deeply attracted to prayer and the service of the word.

Lord Jesus, lead me, guide me and use me. Amen.

Prioritizing Ministries

"It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food." (Acts 6: 2)

There is a hierarchy in ministries. Food for the soul is more important than food for the body. "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that falls from the mouth of God" (Acts 6: 4)

Seeing and believing

"Seeing the sign he had done, the people said, 'This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world." (John 6: 14)

The Eucharist is a sign and reality of Christ's presence in the world.

I am blessed to see this sign often. Does this seeing help me to know, love and serve Jesus more every day. I believe so. I walk by faith and not by sight.

Food of the spirit

"Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 4)

The food of the spirit is the word of God. The sword of the spirit is also the word of God. The light of the mind is the word of God.

This I seek

"One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, | that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple." (Psalm 27: 4)

If you seek this with all your heart, you shall have it. Lord, grant me a great desire to serve you and in your temple.

This Enterprise

"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 – 39)

Is the Enterprise of human origin or is it from God?

By their fruits you shall know them. By the fruits of the Enterprise you shall know the origin. The fruits of Medjugorje are conversion and repentance. The fruits of the Enterprise are faith and patience.

Accepting our crosses

"Father, in your plan of salvation, your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross and freed us from the power of the enemy. May we come to share the glory of his resurrection…." (Mass Prayer 041699)

God's plan for our salvation includes the cross. God's plan for our individual salvation also includes the cross. This is true for children and adults. Have you identified your own cross?

When we accept the cross in our lives, they become redemptive instruments and help to free us from the enemy. "They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death." (Revelation 12: 11)

Dying to self comes through accepting our crosses one at a time. We confront the enemy with the power of the cross when by the word of our testimony, we identify with the cross of Christ and when we are ready to give up everything if need be for Jesus Christ..

Act as if…

"I, the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 20)

Most Holy Spirit, remind me of this truth all the time.

What will you do if you know for certain that Jesus is always with you? If I know for certain that Jesus is always with me, I will never be afraid. I will never be anxious.

Then always act as if Christ is always with you, for it is true.

Sinful nature

"Lord, accept our prayers and offerings. Make us worthy of your Sacraments of love by granting us your forgiveness…." (Mass Prayer)

The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gifts.

"Grant us your forgiveness..." - We are constantly reminded of our sinful nature. It is not poetic. It is real. I am reminded of this all the time.

Trust in Jesus

"The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to his hands." (John 3:35)

Grace and truth comes through Jesus Christ.

If you see me, you have seen the Father.

The Father and I are one.

If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

 

Lord Jesus, help me to trust you.

The Lord hears the cry of the poor

"When the just cry out, the Lord hears and rescues them from all distress.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.

Many are the troubles of the just, but the Lord delivers from them all.

God watches over all their bones; not a one shall be broken."

(Psalm 34: 18 – 21)

Obedience

"Obedience to God comes before obedience to men ….. We are witnesses to this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." (Acts 5: 29, 32)

Most Holy Spirit, turn my heart to obey God in everything and at all times. Teach me obedience. Give me the gift of obedience.

I yearn to commit to obey God in everything and at all times. I am resolved to put God first in my life. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Christ advises: Therefore pray and keep praying until obedience becomes a part of your life. Thank you Jesus.

Do not despair. Preserve!

The faith of the shepherds

"6

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child,

7

and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.

9

The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.

10

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11

For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.

12

And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

13

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

14

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

15

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."

16

So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

17

When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.

18

All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds."

 

At the message of the angels, the shepherds went to Bethlehem; they saw and they believed. They did not believe because they saw a god-like child lying in the manger. They saw the sign given them by the angel and they believed that the message of the angel was true. The child may look ordinary but the angel said that he is the "Messiah and Lord."

We too are invited to the Eucharist by the Lord. "Come and have breakfast with me. Come and taste and see that I am good. Come and eat bread to the full without money. Come and eat bread of the finest wheat." We go to Mass; we see the sign and we believe. We believe that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist not because of any extraordinary manifestation but because of the message that we heard from the Lord is true.

Just like the shepherds, we encounter Christ only through faith in the Eucharist.

 

 

Easter Mystery

"God of mercy, may the Easter mystery we celebrate be effective throughout our lives….." (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)

How do we celebrate the Easter mystery? Through the Eucharist.

The Liturgy in Easter Season is filled with Scriptures on the death and resurrection of Christ. The Church wears a festive mood through flowers and decorations. The music is joyous. All these put us in a joyful mood. Joy and Peace are the special gifts of Easter. May we have the experience of the peace and joy of Easter all our lives.

Chosen to bear fruit

"The Lord says, I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last. Alleluia" (John 15: 16, 19)

I respond: Father, I say Amen to your word to me through your Son, Jesus. Now fulfill what you have promised.

Provide me only my necessities

"Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; lest, being full I deny you, saying, "Who is the Lord?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God." (Proverbs 30: 7-9)

Amen !

Holy Exchange of gifts

"Lord God, by this holy exchange of gifts you share with us your divine life. Grant that everything we do may be directed by the knowledge of your truth…." (Prayer at Mass)

The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gifts. We bring ourselves, our joys and challenges and offer them up with the bread and wine to the Father. We receive in exchange the precious Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We ask the Father to grant that all our thoughts, words and actions will be directed by knowledge of His truth. Jesus Christ is the truth, the way and the life. We pray that the following be brought completely under the obedience of Christ:

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

The Crucifix

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

How does God love the world? - Look at the crucifix.

To believe in Jesus is to know Him, love Him and follow Him.

The Mystery of Divine Providence

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

As I listened to the Opening Prayer, the first reading and the Gospel Reading of today's Mass, I knew instantly that the theme of this Sunday is the Mystery of Divine Providence. Divine Providence is for me one of the most consoling truths in religion. I want to highlight this theme through today's liturgy.

Opening Prayer:

"Father, guide us as you guide creation according to your law of love…"

God created heaven and earth and found everything He created good. He guides His creation with love and power. My deepest desire at this time is that my free-will will cooperate with God instead of being a hindrance in God's perfect guidance of my life.

First Reading: (Isaiah 55: 6-9)

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts."

The above scripture defines the mystery of God's providence. If you can figure out the thoughts of God, then you can figure out His ways. From the Responsorial Psalm 145, we learn that "Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable."

The Gospel: (Matthew 20: 1-16)

"The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard….

6

Going out about five o'clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?'

7

They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'

8

When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.'

9

When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

10

So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.

11

And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner,

12

saying, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.'

13

He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you. ⁴ Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

14

⁵Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?

15

(Or) am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?'

16

Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts."

If only I would remember in my hour of confusion and doubt that God's ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts, I would ask for grace to respond to God's ways with trust and obedience.

When I am afraid

"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)

 

"This I know, that God is on my side.

In God whose word I praise,

In God I put my trust and have no fear;

What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56: 10-11)

The Lord hears the cry of the poor

"The Lord hears the cry of the poor…..

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Taste and see how good the Lord is; happy the man who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34: 8-9)

My Guardian Angel is always near me to protect and deliver me. I have tasted and seen how good the Lord is. He is terrific!

Set free for a mission

"But at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison gates and said as he led them out, "Go and take up position in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new life." (Acts 5: 19-20)

Satan imprisons us. God releases us from the imprisonment of Satan. We are released from the slavery of sin in order to take up our position in the house of God and tell the people all about the new life. We are set free for a purpose – mission.

Father, I am your servant. Let your word be done to me.

Hope in our resurrection

"God of mercy, you have filled us with the hope of resurrection by restoring man to his original dignity. May we who relive this mystery each year come to share it in perpetual love ……" (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)

The life, death and resurrection of Christ show that this world is not our home.

The Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ reconciles man to God and restores him to his original dignity.

Witness 2

"The Lord says, 'I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last, alleluia." (John 15: 16, 19)

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

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, my Father, all things are possible to you. Let your full will be accomplished in my life.

The Eucharist and Renewal

"Lord, give us joy by these Easter mysteries. Let the continuous offering of this sacrifice by which we are renewed bring us to eternal happiness…" (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)

The Lord gives joy.

We are renewed by the continuous offering and participation of the Eucharist. Through the Eucharist, the Lord renews our youth like an eagle.

Divine Necessity for the Passion of Christ

"As Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." (John 3: 14-15)

Christ must be lifted up before we can have eternal life. There is a divine necessity for the passion and death of Jesus Christ. We enter into the mysteries of Jesus Christ through faith. Faith here means accepting what God says and aligning our behavior with what we believe.

Testify to the Resurrection of Christ

"The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great power, and they were all accorded great respect." (Acts 4:32)

To experience the power of the resurrection and to proclaim it, this is my daily challenge.

If Christ is not risen and alive, what can explain the peace I feel in the midst of turmoil? What can explain the joy and hope? Christ is truly risen. He is with me.

The Power of the Resurrection

"All-powerful God, help us to proclaim the power of the Lord's resurrection. May we who accept this sign of the love Christ come to share the eternal life he reveals…" (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)

For St. Paul: "All I want to know is Christ Jesus and the power of his resurrection."

To know the power of Christ's resurrection is to be fully aware that Jesus Christ is alive right here and right now and that He is with us as He promised. This awareness drives us fear, doubts and mediocrity and helps us to live more fully as Jesus has promised. "I have come that you may have life and have it to the full."

Water and the Spirit

"In all truth I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born through water and the Spirit; what is born of human nature is human; what is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3: 5-6)

The Spirit and divine filiation

The Sacrament of Baptism washes away original sin and makes us member of the family of God. Moreover, we receive the Holy Spirit when we are baptized. The Holy Spirit makes us children of God.

Happiness and Faith

"Happy are all who put their trust in the Lord….. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession." (Psalm 2: 11, 8)

Those who make the Lord their refuge are happy. The opposite of this is the truth: those who put their trust in the world are unhappy.

I trust in the Lord in everything, at all times and everywhere. For me, faith is greater than the purest of gold. The first fruit of faith is contentment. One of the fruits of faith that I cherish very much is courage.

I trust in the word of God. I believe God keeps every promise that He makes. This is why faithfulness is one of God's attributes that I love most.

Threat and Prayer

"And now, O Lord, mark their threats, and enable those who serve you to speak your with all boldness." (Acts 4: 29)

Threats against the word of God or applying its lessons to our lives should be answered by prayer.

Help me Lord to speak your word with all boldness.

Spirit of love

"Almighty and ever-living God, your Spirit made us your children confident to call you Father. Increase your Spirit of love within us and bring us to our promised inheritance…" (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of:

• Love
  
• Holiness
  
• Power
  
• Truth
  
• Jesus
  
• Mission
  

Divine filiation is affected in us by the Holy Spirit. Using His word and the sacraments of the Church, the Holy Spirit configures us into the image of Jesus Christ.

Increase your Spirit of love within us.

New Creation

"Lord, through faith and Baptism we have become a new creation. Accept the offerings of your people (and those born again in Baptism) and bring us to eternal happiness…." (Prayer in Mass of 2^nd Sunday of Easter)

Faith comes before Baptism. Baptism makes us the adopted children of God. Faith and Baptism make us a new creation. And through the power of faith, we gain access to God's promises of:

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

The power of faith….

Transitions

"In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1: 6-8)

Transitions cause anxiety and sometimes suffering. I have known a few transitions in my life. It strikes me that whenever the Bible speaks of trials, it qualifies it with "for a little while."

Transitions test our faith. Scripture says that our faith is more precious than gold. I believe this. Offered the choice between a billion dollars and a strong robust faith, I will choose faith. If we stand firm to the end in the course of the trial, we will win and our victory will praise and glorify God.

During transitions, I remember God's promise: "I will never abandon you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31: 6)

Hard Pressed

"Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose love endures forever….In danger I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is with me; I am not afraid; what can mortals do against me? ……I was hard pressed and falling, but the Lord came to my help." (Psalm 118: 1, 5-6, 13)

About ten years ago, when I was hard pressed and was in dire need of a job, money and accommodation, I confided the following to my journal:

"The Lord is good. I give Him thanks in all things and at all times. Yesterday, about 12.30 pm, Rod told me, "Obi, I have bad news. Alex and her mother are moving in. You have to move out by June 1^st. They are going to pay me $400.00 a month.' I went to my room and prayed: I am hard pressed but surely the Lord will help me. He is my strength and my courage. He has been my Savior in the past. In this transition, I will trust him."

I am glad to testify that things worked out marvelously.

 

 

Devotion

"They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to prayers." (Acts 2: 42)

The companions of Jesus devoted themselves to:

• Teaching
  
• Communal life
  
• Eucharist
  
• Prayers
  

What do I devote myself to?

Awareness of God’s Blessings

"God of mercy, you wash away our sins in water, you give us new birth in the spirit, and redeem us in the blood of Christ. As we celebrate Christ's resurrection increase our awareness of these blessings, and renew your gift of life within us…." (Mass Prayer – 2^nd Sunday in Easter)

Our Father is God of mercy.

"Increase our awareness of your blessings." The Holy Spirit makes us aware of God's blessings in our life:

• The Eucharist
  
• Sacrament of Reconciliation
  
• Holy Spirit
  
• Word of God
  
• Prayer
  
• Peace and Tranquility
  
• Etc
  

Our love for God is in direct proportion to our awareness of God's love for us.

Thirst for Milk

"Like new born children you should thirst for milk, on which your spirit shall grow to strength." (1 Peter 2:2)

New born babies need milk to survive and grow. In the struggle for spiritual survival and growth, almost every Christian is a baby. Recently, I listened to a remarkable testimony from Princess Borghese on EWTN Journey Home program. After the Sacrament of Reconciliation that paved the way for her conversion experience, the priest urged her to attend Mass everyday in order to survive and grow. She took the advice and attributed her spiritual development and ministry to this fact.

I know what I have to do every day to survive and grow spiritually. I call this the 7-Way Plan. I shudder with fright at the thought of abandoning any of the elements of the 7-Way Plan.

The Great Commission

"Go out to the whole world; proclaim the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16: 15)

I scribbled the following thought on the above scripture in my journal in 1999:

"The Internet is a means of proclaiming the gospel to the whole world. Yesterday for the first time, I used Juno.Com to do the seed ministry. I believe that before long, I shall have Internet access here in casa.

Lord Jesus, you have given me this powerful tools right here in casa. Bless these tools. Through your Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me and use me to proclaim your message from here to the whole world."

The Lord answered me

"I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me…..

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior…" (Responsorial Psalm from Psalm 118)

The Lord answered me:

• Enterprise
  
• Casa
  
• Verdant Pasture
  
• Peace
  
• Protection
  
• Health
  

The Lord is my strength and my courage.

Companions of Jesus

"They were astonished at the fearlessness shown by Peter and John, considering that they were uneducated laymen; and they recognized them as associates of Jesus." (John 4:13)

• Holy Spirit and courage
  
• Holy Spirit and bold proclamation of the word
  

They recognized Peter and John as companions of Jesus. How? They must have thought: "Where have we seen such boldness from a peasant? Oh, we remember. Jesus of Nazareth! No wonder, these men were his companions."

Freedom

"The Lord led his people to freedom and they shouted with joy and gladness." (Psalm 105: 43)

Christ is the new Moses who led us to freedom through His passion and death.

Come and eat

"Jesus said to his disciples: Come and eat. And he took the bread, and gave it to them." (John 21: 12-13)

Everyday Jesus issues invitation to us to come and have breakfast with Him in the Eucharist. All are invited but only a few respond.

Where is the fish?

"Throw the net out to starboard and you will find something.' So they threw the net out and could not haul it in because of the quantity of fish." (John 21: 6)

Thank you Lord for this word and for your promise. You know where the fish is. You know where the green grass is. (Psalm 23) I shall trust you to lead and guide me to these places. You are indeed my good Shepherd. I shall lack nothing.

Wonderful thing to behold

"The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes." (Psalm 118: 22-23)

They killed; God raised up. They demoted; God promoted.

God raised the lowly. Only God can do this. It is a wonderful thing in our eyes.

Dispel all doubts

"Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts stirring in your hearts?" (Luke 24: 38)

Banish all fears; dispel all doubts. It is Christ indeed present in the:

• Eucharist
  
• Blessed Sacrament
  
• In my heart through the Holy Spirit
  

Lord Jesus, I believe. Increase my faith.

What will you do if you know for certain that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and in the Blessed Sacrament? I will be filled with awe and would adore Him constantly. Then ACT AS IF, for He is truly present.

The creator stoops down to the creature

"O Lord, our God, how wonderful is your name in all the earth! …What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?" (Psalm 8: 2,5)

The name of Jesus is wonderful and glorious.

God stoops down to man, His creature. Who am I that the Lord should be mindful of me and care for me?

Faith is power

"It is the name of Jesus which, through faith in him, has brought back the strength of this man whom you see here and who is well known to you. It is faith in him that has restored this man to health, as you can all see." (Acts 3: 16)

Faith in Jesus and faith in the name of Jesus is one and the same thing.

Faith is power.

God has given us the power of faith.

Lord Jesus, grant me deep faith in your name.

Jesus prayer

They recognized Him

"Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; but he had vanished from their sight." (Luke 24: 30 – 31)

Christ is truly present in the Eucharist but how do we recognize Him?

We recognize Christ in the Eucharist through faith. Faith gives us the promise of God's power. We exercise the power of faith when we come to the Eucharist and see Jesus Christ through the eyes of faith. Remote and proximate preparations for the Eucharist should involve prayer for faith, little acts of exercise of faith so that our faith may be adequate to recognize Christ in the Eucharist.

Christ is present in the Eucharist in the person of the priest, in the proclamation of the word and especially in the Eucharistic species.

Glory in the name of Jesus

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord….."

"Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! Look to the Lord in his strength; seek to serve him constantly." (Psalm 105:3-4)

Glory in the name of Jesus. Look to Jesus in His strength.

No Silver or Gold

"I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk." (Acts 3: 6)

What is Peter saying here? "Right now, God has not given me silver or gold to give you. But He has given me spiritual power which He wants me to use on your behalf."

Often, I feel ashamed that I do not have money to give to people who ask me. But why should I be ashamed? God is the source of all inspiration and power. He withholds nothing from those who love Him. My one desire is to give to everyone who asks of me. I will give that which I happen to have at that material time. I have the following things I can give all the time:

• Prayer
  
• Word of God
  
• Counsel

Mary of Magdala

"So Mary of Magdala told his disciples, 'I have seen the Lord', and that he has said these things to her." (John 20: 18)

Mary has just had the experience of the Resurrection. She saw the Lord. She heard His words.

Have I experienced the Resurrection? Have I seen the Lord? Have I seen the Lord in me, in the Body of Christ and in others? How is Christ speaking to me today? Who are the bearers of Christ's word to me this day?

Doing More

"What are we to do, brothers?" (Acts 2: 37)

Lord, what do you want me to do now? How can I improve my program? Teach me Jesus how to do more and not less for you. Teach me to be generous, always seeking to do more and never less.

Desire Wisdom

"If men desire wisdom, she will give them the water of knowledge to drink. They will never waver from the truth; they will stand firm forever." (Sirach 15: 3-4)

I desire wisdom. I have desired it all my life.

Lord, give me the water of knowledge to drink. Consecrate me in the truth. Your word is truth. Make me steadfast in the pursuit of truth.

Good News of the Resurrection

"Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples." (Matthew 28:8)

Am I filled with awe at the truth of the resurrection? How am I sharing this news?

God sends me people every day to share the good news of the Resurrection. How am I seizing the opportunity?

Keep me safe

"Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope… I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand is shall not be disturbed." (Psalm 16: 1,8)

God is my hope.

• I begin with God.
  
• I continue with God.
  
• I conclude with God.
  

With God at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Holy Spirit – Principle of Success

"Now raised to the heights by God's right hand, he has received from the Father the Holy Spirit, who was promised, and what you see and hear is the outpouring of that Spirit." (Acts 2: 33)

The Holy Spirit is proof of Christ's presence among us. We see this living proof in the life and the work of the Church. The different ministries of the Church pulsate with the actions of the Holy Spirit.

My two great desires:

• To be continually filled with the Holy Spirit
  
• To surrender completely to the Holy Spirit
  

Then I will succeed in everything I do.

Milk and honey

"The Lord brought you to a land flowing with milk and honey, so that his law would always be given honor among you, alleluia." (Exodus13: 5,9)

The Enterprise is journey with Christ. It is journey towards a land flowing with milk and honey. The Enterprise land is a symbol and shadow for the spiritual paradise.

Thank you Father. Father, create in me a new spirit to always honor your law in everything.

Fruit of the 4^th Joyful mystery – Obedience.

He saw and believed

"He saw and believed." (John 20:8)

John saw the empty tomb and the clothes neatly arranged and believed that Jesus Christ was truly risen. What do I need to see and believe that Christ is truly risen and alive today?

I need to see His body, the Church at work and worship. I saw that this morning at the Center where I attended a course in catechism. I saw so many catechists giving up their Saturday to be at the same course. I felt the presence of Christ in the hall. This was not the first time I experienced this effect in a similar setting.

Life of the Church is centers on the Eucharist and other sacraments, ministering to the poor and the sick. When I see this, I believe that Christ is truly alive.

Eternal Values

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is of earth." (Colossians 3: 1-2)

What to seek? The Truth, Jesus Christ.

What to think of? Faith, hope, peace, joy, mercy, thankfulness, etc.

Seekfirst the Kingdom of God and His justice. Seekfirst the King.

Preach and Testify

"He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead." (Acts 10:42)

As I wait, help me to bear witness to you by word and deed to every person I meet that you are alive and indeed the Lord.

Healing Truth

"God our Father, creator of all, today is the day of Easter joy. This is the morning on which the Lord appeared to men who had begun to lose hope and opened their eyes to what the scriptures foretold: that first he must die, and then he would rise and ascend to his Father's glorious presence. May the risen Lord breathe on our minds and open our eyes that we may know him in the breaking of bread, and follow him in his risen life….." (Prayer at Easter Sunday Mass)

On Easter day, Christ appeared to men who had begun to lose hope and opened their eyes to what the scriptures foretold. Anytime you are tempted to lose hope, ask Christ to open your eyes to what scriptures foretell about your situation. For example:

What does Scripture say on:

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

If you listen, you will hear a healing truth that brings calm and perspective to your situation.

Christ is Risen

"God our Father, by raising Christ your Son you conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the spirit that is within us ….." (Mass Prayer on Easter Sunday)

The power of death was definitely shattered by the resurrection of Christ. Christ's resurrection opened for you the way to eternal life. What is possible for a member of the same nature is possible for every member of that nature. Jesus Christ died as man. By rising from the dead, He proved that everyman can rise too from the dead.

The first Christian martyrs did not hesitate to lay down their lives for Christ (Revelation 12: 10) because they looked forward to their resurrection.

The Springs of Salvation

"You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid? My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water from the fountain of salvation." (Isaiah 12: 3, 2-3)

God indeed is my savior. I am confident and unafraid. I remain calm and He fights my battles for me.

Salvation through Baptism

"Father, even today we see the wonders of the miracles you worked long ago. You once saved a single nation from slavery, and now you offer that salvation to all through baptism. May the peoples of the world become true sons of Abraham and prove worthy of the heritage of Israel…." (Prayer at Mass on Holy Saturday)

The passage through the Red Sea is a type and shadow of Baptism through which God saves us.

Increase of the Chosen People

"God and Father of all who believe in you, you promised Abraham that he will become the father of all nations, and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ you fulfill that promise. Everywhere throughout the world you increase your chosen people. May we respond to your call by joyfully accepting your invitation to the new life of grace ….." (Prayer at the Mass of Easter Vigil)

At the Easter Vigil everywhere in the world, new members are added to the Church through the baptism of catechumens and the welcoming of candidates into the Church.

Jesus Christ is the means through which the promise to Abraham is fulfilled.

Obey Christ

"Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." (Hebrew 5: 8-9)

What does it mean to obey Christ?

• Love one another as I love you.
  
• Forgive one another as I forgive you.
  
• I provide all your needs. Do the same for your needy brothers and sisters. Share what you have.
  

Christ becomes the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Salvation here and now means freedom from sin and the consequences of sin.

My Destiny2

"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit ….. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say 'You are my God. In your hands is my destiny; rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and persecutors." (Psalm 31: 6, 15-16)

What would I do if I know for certain that my destiny is in the hands of my Father?

• Deeper trust
  
• Total surrender
  
• Peace and tranquility
  

Psalm 31:15 is an example of healing truth. That is, the type of truth that heals us from worry and fear.

My life is solidly in God's hands! Hurrah!

"Take courage and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the Lord."

Since my destiny is in God's hands, I take courage and I am stouthearted as I entrust every aspect of the Enterprise to God. I trust Him to press all the buttons and open all the doors.

 

 

My Destiny

"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit ….. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say 'You are my God. In your hands is my destiny; rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and persecutors." (Psalm 31: 6, 15-16)

What would I do if I know for certain that my destiny is in the hands of my Father?

• Deeper trust
  
• Total surrender
  
• Peace and tranquility
  

Psalm 31:15 is an example of healing truth. That is, the type of truth that heals us from worry and fear.

My life is solidly in God's hands! Hurrah!

Divine Filiation2

"Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53: 4-5)

Christ reconciled us to the Father through His passion. We become the adopted children of God. The truth of our new enhanced status should make us free from the tyranny of physical limitations and disabilities. We can and must now triumph over these conditions.

How to do for others

"If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do." (John 13: 14-15)

As Christ does for me, He wants me to do for others. What does Christ do for me here and now?

• Eucharist
  
• Word of God
  
• Casa
  
• Food
  
• Health
  
• Peace and Security
  
• Faith
  

Jesus wants me to touch the lives of others with these gifts.

Maranatha

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11: 26)

Proclaim the death of the Lord – "Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again."

Maranatha!

Blood of the Lamb

"This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the Lord, as a perpetual institution." (Exodus 12: 14)

"Do this in memory of me."

The Passover foreshadows both the Last Supper and Calvary.

"This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."

You shall be saved through the blood of the Lamb.

The Other Big Command

"God our Father, we are gathered here to share in the supper which your only Son left to his Church to reveal his love. He gave it to us when he was about to die and commanded us to celebrate it as the new and eternal sacrifice. We pray that in this Eucharist, we may find the fullness of love and life…." (Prayer at Mass)

The Eucharist reveals Christ's love for His Church. We see why the Church has guarded the Eucharist jealously for the past 2000 years. Not to do so would be much more grievous than being flippant with a wedding ring given by a much beloved spouse.

Jesus Christ invites us to the Eucharist but some people hear this invitation every day. The invitation and the answer prove Christ's immense love for them.

"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." The Eucharist promises fullness of love and life. May I find both in the Eucharist, O Jesus. The Eucharist is a celebration of love and thanks.

Glorious Cross

"We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection; through him we are saved and made free." (Galatians 6: 14)

Glory in the cross of Jesus Christ. Do not be ashamed of it. The cross is the means of our salvation. But it is Jesus who is our salvation and life. Glory in your personal crosses. Do not be ashamed of them or reject them. Your personal crosses are also the means through which Jesus is saving you here and now. In your crosses, remember: "My grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 9)

Eucharist and Memorial

"All-powerful God, the Eucharist proclaims the death of your Son. Increase our faith in its saving power and strengthen our hope in the life it promises." (Prayer at Mass)

Christ commanded us to do the Eucharist in memory of Him. The Eucharist is not just the wish of Christ to be fulfilled by His followers. It is the greatest gift He left us. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." It is in the Eucharist that we eat this bread and appropriate the promise of life it makes. Have faith in the Eucharist and have life.

Betray2

"And while they were eating he said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." (Matthew 26: 21)

Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. May your grace protect me so that I do not betray you again. Look at my weakness and have pity on me.

A Cry of Anguish

"Answer me Lord in your generous love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; in my distress hasten to answer me. Come and ransom my life; because of my enemies redeem me. You know my reproach, my shame, my disgrace; before you stand all my foes. Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak; I looked for compassion, but there was none, for comforters, but found none. Instead they put gall in my food; for my thirst they gave me vinegar." (Psalm 69: 17-22)

A cry of anguish in great distress.

If you want to be my disciple, take up your cross everyday and follow me.

A Well-trained tongue

"The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear…." (Isaiah 50: 4)

Before you speak, you must learn what to say. You sit at the feet of Jesus and the Holy Spirit instructs you by means of the word. When you have mastered the lessons, all the lessons, the Spirit of truth sends you to the "weary."

Thank you Father for this word. I believe it. Consecrate me in the truth. Your word is truth. Consecrate my tongue, my hands, all of men.

"Consecrate me in the truth." Set me apart exclusively for the work of the truth.

"A word that will rouse them (the weary)" - Rouse them to conversion; strengthen the discouraged; warn the complacent.

The Power of Acceptance

"Father, in your plan of salvation your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross and freed us from the power of the enemy. May we come to share the glory of his resurrection….." (Prayer at Mass)

Note the power of acceptance. When we accept God's will in our life, we become free to enjoy God's power in every circumstance. In dying, we find life. In accepting tribulations, we overcome the fear of suffering and become free. Jesus achieved freedom for us through the acceptance of His Father's will to suffer and die.

Name of Jesus

"At the name of Jesus, every knee must bend, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; … Jesus Christ is Lord." (Philippians 2: 10-11)

Jesus is Lord!

Jesus Prayer

Come Lord Jesus!

Jesus' name is one of my greatest gifts.

Eucharist and the Promise of Life

"Lord, look at mercy on our offerings. May we who share the holy gifts receive the life they promise….." (Prayer at Mass)

Look at mercy on our offerings – We are weak and inadequate. So are our offerings. Instead of looking at our miserable offerings, look rather on your Son who offers Himself for us.

The Eucharist promises life to those who receive it worthily.

Betrayal

"You will lay down your life for me, will you?' Jesus answered. 'I tell you truly, the cock will not crow before you have three times disowned me!" (John 13: 38)

Dearest Jesus, you are right. I can betray you and I will betray you unless you help me. Help me for I am weak. Help me for I do not want to betray you.

My Hope and My Trust

"I will sing of your salvation… For you are my hope, O Lord, my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from my mother's womb; you are my strength." (Psalm 71: 8, 5-6)

God is my hope. I trust in Him in everything. He has taught me from my youth and till the present I proclaim His wondrous deeds.

A Sharp-edged Sword

"The Lord called me from birth, from my mother's womb he gave me my name. He made me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm." (Isaiah 49: 1-2)

The Lord called me from birth and gave me the name Emmanuel. He is training me today, forming me into a sharp-edged sword.

Father, let your plan for me life be fully accomplished.