Chosen

"You have not chosen me; I have chosen you. Go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15: 16)

Lord, lead me; guide me; use me.

The Great Commission

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19 – 20)

Jesus Christ is Emmanuel – "God with us." He promises: "Behold, I am with you always."

At the beginning of his Gospel, St. Matthew writes:

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel." (Matthew 1:21)

At the end of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Jesus promises: "Behold, I am with you always."

Jesus Christ is with us in the Eucharist. He is with us in all the mission fields in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Use me

"Go and teach all nations, I am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 19, 20)

Lord, lead me, guide me and use me.

Strong Hope

"May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your heart be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy one…." (Ephesians 1: 17-18)

Lord, bless me with the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

Bless me with a strong hope.

Be strong and wait

"It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1: 7-8)

You will receive power from the Holy Spirit.

You will be my witnesses everywhere.

When will these promises be fulfilled? Wait for the Lord. Wait patiently for the Lord.

Waiting for the Promises

"While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak, for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1: 4-5)

Wait for the promises of the Father. (122108)

Wait for the promises of the Enterprise.

Teach me to wait. Help me to wait.

How to wait: Wait with oil burning in your lamp: the 7-Way Plan.

If we perish

"If our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, Your Majesty, he will save us; and even if he does not, then you must know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:17 – 18)

A good paraphrase of the above scripture which I like is this: "If we live, we live; if we perish, we perish."

"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26: 39) Again, we can paraphrase Christ's sentiments thus: "If I live, I live; if I die, I die."

"For though the fig tree blossom not | nor fruit be on the vines, |Though the yield of the olive fail| and the terraces produce no nourishment, | Though the flock disappear from the fold | and there be no heard in the stalls, | Yet will I rejoice in the Lord |and exult in my saving God. (Habakkuk 3: 17 – 18) Prophet Habakkuk's word can me summarized with - "If we live, we live; if we perish, we perish."

"If you make my word your home |you will indeed be my disciples; | you will come to know the truth, | and the truth will make you free." (John 8: 31 – 32)

When we are faithful to the teachings of Jesus, we will have the faith and courage to appropriate the above scriptures. We will know that God is faithful come what may.

Eyes of faith

"Father in heaven, our minds were prepared for the coming of your kingdom when you took Christ beyond our sight so that we might seek him in his glory. May we follow where he has led and find our hope in his glory…." (Mass of the Ascension)

The ascension took Christ beyond our sight. Now we can see Christ with the eyes of faith. Where Christ is, there is the kingdom of God.

Waiting

"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking in the sky? The Lord will return, just as you have seen him ascend." (Acts 1: 11)
The fruit of the second mystery of the Rosary is hope. To hope is to wait for and expect actively.
What I wait for?

• I wait for a ride.
• I wait for the UPS man.
• I wait for an email.

Active waiting implies preparedness.
I am waiting for the Lord for the next step in the Enterprise. Beware of the danger of growing tired of waiting. How do I wait for the Lord? The Seven Way Plan.
"Those who wait for the Lord renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40: 31) God helps those who wait for Him.

Eternal fruits

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

Lord, if you have chosen me, I will go. Fill me with the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of evangelization so that I can go and bear spiritual fruits for you.

Knowledge of truth

"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 in Mass)

The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gifts. God takes our bread and wine and transforms them into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ which is then given back to us.

"Grant that everything we do may be directed by the knowledge of your truth´ Knowledge of truth comes from the word of God. We pray that we gain genuine knowledge through the word of God. We pray also that this knowledge influence everything we do.

The Spirit and the truth

"However, when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth." (John 16: 13)

Spirit and the truth

Spirit of truth

Most Holy Spirit, come and teach me your truth. Remove from me all falsehood.

The Spirit leads the Church to the fullness of truth on the word of God

God gives everything

"Nor is [God] he in need of anything, that he should be served by human hands; on the contrary, it is he who gives everything – including life and breath to everyone." (Acts 17:25)    

All blessings come from our God. All life, all breath come from God. God gives to everyone whatever he has. All talent, time and treasure come from God.

"Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness, we have this bread to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. It shall become for us the bread of life." We answer this offertory prayer with the affirmation – "Blessed be God forever." So, even the gifts we bring to God are provided to us by God Himself.

Saints Nereus and Achilleus

"Father, we honor Saints Nereus and Achilleus for their courage in dying to profess their faith in Christ. May we experience the help of their prayers at the throne of your mercy….." (Prayer in the Mass of the feast of St. Nereus and Achilleus)

They showed courage in dying to profess their faith in Christ. Am I ready to resist temptation to the point of blood? The martyrs died for Christ through the power of Christ. I too can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

A Witness

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

This is my desire.

O Lord, how, when? Wait! (Psalm 42 – 122108)

Divine Necessity of Suffering

"Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead; and so enter into his glory." (Luke 24: 46, 26)

Those who suffered:

• Peter and Paul
  
• James and John
  
• Pope John Paul II and Pope Paul VI
  
• All the Saints
  

There is a divine necessity of suffering.

Watch and Wait

1

¹ "Then ² the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2

³ Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

3

The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them,

4

but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.

5

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6

At midnight, there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

7

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.

8

The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

9

But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'

10

While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.

11

⁴ Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!'

12

But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.'

13

Therefore, stay awake, ⁵ for you know neither the day nor the hour.

 

(Matthew 25: 1 – 13)

 

The foolish virgins did not anticipate a delay and were unprepared when the bridegroom was long delayed. (v5)

St. Augustine in his Sermons, 93 wrote: "Watch with the heart, watch with faith, watch with love, watch with charity, watch with good works […]; make ready the lamps, make sure they do not go out […], renew them with inner oil of an upright conscience; then shall the Bridegroom enfold you in the embrace of his love and bring you into his banquet room, where your lamp can never be extinguished."

When I reflect on the above, I think of the message of 122108: Wait!

"6

Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God." (Psalm 42: 6)

The Spirit of truth

"I will send you the Spirit of truth; he will lead you to the whole truth." (John 16: 7, 13)

Thank you Jesus. Open my heart and mind to learn all that I can from the Spirit of truth.

Lydia listened attentively

"Lydia listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying." (Acts 16: 4)

Lydia paid attention to the word.

She listened eagerly.

Lydia responded to what Paul said.

Lydia is a fertile and noble soul on which the seed of the word of God fell and yielded abundant harvest.

Lord Jesus, open our hearts to accept all that you will say to us today.

Easter Effects

"God of mercy, may our celebration of your Son's resurrection help us to experience its effects in our lives….." (Prayer in Mass in the Season of Easter)

What are the effects of Christ's resurrection that we should experience in our lives?

• Peace
  
• Joy
  
• Faith
  
• Holy Spirit
  
• Eucharist
  

How can we witness to these Easter effects without experiencing them?

Dying to something

"Christ now raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has power over him." (Romans 6: 9)

If I die to something in my life, I will never die again to the same thing. I have died to alcohol. I will never die to alcohol again. Alcohol no longer has power over me.

Things I want to die to:

• Money
  
• Fear of ill health
  
• Security
  
• Food
  

 

In need of forgiveness

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

We are continually in need of God's forgiveness.

"Say but a word and I shall be healed."

The Advocate

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains in you, and will be in you." (John 14: 16 – 17)

Thank you Jesus for the Holy Spirit. Yes, I am beginning to know Him. And what I am learning about Him is very exciting.

Reasons for Hope

"Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3: 15-16)

What are the reasons for my hope on the Enterprise?

• God is faithful.
  
• He has been consistently faithful through the journey so far.
  
• He started the Enterprise and has sustained it so far.
  
• God will bring to conclusion whatever He started.
  
• He gives me a pledge in the Eucharist.
  
• He gives me peace and faith.

Sanctify Christ

"Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts." (1 Peter 3: 15)

Enthrone Christ as King and Lord of your heart.

Make Christ your most cherished desire.

Give Christ the first place in your heart.

Seek Christ's kingdom and righteousness above everything else.

The Ultimate Joy

"God our Father, maker of all, the crown of your creation was the Son of Man, born of a woman, but without beginning; he suffered for us but lives forever. May our mortal lives be crowned with the ultimate joy of rising with him…." (Prayer in Mass in the Season of Easter)

Christ suffered and died for us but now lives forever more. If we suffer now with Christ, we too will live forever.

The Joy of the Resurrection

"Ever-living God, help us to celebrate our joy in the resurrection of the Lord and to express in our lives the love we celebrate……" (Prayer at Mass in Easter season)

What does the Resurrection of Jesus mean to me? Do I feel the joy of Easter? What are the fruits of the Resurrection?

The Resurrection means victory, triumph over the forces of evil.

The world loves its own

"If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice of you has drawn you out of the world, that is why the world hates you." (John 15: 19)

The world recognizes its own and loves them.

Since those chosen by Christ and withdrawn from the world by His choice are not recognized by the world, all they can expect from the world are challenges, resistance and hatred.

The Spirit and Mission

"They traveled through Phrygia and the Galatian country, because they had been told by the Holy Spirit not to preach the word in Asia." (Acts 16: 6)

The Spirit and Mission

If we surrender our lives completely to the Spirit as Paul did, He would guide our work as He guided Paul's. He will reveal to us in due time:

• The what?
  
• The where?
  
• The When?
  
• The How?
  

Of our vocation.

Most Holy Spirit, help us to surrender completely to you.

Unceasing Care

"Loving Father, through our rebirth in Baptism you give us your life and promise immortality. By your unceasing care, guide our steps toward the life of glory…." (Mass Prayer)

Baptism gives us new life in God. All the sacraments increase this life or sanctifying grace in us. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation this life is renewed and refreshed.

God's care for us is unceasing. His perfect love for us casts out fear. Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.

Spiritual Sacrifice

"Merciful Lord, make holy these gifts and let our spiritual sacrifice make us an everlasting gift to you…." (Prayer at Mass)

We bring our gifts of bread and wine, representing our toils and all that we desire to offer to God. God accepts them and makes them holy.

Bearing fruit

"You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name." (John 15: 16)

Christ chose me. He commissions me to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.

When I start bearing spiritual fruit in the Vineyard, whatever I ask the Father in the name of Jesus, I shall have.

Principles of fruit-bearing in the Kingdom:

• Dwell in my words.
  
• Remain in me and allow me to remain in you.
  

When you have done these, have faith that the seed is growing and will yield fruit in due season.

Process of fruit-bearing in the Kingdom:

• Faith
  
• Patience of a farmer
  
• Continual watering of the plant

My Friends

"You are my friends, if you do what I command you." (John 15: 14)

I want to be a friend and companion of Jesus. But there are conditions for this friendship and companionship. They are:

"keep my commands"

• Love God with all your heart.
  
• Love your neighbor as yourself
  

Lord Jesus, I cherish your friendship and want to keep your commandments. Help me to do so, Jesus.

Committed to Jesus

"And so we have decided unanimously to elect delegates and to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have committed their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 15: 25)

Paul and Barnabas committed their lives to Jesus. Lord Jesus, help me to commit my life to you as Paul and Barnabas did.

Eternal Life and the Eucharist

"Lord, by this Easter mysteries, prepare us for eternal life. May our celebration of Christ's death and resurrection guide us to salvation….." (Mass Prayer)

The Eucharist is the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection. Nothing prepares us better for eternal life than the Eucharist.

O Mother of the Son, obtain for me the favor of witnessing to the power of the Eucharist.

Fear is useless

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."

Jesus, Luke 8:50, Mark 5:36

The Purpose

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Ten years ago, I confided to my journal the reflection below. Ten years after, I am amazed as to how things things have turned out. I now have a teaching ministry in my parish. Ten years ago, I saw it as a tiny speck in the future horizon. God is faithful.

God knows the best for me. He has seen the whole pattern of the weaving of my life. He has seen the finished product. He will make a strategic match between my:

• Purpose
  
• Personality
  
• Position (environment)
  

1. What is my purpose? To learn and to communicate.

Sources of learning:

• Mass
  
• Prayer
  
• WOG
  
• Promised Land Scriptures
  
• Christian Radio
  
• TBN
  
• Teaching
  

2. Personality: Jesus Christ describes Himself as the Truth, the Way and the Life. Who am I? A friend and companion of Jesus.

3. Position: Tx-06, STM, SFJ

I trust God to arrange the very best for me.

Remain in my love

"I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love." (John 15: 9)

Lord Jesus, you do not need to tell me today to remain in your love. This is exactly what I want to do and where I want to be. What I want you to tell me is how to remain in your love. I know you love me dearly. Your intense love for me remains a mystery. I have come to accept it. I want to enjoy your love. Spoil me with your love.

But Lord, how do I respond to your love?

Signs and Wonders

"The entire assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had worked through them among the gentiles." (Acts 15: 12)

God confirms the mission to the gentiles through signs and wonders. Every genuine ministry is confirmed by God through signs. My ministry of teaching is confirmed through such signs as attraction to the ministry of teaching, love of learning, lavish provision of books and materials that I need to fulfill the ministry. Occasional words of appreciation from those I minister to. God never tells you in advance how He plans to support your ministry. But the scripture encourages us to pray to see the hope He has reserves for those who serve Him. Without this encouragement from God, ministry might be difficult to undertake and persevere in. Just as through the Sacrament of Marriage, Christ empowers the married to live the sometimes difficult circumstances of the married state, so Jesus does for anybody called to a ministry.

Prepare yourself for trials

"My son, when you come to serve the Lord, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity. Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not; thus will you be wise in all your ways. Accept whatever befalls you, when sorrowful, be steadfast, and in crushing misfortune be patient; For in fire gold and silver are tested, and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and God will help you; trust in him and he will direct your way; keep his fear and grow old therein." (Sirach 2: 1 – 6)

The above scripture is part of the powerful first reading on Tuesday before Ash Wednesday 2009. I prayed to the Holy Spirit to carve these words in my mind and heart. I ask Him to text me the above words as and when I need them. To undergo a trial and know what is happening is a plus. To go through adversity and not realize what is happening is fraught with dangers. Danger of discouragement, despair and quitting prematurely. Below is the Responsorial Psalm to the above scripture from Psalm 37.

"Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.| Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant you your heart's requests.

The Lord watches over the lives of the wholehearted; their inheritance lasts forever.| They are not put to shame in an evil time; | in days of famine they have plenty.

Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever; | For the Lord loves what is right, and forsakes not his faithful ones.

The salvation of the just is from the Lord; | he is their refuge in time of distress.| And the Lord helps them and delivers them;| he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." (From Psalm 37)

If you do your part, be sure that God is doing His part for He is faithful.

Courage of Perseverance

"Father, in your love you have brought us from evil to good and from misery to happiness. Through your blessings, give the courage of perseverance to those you have called and justified by faith…." (Prayer at Mass)

Thank you dearest Father for bringing me from evil to good and from misery to happiness. How different my life is today from what it was when I did not know or accept your plan for my life. You brought me from AJSUA to SFJ. You freed me from ZAN and showed me the joy of living in your plan. Thank you. Give me the courage to persevere in the good life your plan has called me to. Amen!

Restore us

"Lord, restore us by these Easter mysteries. May the continuing work of our Redeemer bring us eternal joy…" (Prayer at Mass)

We need restoration from the wear and tear of everyday life. As we experience delays, disappointments and obstacles, our faith is challenged. We come to the altar of the word and the Eucharist to be nourished and restored.

Desires of the heart

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for whatever you please and you will get it." (John 15: 7)

Today, I ask Jesus for the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the grace to surrender completely to Him. Ten years ago, when I reflected on the above scripture, I confided to my diary that my top need was for casa. How shifting are the desires of the heart. But in all the shifting sands that make up our desires, Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Isn't this comforting?

Living in Christ

"Live in me and let me live in you, says the Lord. My branches bear much fruit. (John 15: 4, 5)

We live in Christ through prayer, His word and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Christ lives in us through our participation in group worship, principally the Mass and group prayer. The key to bearing fruit in the kingdom is this symbiosis with Jesus Christ: Living in Him and He living in us.

Instruments of God

"When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church and by the apostles and elders, and gave an account of all that God had done through them." (Acts 15: 4)

When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Jerusalem, the Church saw clearly how God had used them and acknowledged that they were instruments of God for evangelization. We too can be instruments of God if we are open to the Holy Spirit.

Avoid that Village

22

⁵ When they arrived at Bethsaida, they brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him.

23

He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on him and asked, "Do you see anything?"

24

Looking up he replied, "I see people looking like trees and walking."

25

Then he laid hands on his eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.

26

Then he sent him home and said, "Do not even go into the village." (Mark 8: 22 – 26)

 

The above miracle story contains a remarkable sequence of events:

1. Jesus led the blind man by the hand outside the village.
   
2. He put spittle on his eyes.
   
3. "Do you see anything?"
   
4. "I see people looking like trees and walking."
   
5. Then Jesus laid hands a second time on the man's eyes.
   
6. The man then saw clearly.
   
7. "Do not even go into the village."
   

Why these sequences of events?

Is it possible that the man's blindness was caused by a demonic influence inside the village? Could there have been resistance to the man's healing if performed in the village? Was there a danger of relapse if the man went back to the village?

One of the lessons of the above scripture is to avoid unhealthy geographies.

The Darkness of Unbelief

"Father of all holiness, guide our hearts to you. Keep in the light of your truth all those you have freed from the darkness of unbelief…." (Prayer at Mass)

God is the Father of all holiness. Satan is the father of all lies.

How does God guide our hearts to Himself? The 7-Way Plan and the 7-War Zones are my special gift. Every day, I am growing in understanding that all times and seasons serve God. Similarly, everything that I experience during the day serves God as He guides my heart to him.

Unbelief keeps the mind in darkness.

The Peace of Christ

"Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." (John 14: 27)

Peace is the special gift of Christ. How does one explain the peace of Christ? It is the quiet assurance that all is well, not matter what may be happening to the contrary. It is the certainty that there is a game plan. And everything is working according to that plan. It is the certain knowledge that "Perfect love casts out fear." And that love is God's perfect love for us here and now. The world is incapable of giving this peace. "Nemo dat quod non habet." Nobody gives that which he has not. The world does not have this type of peace and so cannot give it. This is the special gift promised the disciples by Jesus.

My Teacher

"But the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you." (Acts 14: 26)

The Holy Spirit is my Teacher.

The Holy Spirit is my aide de memoire. He reminds me of everything that I need to remember. What He does not remind of does not matter.

The Inevitability of Suffering

"Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory." (Luke 24: 46)

Paul said: "We must all experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14: 22)

There is an inevitability of suffering. It cannot be avoided. Everybody must be salted by fire. In the face of this existential fact, the best attitude towards suffering is the Christian one: trust and surrender. It is useless to kick against the goad.

Prepare for Action

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

Preparing for action:

That the man of God may be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3: 17)

The equipping of saints for service (Ephesians 4: 12)

Be dressed in readiness with your lamps burning (Luke 12: 35)

Be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2)

Be ready, for he is coming when you least expect (Matthew 24:44)

Be ready (Luke 12: 40)

I am ready to go to prison and death (Luke 22: 33)

I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus (Acts 21: 13)

 

Gird up your loins like a man (Job 38: 3; 40:7)

Gird up your loins (2 Kings 4: 29; 9:1)

Gird up your loins and speak to them (Jeremiah 1: 17)

Gird up your minds (1 Peter 1: 13)

Feet shod with preparation for the gospel (Ephesians 6: 15)

(Roget's Thesaurus of the Bible)

The Open Door

"On their arrival they assembled the church and gave an account of all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the gentiles." (Acts 14: 27)

Apostolic work is God's work. God opens the door.

"I have opened a door before you which no man will be able to close." (Revelation 3:8)

God opened the door for Paul and Barnabas to evangelize the gentiles. The door opened by God will remain open come what may.

Sure Hope

"Father, you restored your people to eternal life by raising Christ your Son from death. Make our faith strong and our hope sure. May we never doubt that you will fulfill the promises you have made…" (Prayer at Mass)

When man fell from grace and lost eternal life, God restored it to us through Jesus Christ.

We ask the Father to strengthen our faith in His word. Father, give us also sure hope.

When the Father asked me to wait on 122108, I have sure hope that I am waiting for something. May I never doubt that God will fulfill the promises made to me.

What are the causes of doubt?

• Experience of past hopes that were deferred
  
• Negative testimonies of others about unfilled hopes
  
• Listening to man instead of to God
  

What is the remedy to the problems of doubt?

• Realizing that everyman is unique and irrepeatable.
  
• Every experience is unique and irrepeatable.
  
• Which merits more credence? Word of God or word of man?

St. Philip and St. James

"Father, by the holy gifts we have received, free our minds and hearts from sin. With the apostles Philip and James, may we see you in your Son and be found worthy to have eternal life…." (Mass on the feast of Apostles Saints Philip and James)

Although we strive for holiness, we still struggle against sins. Hence the prayer to the Father to free our minds and hearts from sin.

The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sins.

"May we see you in your Son…." May we see your goodness, mercy, compassion, long-suffering, gentleness and all your attributes in your Son, Jesus.

Let us see the Father

"Lord, let us see the Father, and we shall be content. And Jesus said: Philip, he who sees me, sees the Father." (John 14: 8,9)

Jesus is the image of the invisible Father. He shares all the attributes of the Father:

• Omnipotence
  
• Omniscience
  
• Omnipresence
  
• Faithfulness
  
• Mercifulness
  
• Compassion
  
• Love
  
• Purity
  
• Long-suffering, etc
  

God is spirit. When you see the attributes of Jesus at work, you see those of the Father. When you hear the words of Jesus, you hear those of the Father.

Asking in the Name of Jesus

"Whatever you ask in my name I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." (John 14: 13-14)

Reading my journal entry on the above scripture of ten years ago, I am amazed to see a dramatic change in the things I ask for today. In 1999, I asked for a place, financial security, a job and protection from evil. Today, I still have all these needs. But what I ask for is different. It is also short-term. At the beginning of everyday, I ask for inspiration and power that I need to meet the blessings and challenges of the day. I can date this shift from preoccupation from daily bread to spiritual bread to the third quarter of 2004 after the Men's ACTS Retreat in Dickinson. I learned from that retreat to live one day at a time. I hope that lesson is irreversible. That lesson has brought much happiness and stability to my life.

Jesus Christ answers our prayers in His name. He answers them in the fullness of His wisdom and love.

 

Times and Seasons 2

"All times and seasons obey your laws." (Eucharistic Prayer)

All Times:

• Beginning and end
  
• Alpha and omega
  
• East and West
  
• North and South
  

All Seasons:

• Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
  
• Day and Night
  
• Health and Sickness
  
• Riches and Poverty
  
• Light and Darkness
  

God governs the world through laws: natural laws as well as supernatural laws.

Because all times and seasons obey God, we see how "all things work together for good to those who love God." (Romans 8: 28). Because "all things serve you" (Psalm 119:91), we see how ordinary and extraordinary providence work together for good for God's children.

The Essence

"Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried; and that on the third day, he was raised to life, in accordance with the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:4)

Christ's death on the cross was not an accident. It was ordained from eternity that Christ was to die for our sins.

The core of the apostolic preaching was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This message has a saving value. How are we saved by this message? What is the implication of this truth for our live today?

Avoid sin. Live for Christ.

The Vine

"I am the vine and you are the branches, says the Lord; he who lives in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit." (John 15: 5)

Principle of productivity: Live in Christ.

We live in Christ through the Sacrament, particularly the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gift. Through it, God shares with us His divine life. Another word for God's divine life in us is sanctifying grace.

We also live in Christ through his words. "If you remain in my word, you will know the truth and the truth will make you free."

Worry is useless

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling place." (John 14: 1)

Do not be troubled over the 7-War zones. Worry is useless. All that is necessary is trust.

Life-Changing Truth

The two scriptures which were read at Mass today as first reading and responsorial Psalm drastically changed my perspective during my Desert Experience. I came to understand through this 12^th chapter of Hebrews that in God's pedagogy, discipline equals training; trials equals discipline. I now understand more clearly the message of Father Jean-Pierre Caussade, S.J. in Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence. While God uses carrots in His training, sticks form the bedrock or meat of his curriculum. Very much like in the classroom: the tough homework shows the difference between a good student and a mediocre one.

Hebrews 12: 4-7, 11-15

 

4

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

5

You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: "My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him;

6

for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges."

7

Endure your trials as "discipline"; God treats you as sons. For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline?

They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.

11

At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.

12

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.

13

Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

14

Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

15

³ See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled,

 

Psalm 103: 1-2, 13-14, 17-18

 

¹ Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!

2

Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,

13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on the faithful.

14

For he knows how we are formed, remembers that we are dust.

17

But the LORD'S kindness is forever, toward the faithful from age to age. He favors the children's children

18

of those who keep his covenant, who take care to fulfill its precepts.

 

02/04/09

Living Stones

"Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2: 5)

We are living stones in the house of God.

QOP is a type and shadow of God building me into a spiritual house. How is God building me up?

The Seven-Way Plan

Who in the Lord 2

"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 shows mercy on those:

• Who fear Him
  
• Who trust Him
  
• Who hope for His kindness, that is, expect to receive His mercy
  

"Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you."

The Right Order

"It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table….We shall devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." (Acts 6: 2, 4)

A very important principle is established here.

First things first:

• Prayer
  
• Ministry of the word
  

In the life of the apostle, there must be priorities. The most important things must be done first and the lesser things left to others or not done at all. Whatever is the ministry, priority must always be given to prayer the word of God.

Fountain of Mercy

"Lord God, fountain of all mercy, look upon our gifts on this feast of St. Joseph. Let our sacrifice become the protection of all who call on you…." (Offertory Prayer on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker)

God our Father is the fountain of all mercy. O that I would remember this at the moment of need.

The gifts we bring up to the altar, bread and wine, fruits of our labor represent our sacrifice. We join this with the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ and ask the Father and fountain of all mercy for our protection from evil and all who call upon Him.

Staying in the word

"If you stay in my word, you will indeed be my disciples, and you will know the truth." (John 8: 31)

The truth here is a person, Jesus Christ Himself. Essential to knowing Him is a relationship that develops through daily communion with His word.

St. Jerome says: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Jesus Christ."

Jerusalem and the Church

1

¹ A psalm of the Korahites. A song. The LORD loves the city founded on holy mountains,

2

² Loves the gates of Zion more than any dwelling in Jacob.

3

Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! Selah

4

From Babylon and Egypt I count those who acknowledge the LORD. Philistia, Ethiopia, Tyre, of them it can be said: "This one was born there."

5

³ But of Zion it must be said: "They all were born here." The Most High confirms this;

6

the Lord notes in the register of the peoples: "This one was born here." Selah

7

So all sing in their festive dance: "Within you is my true home."

 

Psalm-Prayer:

Lord God, your only Son wept over ancient Jerusalem, soon to be destroyed for its lack of faith. He established the new Jerusalem firmly upon rock and made it the mother of the faithful. Make us rejoice in your Church, and grant that all people may be reborn into the freedom of your Spirit. (Lectio Divina 01/29/09)

The Carpenter’s Son

"This is the carpenter's son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude?" (Matthew 13: 55)

The people of Nazareth where Jesus grew up saw Him only as the carpenter's son and the son of Mary. But things are not always what they seem. His words and miracles are opportunities for them to probe deeper into the person of Jesus. They did not. Their minds were closed.

Be fruitful

"Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it." (Genesis 1: 28)

"Be fruitful" means be productive.

The Holy Spirit is the principle and source of fruitfulness. The Holy Spirit helps us abide in Christ as the branch abides in the tree.

St. Joseph the Worker

"God our Father, creator and ruler of the universe, in every age you call man to develop and use his gifts for the good of others. With Joseph as our example and guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised….." (Prayer on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker May 1^st)

Help me to develop my talents, Lord. Lead and guide me to work you have called me to do.

St. Joseph pray for me.

Be happy and prosperous

"Happy are all who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. You shall enjoy the fruits of your labor, you will prosper and be happy." (Psalm 127: 1-2)

So many promises are attached to the fear of the Lord. I love them all. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which I covert. Here in Psalm 127: 1-2, prosperity and happiness are promised to anyone who fears the Lord. Moreover, I am promised that I will enjoy the fruits of my labor. How great!

Dear Lord, teach me to fear you.

I am the Way

"I am the Way; I am the Truth and life." (John 14: 6)

Christ is the Way that I seek.

Jesus is the Truth that I study.

Christ is the Life in me.

Trust in God

"Do not let your hearts be troubled." (John 14: 1)

Do not let your heart be troubled about:

• Money
  
• Health
  
• Job
  
• Family
  
• The future
  

"Trust in God, trust also in me."

Your words are sweet to my heart. I will not be troubled about anything. Help me by your grace to always remember that you are in complete control.

God is our Father

"You are my son; today I am your father. Only ask it of me, and I will make your inheritance the nations, your possession the ends of the earth." (Psalm 2: 7-8)

The Father's promise to his son: Ask it of me, and I will give you anything that is good for you.

Dear Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit and teach me how to surrender completely to Him. This is what I ask you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Companions of Jesus

"And it is these same companions of his who are now his witnesses before our people." (Acts 13: 31)

The apostles were the companions of Jesus. After His resurrection, they became his witnesses. Jesus wants us to be His friend, companion and witness. How do we fulfill these tasks here and now? Keep on doing what you have been taught: the 7-Way Plan. The early Church survived the gruesome persecution of imperial Rome through fidelity to what they had been taught. They prayed, read and broke open the word of God and they broke Bread together. They drew strength from these to live in a very hostile environment.

St. Pius V

"Father, you chose St. Pius V as pope of your Church to protect the faithful and give you more fitting worship. By his prayers, help us to celebrate your holy mysteries with a living faith and an effective love…."

God chose St. Pius V for a specific mission: The Reform of the Liturgy.

Each of us has a unique and unrepeatable mission.

What is my mission?

Father of our freedom and salvation

"Father of our freedom and salvation, hear the prayers of those redeemed by your son's suffering. Through you may we have life; with you may we have eternal joy ….." (Prayer at Mass)

God is the Father of our freedom and salvation. He is also a gracious Father.

The Blood and Redemption

"By your blood, O Lord, you have redeemed us from every nation and people: you have made us into the kingdom of God." (Revelation 5: 9-10)

The blood of Christ has redeemed us from every sin and danger.

Nourished by the Eucharist

"Lord, may the Eucharist, which nourished St. Catherine in this life, bring us to eternal life ….." (Prayer in the Mass of St. Catherine of Siena)

Those nourished by the Eucharist:

• Peter and Paul
  
• Augustine and Ignatius
  
• Martin and Therese
  
• John Paul and Mother Theresa
  

The same Eucharist is nourishing me every day!

Faithful Witness

"Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, first born from the dead; you have loved us and washed away our sins in your blood." (Revelation 1: 5)

Jesus Christ is the Faithful Witness. Semper Fidelis. He keeps His promises come what may. What a delight and joy to serve such a Leader. You know you can trust Him.

Jesus Christ washed away our sins in His blood. Lord, you have absolute power to save me. You have absolute authority to make me whatever you want. I wait for the fullness of time without any anxiety.

Knowing and doing

"Now that you know this, blessed are you if you behave accordingly." (John 13: 17)

Blessed is he who hears the word of God and keeps it.

Grant us light to know your will and courage to do it.

Your word is a light to my path.

Now that you know the Beatitudes, blessed are you if you behave accordingly.

Walking in the light

"But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1: 7)

To walk by the light means to walk by the light of the word. Christ is the light of the world. He is also the Word of God.

When we accept Christ as our Savior and live by the light of His word, His blood cleanses us from all sin.

St. Catherine of Siena

"Father, in meditating on the sufferings of your Son and in serving your Church, St. Catherine was filled with the fervor of your love. By her prayers, may we share in the mysteries of Christ's death and rejoice in the revelation of his glory…." (Opening Prayer in the Mass on the feast of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church – April 29)

Catherine grew in holiness through meditating on the passion of Christ. She was imprinted with the sacred stigmata. "In word and deed, she showed her love for God's Church and the Roman Pontiff. With her short life she gave us a lesson in courage." (Roman Missal)

Choice

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

The choice, the call and the anointing.

Lord, here I am. I have come to do your will. (Psalm 40: 8-9)

Holy Exchange

"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: Our bread and wine are accepted and transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus. We received the transformed gifts in Holy Communion.

If we come to the Eucharist and do not bring our gifts, represented by bread and wine, there will be nothing to transform. Our bread and wine encompass the fruits of our labor, our disappointments, delays, obstacles; our joys and sorrows. We offer all these to the Lord during the offertory.

We pray during the Eucharist that the Lord will strengthen our will and resolve so that everything we do will be directed by the knowledge of His truth. We ask for the all-encompassing light of Christ direct everything we do.

Being in the light

"I have come into the world as light, to prevent anyone who believes in me from staying in the dark anymore." (John 12: 46)

Christ is the light of the world.

To be in the light means to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.

How does Jesus prevent anyone who believes in Him from staying in the dark? He does it through His word and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Penance. These gifts of Jesus are available and abundant to believers.

Light and darkness

"I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the man who follows me will have the light of life." (John 8: 12)

The word of God is the light of the world. The Gospel provides light on all our problems.

The Gospel light shines on these areas of our life:

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

The Sermon on the Mount is the masterpiece of the golden rule for peace and true riches of life. If we follow its light, we shall never be in darkness.

Set apart

"I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13: 2)

• The choice
  
• The call
  
• The anointed
  

Peter came to the ministry as a fisherman. Matthew came as a tax collector. Paul came as a rabbi.

What am I bringing to the ministry? To what has the Holy Spirit called me?

"I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread knowledge of your name among my brothers."

St. Peter Chanel

"Father, you called St. Peter Chanel to work for your Church and gave him the crown of martyrdom. May our celebration of Christ's death and resurrection make us faithful witnesses to the new life he brings…." (Opening Prayer on the feast of St. Peter Chanel, April 28)

God called St. Peter Chanel

God called St. Louis de Montfort

God called St. Ignatius Loyola

Is God calling me?

The Eucharist is the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Eucharist makes us faithful witnesses to the calling of God.

God Our Father

"God our Father, life of the faithful, glory of the humble, happiness of the just, hear our prayer. Fill our emptiness with the blessing of this Eucharist, the foretaste of eternal joy….." (Mass Prayer)

God is our Father. He has made us for Himself and our hearts are restless till they rest in Him.

The Eucharist is a foretaste of eternal joy.

Witness to the world

"I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia." (Psalm 18: 50; 22: 23)

Grand purpose: To learn and to teach.

Father, may it be done to me according to this word. But then, I have too many impediments.

In the fullness of time, the Holy Spirit will help you.

The Celebration of our Redemption

"Lord, may this celebration of our redemption help us in this life and lead us to eternal happiness….." (Mass Prayer)

How does the Eucharist help us in our pilgrimage of life?

• Peace and Joy
  
• Health of body and soul
  
• Holy Spirit

Suffering and glory

"Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory." (Luke 24: 46, 26)

Moses had to suffer before his glory.

Others who had to suffer before they enter into glory:

• Joseph
  
• David
  
• The prophets
  
• Peter and Paul
  
• Stephen
  

There is a divine necessity for suffering before glorification.

Easter Mysteries

"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." (Prayer at Mass)

The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ form the core of the Easter mysteries that is celebrated continuously in the Eucharist. The Eucharist increases sanctifying grace in our souls. The Eucharist also renews our vitality.

Voices

"The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." (John 10: 27)

Whose voices are competing with Christ's voices for our attention today?

• Media
  
• Family
  
• Friends
  
• Teachers
  

Why do we listen to our parents?

Why do we listen to our teachers?

Why do we listen to our government?

We listen to them because we believe we belong. The sheep that belong listen to the voice of the master.

The works of Christ

"I have told you but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine." (John 10: 25-26)

The Gospels tell us about the words and works of Christ. We learn that the words and works of Christ form a unity. The words explain the works and the works confirm the words.

A few years ago, I was challenged by a Moslem to show from the Gospels that Jesus is God. I searched and found John 21: 28 where Thomas responded to Jesus with the words, "My Lord and my God!" But if I knew what I know today about the Gospels, I should have told him that the synthesis of the Gospel is Jesus Christ. Every word, every work goes to prove that He is God.

God’s Disposal of Events

"Those who had scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but hey proclaimed the message only to Jews. Some of them ….. started preaching also to the Greeks." (Acts 11: 19-20)

The exiles of the Jews created Jewish Diaspora all over the world. It was a providential environment for evangelization. The Christians fleeing from persecution in Palestine found ready places in the Diaspora where they could share the Good News. The great lesson is that God is in control of history. All things work together for good to those who love God. Trust completely in God's disposal of events.

My King and my Boss

"Let us shout out our joy and happiness, and give glory to God, the Lord of all, because he is our king." (Revelations 19: 7, 6)

What will I do if I know with absolute certainty that Christ is my king and my boss?

I will seek to serve Him with distinction and excellence. I will also trust Him to provide adequately for me.

The Good Shepherd

"I am the good Shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep." (John 10: 11)

Christ is the good Shepherd who lays down His life for me. Therefore I am precious in His eyes.

The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.

Wait for God

"My being thirsts for God, the living God, |When can I go and see the face of God?

Why are you downcast, my soul; | Why do you groan within me?

Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, | My Savior and my God.

I say to God, "My rock, | Why do you forget me?

Why are you downcast, my soul, | Why do you groan within me?

Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, | My Savior and my God.

You, God, are my strength.

Why then do you spurn me?

Why must I go about mourning, | With the enemy oppressing me?

Send your light and fidelity, | That they may be my guide

And bring me to your holy mountain, | to the place of your dwelling,

That I may come to the altar of God, | to God, my joy, my delight.

Then I will praise you with the harp, | O God, my God.

(Psalm 42-43: 3, 6, 10, 12, |2-4)

"I answer you through my word." (4^th Sunday of Advent – 122108)