"You have so little faith. Why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14: 31)
This is a well merited reproach from Jesus. After all that He does for me every day, why do I still doubt? Why does doubt instead of trust seem to have been ingrained as a second nature? Why does it seem easier to doubt than to trust God?
Lord Jesus, increase my faith. Make me always aware of your presence.
"Would that we have meat for food! We remember the fish we used to eat without cost in Egypt, and the cucumber, the melon, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now, we are famished; we see nothing before us but this manna." (Number 11: 4 – 6)
The journey to the Promised Land was a test of patience, endurance, faith, courage and humility for the Israelites. It was a very severe test. They failed. They lost their patience in spite of the fact that they still had the manna to eat. They looked back to former days in Egypt. They complained against God and Moses.
The Enterprise is also a severe test. To succeed, I must rely on God for everything. I must trust God to lead and guide me according to His designs. I will depend on God to fight my battles.
"Five loaves and two fish are all we have here. Then he said, 'Bring them here to me." (Matthew 14: 17 – 18)
Bring whatever you have to the Lord. He can multiply it. "Silver and gold I do not have to give. What I have, I give you." Nobody can give that which he has not. We are expected to work with what we have. God is a creator, a multiplier. Small or big before God is the same.
Lord, take and receive all that I am, all that I have. Lead me, guide me and use me.
"What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?" (Romans 8: 35)
Even if the figs do not blossom, even if all support systems fail, I will never doubt God's love for me.
If we live we live, if we perish, we perish.
"Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy?" (Isaiah 55: 2)
We work very hard and spend what we earn on what does not satisfy. Advertising is great in encouraging us to spend our money on what is not bread. What is essential for life and happiness have been adequately provided by God. Our responsibility is to make sure that everybody gets a fair share.
"All of you who are thirsty, come to the water. You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat. Come, without praying and without cost, drink wine and milk." (Isaiah 55: 1-3)
The best things in life are not only free but abundant. For example:
Father, make us appreciate your gifts. May we never minimize them because they are free and abundant. Teach us to share them with those who need them.
"God our Father, gifts without measure flow from your goodness to bring us your peace. Our life is your gift. Guide our life's journey, for only your love makes us whole. Keep us strong in your love…." (18th Sunday)
As I write this blog today Sunday, it is very beautiful outside. It is sunny, dry and cool.
God's gifts this day:
Thank you Father. Lead me and guide me and use me.
"Father of everlasting goodness, our origin and guide, be close to us and hear the prayers of all who praise you. Forgive our sins and restore us to life. Keep us safe in your love…." (Opening Prayer on the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
What does it mean to believe that God our Father is of everlasting goodness? It means that He is of the same character yesterday, today and tomorrow. As we trusted Him in the past and He performed, so can we trust Him today and tomorrow and count absolutely on His performance. He is unchanging in His essence of goodness. I rejoice to call such a God, my Father.
We come from God and we are going home to this God. His Son, Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is our sure guide to this new life. Lord Jesus, lead us, guide us and use us as you wish.
"God, come to my help. Lord, quickly give me assistance. You are the one who helps me and sets me free: Lord, do not be long in coming." (Psalm 70: 2,6)
It is God who helps me in everything. Whenever I call upon Him, I am assured of a timely help.
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 6 – 7)
"God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea." (Psalm 46: 2 – 3)
"Give me John the Baptist's head here , on a dish." (Matthew 14: 8)
John the Baptist paid the supreme price for his calling. Every vocation has outputs and consequences. How much are you willing to pay for yours? He who is faithful in little things will be faithful in more consequential ones.
"I am the Resurrection. Anyone who believes in me, even though that person dies, will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11: 25 – 26)
Yes, Lord. I do. Increase my faith. I believe everything you teach and have revealed. Help me to grow in faith today through prayer, your word and the Eucharist.
"My dear brothers, let us love one another, since love is from God and everyone who loves is a child of God and knows God." (1 John 4: 7)
The Holy Spirit in me will direct me. O Holy Spirit, fill me with the spirit of genuine love for my brothers and sisters.
"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it." (Matthew 13: 45 – 46)
Christ is the fine Pearl of great value. If we are genuinely searching for great value in life, our search will lead us sooner or later to Christ. 'Seek and you shall find." When we find this pearl, the price we pay for it is a true reflection of our estimation of the value. If we believe the pearl is the finest quality, then we shall sell all that we possess to buy it.
"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, as he was coming down the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin on his face was radiant because he had been talking to him." (Exodus 34: 29)
Jesus Christ is the new Moses. On Mount Trebor, He talked with the Father face to face. Not only His face but His clothing was radiant. Now in heaven, He talks to God on our behalf every day. He is the first among many brothers and sisters. Although He is God, by virtue of His humanity, he is number One in the list of saints.
"The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man." (Matthew 13: 37)
Christ is the farmer who cultivates me. I am the soil. How does Christ cultivate the soil? For me, He uses the 7-Way Plan as tools.
Whenever I sow the good word, I am acting like Christ and for Christ.
"Yahweh, Yahweh, God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in faithful love and constancy, maintaining his faithful love to thousands, forgiving fault, crime, sin." (Exodus 34: 6-7)
Before Moses representing humanity, God Himself declared the above words as who He is.
Father, I believe every word You have said above. You are a compassionate and loving Father. How wonderful it is to know Your character. I know You love me dearly. I place my life entirely in Your hands. I will not be afraid today.
"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the biggest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air can come and shelter in its branches." (Matthew 13: 31 – 32)
The mustard seed represents a small beginning. The Enterprise is a mustard seed. It is growing. Thank you Jesus.
"They said to me, 'Make us a god to go at our head; for that Moses, the man who brought us here from Egypt – we do not know what has become of him." (Exodus 32: 23)
Aaron led the people into sin. He lacked the wisdom and courage to lead.
Wisdom and courage are fundamental leadership principles. These are also the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, grant me wisdom and courage in the area you want me to lead today.
"They said to me, 'Make us a god to go at our head; for that Moses, the man who brought us here from Egypt – we do not know what has become of him." (Exodus 32: 23)
Aaron led the people into sin. He lacked the wisdom and courage to lead.
Wisdom and courage are fundamental leadership principles. These are also the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, grand me wisdom and courage in the area you want me to lead today.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price he agreed and sells all that he has and buys it." (Matthew 13: 45 – 46)
I am the merchant searching for the pearl of great value. Jesus is the pearl. Am I prepared to sell everything to follow Jesus?
Lord Jesus, may you equip me with a generous spirit and a courageous heart to respond to you fully.
"For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the first born among many brothers and sisters." (Romans 8: 29 – 30)
God knew me before I was born. He predestined me to be conformed to the image of Jesus. The initiative is God's. It is none of my cleverness.
Daddy, your plan for me is too lofty. I am frightened. But your word encourages me. You called me to serve your Son, Jesus. Now justify me Father according to your promise.
"Ask something of me and I will give it to you." (1 Kings 3: 5)
Father, today I will ask for this: Fill me with your Holy Spirit and through your Holy Spirit fill me with the spirit of love, holiness, wisdom and power.
"God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life. Touched by your hand our world is holy. Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share our blessings with our brothers and sisters and to experience the joy of life in your presence…." (Prayer on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Where do I enjoy the splendor of creation? A couple of times in a year, I go to the Hermann Park in Houston near the Texas Medical Center and enjoy some hours relishing the splendor of creation. I thank God for the gift and the opportunity. My bedroom from where I work faces the east and right across is the Early Childhood Center. I do not how many times I had gasped at watching the sun rise. I have enjoyed walks round the Early Childhood Center in the early hours of the morning and have seen early birds like myself chirping happily. From the above prayer, it is obvious that God wants us to enjoy the beauty of creation and to see His hands in it.
Where can we experience and enjoy life in the presence of God if not in the Eucharist and before the Blessed Sacrament? We thank God for the faith He has given us in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament.
"God our Father and protector, without you nothing is holy, nothing has value. Guide us to everlasting life by helping us to use wisely the blessings you have given to the world…" (Mass Prayer on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
God our Father is our reliable protector. His loving and powerful providence arranges everything for us with an eye to maximum protection of all our interests. We pray confidently to our Father to teach us the wise use of all that He has blessed the world with. Not everything in the world is good for us.
Jesus Christ is the model of how to use the goods of this world. He is our model of simplicity.
"Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? If so, where does the darnel come from?" (Matthew 13: 27)
The word of God sown in our hearts is good seed. Where does the weed come from?
They come from:
Who will help us weed the garden? Jesus Christ, the farmer who sows the good seed will help us weed our garden if we ask Him. The practical tools He gives us for this job is daily examination of conscience and regular Confession.
"We shall do everything that Yahweh has said; we shall obey." (Exodus 24: 7)
Faith and obedience are keys that obey the heart of God every time.
Today, I shall hear His voice and not harden my heart. I shall do everything that Yahweh has commanded. So help me God.
"I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you lived as slaves! You shall have no other gods to rival me." (Exodus 20: 1-3)
Yahweh brought me out of Egypt. Before He gave me His commandments, He presented His credentials. I owe Him love and loyalty because He first loved and called me. I am resolved that there will be no rivals to Yahweh in my life.
"But go to the brothers, and tell them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." (John 20: 17)
Mary Magdalene saw Jesus after His resurrection. Jesus sent her as a messenger to His disciples. One other point to note: Jesus calls His disciples His brothers. Every day, we have the opportunity to meet Jesus in His word and the Eucharist.
Lord Jesus, may we recognize you in your word and in the Eucharist. Empower us to be your messenger.
"Mount Sinai was entirely wrapped in smoke, because Yahweh had descended on it in the form of fire." (Exodus 19: 18)
In the Eucharist, Christ descends on us in the form of bread and wine. In the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus Christ is present in the form of the consecrated Host.
Lord Jesus, grant me deep faith and reverence for the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament.
"Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13: 8)
Some seed fell on rich soil. What is a rich soil? A rich soil is a soil prepared by faith and obedience.
Lord Jesus, prepare my soil. Sow your word in me. I want to produce rich harvest.
Manure for rich soil: The 7-Way Plan.
"And the whole community of Israelites began complaining about Moses and Aaron in the desert…." (Exodus 16: 2)
The Enterprise is a journey through the desert. Things may get rough and tough on the way. My principle is never to complain, criticize or condemn. Instead, I take whatever problem to Jesus in prayer. Have I always lived up to this declaration? I wish I could answer in the affirmative. But alas, my record here is abysmal. I am not discouraged. I keep working to eliminate complaining, criticizing and condemning from my character.
"Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12: 49 – 50)
Jesus Christ defines here the principle of the new fraternity. In His Church it is spiritual and not biological. The first Christians understood this principle and called each other brother or sister. Anybody who does God's will is a brother or sister to each other.
"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh drove the sea back with a strong easterly wind all night and made the sea into dry land." (Exodus 14: 21)
Moses obeyed God and did what he was told to do and a great miracle took place. After some hesitation, Naaman obeyed God and did what the Prophet Elisha asked him to do and he was healed. The servants obeyed Jesus and filled the empty jars with water and Jesus turned the water into wine in the wedding feast.
Faith and obedience produces miracle. Lord, help me always to trust and obey you.
"It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah." (Matthew 12: 39)
What is Christ's sign for me today?
Lord, this is enough. I ask for no more sign than pray you bless me with deep trust in you every moment, every step of this day.
"Do not be afraid! Stand firm, and you will see what Yahweh will do to rescue you today: the Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Yahweh will do the fighting for you; all you need to do is to keep calm." (Exodus 14: 13-14)
Father, you have consoled me in the past with this scripture. Console me again today with it. I recall EUF86. Thank you Father. Father you have placed me in casa with SFJ as my means of daily bread. You know that it is for me like an Exodus experience. At times, I am very frightened. Father, fight for me. I surrender.
In life, we experience multiple Exoduses. The journey of faith is made up of many Exoduses. Exodus 14: 13-14 is the answer to all Exoduses.
"The Lord keeps in our minds the wonderful things he has done. He is compassion and love; he always provides for his faithful." (Psalm 110: 4-5)
God Himself reminds us of the wonderful things He accomplishes in our life. I try through journaling to keep a list of these wonderful interventions of God in my life. I have found that this is the greatest insurance against discouragement. Whenever I am under attack, I walk round my apartment where I have pinned to walls some of these uplifting remembrances.
"Lord, bring us closer to salvation through these gifts which we bring in your honor. Accept the perfect sacrifice you have given us, bless it as you blessed the gifts of Abel…." (Offering Prayer on the 16th Sunday)
The Eucharist is the perfect sacrifice. It is a wonderful privilege to participate. "Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!" (Revelation 19: 9)
"He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil." (Matthew 13: 37 – 39)
Christ is the farmer who sows the good seed. Heresy is the instrument of the devil in sowing weeds among wheat. The mass media also sow weeds by offering alternative message to the knowledge of salvation.
How do we know the good seeds from the weeds? "By their fruits you shall know them." The word of God is the template for the discernment of spirits. I pray continuously for the gift of discernment of spirits. I now understand that the more I am into sacred scripture, the more capable I will be in discerning spirits. Discernment of spirits in this context means applied Scripture.
For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh, 5
for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses. We destroy arguments
and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ,
and we are ready to punish every disobedience, once your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10: 3-6)
"The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings." (Romans 8: 26)
How comforting it is to know that we have such a giant helper in our prayer. Not only does the Holy Spirit bless us with the gift of prayer, but He helps us to use this gift appropriately. Since I learned this truth, I never start any prayer without the invocation of the Holy Spirit. The good news is that we can get the light, guidance and courage to pray well if we ask the Holy Spirit.
"Father let the gift of your life continue to grow in us, drawing us from death to faith, hope, and love. Keep us alive in Christ Jesus. Keep us watchful in prayer and true to his teaching till your glory is revealed in us…." (Alternate Prayer, 16th Sunday)
When God's gifts grow in us, we tend towards life. When we grow in negative gifts, we tend towards death. We either tend towards life or we tend towards death. When we grow in faith, hope and live, we become more like Jesus.
How do we wait on God? Like the disciples waiting for Pentecost. In prayer. Prayer gives us the power to wait from day to day. Prayer releases the power of perseverance to work for us. God is the first cause of all things. Prayer is the efficient cause of answers, favors and blessings.
"Lord, be merciful to your people. Fill us with your gifts and make us always eager to serve you in faith, hope and love….." (Opening Prayer on the 16th Sunday)
Mercy is the most fundamental attribute of God. Asking for mercy is therefore our most fundamental prayer. This is because we absolutely depend on God for mercy.
Lord make us always to serve you always and everywhere. God will give us the eagerness to serve Him if we ask for this in faith and sincerity.
"Look! My servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul delights, I will send my Spirit upon him, and he will present judgment to the nations." (Matthew 12: 18)
In the above scripture, the Lord God did not say: "I will send divisions of well-trained and armed soldiers to my servant so that he can easily impose his will on the nations." Instead, it is the Holy Spirit that is promised the Servant. The Holy Spirit is all that He needs. When Christ was baptized, the Spirit came down upon Him and confirmed Him in His mission.
What do I need to accomplish the mission given to me? The Holy Spirit. It will not be by might and power that I will succeed but by the Holy Spirit.
"The night when Yahweh kept vigil to bring them out of Egypt must be kept as a vigil in honor of Yahweh by all Israelites, for all generations to come." (Exodus 12: 42)
The liturgical calendar celebrates the timeline of the saving works of Jesus on our behalf. For example: Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.
Why can't I create my own liturgical calendar to celebrate God's wonderful interventions in my life?
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 9)
Grace does for us in the supernatural order what technology does for us in the natural order. It extends our abilities.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 9)
Grace does for us in the supernatural order what technology does for us in the natural order. It extends our abilities.
My technology is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. God supplies a bunch of actual graces to help us make it through our day. These graces (technologies) are given irrespective of our standing with God. The same benevolence is extended to all living things. But more of the actual graces are provided to those who are ready and ask for them. Prayer for actual graces are answered in real time.
Our weakness is the optimal environment for the operations of the grace of God. In the environment of weakness, the grace of God delivers a solution which makes a clear difference in the before and after of the incident.
"Mercy is what pleases me not sacrifice." (Matthew 12: 17)
Lord give me a merciful heart. May your Holy Spirit lead and guide me to a place and time to exercise mercy today. May He also bless me with courage so that I may please you in being merciful.
"This day must be commemorated by you, and you must keep it as a feast in Yahweh's honor." (Exodus 12: 14)
The Passover is a feast in Yahweh's honor. The Eucharist is the new Passover. Just as Yahweh instructed the Israelites to commemorate the Passover, so Christ instructed His disciples to celebrate the Eucharist in memory of Him. The Eucharist commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
When we eat "this bread and drink this cup", we commemorate the death of Christ until He comes again in glory.
"Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light." (Matthew 11L 28 – 30)
"I am well aware that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless he is compelled by a mighty hand." (Exodus 3: 19)
God's purpose in life is paramount. To accomplish this, God is ready to compel people, events and things to bend to His will.
"All things serve You." (Psalm 119: 91). Nothing can resist God's will.
"I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to little children." (Matthew 11: 25)
God's plan of salvation is filled with mysteries. The learned professors may speculate but the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to little children like St. Therese of the Little Flower.
"Moses said to God, 'Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' 'I shall be with you." (Exodus 3: 11 – 12)
Who am I to do the work of God? - I shall be with you.
If God is with me, then it is accomplished. If God is with me in the Enterprise, then it is accomplished.
And surely God is with me.
"All powerful God, may the gifts we present bring honor to your saints, and free us from sin in mind and body."
The experience of the Church is that in spite of our Baptism and participation in the sacraments, we still struggle with sins in our mind and body. St. Paul experienced the same thing when he cried out for deliverance from this struggle. Only the Holy Spirit entrenched in us can help us overcome in this struggle.
"Then he began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles has been worked, because they refused to repent." (Matthew 11: 20)
I have two thoughts on the above scriptures:
"There was a man descended from Levi who had taken a woman of Levi as his wife. She conceived and gave birth to a son and , seeing what a fine child he was, she kept him hidden for three months." (Exodus 2: 1 – 2)
God's choice begins very early. God formed and chose Moses right from the womb. He endowed him with features that ensured his survival. (Exodus 2: 1 – 2)
Other fine boys from the Bible:
"Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footstep is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10: 38)
David said to Goliath: "You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted. Today the Lord shall deliver you into my hand; I will strike you down and cut off your head…… All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves. For the battle is the Lord's and he shall deliver you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17)
Everyone has a Goliath to face. Each person has his own cross to carry. With God's grace, we shall vanquish the Goliath and bear our own cross.
"Accordingly, they put taskmasters over the Israelites to wear them down by forced labor." (Exodus 1: 11)
Constant labor wears down the body and the spirit. God who created human beings understands this very well. This is why He prescribes the Sabbath rest. The Sabbath rest is God's gift to humanity.
"Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power that even the tensions and the tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans. Help us to embrace your will, give us the strength to follow your call, so that your truth may live in our hearts and reflect peace to those who believe in your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord." (Alternate Opening Prayer on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)
How comforting it is know that God's providence triumphs over the tensions and tragedies of sins. Thanks be to God's power, we are not captives by our past sins. Once we reconcile with God, our path to salvation continues and God uses our past sins in a creative way to enhance our ministry.
"But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold" (Matthew 13: 8)
The rich soil produced abundant harvest. The rich soil is the soil prepared with faith and obedience.
"We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies." (8: 22 – 23)
Although we are saved and liberated by Christ, the full fruits of the redemption will take place at the Parousia. This is why even we who have the firstfruits experience sickness, sin and ignorance. The Church understands this very well and articulates it in her prayers, for example:
"Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail our lives, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee to we send up our tears, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears…."
Yes, we still live in the valley of tears.
"Thus says the Lord: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55: 10 – 11)
God's word makes us fertile and fruitful. The seed is the word of God. The word of God is fruitful and productive. The word of God is bread for the soul.
Trust and obedience are the essential ingredients that make the word of God very fruitful.
Father, may your word achieve your purpose in my life.
"So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of human beings, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10: 32)
When and how do we declare for Christ before men? The Holy Spirit will lead and guide the soul that is open to His influence. When that time comes, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. The Holy Spirit will take care of everything.
Most Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me and use me. Amen!
"The evil you planned to do me has by God's design been turned to good, to bring about the present result: the survival of a numerous people." (Genesis 50: 20)
What a comfort to know that God's providential design is supreme in all situations. The enemies Jesus executed Him in their malice. God raised Him up for the salvation of the world. When we trust completely in God, we can say: "What can mortal man do to me?"
"But when you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you." (Matthew 10: 19 – 20)
Many times in my life, I have enjoyed the benefit of the promise in the above scripture. I have been provided with what to say in some tough situations. Most Holy Spirit, I thank you for your presence in me. Lead me, guide me and always use me.
"Do not be afraid of going down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I shall go down into Egypt with you and I myself shall bring you back again, and Joseph's hand will close your eyes." (Genesis 46: 3 -4)
Do not be afraid of the Enterprise. I shall go with you. I shall make you great. The Enterprise is a journey with Jesus. Do not fear. If Jesus is with me, it is accomplished.
"Provide yourselves with no gold or silver, not even with coppers for your purses, with no haversack for the journey or spare tunic or footwear or a staff, for the laborer deserves his keep." (Matthew 10: 9 – 10)
Peter Maurin the founder of the Catholic Worker Movement lived these words of Jesus to the letter. In doing so, he proved that it is possible to live the principle of voluntary poverty. Not everyman is called to this level of commitment. We are all called to make God first in all lives. This implies complete detachment from all material things. When we trust God completely for all our provision, He never disappoints.
"I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not grieve, do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here, since God sent me before you to preserve your lives." (Genesis 45: 4-5)
Jesus is a type of Joseph. Anybody who has experienced persecution is a type of Joseph. The brothers of Joseph intended evil but God's providence prevailed in favor of Joseph. The enemies of Jesus who crucified Him intended a final solution for Him but God raised Jesus to life and His Church bears witness to that truth today.
Those who dealt with me at CAUN intended suffering and hardship for me, but God had other plans.
"Everything becomes bread to nourish me, soap to cleanse me, fire to purify me. Everything is a means of grace for my necessities. The very thing that I seek everywhere else seeks me incessantly and gives itself to me by the hand of all creatures." Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence, Father Jean-Pierre Caussade, S.J.
"He summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to drive them out and to cure all kinds of disease and all kinds of illness." (Matthew 10:1)
What has become of this authority and power today? Unclean spirits and all type of evil spirits are still with us. All kinds of disease and illness abound everywhere. In God's mysterious providence, He wills that other means be used today to solve these problems.
"People came to Egypt from all over the world to get supplies from Joseph, for the famine had grown severe throughout the world." (Genesis 41: 57)
Migration seems to be God's plan for the world. Look at the animals. They have no boundaries. They move with the times and seasons.
"The harvest is rich but the laborers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to his harvest." (Matthew 9: 38)
Today the mission field is vast and varied. One good development after the Second Vatican Council is the mobilization of the laity for mission work. Without this development and with the shortage of priests, the Church may not be able to fulfill the great commission. Every ministry in the Church is directly or indirectly mission oriented. The great mission is to take the good news to every person. Few are called to be directly involved in evangelization. All are called to build the kingdom of God here and now.
What can we do to support the missions? The missions need our time, talent and treasure but the best gift is prayer as Jesus said in Matthew 9: 38.
"Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and all kinds of illness." (Matthew 9: 35)
The ministry of Jesus: teaching, healing and feeding.
What is my ministry?
"I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Genesis 32: 27)
Jacob wrestled with God until God blessed him.
Jesus teaching on prayer speaks of perseverance as wrestling with God until He answers. I am today wrestling with God on a number of issues, some long term and others day to day concerns.
"Courage, my daughter, your faith has saved you." (Matthew 9:22)
Strong faith saves. Strong faith brings result. Am I capable of such a faith?
We begin a New Year, 2010 today. I have one New Year resolution: Trust. I will trust God more this year than I did in 2009. I will trust Him in all things, at all times and everywhere. I will trust Him one event at a time. I will trust Him one day at a time. At the beginning of the day, I declare my resolve to trust Him for everything throughout the day.
'Be sure, I am with you; I shall keep you safe wherever you go, and bring you back to this country, for I shall never desert you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28: 15)
Father, your word is very sweet and your promise such a comfort to the heart. I believe that you are faithful to your word. May I never doubt that you will fulfill the promises you have made to me.
If God is with me, then it is accomplished.
"Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Matthew 11: 28 – 30)
How many times a year do I hear this invitation? How many times do I respond with similar words? "Lord, here I am."
What then is missing? It is the learning process and putting into practice what I learn. Lord, teach me. Show me how to put into practice what you teach me.
"If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the death dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through His Spirit that dwells in you." (Romans 8: 11)
Most Holy Spirit, I believe that you dwell in me. Give life to my body. Thank you O Holy Spirit.
"But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire, or like the fuller's lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord." (Malachi 3: 2-3)
"All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction." (Psalm 25: 10, 14)
God's providential designs for us are full of kindness and mercy.
"Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion, shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem. See, your King shall come to you." (Zechariah 9: 9-10)
Rejoice, rejoice heartily. Christ is our King. He comes to us in His word; He comes to us in the Eucharist. He is so humble.
"Do not be unbelieving anymore but believe." (John 20: 21)
Jesus said the above to His disciple, Thomas who had the witness of His resurrection from his fellow disciples and still would not bring himself to believe. In this reproach, we can also see a reproach for asking for too much evidence.
Where do I need to believe more today? My life would be more joyful and peaceful if I believe that Jesus is in full control of my life and destiny. What stands in my way to believing this? When I consider how God's will is manifested in my life, that is, the time, place and manner, I find that paying attention to sense evidence robs me of solid faith. Like Thomas, the apostle, I ask for more evidence. When I do this, may I always hear Jesus say to me: "Do not be unbelieving anymore but believe." (John 20: 21)
"So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others." (Luke 1: 25)
Elizabeth recognizes one of the critical elements of God's modus operandi. God acts only in due season. When the fullness of time for that event has come, He acts swiftly. In discerning the will of God, I find these three elements very important:
Manner refers to the way that God has chosen to act in a particular time and place. Often the manner is ordinary. The manner may be ordinary, but the providential design are operative nevertheless. God's ways are not our ways.
"And you too, in him, are being built up into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (Ephesians 2: 22)
God is building me up one block at a time.
How is God building me up?
The 7 Way Plan in concludes the following:
"Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28)
What a great promise! But how do I know that I can trust Jesus? Trust unlike belief is not based on rational propositions. For example, in the Creed, we have a set of propositions presented to us by the Church. We give our assent to them because we know that the Church is trustworthy. How do we know that the Church is trustworthy? We know through a supernatural enablement that we share with other Christians that is call "Sensus Fidei." Sensus Fidei translates literally as sense of faith is the supernatural instinct that is placed in the soul by the Holy Spirit when we are baptized. This instinct can grow with exercise and practice.
Trust on the other hand calls for experience of trustworthiness in the person to be trusted. To answer the question – Can I trust Jesus when He promises to give me peace when I come to Him with my burdens? I do not know of a single incident when I trusted Jesus for anything and He disappointed. As far as I am concerned, Jesus is a very trustworthy person. The Church corroborates my personal experience and spiritual instinct in affirming with Sacred Scripture that Jesus is trustworthy. My heart rejoices when I hear Jesus say: "Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28)
I know for certain that I can trust Jesus.
"Go and learn the meaning of the words: Mercy is what pleases me, not sacrifice." (Matthew 9: 13)
What does mercy mean? Unmerited favor. But I enjoy unmerited favor all the time from Jesus.
There is a pole in the grounds of St. Thomas More Church with a large human shaped heart transfixed with a spear. This reminds me of the open heart of Jesus on the cross from where blood and water flows. Jesus challenges us in the scripture above to go and learn the meaning of mercy. The ABC of Mercy is a good starting point for this lesson:
"A feeling of awe came over the crowd when they saw this, and they praised God for having given such authority to human beings." (Matthew 9: 8)
In Christ Jesus, God has given us awesome authority. He has truly subjected all things to us. In Christ Jesus, we are empowered to be fully active and alive. Because we do not see the evidence of this truth in our daily experience is not a reason to doubt it. The power is there. We need to connect into it. Plug in the power cord. The power is the Holy Spirit living within us.
The barriers to using this power are: sin, fear and ignorance. As we work to eliminate these from our lives, we begin to see the power.
Lord Jesus, empower us to plug into the Holy Spirit so that we can live fully for you every day.
"My son, God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering." (Genesis 22: 8)
God provides all the resources we need to please Him.
"Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, let it become for us the bread of life."
"It happened sometime later that God put Abraham to the test." (Genesis 22: 1)
"God said, 'Take your son, your only son, your beloved Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, where you are to offer him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall point out to you." (Genesis 22: 2)
What would you do if you know for certainty that your present financial, health, job problem is a test from God? If I know with absolute certainty that my critical problem is a test from God, I will predict victory. I will ask God again and again to give me the patience, courage and perseverance to overcome. When we commit ourselves to do God's will come what may and suffer the events in our lives which we cannot change, we can then be certain that God has a finger in whatever unpleasant event we may encounter.
"Then God opened Haga's eye and she saw a well, so she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink." (Genesis 21 : 19)
Haga was in distress over her son's terrible thirst. She cried. Her son cried. The cry was a prayer. And God heard the cry. Then the miracle happened. Suddenly Haga was aware of a source of cold water nearby. She gave the boy some drink.
Lord, are there diamonds in my back yard that I am failing to see? Open my eyes to see your precious provisions close to me.
"But you,' he said, 'who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16: 15)
Lord Jesus, you are my Lord and my God.
You are the Son of God.
You are my Good Shepherd.
You are my King and my Boss.
You are the Prince of Peace.
You are my High Priest.
You are my best Friend.
You are the Bread of life.
You are the Light of the world.
You are the Truth, the Way and the Life.
You are the King of the Universe.
"But the Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed for all the gentiles to hear; and so I was saved from the lion's mouth." (2Timothy 4: 17)
I love the above scripture very much. It confirms the fact that Jesus never abandons His servants. He is faithful forever. This is a great truth to remember during trials and persecutions.
The Lord will save me from all travails.
"The Lord really did send his angel to save me from Herod and from all the Jewish people were expecting." (Acts 12: 11)
The Lord will save me from all distress. When in deep crisis, I will call on my Guardian Angel for rescue.
"Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20)
The cost of discipleship is not uniform for everybody. Some people are called to follow Jesus more closely. No matter the degree of the calling, following Jesus is not a picnic. The Father wants us to imitate His Son, Jesus and model our lives after Jesus'.
Father, give us a heart and mind to know your Son Jesus well, to love Him intimately so that we can follow Him everywhere.
"For the sake of those ten," he replied, 'I will not destroy it." (Genesis 18: 32)
God is full of compassion. The above text encourages us to intercede for people. No cause is lost. Prayer is an ever present help in time of need.
"Lord God, through your sacraments you give us the power of your grace. May this Eucharist help us to serve you faithfully….."(Mass Prayer)
The fruits of redemption are mediated through the sacraments.
Lord give us the power of your grace through the sacraments.
"And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple – amen I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." (Matthew 10: 42)
The day this scripture became alive for me was the day I was given a cup of cold water when I needed it most. It was a blistering hot day in Houston. I had brought a guest to a hot lobby and was sweating. Without asking, the concierge handed me a cup of cold water. I have never forgotten the gesture. When I call on clients or prospects in the course of my worik, I have enjoyed similar gesture from a person in some offices. Whenever it happens, I remember Matthew 10: 42.
The little one is any disciple of Jesus in need of refreshment. O faithful God, bless all those who have given me a cup of cold water. Help me to be aware of your little ones who need a cup of cold water.
"Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?" (Romans 6: 3)
Consequence of our Baptism: "You too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus."
Am I dead to sin? I believe so even though I do not feel so. Have I rejected Satan with all his promises and gifts? Absolutely!
"The promises of the Lord I will sing forever, through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness." (Psalm 89: 2)
I want to be an apostle of God's faithfulness. I will proclaim God's faithfulness at every opportunity I have.
"Father in heaven, the light of Jesus has scattered the darkness of hatred and sin. Called to the light we ask for your guidance. Form our lives in your truth, our hearts in your love….." (Mass Prayer)
The light of Jesus has scattered the darkness of hatred and sin in our hearts. We are now people of the light. We ask the Father to form our lives in the truth of the Gospel and our hearts in His love.
"Father, you call your children to walk in the light of Christ. Free us from darkness and keep us in the radiance of your truth…." (Mass Prayer on 13th Sunday or Ordinary Time)
God our Father wants us to walk in the light of Christ, that is, in the light of the Gospel. God wants us to imitate Christ and obey His teaching.
We ask the Father to free us from darkness, that is, darkness with regard to God's will and plan. Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. He who believes in me shall never walk in darkness." Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ, says St. Jerome.
"Go back, then; let this be done for you, as your faith demands.' And the servant was cured at that moment." (Matthew 8: 13)
The centurion's faith demanded certain precise action. He believed in Jesus and that Jesus could make the object of his faith a reality. His faith produced a miracle.
What does my faith demand here and now? What should my faith demand?
My faith should demand the one thing that is necessary for me. That one thing is the filling of the Holy Spirit. This is the only thing that I need. If I have this, everything else will fall into place.
Lord strengthen my faith so that it becomes strong enough to demand the filling of the Holy Spirit here and now.
"My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior." (Luke 1: 46 – 47)
When the Lord visited Abraham and Sarah, their spirit was filled with joy and they proclaimed the greatness of the Lord. Mary's spirit was also filled with joy in God her savior. She expressed her gratitude with the magnificent Magnificat.
The Lord remembered His mercy to Hannah and to David. David after singing his Magnificat, backslided and the Lord lifted him up. The Lord has also remembered His mercy to me. Like David, I backslided. The Lord will lift me up.
"I shall come back to you next year, and then your wife Sarah will have a son." (Genesis 10)
Abraham and the wife prayed for a son for many years. And when it appears that they had given up on this hope, God visited them and promised: "I shall come back to you next year, and then your wife Sarah will have a son." (Genesis 10)
What have I stopped praying for and why? God remembers His covenant forever. Even if I forget the prayer and the promise, God remembers.
"Nothing is impossible for Yahweh." (Genesis 18: 14)
Thank you Father for being so faithful. Behold I am your child. Let your plan for my life be fully accomplished.
