Simony

"When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the imposition of the hands by the apostles, he offered them some money, "Give me the same power," he said, 'so that anyone I lay my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit." (Acts 8: 18-20)

The temptation of Simon, the magician is the lure to buy and sell spiritual favors. We cannot buy the Holy Spirit. We cannot buy spiritual gifts. We cannot purchase our salvation. All the promises of God are meant for us. They are freely given. We receive in direct proportion to our readiness to receive and our boldness in asking for the favor.

Holy Spirit and power to witness to Jesus

"God himself confirmed their witness with signs and marvels and miracles of all kinds, and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the various ways he will." (Hebrews 2: 4)

The Spirit and His gifts

What power manifestation of the Spirit am I seeking today? I am seeking for power to witness to Jesus Christ in word and deed. St. Paul says in regard to this:

"Of course I can dare to speak only of the things which Christ has done through me to win the allegiance of the gentiles, using what I have said and done by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God." (Romans 15: 17-19)

What is say and what I do must bear witness to Jesus Christ. I am a work-in-progress.

No Holy Spirit No Conversion

"We know, brothers loved by God, that you have been chosen, because our gospel came to you not only in words, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with great affect." (1 Thessalonians 1: 4-5)

I paraphrase the above scripture thus: Although we used words to convey the message of the gospel, those words were imbued with power by the Holy Spirit. That is why they were very effective in your case.

When we share the gospel with people, the gospel is effective in proportion to the control of the Holy Spirit in the process. The more we let go and let the Holy Spirit, the more effective is our witness. The Holy Spirit is not just the power behind the words, He is the effective cause of conversion. No Holy Spirit, not conversion.

Convincing power of the Holy Spirit

"I came among you in weakness, in fear and great trembling and what I spoke and proclaimed was not meant to convince by philosophical argument, but to demonstrate the convincing power of the Spirit, so that your faith should depend not on human wisdom but on the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2: 4-5)

How do we demonstrate the convincing power of the Holy Spirit in our work of sharing the good news? First, we allow the Holy Spirit to take control. We do this by invoking His help through prayer. We call to mind what Christ said to Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) This truth banishes fear, doubt and worry from our mind.

There are only two ways we can work for God: through the energy of the flesh or through the convincing power of the Holy Spirit. The flesh is futile and has nothing to offer. All that we need is the Holy Spirit.

Spirit of signs and wonders

"So I can be proud in Christ Jesus, of what I have done for God. Of course I can dare to speak only of the things which Christ has done through me to win the allegiance of the gentiles, using what I have said and done, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God." (Romans 15: 17 – 19)

The Holy Spirit is the prime mover in all works of evangelization. He produces signs and wonders in our life to help us win people for Jesus Christ. In Romans 15: 17 – 19, Paul probably refers to miracles as signs and wonders. Such miracles are reported in Acts of the Apostles. Signs and wonders continue to accompany the work of evangelization today. I would call great teaching or preaching that move people to conversion signs and wonders.

The Spirit and hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit you may be rich in hope." (Romans 15: 13)

Why is God described here as the God of hope? What is the implication of being rich in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit? What is hope?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines hope in paragraph 1817 as:

" Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." "The Holy Spirit . . . he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life."

God has made us for Himself and our hearts are restless until they rest in Him. This is why God is the God of our hope. We are rich in hope when our faith in final union with God is unshakable. We believe we shall attain to this blessed hope "relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit."

Holy Spirit is the power from on high

"And now I am sending upon you what the Father has promised. Stay in the city, until you are clothed with the power from on high." (Luke 24: 49)

The Holy Spirit is the greatest promise of God to man. He is the power from on high. There is a power from on high and a power from below.

Power is the dominant attribute of the Holy Spirit. What is power, anyway?

"Ability, whether physical, mental or moral, to act; the faculty of doing or performing something; capacity for action or for performance or receiving external action or force; capability of producing or undergoing an effect, whether physical, mental, moral."

Holy fruits

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and be called the Son of God." (Luke 1: 35)

What do we learn about the person of the Holy Spirit from the above scripture? First, He
is the power of the Most High. We already know that power is the dominant attribute of the Holy Spirit. So if you need power to live out God's purpose in your life, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. The opposite of power is powerlessness. We know friends who have great intentions and resolutions all the time but are always powerless to take the first step.

When the Holy Spirit is present in our life, we are guaranteed to produce fruits that are holy and worthy of the children of God.

The Holy Spirit and the power to do good

"God had anointed him with Holy Spirit and power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil." (Acts 10: 38)

The highest form of blessing is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of Jesus with the Holy Spirit made an immediate impact on His ministry. He went about doing good and the anointing launched Him into His healing ministry.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do good. The Holy Spirit also gives us a share in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The fullness of this ministry is exercised in the priesthood through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and breaking open the word of God. The word of God releases the healing truths of God's word which can touch our hearts and minds where it hurts the most.

Holy Spirit and Witnessing

"It is not for you to know the times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit which will come upon you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to earth's remotest end." (Acts 1: 8)

The dominant attribute of the Holy Spirit is power, power to witness to the person and mission of Jesus Christ. And power to become an active player in the world mission of Jesus Christ. Without the special anointing of the Holy Spirit, it will be impossible to accomplish either of these.

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

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!" We need the Holy Spirit power to say this and to do it.

The tree and the fruit

"On the other hand the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5: 22 – 23)

A good tree produces good fruits. A bad tree produces rotten fruits. By their fruits, you shall know the tree. The word of God gives us in the above scripture an irrefutable principle of discernment. You want to know the man, look at his fruits. Discernment of spirits is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The more you know the word of God, the more you exercise this gift.

The little one

"Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." (Luke 9: 48)

Who is the little one? The poor, the weak, the marginalized, the undocumented immigrant. To serve them is to welcome the "little one" in the name of Christ.

"Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do for me."

The Church has a preferential option for the "little one" Watch out for the opportunity to do things for the little ones.

The New Jerusalem

"I shall bring them back to live in the heart of Jerusalem, and they will be my people and I shall be their God, faithful and just." (Zechariah 8: 8)

Lord, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Yahweh shall build me up. "If Yahweh does not build the house, they labor in vain who builds it." Yahweh shall bring me back to live in the heart of Jerusalem. Yahweh shall restore me to His favors.

Tax Collectors

"Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you." (Matthew 21: 31)

The tax collectors and prostitutes heard the word of God and amended their lives. The members of the household of God heard the word of God and resisted conversion. Many are called but few are chosen.

Attitude of Christ

"Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2: 5)

What specific attitude is Paul talking about in this scripture? Probably humility.

Christ set for us an inimitable example of humility in His life. Imagine the king washing the feet of his servants. Imagine the president serving the poor at table not just occasionally for the camera but for real. St. Louis of France whose feast is yesterday, 25^th of August had in him the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus. He frequently served the poor at table.

Demonstration of power

"Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with your gifts of love. Help us to hurry towards the eternal life you promise and come to share in the joys of your kingdom…." (Liturgical prayer on the 26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

How does God show His all compassing, awesome power? Through mercy and forgiveness.

How does man show his miniscule power? Through violence and destruction.

Renounce yourself

"If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross everyday and follow me." (Luke 9: 23)

From the list below, which does God wants us to renounce?

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

Or some of everything?

The Holy Spirit will help us through the grace of the present moment to know what to renounce and to comply.

Wall of fire

"For I Yahweh declares – shall be a wall of fire all round her and I shall be the glory within her." (Zechariah 2: 9)

Yahweh shall be a fire wall round his people to protect and to guide them. But if God is a wall of fire round his people, why does evil seem to penetrate sometimes?

Christ's life, death and resurrection completely changed the definition of suffering for the Christian.

"Do not fear those who can destroy the body. But fear rather he who has the power to destroy body and soul in hell." The ultimate evil is sin and hell.

Who is Jesus Christ to me?

"But you, who do you say that I am?" (Luke 9: 20)

Who is Jesus Christ to me?

He is my God, my Savior, my King, my Boss, my best Friend and my Companion.

I am with you

"I am with you' declares Yahweh Sabaoth, 'and my spirit is present among you. Do not be afraid." ((Haggai 2: 4 – 5)

Yahweh is with me in this journey. And because Yahweh is with me, it is accomplished. I do not fear. Yahweh will rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He will arouse the spirit of men to help me.

"Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" I believe Lord. I will not fear. The spirit of Yahweh is with me. He is helping me.

Anxious to see Jesus

"And he (Herod) was anxious to see him." (Luke 9: 9)

Why was Herod anxious to see Jesus?

• See miracles?
  
• Hear Jesus?
  
• Plain curiosity?
  

Whatever motive Herod might have for wanting to see Jesus, won't be great if at the end of each day, we could say, "I was anxious to see Jesus today." The bible promises: Search for Him and you shall find Him. Another person who was anxious to see Jesus was Zachaeus.

Money bag with a hole

"The wage earner gets his wages only to put them in a bag with a hole in it." (Haggai 1:6)

It is utter foolishness for a wage earner to put his hard earned money in a bag with holes in it. Yet, according to the word of God, this is what happens when we put our business first and God's business last.

The Lord says: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things will be given you besides." (Matthew 6:33)

When we invest our gifts of time, talent and treasure, when we promote God's business first and not the last in our priority, the return on investment is a 100 fold in this life and in the life to come, everlasting happiness.

Power over evil

"He called the 12 together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal." (Luke 9: 1-2)

We exercise power over devils when we reject evil in our life. When we help someone overcome the influence of evil in their life, we fulfill the injunction of Luke 9: 1 – 6. The word of God is the sword of the spirit. It is our weapon par excellence against the forces of darkness. Know the word, understand the word and use the word.

God revives depressed spirits

"And now, for a brief moment, the favor of Yahweh our God has allowed a remnant of us to escape and give us a stable home in his holy place, so that our God can raise our spirits and revive us a little in our slavery." (Ezra 9: 8-9)

Even in the midst of the most severe test and crisis, look for the finger of God ever ready to comfort and encourage us.

God punishes. He also revives. Our afflictions and punishment are temporary.

Using the gift

"On each one of us God's favor has been bestowed in whatever way Christ allotted it." (Ephesians 4:7) – Feast of St. Matthew

The choice! The call! The anointed!

What favor has God bestowed on Matthew, the tax collector? A tax recorder is now promoted to record the good news.

A marketing man now markets the good news.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last."

• "I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!" (Psalm 17: 50; 21 – 23)

A lamp on the table

"No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed." (Luke 8: 16)

How does the Lord light up the lamp that is us?

• Word of God
  
• The Eucharist
  
• The other Sacraments
  
• Prayer
  

The lamp is lighted to be put on the table to give light to the whole room. That room is our ministry field. This could be:

• Home
  
• School
  
• Work
  
• Play
  

Lord, lead us, guide us and use us.

Lord of History

"Yahweh roused the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia to issue a proclamation and to have it publicly displayed throughout his kingdom." (Ezra 1: 1)

Through the agency of Cyrus, God fulfilled His promise to end the exile of His people and send them home. God is the Lord of history. He is all powerful and all sovereign. Whatever He wants, He accomplishes. Nobody can stand in His way. It gives tremendous comfort to worship such a God. Through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we are confident to call such a God, our Father. Almighty God, I delight to call you Father.

No Unemployment in the Kingdom

"You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just." (From Matthew 20: 1 – 16)

There is no unemployment in the kingdom. Even for the worker who came to search for work very late in the day, there is work to be done. There is work for everybody at all times. I have found that this truth has helped me so much. God is the source of all inspiration and power. Jesus Christ is our Boss who says - "You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just." (Matthew 20: 7) If we look up to Him with trust, He will provide work even in very lean times. That work may be study time or volunteer work that helps to prepare us for paid employment.

As high as the heavens are above the earth

"As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts." (Isaiah 55: 6 – 9)

God is all powerful, all wise and all sovereign. Is it surprising therefore to learn that we cannot grasp His thoughts nor wrap our mind around His providential designs? "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust." (Luke 8:50). Doubt is useless, what is needed is trust. Disputations, rationalizations are useless; what is needed is trust. Acceptance of this truth makes us receive with calmness all that happens in our life.

God guides creation in love

"Father, guide us as you guide creation according to your law of love. May we love one another and come to perfection in the eternal life prepared for use….." (Liturgical Prayer 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

God guides creation with love. What about the hurricanes, natural disasters, wars, hunger, poverty, disease, crimes? There is the finger of God in all these. The providential design of God expressly ordains or permits everything that happens in the world. God is in control of His world. God is almighty, all wise and completely sovereign. Not a hair falls from our head without His knowing and permitting it.

Father, I delight to call you Father. I am confident of your promise of protection, provision, peace, power, purpose and pardon. Watch over me like the apple of your eye.

I will answer their cry

"I am the Savior of all people, says the Lord. Whatever their troubles, I will answer their cry, and I will always be their Lord." (Entrance Antiphon, 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

God Himself is our Savior. Every man's Savior. Whatever our trouble, He will answer our cry. Most troubles in life fall into one of these categories:

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

I have been in many troubles all my life but God has been always good to me. But what about the troubles I had cried to God and had not received the answer I expected? I can think of when I prayed for promotion and was fired. I think of another occasion when I asked for help from another organization and was asked to leave. Did God hear my prayer? Yes, of course He did. I know because of the peace I felt at the material time. I believe that God heard my prayer and provided the best answer. I saw this clearly some years after the event.

God provides the growth

"A sower went out to sow his seed." (Luke 8: 5)

The sower is Christ and the seed is the word of God. Today I am the sower and the seed is still the word of God. In this parable, Jesus presents a model for apostolic activity. The sower sows the good seed. The seed now needs to interact with the soil in order to yield harvest. Paul sows, Apollo waters and God provides the growth.

Lesson: do your best; do what is right and have peace. Have no anxiety at all.

Persevere in this

"I charge you to do all that you have been told, with no faults or failures until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Timothy 6: 14)

What have I been told?

The 7-Way Plan

Persevere in this!

Believe, expect and accept

"Women provided for them out of their own resources." (Luke 8: 3)

Women provided for Jesus and His disciples out of their own resources. This is divine appointment. What lesson does this teach us? God's providential plan for providing for our every need is often mysterious. Sources that may appear obvious may not be used. God's faithfulness in meeting our every need is echoed in Psalm 23 and reflected in many passages in the Scripture and Church teaching. But we must believe and expect and accept.

The word on money

"Religion of course, does bring large profits but only to those who are content with what they have." ( 1 Timothy 6: 6)

Three scriptures on Christian attitude on money and material things:

• "Be content with your pay." (Luke 3: 14)
  
• "Be content with the money you have." (Hebrews 13: 5)
  
• "Be content with what you have." ( 1 Timothy 6: 6)
  

This is God's word on money. How amazingly different it is with the word of man on money. The word of man tells us:

• Do not be satisfied with what you have.
  
• Seek for more. Ask for more. Fight for more. Work for more.
  

Lord, help us to be content with what you have given us.

Saved by faith

"You faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7: 50)

Jesus said these words to the woman described as a "sinful woman" in Luke 7: 36 – 50. This woman's faith in Jesus brought her not only forgiveness of her many sins but spiritual healing as well. Faith is to accept God's word as true. Which word of God do I need to accept as true here and now?

• My sins are forgiven.
  
• God is my Father.
  
• God's providence is guiding, protecting and providing for me every moment of my life.
  

Lord Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief.

Cultivate and tend to your garden

"Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you." (1 Timothy 4: 16)

Tend to your garden every day. Do everything for the sake of God. Do and say everything as if God is watching you. Persevere in doing good. Salvation comes not by tending you garden one day but through persevering in tending it every day.

Perfected through suffering

"He learned obedience, Son though he was, through his suffering." (Hebrews 5: 7 – 9)

If we unite our sufferings with those of Christ, we too can learn obedience through our sufferings: pains, sickness, poverty, humiliations, delays, disappointments, obstacles or whatever suffering. Christ was perfected through suffering. We too can be perfected through suffering.

Lifted up

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

Scripture tells us that there is a divine necessity that Christ must be "lifted up", that means, suffering. His cross and death became a grave obstacle to belief for many people. But His cross is the ordained means of salvation. He who believes in Jesus must also believe in His cross. This is the means of salvation. No cross, no crown. No suffering, no salvation. Period!

The Triumph of the Cross

"Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross." (Philippians 2: 8)

Jesus Christ submitted Himself willingly to suffering on the cross. He triumphed over death and suffering by His willing acceptance of the cross.

On the way to the Promised Land, "the people lost patience. They spoke against God and against Moses." (Numbers 21: 4 – 5)

The Church uses these two scriptures on the feast of the Holy Cross to teach us that without the cross, there can be not crown. The cross is the sign and the means of salvation. Accept the cross.

The lost patience

"On the way the people lost patience. They spoke against God and against Moses. (Numbers 21: 4 – 5)

Why did the people lose patience? They lost patience because the journey had become longer than expected and the perceived suffering more acute. God did not excuse their impatience and punished them for it. He teaches us a lesson in this event. If God is in control, then all is well. No complaint, no criticism, no condemnation will be tolerated.

Your word is sufficient

"But say the word and let my servant be healed." (Luke 7: 7)

The above scripture captures the amazing faith of the Roman centurion. Lord Jesus, I want the same faith. Give me the same faith. The centurion recognizes that Jesus' word is sufficient. O that I can come by such a faith!

Pillar and Foundation of Truth

"God wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2: 14)

God desires not just the salvation of every human being. He wants every human being to enjoy the full knowledge of the truth.

The Catholic Church is "the pillar and foundation of truth." (1 Timothy 3: 15) The Church possesses in its entirety the whole body of truth necessary for our salvation and for living here and now the victorious life earned for us by Jesus Christ.

A forgiving heart

"So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart." (Matthew 18: 35)

Lord Jesus, grant us forgiving hearts. Teach us to forgive completely and immediately no matter the injury.

Living and dying for Christ

Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." (Romans 14: 8)

What does it mean to live and die for Christ? Jesus Christ becomes the raison d'être of every thought, word or deed. Is this possible? Humanly speaking no but with God all things are possible. St. Paul and other saints reached this level of spiritual development.

Forgiveness is good policy

"Forgive your neighbors' injustice, then when you pray your own sins will be forgiven. Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins." (Sirach 28 : 2 – 4)

Forgiveness of the other is one of the keys to answered prayers.

In life, expect to suffer injustice and offences. These could be at times grievous. They can come from family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and strangers. Plan ahead for unconditional forgiveness no matter the injury. Forgiveness of the neighbor is the divine instruction from the above scripture from Sirach. It is also the teaching of Jesus Christ. It is pure divine wisdom.

Praying like the Church

"Father in heaven, creator of all, look down upon your people in their moments of need, for you alone is the source of our peace. Bring us to the dignity which distinguishes the poor in spirit and show us how great is the call to serve, that we may share in the peace of Christ who offered his life in service of all……" (Liturgical Prayer)

The Church is our mother and teacher. Our prayer life can improve enormously by watching the Church pray and imitating her words. Children learn language by looking at their mother form words and sentences.

The above prayer reminds us that God is the creator of all. All means things visible to us and also those things that are invisible. Technology has revealed the solar system in a way that nobody could have imagined. The same technology gives us an incredible view of life at the bottom of the ocean. Yet all these are less than 1% of creation. How about dominions, principalities and powers created by God which may never be captured by technology? We are certainly proud to call God, Father and Creator of all.

The above prayer also encourages us to call upon God at the moments of need. Jesus taught us to call God, our Father with confidence. We should not hesitate to do so always.

Hear the prayer of your servant

"Give peace, Lord, to those who wait for you and your prophets will proclaim you as you deserve. Hear the prayers of your servant and your people Israel." (Sirach 36: 8)

All good things come from God. We wait on God for the fulfillment of all our desires.

What am I waiting for today? I am waiting for the answer to the question: What is the purpose of my life? I know for sure that in the fullness of time, God will answer me.

Prayer is a mysterious encounter with God; prayer is a reciprocal call; prayer is a covenant drama. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2567)

Jesus is the source of ministry

"I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry." (1 Timothy 1: 12)

Jesus Christ is the source of ministry. He is the one who calls. Before He calls us, He knew very well our resume. He will give us all that we need to succeed.

Be compassionate 2

"Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate." (Luke 6:36)

Compassion and mercy are key attributes of God. Jesus says to us: "Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate." Is it possible for us to be compassionate as God? It is possible if we give compassion in the same measure as we receive it. As we experience the mercy and love of God, we are to give the same for other.

Be thankful

"Always be thankful." (Colossians 3: 15)

Why should I be thankful here and now?

The 7-Wy plan is on course.

All things

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)

Great scripture! Great word of knowledge! Tremendous word of comfort!

What are the "all things" working for good for me here and now? My mind thinks immediately of the 6 war zones:

• Health
  
• Finance
  
• Job
  
• Family
  
• Tools
  
• Food
  

If only I can exercise my faith in the God's word of promise in Romans 8: 28! O that I may hear His voice speaking to me now through Romans 8: 28 and not harden my heart.

"Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm." (Isaiah 7:9) Lord, grant me a faith that is firm, firm enough to believe always that all is well, all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.

Apostles

"When day came he summoned his disciples and picked out twelve of them; he called them apostles." (Luke 6: 13)

The twelve men chosen by Christ stayed with Him the whole time till His passion and death. They listened to His teaching and saw His miracles. They ate with Him and relaxed with Him. After the resurrection, He instructed the now eleven men to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Before the descent of the Holy Spirit, they elected a man to take the place of Judas. After the Holy Spirit descended on them, they were ready to perform the work of Apostles. They were now sent forth to take the good news to the whole world.

We have the same Holy Spirit as the apostles. Lord Jesus, where do you want to send us today? Grant us a hearing heart and a docile spirit to respond fully to you tofsy.

Rooted in Christ

"So then, as you received Jesus, as Lord and Christ, now live your lives in him, be rooted in him and built up on him, held firm by the faith you have been taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2: 6 – 7)

The essence of Christianity is Christ Himself. The experience of Christianity is Christ in us, the hope of victory. To experience the victorious living that Christ living inside us makes possible, we must live in Him, be rooted in Him and built up on Him by means of prayer, daily reading of the word of God and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation. The Eucharist is the Sacrament of holy exchange whereby we live in Christ and Christ lives in us.

The grand plan

"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1: 6)

God knows the best and has seen the whole pattern of weaving of my life. I trust Him to make a strategic match between my:

• Purpose
  
• Personality
  
• Position
  

 

Prayer Partnership

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18: 20)

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

I believe in prayer of agreement. I believe in prayer partnership. I believe in the Communion of the saints. I enjoy the support of my prayer partners in my struggles in life.

One Authority

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18: 18)

It is clear from the above passage that Christ left for the Church a clear authority to act. This conclusively shows His intention and desire that there be only one Church. In a situation of multiplicity of churches, there would be multiple and contradictory authorities as we see with the interpretation of the same scriptures. In a different scripture Jesus says:

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. whoever rejects you rejects me. and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." (Luke 10: 16)

Proactive love

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does not evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13: 9-10)

When I think of sins against love of my neighbor, I think of sins of commission and sins of omission. It is often the sins of omission that are most neglected. Love does no evil. True love should not just avoid evil but should be proactive.

O Holy Spirit, you are the principle of love. Fill us with your love. Teach us how to love. Love through us.

Appointed as watchman

"You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me." (Ezekiel 33: 7 – 9)

What if I know for certain that God has appointed me as watchman over His word in a particular situation today? I would ask God for two critical graces:

• Complete freedom from fear
  
• Plenty of courage
  

Our fears hold us back from our full potential. Freedom from fear and courage are critical requirements of the disciple who desires to serve God unencumbered by the fear of man.

Eternal life begins here

"Lord our God, in you justice and mercy meet. With unparalled love you have saved us from death and drawn us into the circle of your life. Open our eyes to the wonders this life sets before us, that we may serve you free from fear and address you as God our Father…." (Liturgical Prayer)

With incomparable love, God saved us from a life of vicious circle through the sacrifice of Jesus. Even here and now, we experience the wonders of this new life in peace and hope, in joy and consolation. Unfortunately, many eyes are still shut to the wonders of this new life. Eyes that are cast downwards to the transitory and earthy do not perceive what they miss in the new life that comes to us through Jesus Christ.

True Freedom

"God our Father, you redeem us and make us your children in Christ. Look upon us, give us true freedom and bring us to the inheritance you promised……" (Liturgical Prayer)

We delight to call God, Father. He is a total Father. His redemption of us is complete: body and soul. When we ask God to give us true freedom, we ask for what is most critical for our well-being. We need true freedom in order to discern God's will for us. God's will for us is the guarantee of our peace, prosperity, health and success. Fear diminishes our freedom. We pray for true freedom from:

• Fear of tomorrow
  
• Fear of poverty
  
• Fear of ill health
  
• All kinds of fear

New Wine New Skin

"Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined." (Luke 5 : 37)

If Christ is in me, I am a new creation. I am fresh wine in new wineskin. I abandon the things that are old. I pursue new things with Jesus.

The Image

"He is the image of the unseen God, the first-born of all creation." (Colossians 1: 15)

Jesus Christ is the image of the unseen God, not through His physical attributes but through His personality and character. Personality and character form the core of the spiritual being. It is the spirit that gives life. The flesh has nothing to give.

Fishers of men

"Do not be afraid, from now on it is people you will be catching." (Luke 5: 10)

Jesus realized that the call to follow Him might excite fears. Fears of the unknown, fears of detachment from familiar lifestyle are some of the fears that grip the heart at this invitation. But he who created the heart and has the destiny of man in His hands asks us not to be afraid. The challenge is whether to believe Jesus or not.

Jesus said that His sheep hears His voice.

Perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding

"….We ask that through perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding, you should reach the fullest knowledge of his will and so be able to lead a life worthy of the Lord, a life acceptable to him in all its aspects." (Colossians 1: 9 – 10)

The fruit of perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding is discernment of God's will for our life. Perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding come from regular reading and reflection of God's word and prayer. This leads to a clear understanding that God's will for us is not arbitrary or tyrannical but the best policy. When we live by discernment of spirits, our decisions are guided by the question – "What is God's will for me here and now?"

Without the gift of discernment of spirits, it is impossible "to lead a life worthy of the Lord, a life acceptable to him in all its aspects."

Good News Everywhere

"I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns too, because that is what I was sent to do." (Luke 4: 43)

Christ came to proclaim the good news of the kingdom everywhere.

Every Christian has the obligation to proclaim the good news everywhere. The Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of mission will enable us to accomplish this.

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

"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 17: 50; 21: 23)

Surprised like a thief

"But you, brothers, do not live in the dark, that the Day should not take you unaware like a thief." (1 Thessalonians 5:4)

About times and seasons, be always prepared.

The Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Opportunity will come like a thief in the night. Disaster will come like a thief in the night.

Prepare yourself always through prayer, word of God and the sacraments. And nothing can take you unaware. The Psalmist says that those who trust in God fear no bad news. They fear no bad news because they are always prepared for anything.

The Missionary Spirit

"The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted." (Luke 4: 18)

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of mission. He anoints us for a specific mission.

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

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!" (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

The Big Hope

"We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, to make sure that you do not grieve for them, as others do who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4: 13)

Those who died in Christ shall rise again. This is the central truth of Christianity. This is the end of religion. This is the entire objective. This is the big hope.

The Eucharist strengthens us in love

"Lord, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. May this food strengthen us in love and help us to serve you in each other." (Communion Prayer on the 22^nd Sunday)

Means of renewal of mind and body:

• The Eucharist
  
• Word of God
  

The Eucharist also strengthens us in love.

Depth of Kindness

"O Lord, how great is the depth of kindness which you have shown to those who love you." (Psalm 31: 20)

God loves everyone. When we respond to His love, we experience the depth of His kindness.

Daily Cross

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (From Matthew 16: 21 – 27)

Christian walk with Christ is taking up the cross everyday and following Jesus. The cross of yesterday is laid to rest. Focus on the cross of today. Do not waste a moment of the cross of tomorrow.

Renew your mind

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12: 1 – 2)

Be transformed by the renewal of your mind. God's word transforms and renews our mind. But it is a gradual process.

The world is desperately trying to transform and control our minds through the following:

• Mass media
  
• Marketing and advertising gimmicks
  
• False ideas circulated through books and blogs
  
• Pseudo sciences
  
• Pseudo statistics
  

For example: The word of man screams – "Control population because the earth's resources are depleting. There won't be enough for everybody."

The word of God says: "God's resources are infinite. He supplies all living things with food in due season. God is a compassionate and responsible Father."

What you believe depends on what you consume most. If you consume more the word of man, you tend to believe it. If you consume more the word of God, your faith in God and His ways grow.

Word of man is aggressive. It shouts the message through every media, using all resources. Word of God is like the gentle soft sound that is heard in deep silence.

Servant of the word

 

"You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me.

Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; The word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day.

I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it." (Jeremiah 20: 7 – 9)

 

Being a servant of the word of God is not easy. Expect derision and reproach. Expect to be unpopular. The good news is that the Holy Spirit is there to always help us. We shall never be alone.

Lord, may your word triumph in or life. Overcome us by your word.

Lord of power and might

"Lord of power and might, nothing is good which is against your will, and all is of value which comes from your hand. Place in our hearts a desire to please you and fill our minds with insight into love, so that every thought may grow in wisdom and all our efforts may be filled with your peace….." (Alternate Prayer on the 22^nd Sunday)

Our Father is Lord of power and might. Nothing is good which is against the will of God. In His will is our peace, health, success and prosperity.

All is of value which comes from His hands. Our delays, disappointments and obstacles are formative when they are permitted by God. Examples are the trials of Joseph in Egypt. God used it for the utmost value not only for Joseph but for his race.

We also ask in this great prayer for the gift of desire to please God. The prayer concludes by asking that all our efforts be filled with peace. How would I feel if all my effort this Tuesday is filled with peace? Joyful, cheerful and very happy!

God is the source of every good thing

"Almighty God, every good thing comes from you. Fill our hearts with love for you, increase our faith, and by your constant care protect the good you have given us…." (Mass Prayer on the 22^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Every good thing comes from God:

• Casa
  
• SFW
  
• Msable
  
• Health
  
• Books
  
• Todo
  

Help us to love you, the giver of the gift. Increase our faith to trust you to provide us what we need. Protect all the good that you have given us.

Persistent Plea

"I call to you all day long, have mercy on me, O Lord. You are good and forgiving, full of love for all who call to you." (Psalm 86:3,5)

In crisis and distress, we should call on God all day long. God is good and merciful. He is full of love to anyone who calls on Him. This truth delights my heart. I will call on God in all my distress. I will trust His word that He will hear and answer me.

Two more talents

"You entrusted me with two talents; here are two more that I have made." (Matthew 25: 22)

Lord, help us to use well the talents you have given to us.

Brotherly love

"As for brotherly love, there is no need to write to you about that, since you have yourselves learnt from God to love one another." (1 Thessalonians 4: 9)

God Himself through the Holy Spirit living in us teaches us how to love. The Holy Spirit is the source of genuine love. The love of the world is counterfeit love.

Spirit of St. Augustine

"Lord, renew in your Church the spirit you gave St. Augustine. Filled with this spirit, may we thirst for you alone as the fountain of wisdom and seek you as the source of eternal love." (Prayer on the feast of St. Augustine, August 28)

Like Saints Stephen and Paul, St. Augustine was filled with the spirit of wisdom and knowledge. Cooperating with this spirit, he was able to bear fruit that lasted up to now.

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

• "I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers." (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)
  

  
   

St. Augustine

"The Lord opened his mouth in the assembly and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothed him in a robe of glory." (Sirach 15: 5)

I captured the above scripture on the feast of St. Augustine – 082899. It is the Lord who made St. Augustine great.

Be Prepared2

"Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall and the door was closed. …..So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour." (Matthew 25: 10, 13)

Be prepared. Be always prepared. You will not be warned when the Master will come. He will arrive suddenly. When the Master arrives, let Him meet you at your duty.

Holiness is the best policy

"God wills you all to be holy. He wants you to keep away from sexual immorality." (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

If God wills me to be holy, it means that He knows that holiness is possible for me. I accept the word of God that I can be holy. If God wills me to be holy, it also means that holiness is the best policy.

What does the word of man say about holiness? Holiness is impossible for man. Holiness is only for the weak and the unsuccessful.

Keep away from sexual immorality. Keep away from anything that could excite sexual immorality.

Eternal Vigilance 2

"So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your Master is coming." (Matthew 24: 42)

The wise and trustworthy servant stays awake, vigilant and doing his work. His master came back suddenly without warning and found him at his task. The Goodnews calls us again and again to eternal vigilance.

We exercise vigilance in faithfulness to our purpose.

Welcome the word of God

"As soon as you heard the word that we brought you as God's message, you welcome it for what it really is, not the word of any human being, but God's word, a power that is working among you believers." (1 Thessalonians 2: 13)

The word of God is near us. It is easily available and accessible. It blesses those who take it up and read it. It works within those who welcome it for what it is. The seed is the word of God. It will bear fruit in due season.

St. Bartholomew

"The city walls stood on 12 foundation stones each one of which bore the name of one of the 12 apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21: 4)

Christ promised eternal reward to His apostles. We see this promised fulfilled here in Revelation 21: 4. This is a very appropriate scripture today, the feast of the apostle, St. Bartholomew. This scripture is for our encouragement. Jesus Christ is faithful to all His promises.

Blind guides

"Alas for you, blind guides!" (Matthew 23: 16)

Who is the guide?

Jesus Christ or the media?

"Alas for you, blind guides!"

Anointed for great service

"We know, brothers loved by God that you have been chosen, because our gospel came to you not only in words, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with great effect." (1 Thessalonians 1: 4 – 5)

The choice, the call and the anointing

We have been chosen. We have been called and anointed for great service in the vineyard of the Lord. Thank you Father. Help us to bear much fruit for your Son.

The Keys

"You are Peter, and to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven."

"I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open." (Isaiah 22: 19 – 23)

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

 

I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16: 18 – 19)

Inscrutable Judgments

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable are his ways!" (From Romans 11: 33 – 36)

God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. As far as the heaven is from the earth, so far is God's wisdom from ours.

Can God be trusted? Yes indeed!

This Rock

"I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open." (Isaiah 22: 19 – 23)

I learned that the above scripture foreshadows the promise of Jesus Christ to Peter in Matthew 16: 18 – 19"

 

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

 

I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16: 18 – 19)

Lasting Joy2

"Lord our God, all truth is from you, and you alone bring oneness of heart. Give your people the joy of hearing your word in every sound and of longing for your presence more than life itself. May all the attractions of a changing world serve only to bring us the peace of your kingdom which this world does not give ….." (Alternate Prayer 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

All truth is from God; so is all goodness. In every sound, God is speaking to us. He is present in every event. Help us Father to find you in everything. May we long for your presence more than life itself.

Some of the attractions of a changing world:

• Money
  
• Job
  
• Property
  
• Health
  
• Family
  

The world cannot offer the peace of God.

Lasting joy

"Father, help us to seek the values that will bring us lasting joy in this changing world. In our desire for what you promise make us one in mind and heart." (Prayer on the 21^st Sunday of Ordinary Time)

What values bring lasting joy?

• Holy Spirit
  
• Faith
  
• Love
  
• Hope
  
• Eucharist
  
• Simplicity
  
• Prayer
  

Everything is changing in the world all the time. The only constant and certainty is change. God has promised us eternal life. The values that bring us joy in this world are the values that help us focus on eternal life.

One Father

"You have one Father, your Father in heaven; you have one teacher: the Lord Jesus Christ." (Matthew 23: 9,10)

Father, I rejoice to call you Father. What a joy and consolation to know that God is our Father every single minute.

Lord Jesus, you are a great Teacher. Open my eyes to your truth.

I will never fail you

"Blessed be Yahweh who has not left you today without anyone to redeem you. May his name be praised in Israel." (Ruth 4: 14)

God rewards goodness and faithfulness. God rewarded Ruth and Naomi.

"I will never fail you. I will never forsake you." (Hebrews 13: 5-6)

Spirit of Love 3

"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…..You must love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22: 37 – 38)

Most Holy Spirit, make us a genuine and great lover of God and neighbor.

To follow Jesus everywhere

"For wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live, I shall live. Your people shall be my people, and your God will be my God." (Ruth 1: 16)

Ruth showed loyalty to Naomi. The Holy Spirit gives us this scripture as an example of how to serve and follow Jesus. Our goal in life should be:

• To know the heart of Jesus intimately
  
• To love Him passionately
  
• To follow Him everywhere
  

Help us God.

Come to the Wedding

"Tell those who have been invited: Look, my banquet is all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding." (Matthew 22: 4)

The invited guests were given a timely reminder of the wedding feast. They chose to ignore the invitation and the reminder. Each had his convenient excuse. They behaved as if the wedding party is a daily affair. Jesus Christ continues to invite His friends to the wedding banquet every Sunday. Many choose to ignore the invitation. This is a mysterious and said trait in human character.

 

 

Keeping Vows

"I have made a promise before Yahweh which I cannot retract." (Judges 11: 35)

Keep the vows you have made to Yahweh.

Jephthah kept the vows he had made to Yahweh. May the Holy Spirit remind us of all the vows we have made to Yahweh.

A Generous Employer

"You too go into my vineyard." (Matthew 20: 7)

In the vineyard, there is much work to be done. The owner of the vineyard pays a fair wages to all the workers. The Lord Jesus is a generous employer.