They overcome him by the blood of the Lamb

"They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death."  (Revelation 12: 11)

The Lamb of God has been slain.  I overcome Satan by confessing myself a worshiper of the slain Lamb.  Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on me.  Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, grant me victory over the attacks of Satan.

What does it profit a man to win the whole world and lose his soul?  My life is nothing without the Lamb.  If I perish, I perish, if I live, I live.

There is an appointed time for everything

"There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every affair under the heavens.  ....
 God has made everything appropriate to its time"  (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 11)

Times and seasons are God's appointment.  Nobody can make it otherwise.

"O Lord God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen!"

Prosper the work of my hands

"May the favor of the Lord our God be ours.
Prosper the work of our hands!
Prosper the work of our hands!"  (Psalm 90: 17)

Lord God, you are the source of all inspiration and power.  My destiny is in your hands. You have a good plan for my life.  Prosper the work of my hands.  Prosper the work of my hands.

St. Joseph Patron saint of workers, pray for me.

God is a shield to those who take refuge in Him

"Every word of God is tested;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30 : 5)

My God, I take refuge in you.  Be my shield today against all distress.  Protect me from all fears, worries and doubts.  As I wait for the fulfillment of your promise, deepen my faith and my peace.

"Lead me from the way of deceit;
favor me with your law.

The law of your mouth is more precious to me
than heaps of silver and gold."  (Psalm 119: 29, 72)

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

"He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”  (Luke 11: 28)

Your kingdom is here and now, O Lord.  Your kingdom comes in your word.  Help me to welcome your word today.  Help me to believe it.  Help me to practice and share it.

Let your light shine before others

"Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."  (Matthew 5:16)

Let your light shine before others.  What is this light?
Patience, love, generosity, cheerfulness, constancy, courage, wisdom, peacefulness.  When people see us day after day, always and everywhere, with these fruits of the Holy Spirit  they will know that the source is supernatural.

People who see our light shining always and everywhere will seek what we have.  This will glorify the Father of lights.  The glory of God is a man fully developed and living life to the full says St. Irenaeus.

Lord God and Father, help us to do everything for the greater glory of your name.

Whatever their troubles, I will answer their cry, and I will always be their Lord.

"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 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

What type of troubles can we cry to the Lord? Trouble with health, family, money, job,, property/tools, food or future.  Our :Lord and God promises to always hear and answer.  Thank you Father.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4) 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you

"When I am afraid,
in you I place my trust.
I praise the word of God;
I trust in God, I do not fear.
What can mere flesh do to me?"  (Psalm 56: 4 - 5)

Trust in God when you are afraid is the silver bullet that kills fear.  Try it. How?  You bring your fear to God in prayer.  Then you see what happens.

"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)

Trust and Prayer destroy fear, worry and doubts.  Thank you Jesus!

I desire mercy, not sacrifice

"Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."  (Matthew 9: 13)

Lord, you desire mercy and not sacrifice.  You show me so much mercy.  Give me a merciful heart.  Help me this day to show mercy to everybody I meet in thought, word and deed.  Thank you Jesus.

By the grace of God I am what I am

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective."  (I Corinthians 15: 10)

By the grace of God I am what I am.  I am my heritage, my inheritance, my gifts, my liabilities, my opportunities and my threats.  Thank you Lord.

By the grace of God I am where I am:  STM, Casa, SFJ.  Thank you Lord.

O Lord, help me to trust completely in your providence.  Open my eyes to see how your loving and powerful providence is turning everything for good for me.

It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer

"It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."  (John 6: 63)

The Holy Spirit is Lord and Giver of life.  All that you need is the Holy Spirit.  This is true because the Holy Spirit is the source of all inspiration and power.

O Lord, strengthen me in this Spirit, that I may never lose Him, never sadden Him, and never allow Him to become weaker in me.  Amen!

Be our strength every morning

"LORD, be gracious to us; for you we wait.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of trouble!"  (Isaiah 33: 2)

And the Lord's response:

"When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep."  (Luke 7: 13)

Lord you are full of mercy and compassion.  Help us today to be aware that you know where  we are and will help us.

Jesus Christ has absolute power to save us

"For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it."  (Luke 7:8)

The centurion indicates from the above scripture that he understands the principle of authority and power.  Just as the centurion has learned to obey his superiors, he expects those under him to obey him.  From this premise, he applies the principle from what he knows intuitively about the person of Jesus.  Jesus embodies in His person the ultimate authority and power over creation.  His name is Jesus.  It says what it is and it does what it says.

Jesus Christ has the absolute power to save us from any situation.
"Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them."  (Hebrews 7: 25)

Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it

"He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said* to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it."  (Mark 8: 34 - 35)

Dear Jesus,  again I pray:  reveal to me the mystery of the cross and help me to embrace and live it.  I want to share this gift with your people if this is your wish.  Thank you Jesus for I know you will hear this pray.  Amen.

Rejoice in your crosses

"But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly."  (1 Peter 4: 13)

Lord help me to understand the mystery of the cross.
Help me to embrace the crosses you permit in my life.
Teach me how to rejoice in them.
Help me to share the knowledge of the cross with courage and power.

Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.

The people's patience was worn out by the journey

"From Mount Hor they set out by way of the Red Sea, to bypass the land of Edom, but the people’s patience was worn out by the journey;
so the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!" (Numbers 21: 4 - 5)

Scripture narratives are written to instruct us through the experiences of other people.  We learn what to imitate and what to avoid.  In Numbers 21: 4 - 5, we are reminded that the Christian life is a journey.  As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, so are we on a journey to the Promised Land of Heaven.  The journey could be long, tortuous and often on dangerous terrain.  There  is never an excuse for criticism, complaint or condemnation.  On the contrary, the word of God says:

"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)

We shall never forget that:

"These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come." (1 Corinthians 10: 11)

"For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15: 4)

Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up

"We realize that “all of us have knowledge”; knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up."  (1 Corinthians 1: 8)

I find the Amplified Bible's rendition of the above passage interesting:

"Of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters.  Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature].

Lord, grant me simplicity and humility in sharing what I know of you and your Church.

"“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours." (Luke 6 : 20)

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours." (Luke 6 : 20)

The Bible is full of many pronouncements of blessedness.  For example: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; Blessed are those who are invited to the supper of the Lamb.  Among those pronounced blessed in the Sermon on the Mount are those who are materially poor and depend solely on God for everything.  They are happy here and now and will be so forever because they possess God.

I see two choices here:  To be rich in the world or to be rich in faith.  I have tasted the former.   Lord, make me rich in faith.  I want to taste your kingdom here and now.  I want to possess it forever.

Blessed John Henry Newman has an interesting thing to say about wealth:

"All bow down before wealth. Wealth is that to which the multitude of men pay an instinctive homage. They measure happiness by wealth; and by wealth they measure respectability. . . . It is a homage resulting from a profound faith . . . that with wealth he may do all things. Wealth is one idol of the day and notoriety is a second. . . . Notoriety, or the making of a noise in the world - it may be called "newspaper fame" - has come to be considered a great good in itself, and a ground of veneration."

Why not let yourself be cheated?

"Now indeed [then] it is, in any case, a failure on your part that you have lawsuits against one another. Why not rather put up with injustice? Why not rather let yourselves be cheated?"  (1 Corinthians 6: 7)

Dear Jesus, this is a tough teaching.  I feel injustice keenly.  I am very resentful when I am cheated.  When I work for somebody and I am not paid, I feel angry.  But your word above is clear.  You ask me to be willing to suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness.  Well, you practiced what you teach, didn't you.  When you were insulted, spit upon and cursed, you did not answer back.

You ask us to learn from you because you are meek and humble of heart and that your yoke is easy.  I am willing to try.  Help me Lord.

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD and exult in my saving God." (Habakkuk 3: 17 - 18)

"For though the fig tree does not blossom,
and no fruit appears on the vine,
Though the yield of the olive fails
and the terraces produce no nourishment,
Though the flocks disappear from the fold
and there is no herd in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD
and exult in my saving God."  (Habakkuk 3: 17 - 18)

What are the creature comforts that you cannot absolutely do without?  Are they health, family, money, job, property, food?  What will you do it you are deprived of these idols?  Are you going to curse God and die?

The Prophet Habakkuk answers that even if he is deprived of all creature comforts, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God."

"Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart's desire. "  Psalm 37:4)

God chooses those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith

"Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?"  (James 2: 5)

We see here a clear and stark choice before us:
Poor in the world versus rich in faith.
I choose rich in faith.  To those that love God, He has another great promise:

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose.
For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified."  Romans 8: 28 - 30)

Lord, grant me rich faith and help me to love you with all my heart.  Grant that all things will work for good for me.  Amen!

They shall call him Emmanuel

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us."  (Matthew 1: 23)

Jesus is Emmanuel.  Emmanuel means God is with us here and now.  God is always with us.  Lord, I want to be soaked completely in this truth.  Oh, if I can wake up with this idea!  If I can always remember this truth, I will be completely free from fear, worry or doubt.  If Jesus is with me, then all is well; all is accomplished.

Find your delight in the Lord

"Find your delight in the LORD
who will give you your heart’s desire"  Psalm 37: 4)

Yes my Lord and my God, I delight in you.  I delight in all your attributes.  I delight in your great mercy, kindness, longsuffering.  I delight so much in your faithfulness.

I delight in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  I find a great deal of consolation in the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Son.

I delight in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.  I delight in the Sacraments of the Church.  I delight especially in the Eucharist and Reconciliation.  I delight in all the teachings of the Church.

I delight in the beauty of nature.

Thank you Father for giving me a great delight in you and in what you love.  I thank you too for giving me my heart's desire.  I want nothing more.

We have toiled all night and caught nothing

"After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing."  (Luke 5: 4 - 6)

Every self- employed businessman should read the above scripture often in order to draw the lessons and consolations from the incident.  I was able to get the following from it this morning:
Jesus Christ understands our business.
He knows exactly where we are.
As Savior, He has the absolute power to save us from any situation.
Nothing is too difficult for Him.
His reward is superabundant.
Just as Jesus sat with Peter and Andrew in the boat during this fishing expedition, so He is willing to be with us in our business if we invite Him.

What should be our attitude when the Lord gives us a "bizarre command?"

"His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you."  (John 2: 5)
Just do it!

"For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building" (1 Corinthians 3: 9)

"For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building"  (1 Corinthians 3: 9)

Am I truly a co-worker with God?

"God created mankind in his image;
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.  Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth."  (Genesis 1: 27 - 28)

Yes, I am a co-worker with God not just to subdue the world and have dominion over the physical universe but empowered with the Holy Spirit to build up the Kingdom of God which will last forever.

O God, fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can fulfill this mission.

We have received the Spirit of God

"We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God."  (1 Corinthians 2: 12)

The spirit of the world is marked by:
" Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. " (Galatians 5: 19 - 21)

But these are the signs of the Spirit of God:
"In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."  (Galatians 5: 22 - 23)

Lord Jesus thank you for the precious gifts of your Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,"  (Luke 4: 18)

Lord Jesus, may your Holy Spirit lead me, guide me and use me.  Amen!

God is the source of every gift

"All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."  (James 1: 17)

My God, I know that you are the source of every inspiration and power.  This is a comforting truth.  Grant me the grace to submit always and everywhere to your providential designs for my life.  Amen.

Deliver my soul from all distress

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him,
upon those who count on his mercy,
To deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive through famine.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
he is our help and shield.j
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust."  (Psalm 33: 18-21)

My God, I count on your mercy.  Deliver my soul from all distress and provide all my needs even in time of deep economic depression.  Everyday I wake up, I look forward to enjoying your favors.

Answer me when I cry to you

"Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and oppressed.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;
be gracious to me, Lord;
to you I call all the day."  (Psalm 86: 1 - 3)

Answer me O God when I call to you.  You hear the cry of the poor.  Be merciful and answer my prayer.  I have nothing but you.  I have nobody but you.  O merciful and faithful God.  I know you will answer my prayer.  Thank you Father.

I will declare your greatness

"One generation praises your deeds to the next
and proclaims your mighty works.
They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory,
tell of your wonderful deeds.
They speak of the power of your awesome acts
and recount your great deeds.
They celebrate your abounding goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice."  (Psalm 145: 4 - 7)

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

Blessed are those who fear the Lord

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
and who walk in his ways.
What your hands provide you will enjoy;
you will be blessed and prosper"  (Psalm 128: 1 - 2)

The Church celebrates today the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist.  Jesus praised John as the greatest of all born of woman.  John the Baptist, the privileged and only child of a priest was anointed in the womb.  John would rank high among those that are blessed.

The above brief biography makes me reflect on Psalm 128: 1 - 2 and ask myself, "What does it mean to be blessed?"  John lived an austere life in the desert.  He ended his life in death row and was beheaded.  Where is the blessing in the life of John?  Then I got the insight.  The blessed of God are not to be compared like the blessed of the world.  When the TV evangelist says that one is blessed, he probably means that one has lots of money, good family, good health and all creature comforts.

The blessed of God are those whom Jesus says possess genuine riches.  According to the Lord, there are two types of riches: riches that can rust or lost and riches that  cannot never rust and which no man can take from you.  John possesses the latter.  He is rich in faith, hope and love.  He is rich in patience, wisdom, humility, courage, peace and contentment.  He is rich in what matters most.  He is genuinely rich.

What type of riches do you prefer?

We are called to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ

"To this end he has [also] called you through our gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours."  (2 Thessalonians 2: 14 - 15)

The Choice, the Call and the Anointing.  We are called to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, we shall not fear, worry or doubt.  We believe in prayer; we believe in the word of God; we believe in miracle.  We trust God and leave the rest to Him.

It is the Spirit that gives life

"It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."  (John 6: 63)

Father, sealed with the Holy Spirit, may your love make me what you have chosen, called and destined me to be. Amen.

We will serve the Lord

"If it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24: 15)

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.  So help me God.

My allotted portion and my cup

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
*Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

Thank you Lord.  I accept my destiny.

Anoint me fully for the Cause.

Who is this bride, the wife of the Lamb?

"One of the seven angels who held the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." (Revelation 21: 9)

Who is this bride, the wife of the Lamb?

It is the Church in its exquisite splendor at the end of time.  This idea makes my heart leap for joy.  Come Lord Jesus!

A second time he sent out servants pleading to them to come to his feast

"A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them." (Matthew 22: 4 - 6)

What a sad story!  The king prepared a great feast and those invited refused to come.  Some of the invited added insult to injury by killing the son who was sent to persuade them.  Some of the teachings and parables of Jesus have been called hyperbole or exaggerations to make a point.  Nobody would call the Parable of the Wedding Feast a hyperbole.

Jesus Christ suffered, died and rose from the dead.  He sent the Holy Spirit to the Church as He promised.  Jesus Christ bequeathed the Church the august Eucharist as He promised at the Last Supper.  The Eucharist is the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.

Jesus Christ is the Good News.  The Eucharist celebrates the life of Jesus, the Lamb of God.  He is the Bridegroom and the Church is His Bride.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
It is the true spiritual food and drink.  The risen Jesus is adored in the Eucharist because He is truly present in the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is a profound mystery.
It is the medicine of immortality.
It is the antidote for death.
It is the pledge and sign of the great hope of our resurrection.

All are invited to come to this Feast that is abundant and free.  Very few accept the invitation.

My Good Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures

"The LORD is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures he makes me lie down;
to still waters he leads me;
he restores my soul.
He guides me along right paths
for the sake of his name."  (Psalm 23: 1 - 3)

My Good Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures.  This is my destiny.

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
*Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

If God is with you, it is accomplished

"For they are a nation devoid of reason,
having no understanding.
If they had insight they would realize this,
they would understand their end:
“How could one rout a thousand,
or two put ten thousand to flight,
Unless it was because their Rock sold them,
the LORD delivered them up?" (Deuteronomy 32: 28 - 30)

When you see a miracle, do you know it for what it is?  When one man is able to overcome a thousand men is this an ordinary or an extraordinary feat?  From time to time, God allows the miraculous to happen in our life so that our faith in Him will be stronger.

Miracles come in various forms and sizes.  Not every miracle is necessarily an extraordinary happening.  One of the best advice I was given many years ago is "Expect a miracle everyday."  I do enjoy small, medium and large miracles frequently in my life.

If God is with you, it is accomplished.  One with God is a majority

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19: 21)

"Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."  (Matthew 19: 21)

The rich young man considered Christ's offer and turned away.  Why did he reject this historic offer of Jesus?  Probably he did not believe that the promised treasures in heaven would be better than what he enjoys here and now through his wealth.  If we truly believe in the promised treasures of heaven, our values and life would be markedly different.

Jesus continues....

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."  (Matthew 19: 29)

The rich young man should have responded with this scripture:

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

Lord, without you, we are nothing.  Give us the gift to embrace your call and the grace to see the hope that your call holds for us.  Amen!

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." (John 6: 56)

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him."  (John 6: 56)

Lord Jesus, what an incredible saying.  Yet, it is true that in the Eucharist, you provide us your flesh and blood to be our food and drink.  I believe it because you say so.  I believe it also because the Church has believed and taught this from the very beginning.

Thank you Jesus for this awesome gift.  My you strengthen our faith never to doubt your words.  You promise that by feeding on you, we remain in you and you in us.  Lord, may this be always so.  Remind us always of this state of affairs between us.  Let us never waiver about the truth of you continual presence in us and with us.  Amen!

You revealed to mere children the mysteries of the Kingdom

" At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike."  (Matthew 11: 25)

What has our dear Abba Father hidden from the wise of this world and revealed to mere children?  Our Father has given the gift of faith to the childlike.  He revealed to them the mysteries hidden in the seven Sacraments:  Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Matrimony, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick.  The childlike accept that Jesus Christ is in these Sacraments and work through these Sacraments.

The childlike are distinguished from the learned from having the gift of faith.  Faith gives us access to the mysteries of the Kingdom.

I believe in the word of God

"And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe."  (I Thessalonians 2: 13)

• I believe in Prayer.
• I believe in the word of God.
• I believe in Miracle.
• I leave the rest to God.

"God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid."  (Isaiah 12: 2)

I forgive you because you asked me

"At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’
Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan."  (Matthew 18: 26 - 27)

"His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?" (Matthew 18:  32 - 33)

The servant was forgiven all his debt "because you begged me to."  I was struck by this.  The size of his debt, duration of his debt, how and why he incurred the debt, do not appear to be factors in the forgiveness.  Only one thing matters:  the servant fell down and asked to be given time to repay the debt.  But the Lord was gracious and forgave the servant the entire huge debt.  When we take one step to the Lord, He takes ten steps towards us.

This parable should be a source of encouragement to anybody who has need of freedom from any debt.

God is faithful to His word

"Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."  (Luke 1: 45)

Lord, I am a glutton for your promises.  I cherish them all.  But do I believe that you will fulfill them all to me?  This is my prayer today, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.

Grant me solid, rocky faith that I will witness the fulfillment of your promises to me.

Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves."  (Matthew 11: 29)

How do I understand the above?
Trust in me.  See how gentle and humble I am.  If you learn to be like me, you will find that you will be at peace at all times.

Jesus Christ Our Hope of Glory is Waiting for Us

"To this end he has [also] called you through our gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (2 Thessalonians 2: 14)

Jesus Christ calls us to fellowship and promotion to glory through the Gospel.  The means through which we work out our salvation is through daily sanctification by the Holy Spirit and consecration to the truth.

The daily work of sanctification entails pain but we already know the expected end:  glory.
Let us therefore persevere in the race because Jesus Christ our hope of glory is waiting for us.

The Eucharist is the Food for the Journey

"But the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat or the journey will be too much for you!
He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb."  (1 Kings 19: 7-8)

Elijah ate and drank and became strengthened by the food and was able to walk 40 days and 40 nights to Horeb.

The Christian life is a journey towards Heaven.  Elijah needed the food and drink provided by the angel to walk to Horeb.  So do Christians need the Eucharist in our walk to heaven.  The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ given to strengthen our journey to Heaven.

Write down the vision

"Then the LORD answered me and said:
Write down the vision;
Make it plain upon tablets,
so that the one who reads it may run.
For the vision is a witness for the appointed time,
a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late."  (Habakkuk 2: 2-3)

The Prophet Habakkuk questioned God about his governance and providence in the world.  My understanding today of God's answer to Habakkuk is paraphrased thus:

• I have a plan, a good plan.  Trust in the plan.

Considering that God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, I am prepared to accept His word and trust Him.

The man who trusts in the Lord fears no bad news

"It is good for the man gracious in lending,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
For he shall never be shaken;
the righteous shall be remembered forever.
He shall not fear an ill report;
his heart is steadfast, trusting the LORD.
His heart is tranquil, without fear,
till at last he looks down on his foes."  (Psalm 112: 5 - 8)

The man who is gracious and lends to those in need, who conducts his business with justice shall fear no bad news.  God promises that would not fear:

• Doctor's bad report
• Stock market implosion
• Family upheavals
•  and more..

There is no end to the list of things that can instill fears into the heart of the man who places his trust in anything but God.  Trusting in God means trusting in His perfect love for you.  Awareness of this perfect love drives out fears.  You realize that nothing can separate you from this love.  Trust is the antidote to fear.

Create in me a pure and clean heart

"A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit."  (Psalm 51: 12 NABR)

Unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain if we build it. (Psalm 127:1)  Unless the Lord creates for us and in us a pure and clean heart, we labor in vain to create it.

A steadfast and persevering spirit is also a great gift of God.  Without it, we cannot be saved.  In the kingdom, if you start a house, you must finish it.  If you start a race, you must complete it.

I have loved you with an everlasting love

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." (Jeremiah 31: 3 NIV)

Father, I delight in your statement of everlasting love and mercy for me.  This is sweet music to my ears.  Help me to remember this always.  Help me also to respond to love with love.  I ask for this in the name of Jesus your Son.  Amen.

But when he saw how strong the wind was he became afraid

"He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!"  (Matthew 14: 29 - 30)

But when Peter how strong the wind was he became frightened.
Consider things that tend to frighten us and diminish our faith:

But when he saw the doctor's report he became frightened.
But when he saw the bank statement...
But when he saw the weather report...
But when he saw the poll numbers...
But when he saw the pink slip...
But when he saw the statistics...

Peter took his eyes off Jesus.  Whenever this happens in our lives, we begin to sink into fear.  Peter wisely and providentially applies the antidote to fear which is prayer.  "Lord, save me."

"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)

I will test them to see if they will follow my instructions

"Then the LORD said to Moses: I am going to rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not."  (Exodus 16: 4)

Depending on God and trusting in Him to supply our daily bread one day at a time is a great test of faith.  Yet, the ultimate proof that God is able and willing to do this is the Eucharist itself.  The Eucharist is the Bread of life.  It is the Flesh and Blood of Jesus Christ provided daily for our consumption.  It is the fulfillment of the Covenant of peace and mercy that Jesus Christ instituted the night before He died.

• The Eucharist is a profound mystery.
• It is the medicine of immortality.
• The Eucharist is the antidote for death.
• It is the pledge and sign of the great hope of our resurrection.

If God can give us freely the Eucharist, what else can He not provide for us?  He who did not spare His Son to prove His love for us cannot deny us anything that is good for us.

Man does not live by bread alone

"He said in reply, “It is written:
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’”

Bread alone cannot satisfy the hunger of man for more life.
God who created man in His image and likeness knows what man needs to satisfy this hunger.  The answer for man's hunger for more is the Eucharist.  It is not more money or more family or more health or more job or more food or more length of days on earth.

The Eucharist is a profound mystery.
It is the medicine of immortality.
The Eucharist is the antidote for death.
It is the pledge and sign of the great hope of our resurrection.

God always hears the cry of the poor

"But here I am miserable and in pain;
let your saving help protect me, God,
*That I may praise God’s name in song
and glorify it with thanksgiving.
That will please the LORD more than oxen,
more than bulls with horns and hooves:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, take heart!" (Psalm 69: 30 - 33)

God always hears the cry of the poor. Trust Him always and everywhere.

Put no trust in princes; they have no power to save you.

"Put no trust in princes,
in children of Adam powerless to save." (Psalm 146: 3)

In whom do you put your trust?

"God indeed is my salvation;
I am confident and unafraid.
For the LORD is my strength and my might,
and he has been my salvation.
With joy you will draw water
from the fountains of salvation" (Isaiah 12: 2 - 3)

Do you repose your trust in good health, family, money, good job, your property and tools or your bright future?

"Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.
Thus we may say with confidence:
“The Lord is my helper,
[and] I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?"  (Hebrews 13: 5 - 6)

I am being initiated into the mystery of peace and contentment

"I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need."  (Philippians 4: 12)

Peace and contentment do not depend on circumstances.  No, they do not depend on money, good health, great family, good job, nice home and tools.  Peace and contentment depend on what Jesus, our hope of glory is doing inside us here and now.  Where Jesus abides, there abide peace and contentment.

Jesus is the direct and efficient cause of peace and contentment in the heart.  Any other presumed cause or agent is there to exploit our weakness and insecurity.


"I say to the LORD,
you are my Lord,
you are my only good.
They multiply their sorrows
who court other gods.
Blood libations to them I will not pour out,
nor will I take their names upon my lips."  (Psalm 16: 2, 4)


"Let the peace of Christ control your hearts. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."  (Colossians 3: 15, 16)

When he finds a pearl of great price...

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." (Matthew 13: 45 - 46)

Jesus Christ is the Pearl of great price.  What must we sell in order to acquire in the fullest sense this priceless treasure?

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."  (Matthew 19: 29)

What is our response to the above challenge?

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
*Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

In the Name of Jesus

"that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2: 10-11)

Jesus means Savior.  The name says what it is and it does what it says.  The Savior has absolute power to save man from sin and from every distress.  The name of Jesus puts Satan to flight.  It is the most potent one word prayer:  Jesus!  The power of the Jesus Prayer has been universally recognized.  It has the power of the sacramental.

Jesus!  Amen!

The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

"The eyes of all look hopefully to you;
you give them their food in due season.
You open wide your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing."  (Psalm 145: 15 - 16)

The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. 
Lord Jesus, grant me deep faith in the above truth.  May I never doubt your willingness and power to provide me with everything that I need.

My home is by your altars

"As the sparrow finds a home
and the swallow a nest to settle her young,
My home is by your altars,
LORD of hosts, my king and my God!
Blessed are those who dwell in your house!
They never cease to praise you.
Blessed the man who finds refuge in you,
in their hearts are pilgrim roads."  (Psalm 84: 4-6)

Thank you Jesus for the access to your Sanctuary.

"God indeed is my salvation;
I am confident and unafraid.
For the LORD is my strength and my might,
and he has been my salvation.
With joy you will draw water
from the fountains of salvation" (Isaiah 12: 2-3)

The seed sown on rich soil yields rich harvest

"But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."  (Matthew 13: 23)

• Understand what you hear and read.
• Believe what you read.
• Teach what you believe.
• Practice what you teach.

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."  (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."  (John 13: 17)

Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

I chose you to go and bear fruit that will last

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you."  (John 15: 16)


"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)

"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help." (Hebrews 4: 16)

"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."  (Hebrews 4: 16)

Who can be confident to approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace at a time of dire need?  The Psalmist in answer to this says that it is the man whose heart is pure and whose hands are clean.  I am lost for I do not feel that my heart is pure and that my hand is clean.  What shall I do because I am desperately in need of favor from God?  Then the Spirit whispered to me:  Take courage!  Come along and approach the throne of grace through Jesus Christ in faith and you shall receive the mercy and favor that you seek.  The righteousness of Jesus covers my impurity and my uncleanness.  Thank you Jesus.

The Holy Spirit helps us to remember what God is doing in our lives

"He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.  He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant for ever."  (Psalm 111: 4 - 5) 

The Holy Spirit causes us to remember God's wonderful deeds in our lives.  When I welcomed this amazing truth into my heart many years ago, it changed how I looked at memory.  Remember is an active verb that we find all over scripture.  The act of remembering is critical in forming a loving relationship with God.  If we do not remember what God does for us, we may either give the credit to some other cause or not at all.  Because God wants us to give Him the credit for his wondrous works in our lives, He causes us to remember His deeds.  The Holy Spirit helps us to remember these deeds.  For me, this is one of most beautiful works of the Holy Spirit in my heart.  Thank you O Holy Spirit.

There is no God

"In their insolence the wicked boast:
“God does not care; there is no God."  (Psalm 10: 4)

The above scripture captures the attitude of the human heart a couple of thousands of years ago.  Is this different from the attitude of many today?  Not at all.  What causes man to turn his back on God and say in his heart, "There is no God?"

God created man in his image and likeness.  That means, God stamped man with His own DNS at creation.  But God created man with a free will.  Man is free to accept or reject God's loving initiatives in his life.  When man accepts God's love, the life of God in him grows.  But when man rejects God's love, the rejection weakens and diminishes the divine center and influence in his life.  This diminution of the divine in him may come to a point of extinction when man says in his heart, "There is no God?"

"Blessed is the man who does not walk
in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the way of sinners,
nor sit in company with scoffers.
Rather, the law of the LORD is his joy;
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted near streams of water,
that yields its fruit in season;
Its leaves never wither;
whatever he does prospers."  (Psalm 1: 1 - 3)

You have given me health and restored my life

"Those live whom the Lord protects; yours is the life of my spirit.
You have given me health and restored my life."  (Isaiah 38: 16)

When I read the above scripture this morning, my mind flew back to 1995.  Like Hezekiah, I was very sick and thought I was going to die.  I thought that the Lord was ready to take me in the noon time of my life.  Hezekiah cried to the Lord to spare his life and the Lord saw his tears and heard his prayer.  He healed him and gave him fifteen more years of life.

What was my reaction when I believed that I was about to be consigned to the gates of sheol for the rest of my years; when I saw my dwelling being plucked up and removed from me like a shepherd's tent?  Strangely, I was very calm.  I informed all of mine to be calm and that I was ready to go.  But God had other plans.  He healed me and I realized that those live whom the Lord protects.  The Lord gave me health and restored my life.  I resolved to serve the Lord with all my time, talent and treasure.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

"“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, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."  (Matthew 11: 28 - 30)

Gracious invitation from Christ.  But how do we come to Christ?  We come to Christ in prayer, in His word, and in the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Penance.

What are the labors and burdens that we bring to Christ, the Doctor to heal?  We bring our burdens of sin.  We are overwhelmed with fears, worries and doubts about our health, family, finances, job, tools, food and the future.  We bring all these to Jesus.

How does Christ give us the promised rest?  He cancels our sins and relieves us once and for all from guilt.  Sometimes He heals our bodies and finances.  At other times, He gives us a supernatural perspective from which to view our woes.  This is in depth perspective therapy.  People go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France for physical healing.  Many such people receive the in depth perspective therapy and decide to stay in Lourdes to minister to pilgrims sicker than themselves..

What yoke does Christ invite us to take upon ourselves?  The yoke of Christ is the Gospel of Christ.  The yoke of Christ is the Sermon on the Mount.  Christ Himself says that this yoke is both easy and light.  John says that to keep the commandments is not burdensome.  Paul writes of the weight of glory that awaits us after some light suffering.

"Learn from me," pleads Christ.  Christ is the Teacher and the Lesson.  Learn to be with me.  Learn to be like me.

You cannot serve God and mammon

"“No one can serve two masters.m He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."  (Matthew 6: 24)

What is mammon?

• The lust of the flesh
• The lust of the eye
• The pride of life
• Belly
• Comfort
• Sports and pastimes
• Riches
• Honors
• Praise of men

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."  (Matthew 22: 37)

"Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm!" (Isaiah 7: 9)

"Unless your faith is firm,  you shall not be firm!"  (Isaiah 7: 9)

Since I upgraded to  Lifejournal 3.0, I try  to use often the Pulse Input feature to measure how I stand on any particular day.  The Pulse Input measures the following variables on a scale of 1 to 10:  Mood, Stress, Energy, Health, Faith, Charity, Purpose, Contentment, Obedience.  After doing this exercise for several months, a pattern began to emerge.  I discovered that my mood, stress, energy, health, charity, purpose, contentment and obedience level is directly related to my faith level.  If my faith is high like 8 or 9,  my mood, energy, health, charity, purpose, contentment and obedience will be at least 7 and above.  My stress level is almost constant at 2.

Why is faith so important in influencing everything that goes on in the inner man?  The answer may well be found in Isaiah 7:9 where the word of God states, "Unless your faith is firm,  you shall not be firm!"  (Isaiah 7: 9)

Faith gives us access to God's promises of: Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Presence, Protection and Provision.  You can call this, the 7 P's .  You receive in direct proportion to your faith.

Is there a way to increase faith?  Masters of the spiritual life have identified two key means:  Prayer and the Word of God.

I have no job, no money and no idea

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

O Israel, why do you complain, "I have no job, no money and no idea?"
But seek you first His kingdom and His righteousness and trust completely in Jesus to do the rest.

Chosen, Called, Destined and Sealed with the Holy Spirit

"In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ."  (Ephesians 1: 11 - 12)

Ephesians 1: 3 - 14 was read as the second reading today, 15th Sunday of the Ordinary Time.  I am excited by the theme:  Chosen, Called Destined and Sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Father, may your love make me what you have chosen, called, destined and sealed with your Holy Spirit to be.  Amen!

Even all the hairs of your head are counted

"Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.
Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.: (Matthew 10: 29 - 31)

What beautiful and precious words are these, Lord Jesus.  They appear just too much for the mind of man to accept as true.  But I believe they are true.  Lord, the doctrine of your divine providence is the sweetest teaching for me in all of scripture.  How I pray that you help me to remember and live this every step and every moment of this day.  O thank you Jesus.

Wait for the Lord with courage

"They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength,
they will soar on eagles’ wings;
They will run and not grow weary,
walk and not grow faint." (Isaiah 40: 31)

I wait for you O Lord.  Renew my strength.  Do not allow me to be tired of waiting.  I stand on your word.  I will wait for you till you come.

The laborer deserves his keep

" no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep."  (Matthew 10: 10)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In every step of your journey, trust Him and He will direct your path.  If the Lord says that the laborer deserves his keep, so it is, so shall it be forever.

Keep the Lord's promises constantly before your eyes.  Review always His favors and provisions.  Use journaling to make a list of His new favors everyday.

I sought the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and He answered me

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him and be radiant,
and your faces may not blush for shame.
This poor one cried out and the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him." (Psalm 34: 5 - 7)

What an affirmation of confidence in God's faithfulness.  I confess that I too have sought the Lord many times in the Blessed Sacrament and He answered me.  When my soul is troubled by many fears worries and doubts, I have sought the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.  I have left His Presence completely healed.  My experiences of the power of the Lord's Presence in the Blessed Sacrament make me say again and again that the Blessed Sacrament is a resource that never fails.

Look to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and be radiant and your face may not blush for shame.  Yes, I am the poor one who cried out to Jesus present in the Most Holy Sacrament and Jesus heard me and saved me from all my distress.  Thank you Lord.

The instrument of sin will be the instrument of punishment

"They multiply their sorrows
who court other gods.
Blood libations to them I will not pour out,
nor will I take their names upon my lips."  (Psalm 16: 4)

"With their silver and gold
they made idols for themselves,
to their own destruction."  (Hosea 8: 4)

The instrument of sin will be the instrument of punishment.  You make money your god.  The money god  overcomes you and then oppresses you.

She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.

"She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.
Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured."  (Matthew 9: 21 - 22)

"Those who dare approach my throne of mercy will receive mercy."  I felt these words in my heart one day kneeling close to the Blessed Sacrament.  Nearing close to the Blessed Sacrament apparently was not good enough.  I must imitate what I notice women and men do.  They walk up right in front of the Monstrance, place their hands on the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament and pour out their hearts to Jesus.  Before I felt these words of encouragement in my heart, I too had stood in front of the Blessed Sacrament to ask for special blessings.  But I have not made it a habit.  Those words of inspiration that I felt invite me to make it a habit to approach the throne of grace to find mercy at a time of need.

The woman with the issue of blood in the scripture above (Matthew 9: 21 - 22) felt strongly the unusual and powerful inspiration to touch the cloak of Jesus.  Faith is a response to God's initiative.  God is the source of all inspiration and power.  Because of her profound needs, she succumbed to the pull of this inspiration and dared touch the cloak of Jesus.  The result was instant healing for her.

At the early morning Mass today, I thought of what the woman did.  I will not only touch Jesus in the Eucharist but will receive Him in my hand, my tongue and my heart.  Why am I not healed of my ills and the burdens of my heart?  It is said that man's extremity is God's opportunity and man's security is Satan's opportunity.  Why do we appear afraid to approach God with our desperate needs?  Lord Jesus, grant me the grace always to dare approach your throne of mercy.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

" but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.  I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me."  (2 Corinthians 12: 9)

G o d

g r a n t

 m e   t h e

serenity   to   accept   the

 things   I   cannot   change;

the   courage   to   change 

the things

I can,

and the

wisdom

to know

the 

difference.

AMEN!

"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."  (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
I celebrate the faithfulness of God.  I live everyday by this promise.  I see many instances of God's faithfulness in my life everyday.  Yet, sometimes I am anxious.  I am fearful.  I am doubting Thomas.  Why?  Why do I see and forget?  Why am I so slow of heart?  Why do I still doubt?

Lord Jesus, you say:  "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  (Luke 8:50; Mark 5: 36)
Help me to trust in you today always and everywhere.  Amen!

Man does not live on money alone

"He said in reply, “It is written:
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4: 4)

"Man does not live on bread alone......."
Man does not live on money alone...
Man does not live on salary alone...
Man does not live on job alone...
Man does not live on health alone...
Man does not live on family alone...

There are many ways God supports His man.

"Man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of God." 

Faith and only faith gives us God's promise of:

1. Pardon
2. Peace
3. Power
4. Purpose
5. Presence
6. Protection
7. Provision

What is your favorite form of physical exercise? Why?

“Avoid profane and silly myths. Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.”  ( 1 Timothy 4: 7-8)

What is your favorite form of physical exercise? Why? ,,

Today, my favorite form of physical exercise is walking.  I thank God for my good legs.  I have enjoyed walking as long as I can remember but it has not always been my favorite exercise.  Some years ago, it was bicycling until I discovered that I missed something vital when I cycle.  I miss the joy of reflection.  You cannot do quality reflection during cycling.  You risk accident.  So, with walking, I kill two birds with one stone.  I exercise and I reflect. 

What do I reflect on during exercise?  Generally, what God is doing in my life.  I will be writing more on this.

"Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith." (Mark 5: 36)

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."
"On hearing this, Jesus answered him, “Do not be afraid; just have faith and she will be saved." (Luke 8:50)
"Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith." (Mark 5: 36)

Statistics, expert information, poll numbers, clinical diagnosis, bank statements, etc are some of the "facts" and "numbers" that terrorize the heart and mind of man.  In Mark 5: 36. we are told that Jesus disregarded the message that the little girl is dead and said, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  And with this, He confirmed the biblical principle that faith kills fear.  So when you receive that terrible diagnosis from your doctor, you know what to do.  Take it to Jesus and lay it out before Him.

"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."  (Philippians 4: 4 - 7

You are no longer a temporary resident

"So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone."  (Ephesians 2: 19 - 20)

The Church is the household of God where all the members are full and fellow citizens.  We are citizens by choice and not by birth.  When we made the decision to be baptized or the decision was made for us by our parents, we become adopted children of God and members of God's household.  We become citizens of God's Kingdom.  As citizens, we have privileges and obligations.  Baptism makes us members of the Church and opens the door to full sacramental life.  The sacraments nourish the life of God in us and confirm and strengthen our citizenship.  As children, we love Our Father and obey His commandments.  We also love the Church and our fellow citizens in the Kingdom.

Thank you Father for the gift of your Son, Jesus.  Thank you for the Church.  Thank you for making us citizens of your Kingdom.

God indeed is my Rock of Refuge and my Stronghold. I shall not be put to shame.

"In you, LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me;
incline your ear to me;
make haste to rescue me!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to save me." (Psalm 31: 1-2)

God indeed is my Rock of Refuge and my Stronghold.  I shall not be put to shame.  I will trust Him because faithfulness is the essence of His name.

Last night I got one of the flashes of insight that I enjoy so much.  My three Mormon friends visited me and for a second Sunday, we had over an hour of discussion.  The foundation of Mormon doctrine and theology is the so-called apostasy committed by the Church after the death of the last apostle.  God waited till the mission of Prophet Joseph Smith in the early 1800 to renew His covenant with the world.  Elder Flowers saw a parallel with the Old Testament.  I was reflecting on this just before going to be at 11 pm last night when I was suddenly hit by the thought of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew.  I asked myself the question:  What is the central point of the Genealogy?  First to show that God is faithful to His promises and has the power to bring His design to fruition.  Secondly,   to demonstrate that sins and evil cannot derail the plan of God for the world.  There was just not one apostasy but many apostasies by the Chosen People in the Old Testament.   Inspite of this, God sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ at the appointed time to save the world.

Just as God was faithful in the Old Testament, so is He in the New Testament and in the Church Age and ever shall be world without end.  Amen!

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust." (Luke 8: 50; Mark 5: 36)

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  (Luke 8: 50; Mark 5: 36)

Jesus overheard what was said to Jairus about the death of his 12 year old daughter and said to him, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  I met people today who are terrified of end of life issues.  I said to them, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  I also added, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own perception.  In everything you do, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

The Christian has a silver bullet in his armor against fear: Faith!  Faith is generated by prayer and the word of God.  Faith destroys fear, worry and doubt.

The Lord will guard your coming and going

"The LORD will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your soul.
The LORD will guard your coming and going
both now and forever." (Psalm 121: 7-8)

What a gracious and precious promise.  Thank you Gracious Father for this comforting word.  How it gives me a feeling of well-being and security
St. Paul must  be thinking of this scripture when he says:

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4: 18)

Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit

"Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

How do we bear much fruit?  Abide in Christ.  What is the principle of productivity?  Abide in Christ.  What does abiding in Christ mean?  Abiding in Christ means that we are solidly and completely attached to Christ just as a branch is attached to the trunk of a tree.  The detached branch has no life of its own.  It withers and dies.

How do we abide in Christ? When we are baptized, Christ lives in us as our hope of glory.  The most Holy Trinity takes it abode in our soul.  We sustain this supernatural life in us by means of prayer and feeding on the word of God.  Jesus Christ gives us His flesh and blood for our food. This is the most direct and concrete way in which Christ abides in us.  We respond with faith and use prayer and the word of God to keep this communion alive.

If the communion with Christ is  broken by sin, Christ has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a means of cleansing us and reestablishing the communion.

Our fruitfulness depends therefore on this dynamic relationship with Christ in us our hope of victory and glory.

"For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people." (1 Peter 2:15)

"For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people."  (1 Peter 2:15)

The world is constantly scrutinizing every action of the believer in order to have some ground to criticize.  There is the suppressed rage that the Christian carries himself loftily as if superior to other men.  They will be delighted to pull him down a notch or two.

"Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect," Jesus stipulates.  In the Gospels and other parts of the New Testament, we see similar counsel to be irreproachable in behavior. I tend to cringe when I come across these prescriptions of behavioral standard for Christians.   I cringe because I fear that I may not be able to live up to the high standard.  And the idea of constant scrutiny of your every move is discomforting to me.

What shall we do in order to live this word of God with joy and peace?  The answer is to trust the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is in us to help us to live the Christian life.  If we practise every day acts of surrender to Him, He will lead, guide, teach and use us.

Bless the LORD, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts

"Bless the LORD, my soul;
and do not forget all his gifts,
Who pardons all your sins,
and heals all your ills,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
and crowns you with mercy and compassion,
Who fills your days with good things,
so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."  (Psalm 103: 2 - 5)

 The topic of our RCIA class today is Grace.  The presenter asked the class of any example of how God's grace has touched our lives.

I gave an example of how God's grace healed me of four addictions.  The healing from alcoholism was the most dramatic.  I received the grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  After a long confession in which I felt the confessor gave me a rather long counseling on the evil effects of alcoholism, I got back to my pew.  As soon as I knelt down to pray, I heard this  voice clearly:  "Do you want to be healed?"  "Yes Lord, I answered."  And with that, the craving for alcohol dried up.  When I finished my testimony, BAM said, "It is a miracle."  I said I knew it was a miracle.

"Bless the LORD, my soul;
and do not forget all his gifts,
Who pardons all your sins,
and heals all your ills,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
and crowns you with mercy and compassion,
Who fills your days with good things,
so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."  (Psalm 103: 2 - 5)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you"  (Jeremiah 1: 5)

Jeremiah received sanctifying grace in the womb for his prophetic mission.

"Before birth the LORD called me,
from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.*
He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword,
concealed me, shielded by his hand.
He made me a sharpened arrow,
in his quiver he hid me."  (Isaiah 49: 1 - 2)

Isaiah is another prophet who received supernatural grace in the womb for his mission.  Supernatural or sanctifying grace is the unmerited favor and permanent disposition God places in or soul that enables us to love God, respond to His love, love our neighbor and be god-like.  This is the same grace given to every Christian in Baptism. In the scriptures, we see instances of this in Isaiah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist.

Do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you

"Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly."  (1 Peter 4: 12 - 13)

Times and seasons are divine appointment.

"1 There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. 2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. 6 A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. " (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8) 

The Lord's acts of mercy are not exhausted

"The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted,
his compassion is not spent;
They are renewed each morning—
great is your faithfulness!"  (Lamentations 3: 22 - 23)

How good it is to know that God's acts of mercies are not exhausted and that God will never be tired of being the Father of Mercies and the God of all consolations.  Father, thank you for giving us the consolation of the truth in your word.  I wake up every morning knowing that with the new day will be new favors.  Like David, I look out for them as the Day unfolds.  Faithfulness is the very essence of your name, O Father.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths."  (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Lord I need to trust you completely today with all my finances and jobs.  You have been good to me.  Help me not just to trust you but always and everywhere to know that I trust you.  Lead and guide every thought, word and action today.  I need also to trust you completely today with my family, health, tools, food and future.

Lord Jesus, let trusting you completely in everything today drive out all fears, worries and doubts from me.  You say:  "Perfect love drives out fear."  (1 John 4: 18).  You also say:  "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  (Luke 8:50; Mark 5: 36)  Lord, I want to trust you more than I want to do anything today.  Help me!

My yoke is easy and my burden is light

" 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, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."  (Matthew 11: 28 - 30)

Lord Jesus, thank you for this beautiful and generous invitation.  I run to you to give me the promised rest from my labors and burdens.  I labor and find nagging questions about my productivity and fruits.  I am burdened by debt and my inadequacies.  You say, 'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.'  What do you want me to learn from you?  Your meekness and humility of heart?  So this is the price to pay for the promised rest?  I am prepared to pay it but you will help me.  Just as you cover me with your righteousness, give me as an act of mercy and grace a meek and humble heart.  Remember that you promise to give us anything we ask in your name.  I accept your yoke and your burden because I believe that your yoke is easy and your burden light.  I reject the alternative.

Every perfect gift comes from God the Father

"All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."  (James 1:17-18)

Every good gift we enjoy comes from God, who is the perfect Father.  He knows the needs of each of of His children.  Yesterday was Sunday and I enjoyed one of God's good gifts, a full Sabbath rest.  During my morning prayer on Monday, I gave thanks to God for the wonderful weekend He gave me to enjoy.  Less than an hour later, I was getting ready to leave the house.  I caught myself worrying about what the new day will  bring.  Then this scripture hit me:
"All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."  (James 1:17-18)

How could I think that the same God who dealt so mercifully with me during the weekend will abandon me on Monday?  Are there two Gods?  One for the weekend and the other for the weekday?  No there is only one God, the Father of mercies and God of all consolations who is the Father of lights who never changes.

My God, you are an excellent Father.  Help me to trust you on Monday as I trust you on Sunday.

Walk by faith and not by sight

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9)

When fears, anxieties and doubts assail my heart, I try to counteract them by remembering the precious promises of God in His word.  I hear this little voice in my head asking, "Can they be true?  They sound too good to be true."  When this happens, I remember this master word from Isaiah:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9)

Yes indeed!  God's thoughts are not our thoughts.  His ways are not our ways.  Look at Sacred Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.  They are filled with stories of where God's thoughts and ways confound our little minds.  The greatest instances of these are found in the Gospel.  Jesus Christ, Son of God was born of a Virgin in a stable.  He was crucified and died.  On the third day, He rose again from the dead.  Although it is difficult for the human mind to comprehend these events, they are nevertheless true.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9)

If we want to enjoy the precious promises of God in our life, we must do what the Holy Spirit asks us to do - Walk by faith and not by sight.