Jesus calls Prayer a Necessity.

"Jesus spent the night in prayer to God."   (Luke 6 : 12)

This was before He chose the twelve Apostles.  Jesus taught His disciples the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.  Jesus calls Prayer a necessity.

We are urged to pray constantly always and for everything giving thanks in the name of Jesus Christ to God the Father.  (Ephesians 5: 20; 1 Thessalonians 5: 18)

"For we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing."  (CCC 2742)

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Put on the full armor.

"Put on the full armor of God."  (Ephesians 6 : 11 NIV)

In the famous Ephesians 6: 10 - 20 passage, St Paul urged us twice to put on the full armor of God.
Two quick questions:
First, what is the armor of God?
It is not guns, gun ships, rockets, etc.  The armor of God are spiritual weapons of Truth, Righteousness, Faith, Word of God, and Prayer.  These spiritual weapons demolish without mercy demonic strongholds.  These are the weapons of Christianity.  This is the open secret of the survival of the Christian Faith in the past 2000 years.  Every other power had collapsed and consigned to the dust of history, viz: Roman Empire, British, French, Ottoman (Islamic) , etc.

The answer to question #2  "Why put on the full armor?" is clear.  The full armor makes survival and victory possible.
The battle is not for the future.  It is raging now.   "The battle is not yours, but God's."   (2 Chronicles 20: 15)  So we need the armor of God.

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If you honor your father and mother, it will be well with you and you will enjoy a long and happy life.

"Honor your father and mother."  (Ephesians 6:2)

Quoting the 4th Commandment, St Paul reminds us of this great Law.
My parents are dead.  Am I then excused from this Commandment?  Not at all.  My father and mother are all legitimate authorities, viz:  civil, religious and commercial authorities.  All seniors are included in this Law.

What does honor mean?  Obey, respect, esteem, treat as precious.
Who can resist this sales pitch from the word of God?
Honor your father and mother is the first commandment with a promise. If you do this, it will be well with you and you will enjoy a long life.   (Cf Ephesians 6: 2 - 3)

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The Lord bless you from Zion and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem.

"Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways."   (Psalm 128: 1 RM)

To be blessed is to be happy and sheltered by God's favor.  Who will not like to be always happy, with a sunny outlook because you know that come what may, it shall be well with you.

Scripture also promises that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  What is wisdom?  Wisdom is that quality of capitalizing on your experience and knowledge that produces a person of good judgment.

Psalm 128 also promises that those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways shall enjoy the fruit of their labor in peace.

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Imitate Jesus Christ.

"Be imitators of God."   (Ephesians 5:1 RM)

You cannot imitate anyone you do not know.  To imitate God, you must know who God is.  God is invisible, so how do you know God?  God made Himself visible in Jesus Christ.  So be imitators of Jesus Christ.  "Know the Heart of God from the word of God."  (St Gregory the Great)  St Jerome, another Doctor and Father of the Church teaches:  "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." 

If you want to know God and imitate Him, feed on the word of God every day.

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God does not delay in answering our prayers.

"The Lord will not delay."   (Sirach 35: 22 RM)

The Lord will not delay to respond to the prayer of the lowly.  (Cf Psalm 34: 7) For He always hears the cry of the poor.

Do you ever feel the Lord delays answer to your prayers?  Me too.  We read in many places in the Bible that the Lord does not delay to answer us.  (2 Peter 3 : 9)

How do we deal with the frustration of God's delay to answer our prayers?  Consider the following points:

#1.  Are you praying with faith?  (Mark 11: 24, James 1: 6-7)
#2. Do you harbor unforgiveness?  It will be a miracle if any of your prayers is answered with a spirit of unforgiveness in your heart.  (Mark 11: 25)
#3.  Are you praying in accordance with God's will?  (Luke 11 :13; James 4: 3)
#4.  When you pray, are you humble before God?  (Luke 18: 13 - 14)
#5.  Do you pray once and then give up?  Persistence is a fundamental law of prayer.  (Luke 18: 7-8)

Keep praying.  God is faithful and bigger than whatever you ask Him.  God Never Fails!

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Folly is in the heart of a child. (Proverbs)

"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live."  (Ezekiel 33: 11 RM)

Every great prophet in Israel preached Conversion.  Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptizer,  Jesus Christ, Saints Peter and Paul.  They all preached Conversion unceasingly.  Conversion is therefore at the very heart of the Gospel.

What is Conversion?  Conversion is abandoning folly and coming back to one's senses.   When the rebellious teenager turns away from his wild and foolish lifestyle and returns to submission and obedience, he has experienced Conversion.   Conversion is a lifelong process.  Every Christian is in a Journey of Faith.  We fall down, we get up and continue the Journey.

To experience Conversion and continue in Conversion, we need the grace and mercy of Jesus.  The Heart of Jesus is the infinite ocean of grace and mercy.
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU.

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10-22

"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live."  (Ezekiel 33: 11 RM)

Every great prophet in Israel preached Conversion.  Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptizer,  Jesus Christ, Saints Peter and Paul.  They all preached Conversion unceasingly.  Conversion is therefore at the very heart of the Gospel.

What is Conversion?  Conversion is abandoning folly and coming back to one's senses.   When the rebellious teenager turns away from his wild and foolish lifestyle and returns to submission and obedience, he has experienced Conversion.   Conversion is a lifelong process.  Every Christian is in a Journey of Faith.  We fall down, we get up and continue the Journey.

To experience Conversion and continue in Conversion, we need the grace and mercy of Jesus.  The Heart of Jesus is the infinite ocean of grace and mercy.
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU.

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Christ our Teacher is waiting for you.

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom."  (Matthew 11: 25 RM)

How many mysteries are there in the Kingdom of God?  A lot.  How do we acquire knowledge of these mysteries?  By prayer and study.   Are you one of the adults with an elementary or middle school knowledge of the faith?

Christ our Teacher is always ready to teach.  Imitate St Paul and go straight to the university of the faith:

"I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except for Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (Cf 1 Corinthians 2: 2 RM)

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O God, our hearts are restless.

"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."  (Philippians 3: 8 TLB)

Consider your priorities one by one.  Paul did this and labeled all of them rubbish.  What do you cling to as your first love?  If it is not Jesus, you will feel empty all the time.  "O God, You have made us for Yourself.  Our hearts are restless until they rest in You" cried the great St Augustine as he struggled with Jesus during his conversion process.

Jesus promises:  "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."   (Matthew 6: 33 NLT)

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

"With joy you will draw water
from the fountains of salvation."   (Isaiah 12: 3 NABRE)

In the early fall of 1995, still during my conversion process, I was in the sick bed ready to die.  One of my teachers and priest came and anointed me and gave me the last Sacrament.  This made me calm and serene and ready to meet the Just and Merciful Judge.  Another visitor, a man of God brought me this word of God:  "With joy you will draw water
from the fountains of salvation."

What is "water" and "fountains of salvation?"  I struggled for years to understand the word I believed and claimed.  In the past year, I have come to understand "water"  as grace and mercy.  And "fountains of salvation"  as the inexhaustible Heart of Jesus, source of grace and mercy.

You too with joy you will draw water
from the fountains of salvation.  What is keeping you?  Believe and start drawing immediately.
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU.

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The Lord is near to those who call upon Him.

"At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me....  But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength."  (2 Timothy 4: 16 - 17 NABRE)

Jesus sent His disciples into the world as lambs among wolves.  (Luke 10 : 3)  He promised to be with them always. (Matthew 28: 20)

Do not be afraid of witnessing to Jesus.  He will not leave you or forsake you.  (Hebrews 13: 5-6)

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Do not place your security on perishable stuff.

"Take care to guard against all greed."  (Luke 12: 15 RM)

Are you part of the rat race?
*  Bigger bank account
*  Bigger house
*  Bigger car
*  Bigger wardrobe
*  Bigger job
*  Bigger food

"One's life does not consist of possessions."  (Luke 12: 15)
Those who store up treasures for themselves on earth and have no credit line with God face dismal future.

Be rich in what matters to God.   (Luke 12: 21)

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To You I call; for You will surely heed me, O God.

"Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you,
that your prophets be found true.
Hear the prayers of your servant,
and of your people Israel."  (Sirach 34: 18 RM)

Do you believe in prayer?
Then pray constantly.
Pray about everything.
Then leave the outcome to God.

Every test of faith is a type of spiritual warfare.  As long as you continue to pray, you are winning.  (Exodus 17: 8-13)

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up."  (Luke 18: 1)

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The Holy Spirit will teach you.

"The Holy Spirit will teach you."  (Luke 12: 12)

What the Holy Spirit will teach you:
+  How to pray.
+  How to evangelize
+  The word of God
+  Your gifts
+  Etc

Today is the Memorial of St Teresa of Avila,  Virgin and Doctor of the Church.   St Teresa did not go to high school or university.  The Holy Spirit taught her everything she knew.  Universities all over the world study her writings.  Numerous Churches are named after her.   An example of her wisdom is below:

"Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices."  St Teresa of Avila

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Your promises give me strength in all my troubles, how they refresh and revive me.

"Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."  (Luke 12: 7 NABRE)

Why are we so fearful?  Consider for a moment the things we fear:  ill-health, poverty, depression, divorce, joblessness, thefts, bankruptcy, etc.  We can fill pages with the things we fear.

Now consider the words of Jesus:  The price of five sparrows is less than a dime.  Yet one of these sparrows is precious in the eyes of God.

Do you think you are precious in the eyes of God?  God loves humanity so much that He entrusted to him the care of the universe.  He sent His Son to die to save man.  Yet man cannot trust God to provide him with his needs.   Think of the sparrow and give thanks to God for His love and plan for man.

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The Eucharist is Jesus Christ Himself.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."  (Ephesians 1: 3 NIV)

God lavishes upon us the riches of the grace of Christ.  (Ephesians 1: 7)  What would you consider your greatest blessing in life? Family, Health, Money, Job, etc?

The Church has constantly taught that the greatest blessing in her treasury is the Eucharist.  The Eucharist is Jesus Himself, the Giver of all gifts.  The Church defines herself as the Church of the Eucharist.  No Eucharist, No Church.  In Christ, we have Redemption by His Blood.  (Ephesians 1: 7)

Never miss an opportunity to enjoy the Eucharist.

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If you are guided by the Holy Spirit, enjoy without limit grace and mercy.

"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."  (Galatians 5 : 25 TLB)

What is controlling your thoughts, words and actions?  The Holy Spirit or your nature?  Are you still counting how many good works you do every day?   What do you know of grace and mercy?

The Holy Spirit is the good and sound Tree that produces good and wholesome fruits season after season.  Enjoy and share the fruits of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.
Peace be on Jerusalem!

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Those who seek the LORD lack no blessing.

"Let your mercy come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise."  (Psalm 119: 41 RM)

When you are in need of divine intervention in your situation, go to the word of God to find God's promises of abundant grace and mercy.   Then approach the throne of grace with great confidence.   (Hebrews 4: 16)

"Never forget your promises to me your servant, for they are my only hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me!"  (Psalm 119:  49-50 TLB)

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10-11

"Let your mercy come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise."  (Psalm 119: 41 RM)

When you are in need of divine intervention in your situation, go to the word of God to find God's promises of abundant grace and mercy.   Then approach the throne of grace with great confidence.   (Hebrews 4: 16)

"Never forget your promises to me your servant, for they are my only hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me!"  (Psalm 119:  49-50 TLB)

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The Path to Freedom is the Divine Mercy. Jesus I trust in You.

"So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law."  (Galatians 5: 1 NLT)

What if your country tells you:  "You are free but you can't vote; you can't travel abroad, etc"  You are entitled to ask:  "Is this fake freedom?"

Jesus Christ suffered and died to give us true and genuine freedom.  Freedom from sin, freedom from drug addiction and every type of compulsive behavior.   This type of freedom soars above and beyond circumstances and physical prison.
Like the word of God, this freedom cannot be chained.  (Cf 2 Timothy 2: 9).  But it can be lost.  Losing it is like a dog going back to its vomit.  (Proverbs 26: 11; 2 Peter 2: 22)

Law is useless.  What is needed is prayer, grace and mercy.  Jesus we trust in You.

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A Thanksgiving delayed is a Thanksgiving denied.

"Please accept a gift from your servant.”  (2 Kings 5: 15 NABRE)

How important is giving thanks for favors received in your hierarchy of virtues?  Is expressing gratitude a second nature or something that is forced out of you?  Expressing thanks must be very important because one of the first lessons mothers teach their infants is:  "Say thank you."

After Naaman was healed of leprosy, he came back to the Prophet Elisha to do thanks not just to say "Thank you."  First, he offered gifts.  Though a 5-star general, he called himself a servant of the humble prophet.  Last but not the least,  he vowed to worship forever the God that healed him.

One of the first lessons I learned in religion is that God does not eat steak or chicken.  He feeds on Thanksgiving.

In the Sunday Eucharistic celebration, the people of God gather to do Thanks for all Jesus did to set us free.  Do you gather with your community or are you like one of the the nine lepers who walked away and made Jesus say:
“Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?  Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”  (Luke 17: 17 - 18 NABRE)

Even God is hurt by ingratitude.

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God speaks to you too through His loving Providence.

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."  (Luke 11 : 28  RM)

God’s word is God's laws, His will and His Providence.

The word of God is found in Sacred Scriptures.  The word of God is found in Sacred Tradition.  The word of God is also found in the definitive and authoritative teaching of the Church.

All three sources are like a tripod that is interconnected, interlocked and complimentary, each supporting the other for the fullness of truth.   (Cf 1 Timothy 3:15)

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."  (Luke 11 : 28  RM)

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Have you experienced the power of the Holy Rosary?

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.  Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb."  (Cf Luke 1: 28, 42 RM)

Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, a feast instituted in 1571.

At the beginning of my conversion in 1994, I read the anointed classic St Louis Marie de Monfort, THE SECRET OF THE ROSARY.  I remember clearly his claim that saying the Rosary every day will result in either you stop sinning or you stop saying the Rosary.  Both cannot coexist.  I found it incredulous and decided to try it.  I have said the Rosary every day since 1994. It is a prayer of incalculable power.

The devil succeeded in luring me into sin a number of times.  But he was unable to hold  the ground because his victory lasted less than 24 hours.  A force greater than he would counter attack and led me home through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Rosary.

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I asked and the Holy Spirit was given to me.

"How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”  (Luke 11: 13 NLT)

I asked and received.  Before I asked, I prayed for nine days in order to build up my faith and desire for the Holy Spirit.
On the 9th day, I woke up with an intense longing for the Holy Spirit.

At noon, I knelt down in the center of my bedroom and stretched out my hands.  I cried out to God to give me the Holy Spirit.  I opened wide my mouth and breathed in.  Then I started giving thanks for the Holy Spirit.  When I got up, I went to my study, opened a Bible at random.  It fell on a page that speaks of receiving wisdom from God.  That was my confirmation.  Soon after, I experienced an immense desire to read the Scriptures always.  This marvelous event happened on 06/01/1995.

Our God is a Father who keeps His promises.

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Give us each day the food we need.

"You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry:  Abba! Father!"   (Romans 8: 15 bc RM)

Abba Father, I believe that You are a Father to me at every moment of my life, and that I am Your child.  Teach me always to see Your love as my guide in every event in my life.   Amen.

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Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.

 "But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things;  but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10: 41 - 42 AMP)

Why is fear, worry and restlessness so part of the human condition?  Will you buy one pill that promises to provide definitive relief from this malady?  There will never be such a pill.  Thanks be to God.  We have the promise of Jesus.  "There is need of only one thing."  Luke 10: 42)   TRUST IN JESUS!

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

Jesus also promises that we shall be blessed if we take His word to heart and observe it.

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The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth.

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!"  (Galatians 1: 9 NIV)

A very grave warning and anathema for those who distort the Gospel of Jesus.  It appears an extreme retribution but Paul repeats the cursing in the very next verse.  (Galatians 1: 10)

Preacher beware!

In Galatians 1: 11, Paul discloses his authority for being so bold.

 "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human  origin.   I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."  (Galatians 1: 11 - 12)

Where is the source of the Gospel you hear?

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How long, O Lord? I cry for help but You do not answer!

“For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time.
It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail.
Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it,
Because it will certainly come; it will not delay."  (Habakkuk 2: 3 AMP)

The above promise from the Prophet Habakkuk should make your heart leap for joy if you are waiting on God for any favors.
You should do well to anticipate delays.  Do not act like Saul, the first king of Israel.  He waited for seven days and quit.  David waited until the Lord came.  Waiting is the normal.  But God promises that no matter how long it takes, your answer will surely come.  It will be punctual.  Not a moment late.

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Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in You. Have mercy on us and the whole world.

"All things serve you."  (Psalm 119 : 91 NIV)

"I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be hindered."  (Job 42: 2 NABRE)

The two scriptures above express the most profound insight into who God is and how He works in the world He created.
Note that everything serves Him in some mysterious way. (Psalm 119 : 91) There is no exception to this.  God is all powerful, so powerful that He can do anything He wants.  Nobody can say to Him, "What are You doing?  Why are You doing this?"  He is not accountable to anybody.
Inspite of His incredible might and power, God prefers to be known for His weakness, that is His Mercy and tender love.
Jesus revealed to St Maria Faustina the image of His Divine Mercy.  He instructed her to have written at the bottom of the image:
"JESUS I TRUST IN YOU."

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O Lord, You read all my thoughts!

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me."  (Psalm 139: 1 NLT)

Does the thought that God knows everything about you make you uncomfortable?  Do you feel like some dark force is standing behind you watching every move you make?  I felt this way in the days of my shame.  Now my best scriptures are those which reveal how intimately God knows me.  (Cf Revelation 3: 8).  God is familiar with all our ways.  (Psalm 139 : 3)

"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding."  (Proverbs 3: 5 AMP)

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Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

"Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word and heeding his voice."  (Cf Psalm 103: 20 RM)

We celebrate today the feast of the Archangels: Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

PRAYER TO
SAINT MICHAEL
THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel, 
defend us in battle. 
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. 
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, 
and do thou, 
O Prince of the heavenly hosts, 
by the power of God, 
thrust into hell Satan, 
and all the evil spirits, 
who prowl about the world 
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..

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Whoever wishes to come after Me, must deny himself.

“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9: 62 NIV)

What do you depend on security in life?  Spouse, family, money, job, etc?   Jesus says that the Kingdom of God is a pearl of greatest price.  (Matthew 13: 46)  Seek first the kingdom with all your heart, mind, will and strength, then ask for anything and it shall be given you abundantly.  (Matthew 6 : 33)

“Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9: 60)

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Trials produce perseverance and hope of glory.

“Why did I not perish at birth,
and die as I came from the womb?"  (Job 3: 11 NIV)

These are words of Job, a man who experienced terrible suffering. 
Have you ever wondered why there is so much suffering in the world? Job was a good godly man who nevertheless tasted the bitter waters of tribulations.   Jesus, the sinless Son of God cried from the cross "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  (Matthew 27: 46)

God wants us to consider all trials as discipline.  (Hebrews 12: 7)  God is training you as a son,  preparing you for glory like Job and Jesus.

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Watch out for those who are against you in the Journey to eternal life.

"Whoever is not against you is for you.”  (Luke 9: 50)

Who are those people who may be against you?
Anyone keeping you away from Jesus, from His grace and mercy is against you.  That person may be the boss who schedules you to work on Sunday.  The spouse who keeps you from Eucharistic celebration on Sunday to go shopping, watching games, fishing or some other frivolity.  Devious friends who show little respect for Jesus and indulge much in gossiping.  They are against you and your eternal salvation.   Some places that are against you include casinos and night clubs.

Many who are for you are to be found in the Household of God, the foundation and pillar of truth.   (1 Timothy 3: 15)

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The Lord protects strangers and immigrants - Psalm 146

"If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead."  (Luke 6: 31 NLT)

Who are the Moses and the prophets of today?  Jesus founded the Church as the Sacrament of Salvation to continue His saving work which is not finished.

 “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,  baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.   Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28: 18 -  20 NLT)

He also assured them that whoever listens to them listens to Him.  (Luke 10: 16)

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Pay attention to what I am telling you.

"They were afraid to ask him about this saying."  (Luke 9: 45 NABRE)

When Jesus spoke about His passion and death, the apostles did not understand but at same time were afraid to ask Him for clarification.  Are you afraid when you hear phrases like "no cross, no crown; no thorns, no triumph?"
Don’t be afraid to ask Jesus about anything.  He is waiting to give you understanding into any perplexing situation.  Ask and you shall receive.  (Matthew 7: 7, Luke 11: 9)

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart."  (Psalm 90: 12)

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Lord send the time to laugh and dance.

"There is an appointed time for everything,  and a time for every affair under the heavens."  (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 NABRE)

Are you waiting on God for any special favors?  Perhaps on health, family, finances, job, home, car, etc.
Do not be frustrated because it may not be the right time.  God does nothing except in the fullness of time.  Now may be a time to weep.  But the time to laugh is round the corner. (Ecclesiastes 3: 4)

Open your heart to Jesus in faith.  He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.  (Matthew 6: 8)

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If you seek Me with all your heart you will find me.

”And he kept trying to see him." (Luke 9: 9 NABRE)

Herod the Tetrach who beheaded John the Baptist kept trying to see Jesus.  Do you have a burning desire to encounter Jesus?  In spite of disappointments, obstacles and delays, do you still keep trying to see Jesus?

Jesus promises that those who seek Him will find Him.   (Matthew 7: 7-8, Jeremiah 29: 13, Proverbs 8: 17)

What do you seek most in your life?  Money, fame, pleasure, health?
Seek first Jesus and His Kingdom and you will have everything you need.   (Matthew 6: 33 - 34)

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I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.

[Jesus] said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."  (Matthew 9: 9 NABRE)

Was Matthew qualified to be an apostle?  He was chosen and qualified by Jesus.  We have hope.

"And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified."  (Romans 8 : 30 NABRE)

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Hear the word and do the word. Know the word and do the word.

“My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”  (Luke 8: 21 NKJV)

What is it that produces change/transformation in us?  It is not what we know that produces transformation.  It is what you do every day.

Sow a thought and you reap an act.  Sow an act and you reap a habit.  Sow a habit and you reap a character.  Sow a character and you reap your destiny. 
Watch out!  Your character is your Destiny.

Everyone who hears the word of Christ and does it is a wise man. (Matthew 7: 24)

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They shall live in peace who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe from the innocent.

"To anyone who has, more will be given."  (Luke 8: 18 NABRE)

Two types of riches:  Dishonest riches and Genuine riches of faith, hope and charity.   If you grow and exercise your faith, hope and love, you become richer in these virtues.   It is said and it is true that the greatest gift on earth is faith.  He who has faith has everything.  The most slippery thing is dishonest riches.  Filthy lucre and filthy lust go together.  Both lead to perdition.

"From the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”  (Luke 8: 18)

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9-19

"To anyone who has, more will be given."  (Luke 8: 18 NABRE)

Two types of riches:  Dishonest riches and Genuine riches of faith, hope and charity.   If you grow and exercise your faith, hope and love, you become richer in these virtues.   It is said and it is true that the greatest gift on earth is faith.  He who has faith has everything.  The most slippery thing is dishonest riches.  Filthy lucre and filthy lust go together.  Both lead to perdition.

"From the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”  (Luke 8: 18)

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No servant can serve two masters.

"You cannot serve both God and money.”  (Luke 16: 13 NIV)

Are you tempted to do this to see if you can defy Jesus Christ?
Dishonest wealth also called filthy lucre is tempting.  Like the apple in the Garden of Eden.

Bible teachers instruct that filthy lucre follow filthy lust as night follows day.

God gives us this incredible promise:

"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.” (Hebrews 13: 5 NABRE)

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Blessed is the servant, whom his Lord finds awake when he comes and knocks at the door.

"Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance."  (Cf Luke 8: 15 RM)

If you embrace the word of God with a generous heart and bear fruit through perseverance, all thanks to Jesus who is the Evergreen Cypress Tree.  It is because of Him that we are faithful and fruitful.   (Hosea 14: 8)

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It is you who have stood by me in my trials, and now I confer a kingdom on you.

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."  (1 Corinthians 15: 19 NIV)

Do you believe in the Resurrection of the dead?  Have you considered the truth that God never requires us to believe in anything that is unreasonable?  God always provides the grounds for belief.  In the case of the certainty of our Resurrection, God reminds us that we are surrounded by clouds of witnesses.  (Hebrews 12 : 1)  Then there is the inward testimony to the truth: Do you seriously think that your departed loved ones have vanished forever?

Our faith is not in vain. Christ is risen.  We shall rise.

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Standing by the cross of Jesus was His Mother.

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother."  (John 19: 25 NIV)

Some of us have watched on  television the execution of a criminal by lethal injection or by some other means.  I have never identified a mother among the small crowd watching the most gruesome sight ever.

When the prophet Simeon said to Mary, "your own soul a sword will pierce," (Luke 2: 35),  did Mary take this literally?
Her destiny in the plan of our salvation was to stand close by the cross of Jesus, hear His very last words and share intimately His suffering.  After 3 hours on the cross, Jesus said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son." Then to the disciple, John, "Behold, your mother."  (John 19: 27)

With this great example of Mary, may we accept with serenity the sufferings we can not avoid.

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Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave.

"With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses."  (Numbers 21: 4-5 RM)

Our life is a Journey of Faith from earth to our true Homeland.  How do you sustain your spirit so that your patience is not worn out by the inevitable problems on the Road?
Christ Jesus has given us great and effective tools:  Prayer, Word of God, Holy Communion, Sacrament of Reconciliation, etc.

Happy Journeying!

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Sing joyfully to the Lord; Give thanks to Him; bless His holy name.

"Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts."  (1 Corinthians 12: 31 NABRE)

What is your greatest spiritual gift?
For me, it is the gift of prayer.  Prayer can dig you out of any hole.
I believe in prayer.  I believe in the word of God.  I believe in miracle.  I leave the rest to God.
St John Chrysostom, Church Father and Doctor of the Church, whose feast day is today says of prayer:
"Prayer is a treasure undiminished, a mine never exhausted, a sky unobstructed by clouds, a haven unruffled by storm."

St Augustine, another Church Father and Doctor of the Church says:  "If you pray well, you live well; if you live well, you die well.  If you die well, all is well."

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To do Your will, O My God, is My delight.

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

What is "this bread and cup?"  St Paul refers to the Eucharist or Holy Communion.  Why did he say that in participating in the Eucharist, we acknowledge and proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes?  We come to the Eucharist acknowledging that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is a sacrifice for the Redemption of the world and not a Roman execution of a criminal.

Do the Eucharist often in remembrance of Jesus.

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How precious is Your mercy, O God!

"I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief."  (1 Timothy 1: 13 NABRE)

Those who are called according to His purpose, Jesus justified. (Romans 8: 28 - 30) Jesus wiped out our sins excusing our wrongdoings and saying 'that one, he was ignorant of my will and acted in unbelief.'

What a gracious and merciful Savior.  Praise Him now and always.   Amen!

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Flee from the worship of idols.

"Therefore, my beloved, avoid idolatry."  (1 Corinthians 10 : 14  NABRE)

What are the common idols of our day?
1. Are you consumed with  lust for money and material possessions?
2. Is your job a higher priority than worshipping God on Sunday and and observing the Sabbath?
3.  Do you love wife, husband, child, friend more than you love Jesus?
4. Are you prompt to obey every law of the land while the laws of God are barely known?

Anything you place above God becomes your idol.  This is forbidden by the First Commandment: 
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22: 37)

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The Lord withholds no good thing from those who walk in sincerity.

"I offer the gospel free of charge."  (1 Corinthians 9: 18 NABRE)

Lord Jesus grant me freedom from foolish and unnecessary worries so that I can offer the Gospel free of charge.

Yes Lord, I have received freely. With the help of Your grace, I will give free of charge.  (Matthew 10: 8)

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Let us be filled with joy in celebrating the Birthday of Mary!

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1: 21 NKJV)

A sin-filled vessel cannot hold a sinless holy God.  So the first person to be saved from sin was Mary, who through the foreseen merits of Jesus Christ was conceived without sin.
"I am the Immaculate Conception", Mary said to St Bernadette.

Today is the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Happy Birthday O dear Mother.  We your grateful children love you so much!

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