I will bear witness to You in the world O Jesus.

"Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”  (John 1: 34 NABRE)

I have chosen you to go and bear witness about Me in the world, says Jesus.  (John 15: 16)
What is your response? Or what are your excuses? Can you bear witness to somebody you don't know? John the Baptizer says he can bear witness to Jesus because he knows Him.  (John 1: 34)

How do you come to know Jesus so that you can bear witness to Him?  Consider a few of these points:
#1.  Jesus listens to what you say when you pray.  Every word.
#2.  Now listen to Jesus when He speaks to you in His word.
#3.  Embrace Him warmly in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our life.
#4.  Don't forget to serve Him in the poor.  What you do to the least of His brothers and sisters, you do to Jesus.  (Matthew 25:  40)

What is an appropriate response to our Savior and Redeemer?
"I will bear witness to You in the world O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of Your name among my brothers and sisters.  (Psalm 17: 50 ; 21:23 RM)

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Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

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

The Lord says that the pathway to the peace, freedom and victory that we so desperately desire is easier and simpler than we think.  It is to pray confidently for grace and mercy.  You may call this THE ABC OF MERCY:

ASK FOR MERCY
BE MERCIFUL
COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY.

You may ask:  What are the grounds that Jesus will grant us grace and mercy?  He will.  First, because as our High Priest, He pleads our cause at the Father's throne of Mercy.   Secondly, He sympathizes deeply with us, because He has been tested in every way and in everything.  (Hebrews 4: 15) Thirdly,  He urges us to pray and promised to answer.

Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

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Strive to enter into His rest.

“They shall not enter into my rest.”  (Hebrews 4: 5 NABRE)

When I was in grade 2 and still in the early stages  of learning the English language,  one phrase we played with often was:  "There is no rest for the wicked."  How Hebrews 4: 5 validates this childish talk. "Out of the mouth of babes come wisdom."

What would you think if a father swears an oath that his son would never inherit his name or his property? You consider it a very severe indictment.  What if God swore such an oath vis-á-vis one of His children?  That would be a catastrophe except in the case of God that oath is conditional.  God gives us ample opportunity to change and bear fruit.

What type of sin could evoke such a wrath from God?  Disobedience!  Disobedience is a sin that covers a multitude of sins.  The Bible says that a person with a spirit of disobedience or rebellion is no different from a person with a spirit of witchcraft.

“Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
‘Harden not your hearts.’” (Hebrews 4: 7)

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Come, let us bow down in worship.

“Oh, that today you would hear his voice,
‘Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion in the day of testing in the desert, where your ancestors tested and tried me and saw my works for forty years."  (Hebrews 3: 8 -  10 NABRE)

Meribah was the Desert of testing, the combat zone between God and His people.  God tested the people to see if they had an obedient heart.   The people tested God by their obstinacy.  There ensued a battle of two strong wills.  Who won?  It took 40 years to subdue the people.

Lesson:  "Oh, that today you would hear his voice, ‘Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion."
Where is your Meribah?  Please yield to God.  Rebellion is worthless.

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Jesus teaches that Prayer is a vital necessity.

"Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed."  (Mark 1: 35 NABRE)

Jesus our Lord and Savior is not too busy to pray.  He offers to God early in the morning the sacrifice of His time in prayer.  Prayer is so critical in life that it should be the first habit a child forms.  This habit of prayer could sustain, make a difference in the quality of life any person.

Are you one of those that sigh for time to pray?  Do you have time when the ambulance arrives at your door?  Would you argue with the medicos if they decide to institutionalize you because they consider you a danger to yourself or society?

Twice in the Gospel, Jesus calls prayer a vital necessity.  On the night before He died, He prayed more intensely.   What would it take to convince you that prayer is free, powerful and vital?

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Have you experienced the Power of of the Source?

"The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes."  (Mark 1: 22 NABRE)

In the public ministry of Jesus, he was called most often Rabbi than any other title.   Even the professional rabbis recognized Jesus as a great teacher.  

What made the teaching of Jesus so stellar?  Mark the Evangelist describes it simply as not teaching "as the scribes."  The scribes show off their learning by quoting authorities.  Jesus speaks directly as the Source of Truth.   Jesus is Truth Himself and therefore the very Source of the content of His teaching.   You may call it the power of the Source.

As we draw nearer to Jesus, we become drawn to the Source of Truth and our thoughts and speech reflect the Master's.   Consider the teachings of these simple saints:  St Teresa of Avila and St Therese of Lisieux, both Doctors of the Church and none with formal education.  They experienced the Power of the Source.

Believe what you read.
Practice what you believe.
Teach what you practice.

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The Lord has called you for the victory of justice.

"I, the Lord, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations. " (Isaiah 42: 6 NABRE)

Today is the feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ and marks the end of the Christmas season.  It is a hard time for me emotionally as I wish Christmas to last for months.  I turn off the Christmas lights tomorrow but Christmas music will go on for a couple of weeks.

What do you think of the above Scripture (Isaiah 42 : 6)?  Can you too claim the promise?  Do you ever feel that God has called you too to the victory of justice?  Don't you notice injustice that surrounds you?

The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus after His Baptism.  The Holy Spirit is the key to the ministry of Jesus Christ.  He is also the key to our ministry.  No Holy Spirit, no ministry; no evangelization.    Activate the Holy Spirit within you.

Come O Holy Spirit.  Come and kindle in us the fire of Your love.

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We saw His star at its rising. We are here to do Him homage.

 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”  (Matthew 2: 2 NABRE)

The Church celebrates this Sunday the Solemnity of the Epiphany.  Epiphany means the manifestation of divine effect or power.  This is the day when the Divine Child Jesus was shown or revealed to Gentiles represented by the three Wise Men.

What lessons does the mystery of the Epiphany hold for us?   Consider these three :

#1.   Salvation is for all people, Jews and Gentiles.
#2.  The power and sovereignty of God is universal.  All people and all things obey Him. (Psalm 119:  91)
#3.  The three Wise Men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus.  Bring your sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Jesus in the Sunday Eucharist.

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Do whatever Jesus tells you.

"And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."  (1 John 5 : 14 NABRE)

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray: "Thy will be done."  Can you compare Abba Father in wisdom, power and love with your earthly father?  There is no way your dad will give you a poisonous snake when he knows you intended a fish.

When wine ran out at the Wedding at Cana, Mary's advice to the servants was simple and precise:  "Do whatever He tells you."  (John 2: 5)  Mary did not know what Jesus would do.  But her motherly instinct knew that Jesus would do the best thing under the circumstances.   She taught the disciples to open their hearts to Jesus in confident trust.

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Whoever possesses the Son has life.

"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."  (1 John 5: 5 NIV)

We can overcome this evil world.  But we do so only through our faith.  (1  John 5 : 4)  Faith is the greatest armor the Christian needs to live the victorious life. 

How do we acquire faith?  How do we nourish and grow in faith?  God gives us the free gift of faith when we are baptized and become member of His Family.  Thereafter, we nourish it through daily prayer and feeding on the word of God.   As we exercise our faith, it grows and start to manifest.

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."  (1 John 5 : 12)

When you possess the Son through faith, you possess also life of God which comes with peace, power, purpose, awareness of the presence of Jesus, protection and provision.

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First Friday in January 2017

First Friday in January 2017.

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

#11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.

How do you promote the Sacred Heart devotion?
#1.  Go to Mass every First Friday.  Soon your family and friends will notice.
#2.  Distribute the Sacred Heart Promises picture cards.
#3.  Hang an image of the Sacred Heart in your living room and office.  This is a powerful testimony.
#4.  Memorize the 12 Promises and focus on one every month.  As you are blessed, share your testimony with family and friends.

Remind the Lord often of these promises. Jesus loves to be reminded.  Not that He forgets.  It is important for you to know deeply that the Lord is faithful.

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Who is your security Manny? Lord Jesus, my destiny lies in Your Hands alone.

"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 NABRE)

If you can come in your heart to own the above Scripture, nothing can ever defeat you in life.   If God Himself has carved out your portion and Inheritance, who can take it from you?  Consider again this consoling truth:  "OUR DESTINY LIES IN THE HANDS OF GOD."  (Psalm 31: 5)

No enemy, no economic situation, no tyrant, no world event can snatch it from the Mighty Hands of God.
Can you say ALLELUIA to the Mighty Power of God?

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Behold the Lamb of God.

 “Behold, the Lamb of God.”  (John 1: 36 NABRE)

A number of key Beholds in the Gospel presages a big announcement.  "Behold the Man."   (John 19: 5), Pilate said while pointing to Jesus after he was bloodied by the cruel scourging.   "Behold, thy Mother."   With blood shut eyes on the cross, Jesus nodded to John as He looked at the Mother.   "Behold, the Lamb of God."   John the Baptist said as he pointed his disciples to Jesus.   The three Beholds and the three occasions are defining moments in our Salvation History.  At Exodus, we encounter the spotless lamb sacrificed to save a nation.  Jesus is the true Lamb of God.

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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 NABRE)

Today is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.   What is in a name?  Consider the following:
#1.  "Hallowed be Thy Name." (Matthew 6: 9)
#2.  "Thou shall not invoke the Name of the Lord thy God in vain." (Exodus 20: 7)
#3.  "At the Name of Jesus, every knee should bend.."  (Philippians 2: 10 - 11)

The Name of Jesus means a big deal.  Jesus is His Name.  That Name means Savior.  Jesus means what it signifies and signifies what it means.   According to St Bernard of Clairvaux, Father and Doctor of the Church, "The sweet name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, and nourishes pure affections.... This name is the cure for all diseases of the soul."

Jesus we trust in You.  Have mercy on us and the whole world.

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Remain in Jesus.

"Remain in Him."  (1 John 2 : 27 & 28)

One of the words the Spirit gives the Churches today is:  (1 John 2 : 22 - 28)  Several places in this Scripture, the Spirit urges us to "remain in Him."   (1 John 2 : 27,28)
That is to say: please, please do not forget Jesus.

How do we remain in Jesus?
#1.  We remain in Jesus when we remain in His word every day.  Jesus is in His word.
#2.  We remain in Jesus when we converse with Him in prayer.  When we pray, we talk to Jesus.  When we read the Word or a spiritual book, Jesus talks to us.
#3.  We remain in Jesus when we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist.  The Eucharist is the source, center and summit of the Christian life.
#4.  We remain in Jesus when we serve Him in the poor and needy.

"And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming."  (1 John 2: 28)

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Abba Father shine Your Face upon us and be merciful to us.

The LORD said to Moses:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites and I will bless them.”  (Numbers 6:  22 -  27 RM)

This is the word of God.  May the Lord shine His Face upon you and your family all through 2017.

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Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in your heart.

"But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one."  (1 John 2: 20  NABRE)

Can this be my word to live by for 2017?  I don't know about you.  At this point of the year,  I search for this word.   I like (1 John 2: 20) by because in truth, I am seeking desperately for this anointing that comes from the Holy One.

Let us see what this anointing is and what it can do:

#1.  The Anointing is the Holy Spirit Himself.
#2.   The Holy Spirit is the Source of inspiration and power.
#3.  The Holy Spirit is the power of Evangelization.  Without Him, no ministry.
#4.  He is the Spirit of love and holiness.
#5.  He is the Spirit of joy and consolation.
#6.  He is the Spirit of Jesus.  Where He is, there is Jesus.

"But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one."  (1 John 2: 20  NABRE)

Lord, is this my word for 2017?  What a beautiful word!  Thank You Abba Father.  I accept it with my whole heart.  Brothers and sisters,  grab your word for 2017.  Let this word of Christ dwell in you richly.  (Colossians 3: 16)  Please grab your word for 2017 and run with it.  Happy 2017!

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Imitate the Holy Family of Nazareth.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."  (Exodus 20: 8 NIV)

Today is the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Church puts this family up as a shining example for every family.  How do you rank your family?  Good, OK, Work-in-progress?  No matter the ranking, your family is a microcosm of God's grand Family, the Church.

Someone said to Jesus: "Lord, heal the brokenness in my family."  Jesus said to him: "My friend, don't you see that my Family is also broken? Together, we shall start healing the two." 

Remember:  Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of Joseph and Mary.  A family that prays together stays together.

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Abba Father thank You for Jesus.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3: 16 NIV)

We love You Jesus.  We trust in You.  Have mercy on us and the whole world.

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Broken was the snare, and we were freed.

"Had not the Lord been with us,
when people rose against us,
Then they would have swallowed us alive, for their fury blazed against us."  (Psalm 124:  2-3 NABRE)

Psalm 124 is attributed to David.  David's faith in God grew during the many years he was on the run for his life.   How do you invest your crisis?  Moaning, pity partying? Or stepping out to reap the rich harvest of faith which is the reason the Lord allowed the problem in the first place.

If God is with you, who can be against you?  The answer is simple.  Nobody!  Jesus Himself promises to be with us 7/24 always and everywhere.   If crisis is the only way this truth will penetrate your heart, Lord send us crisis.  Amen.

If the Lord is with you, then it is accomplished.

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The Foundation of our Faith is an Eyewitness Account

"What we have seen and heard
we proclaim now to you so that you too may have fellowship with us."  (1 John 1: 3 NABRE)

John the Evangelist whose feast is today saw Jesus, heard Him speak and touched Him several times.  He leaves us a compelling eyewitness account of the solid basis of our faith.  We can better appreciate what St Paul says to the Ephesians:

"[Our Household is] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."  (Ephesians 2: 20)

Brothers and sisters,  won't you rejoice in the truth that our faith is sound, safe and secure?

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Happy Birthday Jesus. We adore You and worship You our King.

"Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."  (John 1: 17 NABRE)

Law and order came through Moses.  And then more laws from the Pharisees.  Nobody could observe the laws.  They remained all the same.   Then Jesus Christ was born and He created a new path for our salvation.  This new path is grace and mercy.  The formula to obtain this grace and mercy is wonderfully very simple:

#1.  Ask for Mercy
#2.  Be Merciful
#3.  Completely trust Jesus for Mercy

We celebrate today the birth of Mercy.  Happy Birthday Jesus, Face of Mercy.  We love You Jesus.  We trust in You.  Have mercy on us and the whole world.

Happy Christmas to everyone.  Trust in His Mercy.

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Come O Son of David. Come and have mercy on us.

"Go and tell David my servant, Thus says the Lord:"  (2 Samuel 7: 5 NABRE)

Today is the last day of Advent and Christmas eve.  We hear so much of David in the Scriptures read in the Church this day.  Why is David such a pivotal figure in the history of salvation?  Consider the following verses from these Scriptures for today: (2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 and Psalm 89 and Luke 1: 67 -  79)

#1.  "I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to become ruler over my people Israel."  (2 Samuel 7: 8)
#2.  "I was with you wherever you went, and I cut down all your enemies before you."
#3.  "I will give you rest from all your enemies."  (2 Samuel 7: 11)
#4.  "Your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me; your throne shall be firmly established forever."  (2 Samuel 7: 16)

#5.  "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will make your dynasty stand forever and establish your throne through all ages.” (Psalm 89: 4-5)
#6.  He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father, my God, the Rock of my salvation!"  (Psalm 89: 27)

#7.  "He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant."  (Luke 1: 69)

Come O Son of David.  Come and have mercy on us.

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O Come O Come Emmanuel, King of Kings.

"Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John." (Luke 1:  13 NABRE)

"She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1 : 21)

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.”  (Matthew 1: 23)

What is in a name?  In the Scriptures, name and mission are always linked.  A special name is often a pointer to one's destiny.

John the Baptist and Jesus are among the seven people named before their birth in the Bible.  Each proved to be a person of destiny.

If you do not have the sense that the name given to you by your parents at birth was inspired by God, ask the Holy Spirit.  If you still don't feel sure, how about your Confirmation name?  You chose the name yourself.  Why did you choose that particular name?

Come O King of all nations and keystone of the Church.

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God's Name is holy.

"And holy is His Name."  (Luke 1: 49)

Mary in her Magnificat, proclaims God's Name as holy.  What is holy is sacred, consecrated and therefore set apart intentionally for sacred functions.  The Altar is sacred and cannot be used for ping-pong.  The Chalice is consecrated for sacred duty and therefore cannot be used to drink beer.

Consider the following Scriptures on the Name of God:

#1.   "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name."  (Matthew 6: 9)
#2.  "You shall not invoke the name of the Lord, your God,  in  vain.   For the Lord will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain."  (Exodus 20: 7)
#3.  "You have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word."  (Psalm 138: 2)

We learn from the above Scriptures, that God's Name is indeed holy, sacred and must be revered at all times.

Come O King of all nations and keystone of the Church.

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When you pray well, you live well.

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

Mary was richly blessed because she believed in the promise of God to her.  God has also made several promises to us.  How do we tap into the power of faith in order to appropriate what God has promised to us?

#1.  Prayer opens our heart and mind to God.  When we pray, we talk to God.
#2.  When we read the word of God or good spiritual books, God speaks to us.
#3.  As you repeat steps #1 and #2 every day,  you come to sense if the promise is truly yours or not.
#4. If God is asking you to wait for your answer, you add praying for patience to your daily prayer.

It took a long time before God answered Sarah and Elizabeth.  Nobody knows how long it will take for God to answer your prayers.

Come O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law.

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All things are possible for God.

"No word from God will ever fail.”  (Luke 1: 37 NIV)

Nothing will be impossible for God.  God Never Fails!  This truth is so rich that we can hang our life and hope on it.   The Incarnation is possible.  All things are created twice.  The first creation is from below, earthly.  The second creation is from above, the Holy Spirit.  How is this possible?  All things are possible for God.   Who can be saved?  How can we be saved?  Nothing will be impossible for God.

Think of all the prophecies.  The child will play with the cobra.  The wolf will entertain the lamb.  There will be universal peace and well-being.  All things are possible for God.

And your dreams and desires?  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding of things.  Know and believe that all things are possible for God.

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The Lord removes the curse of barrenness

"They had no child, because Elizabeth was barren."  (Luke 1: NABRE)

Barrenness is the theme the Holy Spirit gives the Church today to chew and digest in the final Week in Advent.  The scriptures come from Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25 and Luke 1: 5-25.  

When I read these scriptures exactly one year ago, I was downcast.  The word of God was describing my situation.  I cannot be barren in the sense of the wife of Manoah in Judges 13 or Elizabeth in Luke 1.  It seemed to me that I sensed the Lord asking me: "What fruits have you produced for my Kingdom?"  I looked miserable.

Are you also barren in an area that matters most in life?  What God did for Zechariah and Elizabeth and Manoah and his wife, God can do for you and for me.  Let us pray to God to open our hearts in faith.

Abba Father, in Your mercy, take away all barrenness and bitterness in our lives.

Come O Son of God and Son of Mary.

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The cure for barrenness

"They had no child, because Elizabeth was barren."  (Luke 1: NABRE)

Barrenness is the theme the Holy Spirit gives the Church today to chew and digest in the final Week in Advent.  The scriptures come from Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25 and Luke 1: 5-25.  

When I read these scriptures exactly one year ago, I was downcast.  The word of God was describing my situation.  I cannot be barren in the sense of the wife of Manoah in Judges 13 or Elizabeth in Luke 1.  It seemed to me that I sensed the Lord asking me: "What fruits have you produced for my Kingdom?"  I looked miserable.

Are you also barren in an area that matters most in life?  What God did for Zechariah and Elizabeth and Manoah and his wife, God can do for you and for me.  Let us pray to God to open our hearts in faith.

Abba Father, in Your mercy, take away all barrenness and bitterness in our lives.

Come O Son of God and Son of Mary.

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Experience Emmanuel this Christmas.

“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 NABRE)

But Jesus is also God in us and for us.  How do you experience Emmanuel?  Joseph had a sudden inspiration in a dream and realized the presence of God.  Jacob wrestled with God in a dream and woke up to realize that God was with him in that place.  (Genesis 32: 22 -  32)

At a moment of great crisis, I was inspired to read Exodus 14: 13-14.  I did and realized that God was with me.  God is the Unseen Actor.  He wanted me to be a spectator.

We can experience God when we read devout books.  When you pray, you speak to God.  When you read, God speaks to you.  (St Vincent de Paul)
You can experience Emmanuel when you receive the Eucharist and when you sit quietly before the Blessed Sacrament.

Come O Emmanuel, God with us.

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Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church.

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1: 1 NABRE)

In the final week of Advent, the Church throughout the world listens to the Genealogy of Jesus Christ according to Matthew.   (Matthew 1: 1 - 17)  What lessons does this contain?

#1.  The men and women that made up the ancestry of Jesus were not perfect.  There were murderers, adulterers, liars, etc.
#2.  God was faithful to His plan to form a family in spite of human weaknesses.
#3.  Jesus Christ is faithful to the New Family of God, the Church in spite of the foibles of the men and women that made up the Church.
#4. Jesus protected the integrity of the Church by an Oath:  THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST THE CHURCH.  (Matthew 16: 18)
#5. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide the Church always, Jesus Christ promises.
#6.  The Church therefore cannot fail.  If the Church fails, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit have failed.
#7.  Is there any good reason for the existence of over 60,000 churches?
See the Prayer of Jesus for Unity of His Family.  (John 17)

Come O Head of the Church.

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The Sunday Rest is a Rehearsal for Eternal Rest.

"Blessed are all those who are careful to do this.
Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest and keep themselves from doing wrong."  (Isaiah 56: 2 NLT)

What is your attitude to the third Commandment?  "Thou shall keep holy the Sabbath day."
Why is this Commandment loaded with so many blessings in Sacred Scripture?  The Sabbath day comes once a week and reminds us of creation and the Resurrection of Jesus in a weekly rhythm that forces us to pause our hectic addiction to activity.  The Sabbath Rest is a rehearsal for Eternal Rest.

He who keeps holy the Lord's Day is blessed in accordance with the promises.  He who fails to observe it has nobody to blame but himself.

Come O Lord of the Sabbath.

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I promise to be your strength in proportion to the trust you place on me.

"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  (Isaiah 54: 9 NIV)

Wow!  Wow!  Wow!  Lord God of Hosts.  You blow our mind with this tremendous promise.  We respond by saying:
"Sing praise to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and give thanks to His holy Name.  For His anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime His good will."

Come O Most Merciful Savior.

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Come O Son of the Eternal Father.

"I am the Lord, there is no other.
I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well being  and create woe; I, the Lord, do all these things."  (Isaiah 45:  6 -  8 NABRE)

The Bible is the Text Book of God who teaches us what is good for us.  (Isaiah 48: 17)

Many places in the Bible, Abba Father reveals Himself as in Isaiah 45: 8 above.    In Exodus 34: 6, He describes Himself thus: The Lord, the Lord, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding  in love and fidelity."  And in Psalm 145: 8,  "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy."  In Psalm 103: 8, "Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger, abounding in mercy."

The self-revelation of Abba Father goes on and on throughout Scripture.  Why?  He wants His children to know Him well and stop fearing Him.  God created us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him so that we can live with Him forever.

Come O Little One of Bethlehem.

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Come and set us free O Face of the Mercy of God.

"She hears no voice,
accepts no correction;
In the Lord she has not trusted,
to her God she has not drawn near."  (Zephaniah 3: 1-2 RM)

The Prophet Zephaniah castigates the rebellious and polluted city with woes.  The "city" is you and I.  Then the prophet painted her ugly character.  She is deaf to admonition and rejects every correction.  She trusts in princes and flatterers rather than the Lord.  As the Lord calls her, she runs further and further from Him.

Do you know anybody like this?   This is Advent.  A time of repentance and grace.  The Lord is waiting today in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.   O that today you will hear His voice, harden not your heart.  (Psalm 95:  8)

Come O Face of Divine Mercy.

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Let it be done to me according to Your promise.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”  (Luke 1: 38 NIV)

What will you do if God gives you a very big job or mission, so big that you consider yourself totally unqualified for it.  You would consider it reasonable to decline.  But God is not put off by your self deprecation.  He pursues you.  He piles up the arguments:  The Holy Spirit will help you.  (Luke 1: 35)  Nothing is impossible for God.  (Luke 1: 37)  The battle is not yours but the Lord's.  (2 Chronicles 20: 15)  At last you succumbed to the charm offensive of God.  And bowing your head you murmured "You have spoken Lord, now let it be done.  (Cf Luke 1: 38)

God spoke.  Mary believed.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, she predicted "All generations shall call me blessed."  True or false?

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Happy Feast Day, O Patroness of the Americas.

Come O rising Sun.

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You too can be patient.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials."  (James 1: 2 NABRE)

Is it possible to consider troubles pure joy?  Well the scripture says so.

I finished reading recently a book about the lives of 35 men and women who are Doctors of the Church.  These people shaped the doctrines that Christians believe today.  In my opinion, they are the greatest and brightest.  One day, I asked myself:  "What is the common factor among these 35 Greats?

Each of them suffered horribly in body, mind or soul.  We still remember the sufferings of Pope St John Paul II and Mother St Teresa?  Now consider this act of Divine Providence:  Each of these 35 Greats accomplished their destiny in spite of their terrible sufferings.

Suffering did not prevent Jesus Christ or St John the Baptist from accomplishing what God planned and willed for their lives.  No amount of suffering can prevent us from fulfilling our destiny.

Come O Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.

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Come and show us Your face, O Lord.

'Behold, I am coming soon
and my recompense is with me, says the Lord,
to bestow a reward according to the deeds of each."  (Revelation 22: 12  RM)

What deeds will be the basis of the reward of Jesus?

Feeding the hungry
Clothing the naked
Sheltering the homeless
Visiting the sick and the imprisoned
Admonishing the sinner
Forgiving offenses willingly
Comforting the afflicted  (Cf Matthew 25: 34 - 46)

Lord Jesus, do not judge us according to our deeds or merits but according to your unfailing Mercy.

Come O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law. 

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I promise to prosper the work of your hands if you learn my lessons.

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow."  (Isaiah 48: 17 NLT)

Abba Father provides all that we need.  But He is also our Teacher.  How does Abba Father teach us His children?

#1.  Through His word.
#2.  Through our daily experiences especially our trials. (Hebrews 12: 7)
#3.  Through the authoritative teaching of the Church.

What are the rewards for learning the lessons?
#1.  "Your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea."  (Isaiah 48: 18)
#2. You will be like a tree planted near running water certain to yield its fruit in due season.  (Psalm 1: 3)
#3.  God will prosper the work of your hands.  (Psalm 1:  3)

Is God a man to lie or is anything too difficult for God?

Come O Prince of Peace.

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Happy Feast Day O Mother and Queen! We love you so much.

"I will rejoice heartily in the Lord,
my being exults in my God;
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation, and wrapped me in a robe of justice,
Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."  (Isaiah 61: 10  NABRE)

Today the Church throughout the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Jesus created her Mother so beautiful, so graceful and so loving.  On the cross, Jesus said, "Behold your Mother."  (John 19: 17)  Thank You Jesus.   Let us join all generations in calling Mary blessed.  (Luke 1: 48)

Happy Feast Day, O Mother and Queen!  We your grateful children love you so much.

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Has my God forgotten me?

"They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  "(Isaiah 40: 31 NABRE)

Like many of us, the Israelites were no strangers to discouragement in their Journey of Faith.  Listen to their complaint:  “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”?  And on another occasion: 
"But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”  (Isaiah 49: 14)

God is consummate patience and answered them:  "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget, I will never forget you."  (Isaiah 49: 14 - 15)

God knows exactly where we are, what we need and when we need it.
Be confident and wait for the Lord.

Come O Sun that never sets.

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The Day of the Lord is near.

“All flesh is grass, and all their glory like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower wilts,
when the breath of the LORD blows upon it. So then, the people is the grass.
Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever.”  (Isaiah 40: 6 - 7 NABRE)

If you are like myself, you seek and appreciate some stability in life.   Have you been able to find it in anything?  A new car quickly goes out of fashion.  A new home becomes creaky.  The beauty and innocence of the little child turns into a vicious teenager.   "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity."  (Ecclesiastes 1: 2)

The grass may wither and the flowers wilt, but we are certain that the word of God will never change.

Come O Morning Star.

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Rejoice with joyful song O People.

"Strengthen hands that are feeble,
 make firm knees that are weak,
 Say to the fearful of heart:
 Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
With divine recompense
he comes to save you."   (Isaiah 35: 3-4 NABRE)

Hear the word of God, O People!

Are you weary, heavy of heart or afraid?  Do you want to experience the simple joys of Christmas like a child?  Open your heart and mind to Jesus in faith and prayer.

Come O Dawn from on High.

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Come O Lamb of God, Savior and Redeemer.

"In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea [and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  (Matthew 3: 1-2 NABRE)

Who is John the Baptist?
Isaiah describes him as “A voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."  (Isaiah 40: 30)

John the Baptist has a simple profile.  Although born into the priestly nobility, he forsook the privileges that were his by birth to serve Jesus.
"John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey."  (Matthew 3: 4) In order not to compromise his mission, he took extraordinary steps to safeguard his independence.
He was direct and bold in his preaching, fearing no one.
"Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance."  (Matthew 3: 8) He urged the great and the powerful who came to him at the River Jordan.  His humility was profound.
"I am not worthy to carry his sandals."  (Matthew 3: 11) He said of Jesus.  Jesus returned the compliments by calling John the greatest of the prophets.

Lord Jesus grant us the singleness of purpose, courage and humility of John the Baptist.

Come O Lamb of God, Savior and Redeemer.

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I will bear witness to You in the world O Lord.

 “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few." (Matthew 9: 37 NABRE)

The world needs desperately the word of God.  How do I know?  Listen to Jesus:  "At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd."  (Matthew 9: 36)

Isaiah wrote: 
"The Lord will give you bread in adversity and water in affliction." (Isaiah 30: 20 NABRE)  But how can we hear of this promise if there is no one to preach and teach the word?  How can one preach or teach unless he is sent?  How can one be sent unless his heart is open and generous?

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"  (Isaiah 52: 7)

 "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."  (Hebrews 3: 15)

Come O Sign of God's love.

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Do you believe that I can do this?

“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”  (Matthew 9: 29 NABRE)

Jesus touched the eyes of two blind men with the above words and they recovered their sight. 
What is the greatest desire of your heart at this moment?  “Do you believe that I can do this?” Jesus asks you.  What if your faith does not measure up?
Then pray the following or similar prayer:
"Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers, and since we have no merits to plead our cause, come, we pray, to our rescue with the protection of your mercy."

When merits fail, always trust Mercy.

Come O Son of God and Son of Mary.

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It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."  (Matthew 7: 24 NABRE)

Several places in His teaching, Jesus stresses that what brings life, healing, prosperity and salvation is not hearing the word of God, or knowing or teaching the word.  It is doing or acting on the word.  Why?  Because it is not what you know that transforms you.  It is what you do daily.  Salvation comes from conversion which happens every day.  The will of the Father must be obeyed not just every Sunday, or once a month but daily.  This is what opens the door of the Kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 7: 21)

God keeps in peace a person of firm purpose.  This person trusts in the Lord forever as eternal Rock.  (Isaiah 26: 4)

Come O Lamb whom John proclaimed.

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Yes Lord, here I am.

"Come after me, says the Lord,
and I will make you fishers of men."  (Matthew 4: 19 NABRE)

What does it take to become a fisher of men?  
"Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Romans 10: 17)   You have heard the invitation from Jesus.  What is keeping you from saying Yes?

Some are called to be full time evangelist.  Others are called to be part-time.  Everyone is called to spread the word of God.  Start small.  Grow steadily.  Become a pro.  Start by forwarding scripture verses that touch your heart to family and friends.  Then create a group list.  Go to social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.  Not difficult.  All you need is faith and yes to Jesus.
All things are possible to one who has faith.  (Mark 9: 23)

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He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of His mouth.

"The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him."  (Isaiah 11: 2 NABRE)

Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the Prophet Isaiah sketched accurately His profile.  One attribute or sign marked Jesus above others.  Jesus possessed the fullness of the Holy Spirit.  But that is not all.  The Spirit He is endowed is  "a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord,
and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord."   (Isaiah 11: 2 - 3 NABRE)

As we wait for the Coming of Jesus at Christmas, let us remember that we too are blessed with the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Without the Spirit, it is impossible to live the Christian life.  This season of Advent is the right time to be refreshed with the Holy Spirit so that buds shall blossom from withered stumps.

Come O Root of David!

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I want You to heal my servant right here, right now.

 “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."  (Matthew 8: 10 NABRE)

Why does Jesus praise so lavishly the faith of the Centurion?  Faith is a rare commodity and one of the greatest gifts of God.  The opposite of faith is Unbelief and Doubt.

How does faith work?  Jesus said to the Centurion:  “I will come and cure him.” The Centurion heard this and believed.  The faith of the Centurion is much deeper.  He said to Jesus: No need to come to my house.  Just heal my servant with a word from here.  Right here, right now.

What gave the Centurion such an elevated faith?  He extrapolated  his experience as a senior Roman officer.

Faith comes from hearing and believing the promises of God.  As you exercise your faith every day, it grows.

Happy Advent!

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