If anyone wishes to come after me, he must take up his cross daily and follow Me.

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”  (Luke 9: 22 NABRE)

At the beginning of Lent 2017, we hear Jesus speaking of the absolute necessity, the inevitability of His suffering.   Why is the Spirit giving us this Scripture now?  Consider these reasons:

#1.  Are you fully aware of the power of the cross and the necessity of your own suffering?
#2.  No following of Christ without suffering.  Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.  (Pope Benedict XVI).
#3.  The Son of Man must suffer before His glorification.  (Luke 24: 26).  What is a divine necessity for Jesus is true for us.

There are 35 Doctors of the Church,  great men and women who clarified our doctrine of faith and showed us by example how to live the Christian life.  They all suffered physical, emotional and spiritual pains.  But each one of them accomplished their destiny in spite of their terrible sufferings. 

Our suffering is blessing in disguise.  No cross, no crown. 
So at the beginning of Lent 2017,  the mystery and contradiction of the cross is set before us to grapple with.

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If you hear His voice today, harden not your heart.

"Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."  ( 2 Corinthians 6: 2 NABRE)

The Season of Lent which begins today is a great Season of favors and spiritual gifts.  First and foremost the gift of conversion.  Whether we are beginners or advanced in our Faith Journey,  continual conversion is all the Christian life is all about.

The word of God urges us not to postpone our conversion.  Do not say:  "I am young.  Let me enjoy some more fun."   ( Cf Sirach 5: 1 - 8).  God overlooks sins to bring us to repentance.  He spares us because of His Mighty Mercy.
"For gracious and merciful is the Lord, slow to anger,  rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment."  (Cf Joel 2: 2 - 18)

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."  (Cf Psalm 95: 8)

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Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed.

"Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The offering of the just enriches the altar: a sweet odor before the Most High."  (Sirach 35: 6 - 8 NABRE)

I cannot forget the first I heard about not appearing before the LORD empty-handed.  I had assumed it was alright to whine: I have no money.  I have no job and blame the Lord for my situation.  Today, I remember the widow's mite and try to behave accordingly.  (Mark 12: 41 -  44;  Luke 21: 1 -  4)

"With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, and do not spare your freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means."  (Sirach 35: 10 - 12)

"For he is a God who always repays
and will give back to you sevenfold."  (Sirach 35: 13)

"Trust in God at all times, O my people!  Pour out your hearts before him."  (Psalm 62: 9)

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The Lord brought me out to a place of freedom.

“You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”   (Mark 10: 21 NABRE)

Jesus looked with love at a rich young man who came to Him for advice and said the above.  What is the One Thing holding you back from fully embracing the call of Jesus?  Money, job, possessions, comfort?  Your pathway to the victory and freedom you yearn for is renouncing this One Thing and letting Jesus take control.

Once upon a time, my life was secretly controlled by alcohol.  One Saturday in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I received a green light from Jesus to ask for healing.  I went home from Church and emptied all the bottles of liquor in the toilet.  I regained my freedom.

"The Lord became my Protector.  He brought me out to a place of freedom;  He saved me because He delighted in me."  (Cf Psalm 18: 19-20 RM)

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Why are anxious about everything?

"But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”
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 NABRE)

"Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all."  (Psalm 62: 2 - 3)

"Trust in God at all times, O my people!  Pour out your hearts before him."  (Psalm 62: 9)

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The Almighty has done great things for Mary.

"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

The above verse is from the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise to God when she visited Elizabeth.

Jesus did not honor Mary during her earthly life and at times seemed even to ignore her.  Mary's life here below may be described as ordinary and even insignificant.  Mary was probably known to a handful of disciples and her relatives.  Then one day she died and then the cult of Mary burst on the world like  a nuclear force.  Consider a few of what happened after Mary died:

#1.   Basilicas, Cathedrals, Churches, Universities, Institutes sprout up all over the world in her name.
#2.  Prayers and intercessions began simultaneously everywhere in her name.
#3.  The Holy Rosary believed to be a gift from God to the Church began to be used as a popular devotion  around AD 1000 and rapidly spread everywhere.  Today probably some  20 Billion Hail Marys are said round the clock all over the world every day. 

#4.  The Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Christology) becomes illuminated when seen through the mystery of Mary.  New doctrines and dogmas were defined to honor Mary. 

Some people ask:  Don't you honor Mary too much?  Her children rush to answer without hesitation:  NOT ENOUGH for the Mother of our God and Savior.

Is our God a faithful God?  Remember:  the best is yet to come for you.  God has reserved the best wine to the last.  (Cf John 2: 9)
"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

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The Almighty has done great things for Mary.

"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

The above verse is from the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise to God when she visited Elizabeth.

Jesus did not honor Mary during her earthly life and at times seemed even to ignore her.  Mary's life here below may be described as ordinary and even insignificant.  Mary was probably known to a handful of disciples and her relatives.  Then one day she died and then the cult of Mary burst on the world as a nuclear force.  Consider a few of what happened after Mary died:

#1.   Basilicas, Cathedrals, Churches, Universities, Institutes sprout up all the world in her name.
#2.  Prayers and intercessions began simultaneously everywhere in her name.
#3.  The Holy Rosary believed to be a gift from God to the Church was launched around AD 1000 and rapidly spread all over the world.  Today probably around 20 Billion Hail Marys are said round the clock all over the world.
#4.  The Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Christology) becomes illuminated when seen through the mystery of Mary.  New doctrines and dogmas were defined to honor Mary. 

Some people ask:  Don't you honor Mary too much?  Her children rush to answer without hesitation:  NOT ENOUGH for the Mother of our God and Savior.

Is our God a faithful God?  Remember, the best is yet to come for you.  God has reserved the best wine to the last.  (Cf John 2: 9)
"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

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A faithful friend is beyond price.

"A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings."

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."  (Sirach 6: 5, 15 - 17 RM)

This word of God touches me to the core.  I need desperately to learn the art of making and keeping friends.  Lord Jesus, You are my best Friend and constant Companion, help me to make human friends.

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2-24

"A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings."

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."  (Sirach 6: 5, 15 - 17 RM)

This word of God touches me to the core.  I need desperately to learn the art of making and keeping friends.  Lord Jesus, You are my best Friend and constant Companion, help me to make human friends.

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Delay not your conversion to the LORD.

"Say not: “I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?”
   for the Most High bides his time.
Of forgiveness be not overconfident,
   adding sin upon sin.
Say not: “Great is his mercy;
   my many sins he will forgive.”
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
   upon the wicked alights his wrath.

Delay not your conversion to the LORD,
   put it not off from day to day.
For suddenly his wrath flames forth;
   at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed."  (Sirach: 4 -  7 RM)

2 weeks to the great Season of Mercy: LENT 2017:  March 1, 2017.  Be Prepared!

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You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

"But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  (Luke 22: 32 NIV)

Is this a Scripture you can claim for yourself?  At the beginning of my conversion, I was naive and saw every promise in the Bible as mine.  I read the above promise thus:  "I have prayed for you, Emmanuel, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."  Though not as naive today as I was then, I decided to keep this formula.   After all, Jesus Christ is our able and eternal High Priest who is constantly interceding for us at God's Throne of Mercy.  (Hebrews 4: 14-16;  6: 20)

Praise our Chief Shepherd and Able and Eternal High Priest!

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In fire gold and silver are tested.

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD,
   stand in justice and fear,
   prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
   incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,
   undisturbed in time of adversity.
Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
   thus will you be wise in all your ways.
Accept whatever befalls you,
   when sorrowful, be steadfast,
   and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,
   and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and God will help you;
   trust in him, and he will direct your way;
   keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
   turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him,
   and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
   for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the LORD, love him,
   and your hearts will be enlightened.
Study the generations long past and understand;
   has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?
    has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;
   he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble
   and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth."  (Sirach 2: 1- 11 RM)

This is the word of God.
Thanks be to God.

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Faith may well be the secret and missing ingredient in your life.

“O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you?"  (Mark 9: 19 NABRE)

Jesus uses a tough language to describe people of His generation.  They have no faith.  They are riddled with unbelief and doubt.  He identified this as their core problem.

What are the symptoms of faithlessness, unbelief and doubt?
#1.  No Prayer
#2.  No Church
#3.  No Sunday Rest
#4.  Ignorance of the Scriptures
#5.  Dependence on money for security, etc, etc, etc.

Do you recognize our generation?  Pope Benedict XVI said that lack of faith is the fundamental problem of this generation.
Listen to what Jesus says about Faith:  "Everything is possible to one who has faith.”   (Mark 9: 23)

When the man who provoked the conversation heard the above, he cried out:  “I do believe, help my unbelief!”  (Mark 9: 24)  A great prayer for everyone.

Later on the same day, the disciples asked Jesus:  “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”
Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”  (Mark 9: 28 - 29 NLT)

We notice here the tight integration between faith and prayer.  One cannot exist without the other.  Prayer is a vital necessity for the life of faith.   (Cf Luke 18: 1) And Faith is the secret ingredient for all the great heroes of the Bible.  (Hebrews 11:13, 39)

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Be holy just as your heavenly Father is holy.

"The Lord said to Moses: Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy."  (Leviticus 19: 1 -  2 NABRE)

"So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5: 48)

Is holiness a scary subject to you?  Or perhaps you consider it a topic for nuns, priests and pastors?  To be holy, you must want to be holy.  Do you desire to be holy?

Holiness consists simply in loving your neighbor as yourself and accepting with serenity day after day the things you cannot change.  These are your crosses.

Of course you cannot do the above without a life of prayer and complete trust and dependence on the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of holiness dwells in you and makes you a temple of God.  (1 Corinthians 3: 16)

Desire holiness and make friends with the Holy Spirit and He will do the rest.

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His Name is the Word of God.

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  (Mark 9: 7 NABRE)

Peter, James and John accompanied Jesus to the Mountain of Transfiguration.  And here they heard Abba Father say to them:  “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  (Mark 9: 7)
In the whole of Sacred Scripture, we do not have many instances of Abba Father speaking to anyone.  This is a treasured moment and gift.  The speech is brief, just 8 words.  Clear and direct.  Father directs us to listen to His Son Jesus.  This is a counsel no Christian dare to take lightly.

We listen to Jesus in the Scriptures especially.  He is the word of God.  He is the word that is made flesh.  (John 1: 14)  His name is the word of God.  (Revelation 19: 13) The Book of Hebrews teaches us that in these last days, the Father has spoken to us through His Son Jesus.  (Hebrews 1: 1-2) Jesus is therefore the last word of the Father.

Whenever I hear the Father's word on the Mountain of Transfiguration, I remember another great counsel, this time by the Mother of Jesus.  "Do whatever He tells you."  (John 2:  5)  When you combine the two counsels,  you have a perfect spirituality.   You hear and you do.

Grace and Mercy be upon you.

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Your cross is tailor-made to fit your person.

“If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]."  (Mark 8: 34 AMP)

This sounds impossible and insane until you remember that there is a great cloud of witnesses that have done it.   (Hebrews 12: 1)  Jesus Himself is the Author and Finisher of our faith and would not ask us what He did not experience.  (Hebrews 12: 2)

Whatever your cross, you may not have chosen it.  Know with absolute certainty that it was tailor-made for you by One who knows you perfectly.   You have tried and found that you cannot come down from that cross.

I say this prayer every morning and it helps me to carry my daily crosses:

O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can.  And the wisdom to know the difference.

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Be my Protector, the Mighty Stronghold to save me.

“But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Messiah.”  (Mark 8: 29 NABRE)

Who is Jesus for you?

"Be my protector, O God,
a mighty stronghold to save me.
For you are my rock, my stronghold!
Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name."  (Cf Psalm 31:  3 -  4 RM)

Jesus is my Savior, my Protector, my Mighty Stronghold, my Rock.

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What can I offer the Lord for His mercies towards me.

What can I offer the Lord
for all he has done for me?"  (Psalm 116: 12 NLT)

When you experience a great favor from God and your heart is overflowing with gratitude, how do you thank God?

Let us see some of the ways this was done in the Scriptures:
#1.  "Noah built an altar to the Lord, and choosing from every clean animal and every clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar."   (Genesis 8: 20)
#2.  Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek.  (Genesis 14: 20; Hebrews 7: 2)
#3.  "Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High." (Psalm 50: 14)
"Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me."  (Psalm 50: 23)
#4.  Jesus offers the Eucharist at the Last Supper, a Sacrifice of His Body and Blood.  (Matthew 26: 17-30; Mark 14: 12 - 26; Luke 22: 7 - 23)

The Eucharist is a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving repeated daily in Memorial of Jesus' total self-sacrifice.  (Luke 22: 19; 1 Corinthians 11: 24)  This oblation which Jesus calls the New Covenant (Matthew 26: 23) cleanses and renews us and become for us the source of Eternal Life. 

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Do you not remember?

"The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat." (Mark 8: 14 NABRE)

We often ask the Lord for favors on health, family, money, job, etc.  The Lord is pleased to grant us the favor  to help grow our faith in Him.   Since no condition is permanent and the favor was meant to be renewed through fresh request, the next time we feel the need, we panic instead of asking again with confidence.

The Lord Jesus chides the disciples and us with these words:  "Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened?  Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember."  (Mark 8: 17 -  18)

Why do we forget so often details of God's past mercies?  I find personally that even when I write the favor in my journal, I still forget.  I do better when I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of the favors I have enjoyed from God. 

 “Do you still not understand?”  (Mark 8: 21)

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Am I my brother's keeper?

"Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."  (Genesis 4: 8 NABRE)

Thus we see the first murder in the Bible and Cain became the first murderer.  When I was a little child and heard this story, I was shocked and frightened.  In those days, murder was rare.  Let us consider the reasons for this crime and the consequences:

#1.  Jealousy, envy, anger, hatred
#2.  Spirit of disobedience
#3.  No fear of God or retribution
You can expand on the list.

Consider the consequences:
Murder, fratricide, war.

You may add as an example the chilly effect of the 911 attack on the American society.  It changed a society that was kindly and welcoming into one that is fearful and suspicious of strangers.  It gave birth to an insidious warmongering spirit.

All the above are attributable to the demonic spirit of Cain.  But the Scriptures bring us hope:

"For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another,  unlike Cain who belonged to the evil one and slaughtered his brother. Why did he slaughter him? Because his own works were evil, and those of his brother righteous."  (1 John 3: 11 -  12)

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Open my eyes, that I may consider the wonders of Your law.

"Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 19 NABRE)

This Sunday, the 6th in Ordinary Time, the Spirit focuses our attention on one theme:  God's law, God's commandments.  Let's consider a few of the pointers in today's letter to the  Churches:

#1.  "If you choose, you can keep the commandments; loyalty is doing the will of God."  (Sirach 15: 15)
#2.  "He never commands anyone to sin, nor shows leniency toward deceivers."  (Sirach 15: 20)
#3.  "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord."  (Psalm 119 : 1)
#4.  "Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart."  (Psalm 119: 34)
#5  "Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 19)

What is the reward for keeping the commandments?

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
 and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him.”  (1 Corinthians 2: 9 NLT)

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They ate and were satisfied.

"They ate and were satisfied."  (Mark 8: 8 NABRE)

Jesus fed 4000 people with seven loaves and a few fish. They all get ate and were satisfied with plenty leftover.  How many times have you been to a party, wedding or reception and can honestly say that you ate and were satisfied?  Only Christ the Bread of life who knows exactly what we need can pull this off.  Remember the Wedding Feast at Canna?  The people drank the best wine until they could drink no more.

Jesus fulfilled admirably the prophecy in Isaiah 55:

"All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat;
Come, buy grain without money,
wine and milk without cost!"  (Isaiah 55: 1)

In verse 2 of the same chapter,  God asked our throw-away generation an intriguing question:

"Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy?
Only listen to me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare."  (Isaiah 55: 2)

Every single day, Jesus continues to feed millions of people with the finest wheat, the Bread of life.   (John 6 : 35;  Matthew 26: 26; 1 Corinthians 11: 24)

“It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God."  (Matthew 4: 4 AMP)

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Be alert. Watch and pray.

"Now the snake was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made."  (Genesis 3: 1 NABRE)

St Peter warns us:  "Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour."   (1 Peter 5: 8)

What is your attitude to temptations?  Are you the type that likes to get to the very edge of the cliff?  Is playing with fire like a sport to you?

Now listen to Jesus:  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.   The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  (Matthew 26: 41 NIV)

Know yourself, your weak points. Satan knows these very well.  Be alert.  Watch and pray.

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Welcome the word that has been planted in you.

"Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls."  (James 1: 21 NABRE)

The "word" above means also the word of God, law, command, statute, promise, etc.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."  (Romans 10: 17 NKJV)

The word you hear is the Good News.  His name is Jesus.  When you welcome the word or the message, you welcome Jesus.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."  (Revelation 3: 20 NLT)
Where Jesus is, there is salvation; there is prosperity.

"Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls."  (James 1: 21)

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O bless the Lord my soul!

"All creatures look to you to give them food in due time. When you give it to them, they gather; when you open your hand, they are well filled."  (Psalm 104: 27 -  28)

Every living thing depend on God for  nourishment and life.  Note there is a time for gathering.

"Young lions roar for prey; they seek their food from God."  (Psalm 104:  21)

Even young powerful lion's still depend on God for their food.

"You make the grass grow for the cattle and plants for people’s work to bring forth food from the earth,
wine to gladden their hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread to sustain the human heart."  (Psalm 104: 14 - 15)

Are you surprised to learn that God gives us wine, beer and spirit to gladden our hearts?  How about those fine cosmetics?  And all the assorted kinds of food?

"Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord, my God, you are great indeed!" (Psalm 104: 1)

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Sunday Rest is a great gift from Abba Father.

"On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing; he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken.   God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation." (Genesis 2: 2 -  3 NABRE)

God rested on the seventh day from His labors.  He set it apart for us for rest and worship. 

Families should take advantage of the Sunday Rest for spiritual and physical refreshment.  It is a day to visit the sick in the hospital, enjoy the zoo and the parks.

It is a day when all anxiety about work and money should be banished.  Cast the burden on the Lord who ordered us to rest on Sunday.

The Sunday Rest is a Rehearsal for the promised Eternal Rest.

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Cry out to Jesus with expectant faith and you will be healed.

"Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed."  (Mark 6: 56 NLT)

Many today need healing for their infirmities.  The sick in Mark 6: 56 were healed by their faith in Jesus and not by the act of touching the fringe of His robe.   Since Jesus is alive and active today, whoever approaches Jesus with expectant faith will be healed.  Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever.   (Hebrews 13: 8)

Where and how can we approach Jesus today?
#1.  The Eucharist, which is the New Covenant and the source and summit of our faith.
#2.  The word of God, which contains His presence, power and person.
#3. Prayer, which Jesus calls a vital necessity.  (Luke 18: 1)

The important thing is:  Approach Jesus with a dynamic and expectant faith and you will be healed.

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Bestow your bread on the hungry and watch how the Lord will respond.

"Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them."  (Isaiah 58: 7 RM)

Yesterday, we heard the following from the Lord:   "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16)

Today, the Lord became more specific.  The poor and the needy cry to the Lord and He hears them.  (Psalm 34: 17; 69: 33) It is not because of any limitations to His power that Abba Father does not supply the poor and the needy directly.   Father is pleased to share the government of the world with us.  As a good Teacher, He motivates us.

If you obey,  "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"  (Isaiah 58: 8 -  9)

For all who obey God, No fear.  No worry.  No doubt.

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If you bestow your bread on the hungry, it shall be well for you and you will never have to fear bad news.

"Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them."  (Isaiah 58: 7 RM)

Yesterday, we heard the following from the Lord:   "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16)

Today, the Lord became more specific.  The poor and the needy cry to the Lord and He hears them.  (Psalm 34: 17; 69: 33) It is not because of any limitations to His power that Abba Father does not supply the poor and the needy directly.   Father is pleased to share the government of the world with us.  As a good Teacher, He motivates us.

If you obey,  "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"  (Isaiah 58: 8 -  9)

For all who obey God, No fear.  No worry.  No doubt.

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If you bestow your bread on the hungry, it shall be well for you and you shall never be moved.

"Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them."  (Isaiah 58: 7 RM)

Yesterday, we heard the following from the Lord:   "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16)

Today, the Lord became more specific.  The poor and the needy cry to the Lord and He hears them.  (Psalm 34: 17; 69: 33) It is not because of any limitations to His power that Abba Father does not supply the poor and the needy directly.   Father is pleased to share the government of the world with us.  As a good Teacher, He motivates us.

If you obey,  "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"  (Isaiah 58: 8 -  9)

For all who obey God, No fear.  No worry.  No doubt.

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Do good and share what you have.

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16 NABRE)

Do you groan if you find yourself sharing what you have?  Our Heavenly Father who is not partial has bestowed on each of us immense Time, Talent and Treasure.   He wants us to develop and enjoy these gifts.  He is very pleased when we share them. 
You can share your gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure not just in your faith and civil communities but even with strangers.

"May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord,  furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will."  (Hebrews 13: 20 - 21)

If the Lord is truly your Shepherd, He promises that you will lack nothing.  Trust Him.  (Psalm 23: 1)

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February 03, 2017: First Friday

February 03, 2017 First Friday

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

#5:  I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

The above is one of 12 of The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary.

Jesus promises to pour abundant blessings on all the undertakings of those who honor and are devoted to His Most Sacred Heart.

I always remind Jesus of this promise.  Scripture teaches us to pray that God prospers the work of our hands.  (Psalm 90: 17).  When you tie this prayer to the Sacred Heart devotion, you give a boost to your faith.  God responds to Faith always and everywhere.

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Love money and money will enslave you.

"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake  you.”   That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”  (Hebrews 13: 5 - 6 TLB)

By dying Jesus Christ freed us from the fear of death.  (Hebrews 2: 15)
By His poverty, we are freed from the fear of being poor.  This fear has led many to be enslaved by money all their life.  (Cf Hebrews 2: 15)

Man does not live on money alone.  Man is created to live on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  (Cf Matthew 4 : 4)
Paul says that he knows how to live as a rich man and  how to live as a poor man.  There is no situation he cannot find contentment because of Jesus Christ who has promised him His presence, protection and provision.  He found his security in Jesus.  ( Cf 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10;  Philippians 4: 12)

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Is Jesus a sign of contradiction by choice or by design?

“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted."  (Luke 2: 34 NABRE)

It beats the imagination on how such a sweet child should be a sign of contradiction and contestation.  Yet this is what Jesus became almost from the womb.  Let us consider a few examples:

#1.  Joseph, a native of Bethlehem could not secure a room in  his home town for Mary to give birth.  (Luke 2: 7)
#2.  Because of Jesus, many innocent infants of his age group were massacred by King Herod. (Matthew 2: 16)
#3. The Infant Jesus and His parents became refugees in Egypt.  (Matthew 2: 13)
#4. His relatives suspected Him of insanity.  (Mark 3: 21)
#5. The religious rulers accused him of demonic possession.  (Mark 3: 22)
#6.  Under Pontius Pilate, he was imprisoned, judged and condemned to a cruel death. (Matthew 27: 32 - 60)
#7. Over 2000 years after He rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven,  His followers are divided arguing who is the first and the best.

"The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him."  (Luke 2: 40)

God Never Fails!

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The Lord chastened me severely but spared my life.

“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.”  (Hebrews 12 : 5 -  6 NABRE)

After I lost everything I had worked for, sick and penniless, I heard the above words from the pulpit at Mass one Sunday morning.  It was clearly addressed to me.  The word has met its owner.  For the rest of that Sunday,  I read and re-read the passage.  Gradually, the truth settled in my heart.  Abba Father was not punishing me for my sins but training me as a son.  By the end of that day, I resolved to accept all my trials as discipline.  My life was transformed.  It did not take long before I started to notice the peaceful fruit of righteousness that came from Abba Father's discipline.   Like David I crowed "Thank You Father for training me." (Psalm 118: 18)

Thank You Father.  Lead me, guide me, train me and use me.  Amen!

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Faith alone can help you attain your destiny and the best version of yourself.

"Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”  (Mark 5: 34 NABRE)

“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”  (Mark 5: 36 NABRE)

In Mark 5: 21 -  44, we see two miracles of healing back to back.  A woman suffering hemorrhages for 12 years was healed instantly and the daughter of Jaurus was raised from death.   Yesterday we named some heroes of faith in the Old Testament.  All these pure Scriptures on faith give us an opportunity to understand what faith is and how to nourish and use it.

Faith alone distinguished the heroes of the Old Testament.  It can make you great and a hero.  Perhaps not a millionaire.  Faith can help you attain your destiny, the very best person God has created you to be.

Faith is based on the trustworthiness of the word, promise of God.  If He says it, it shall be accomplished.  Fear is useless; all that is needed is trust.  Disregard sense evidence and feelings and trust in the pure word of God.

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You too can become a hero of faith.

"I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets,  who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised."  (Hebrews 11: 32 -  33 NIV)

We see a sampling of some of the heroes of faith and some of what they accomplished through faith.  You may say:  "This is ancient history."  But how about Martin Luther King, Mother St Teresa of Kolkata, Mother Mary Angelica, founder of EWTN who died less than a year ago?   What God did in the past, He can repeat today.

"And my righteous ones will live by faith." (Hebrews 10: 38)

Lord, give us the faith of the heroes, then lead us, guide us and use us to the dust.

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Have mercy on us and the whole world, Jesus.

"Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy."  (Matthew 5: 7 NABRE)

Moses brought the law.  Experience shows that even for the best of us, it is impossible to observe the law totally.  Jesus Christ brought grace and mercy.  Grace is unmerited favor.  Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown to someone who expects or deserves punishment.  We have all sinned and fallen short of glory of God.  (Romans 3: 23)  We deserve severe punishment but God has chosen to show us great mercy.

How do we obtain and maintain mercy?   Remember the ABC OF MERCY?

ASK FOR MERCY
BE MERCIFUL
COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY

Each step of this formula is essential.

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Faith in God's promises is more solid than most of the things we believe in.

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.  Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith."  (Hebrews 11: 1 -  2  TLB)

Abraham understood the very essence of faith.  He faithed, that is to say, he obeyed as a consequence of his faith.  If a friend accepts your dinner invitation, you do not wait until he knocks on the door before you start preparing the meal.  Whether it is faith in your friends, the family doctor or a product or process, you believe because you consider the promise trustworthy.

Why then do you consider your friends, doctors, government more trustworthy than God?  God's promises are coded in the Bible which never changes.  Jesus asked his excited disciples after He calmed the turbulent sea, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"  (Mark 4: 40)

Lord Jesus increase our faith.

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Take delight in the LORD, He will grant you the desires of your heart.

"Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

Commit to the LORD your way; trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, and he approves his way.
Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate, for the hand of the LORD sustains him.

The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."
(Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40 RM)

The above Scripture needs no commentary.  It is the pure word of God.  A most consoling truth.   Believe it and do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense.  You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what He has promised.  (Hebrews 10: 37)

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Reject the spirit of fear, cowardice and indulgence.

"God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control."  (2 Timothy 1: 7 NABRE)

Do you watch the parades of the stars and  celebrities on television? Don't they all appear beautiful, content and very happy? What we do not see is the spirit of fear and cowardice that lurks in their hearts and minds.  St Paul reminds us that as Christians, Jesus Christ lives in our hearts and minds.  The spirit of Christ is opposed to the spirit of fear and cowardice which is the spirit of Satan.  We must be aware of this truth and reclaim fully our inheritance at all times.

Stir into flame constantly the gift of your sonship which you received when you became a member of the Household of God, Paul urged Timothy and us.
Reject the devil and all his lures and false promises.  Be ready at all times to bear your share of the the hardship for the new evangelization with the strength that comes from God.  (2 Timothy 1: 8)

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The Lord Jesus has designated something special for you to do.

"‘What shall I do, Lord?’"  (Acts 22: 10 NIV)

St Paul asked the Lord Jesus the above question in his dramatic encounter with Jesus on his road to Damascus to persecute Christians.  Some of us have asked the Lord the same question.  The Lord Jesus promised Paul that he would be told everything "appointed" for him to do.  Aren't you excited to know that there is something already appointed for you to do?  I am greatly excited.

Just as God designated a special mission for St Paul,  John Henry Cardinal Newman said that God has designated a special mission for you which no other person can do.

"I have chosen you to go and bear witness about Me in the world, says Jesus."  (John 15: 16)

"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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Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will.

“Behold, I come to do your will.”   (Hebrews 10: 9 NABRE)

"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  (Matthew 6 : 10)
"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."  (Luke 22: 42)
"Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."  (Mark 3: 35)

From the above Scriptures, we see that Jesus places God's will above everything else.   No wonder  the Father elevated Him so highly.  (Philippians 2: 5 - 11)

Which is more important to you?  God's will or your will?  Start by seeing and embracing God's will in every event in your life.

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If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

"But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.”  (Mark 3: 22 NLT)

Two days ago, we reflected on how the relatives of Jesus said, "He is out of his mind."   (Mark 3: 21)

Today, we see a more serious charge against Jesus.   What do you know about spiritual warfare?  Reality or fiction?  We battle against evil everywhere.   St Peter teaches authoritatively "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."  (1 Peter 5: 8 NLT)  Do not be the one that is devoured.

Leave no open doors for the evil spirits.  One enters and invites all his buddies.  In the battle for Jesus, do not fear the words of the godless.   Trust and surrender and obey.

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I shall experience the goodness of the LORD all the days of my life.

"One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek:
To dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life,
To gaze on the Lord’s beauty,
to visit his temple."  (Psalm 27: 4 NABRE)

This is the prayer and desire of David.   Can you make it yours?  How much do you love the house of the Lord?

"I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"  (Psalm 27:  13 - 14 NABRE)

Do you pray and long to experience all the goodness the Lord plans for you here and now?  Then wait for it for the Lord is a faithful God.  (2 Thessalonians 3: 3)

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Did they truly believe Jesus was crazy?

"He is out of his mind."   (Mark 3: 21)

Who do you imagine is the subject of the above sentence?  Jesus Christ our Lord Himself!  How will you feel if you are doing your best to serve the poor and needy in your community and gossips spread like wild fire that you are crazy?  You will be furious with rage that your enemies will stop at nothing to destroy you.  As the Evangelist Mark reported, the relatives of Jesus hearing the rumors, sent strong men to seize Jesus.  Society does the same to somebody they consider mad.  Seize him and lock him up for the good of society.

Are you prepared to pay this price as the cost of discipleship?  Jesus was prepared to pay any price for our salvation.

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Only those whom He wanted were chosen, called and anointed.

"He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.    He  appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles]"  (Mark 3: 13 -  14 NABRE)

The list of those Jesus wanted and appointed as His Apostles reminds us of another list:  the Gynealogy of Jesus Christ.   Just like the list of the Apostles, a collection of imperfect men and women made the list of ancestors of Jesus Christ.   They are exactly what God wanted.  All through the ages to 2017, God chooses, calls and anoints those whom He wanted.  Who dare hold a grudge against the Most High?

"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: 9)

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Jesus Christ has unlimited power to deliver us always, everywhere without exception.

"Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them."  (Hebrews 7: 25 RM)

The above quotation is not commentary or exposition but the word of God.  Open your heart and mind and believe it.  Note the critical phrase:  "Always able to save."  This means always and everywhere with no exception.  The only condition is to approach the Father in the name of Jesus.

How does belief in Hebrews 7: 25 help us?  This word of God becomes a light in our mind when we need help with regard to health, family, money, job, tools and possessions, food and future.   You turn to Jesus in confident prayer asking Him to save you and reminding Him of Hebrews 7: 25.

Result:   You feel an immediate inward peace (Philippians 4: 6 - 7) as you wait for the Lord's definitive response to your prayer.

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still the Lord who heals us.

"Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people."  (Cf Matthew 4: 23 RM)

Have you ever wondered whether our Lord Jesus Christ is still in the business of healing?  Why do you allow such doubts to rise in your hearts?  (Luke 24: 38)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  (Hebrews 13: 8)
JEHOVAH RAPHA, the Lord our Healer is His ancient name.

Now know once and forever that every single healing has Jesus Christ as the First Cause.  Without Jesus, no doctor, no medicine, no hospital, no healing.

But sometimes, the Lord chooses to intervene personally and directly in order to excite our faith.

O Lord Jesus Christ, You are our Lord and Healer.

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The hope you place in God can never fail.

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  (Hebrews 6: 10 NIV)

Do you serve God with all your heart?  Do you love your brothers and sisters in the family of God?  Then be confident of your reward and hold fast to the hope that is sure and firm.  For hope never fails.  (Romans 5: 5)

"May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call."  (Cf  Ephesians 1: 17 -  18 RM)

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Jesus Christ did not glorify Himself in becoming High Priest.

"No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was."  (Hebrews 5: 4 NABRE)

A number of Scriptures the Holy Spirit gives the Church for today points to the mystery of the priesthood:

#1.  "It was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest."  (Hebrews 5: 5)
#2.  "The Lord has sworn and will not waver: “You are a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek.”  (Psalm 110: 4)
#3.  “You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek.”  (Hebrews 5 : 6)
#4. "You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst."  (Psalm 23: 5)

Finally, from the Prayer over the Offerings:  "Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that we may participate worthily in these mysteries, for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated the work of our redemption is accomplished.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen."

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