"Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Emmanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us"(Matthew 1:23)NJB
The prophecy of the birth of the Messiah in Isaiah 7:14 shows God's plan for Mary in the economy of salvation. The characteristics of God's plans are: they are long-term, trustworthy and excellent. Mary could see in her life the fulfillment of another prophecy in Isaiah 25:1 - "Yahweh, you are my God, I shall praise you to the heights, I shall praise your name; for you have accomplished marvels, plans long-conceived, faithfully, firmly"(NJB). God has indeed accomplished marvellous things for Mary. He has made her the mother of Emmanuel. In her Magnificat, Mary echoes the same sentiments.
In the Gospels, we see Mary's closeness to the life and work of Jesus. Mary was always present in key defining moments in the life of her Son.
St Pius X wrote in his Encyclical, Ad diem illum of February 2, 1904: "When one reflects that with her alone did Jesus spend thirty years in that family union of Son and Mother, surely there is no doubt that through Mary the surest way of knowing Christ is opened to us....Nobody ever knew Christ so profoundly as she did, and nobody could be more competent as a guide and teacher of the knowledge of Christ."
I hope that you will discover as I did, that Mary is not only the Mother of Christ, but she is also Mary, our Mother, our mentor and our friend.
Books on Mary
Friday, October 07, 2005
Thursday, October 06, 2005
The Faith of the Magi
"They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2: 11).GNB
Mary presented the child Jesus to the three wise men and received the gifts on behalf of Jesus. The three wise men represent all those who seek for Jesus throughout the ages. Mary prefigures the Church, whose task is to present Jesus to the world. The 'gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh' represent the offerings of our time, talent and treasure to Jesus Christ.
According to The Documents of Vatican II, (Lumen Gentium), "The union of the Mother with the Son in the work of salvation was manifested from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to His death. It is shown first of all when Mary, arising in haste to go to visit Elizabeth, was greeted by her as blessed because of her belief in thg promise of salvation, while the precursor leaped with joy in the womb of his mother (cf Luke 1: 41 -45). This association was shown also at the birth of our Lord, who did not diminish His Mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it, when the Mother of God joyfully showed her first-born Son to the shepherds and Magi."
The three wise men saw an ordinary looking child and her ordinary mother in a very ordinary setting and believed that this was the Christ. All those who encountered the child Jesus, recognized Him in faith. Christ is present in the Eucharist as He promised. We are invited to recognize Him in faith as did the Magi.
Mary presented the child Jesus to the three wise men and received the gifts on behalf of Jesus. The three wise men represent all those who seek for Jesus throughout the ages. Mary prefigures the Church, whose task is to present Jesus to the world. The 'gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh' represent the offerings of our time, talent and treasure to Jesus Christ.
According to The Documents of Vatican II, (Lumen Gentium), "The union of the Mother with the Son in the work of salvation was manifested from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to His death. It is shown first of all when Mary, arising in haste to go to visit Elizabeth, was greeted by her as blessed because of her belief in thg promise of salvation, while the precursor leaped with joy in the womb of his mother (cf Luke 1: 41 -45). This association was shown also at the birth of our Lord, who did not diminish His Mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it, when the Mother of God joyfully showed her first-born Son to the shepherds and Magi."
The three wise men saw an ordinary looking child and her ordinary mother in a very ordinary setting and believed that this was the Christ. All those who encountered the child Jesus, recognized Him in faith. Christ is present in the Eucharist as He promised. We are invited to recognize Him in faith as did the Magi.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Be Prepared
"You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house" (Luke 12:39).
How would you react if you know for certain that you will be robbed next Monday at 4 PM? Would you allow anyone to break into your house and rob you? One of the things that attracted me to the Boy Scouts as a young boy was their motto. I later learned of their reputation for courage. My expectations were not disappointed because as a Boy Scout, I learned one principle of courage that has remained with me till today. "BE PREPARED" is not just the motto of the Boy's Scout but may well be one of the most valuable principles of courage. I have always admired men of courage. As a kid growing up, I was deeply fascinated by the stories of Samson in the Bible. David's exploits with lions as a shepherd boy still captivate me. Jesus teaches that the way to be courageous is to be prepared and vigilant. (Luke 12:39).
I had often wondered whether I will ever be a man of courage like Samson, David and Winston Churchill. For a great part of my life, I had believed that courageous men are born and not made. One mid-September night, faced with a life and death situation, I discovered the power of Joshua 1:9 and similar scriptures to imbue us with courage when we need it most. “I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” Then I learned that the word of God makes us strong and courageous. To be prepared is to be ready with an appropriate word of God as answer to the event that demands courage. An example is what St Paul wrote to Timothy: “God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control”. (2 Timothy 1:7)
As Jesus Christ taught, we must be constantly vigilant with the word of God so that no situation can take us by surprise.
See: Some Books on Courage
How would you react if you know for certain that you will be robbed next Monday at 4 PM? Would you allow anyone to break into your house and rob you? One of the things that attracted me to the Boy Scouts as a young boy was their motto. I later learned of their reputation for courage. My expectations were not disappointed because as a Boy Scout, I learned one principle of courage that has remained with me till today. "BE PREPARED" is not just the motto of the Boy's Scout but may well be one of the most valuable principles of courage. I have always admired men of courage. As a kid growing up, I was deeply fascinated by the stories of Samson in the Bible. David's exploits with lions as a shepherd boy still captivate me. Jesus teaches that the way to be courageous is to be prepared and vigilant. (Luke 12:39).
I had often wondered whether I will ever be a man of courage like Samson, David and Winston Churchill. For a great part of my life, I had believed that courageous men are born and not made. One mid-September night, faced with a life and death situation, I discovered the power of Joshua 1:9 and similar scriptures to imbue us with courage when we need it most. “I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” Then I learned that the word of God makes us strong and courageous. To be prepared is to be ready with an appropriate word of God as answer to the event that demands courage. An example is what St Paul wrote to Timothy: “God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control”. (2 Timothy 1:7)
As Jesus Christ taught, we must be constantly vigilant with the word of God so that no situation can take us by surprise.
See: Some Books on Courage
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Some Sayings of St. José Maria
"The Lord has sworn an oath and he will not retract; you are a priest forever, in the line of Melchisedech" (Psalm 110:4)
"Do you see? One strand of wire entwined with another, many woven tightly together, form that cable strong enough to lift huge weights. "You and your brothers, with wills united to carry out God's will, can overcome all obstacles" (St. José Maria, "The Way", 480).
"Conversion is something momentary; sanctification is the work of a lifetime. The divine seed of charity, which God has sown in our souls, wants to grow, to express itself in action, to yield results which continually corresponds with what God wants. Therefore, we must be ready to begin again, to find again -- in new situations--the light and the stimulus of our first conversion" (Christ is Passing By, 58).
"If we want to achieve holiness--in spite of personal shortcomings and miseries which will last as long as we live--we must make an effort, with God's grace, to practice charity, which is the fullness of the law and the bond of perfection. Charity is not something abstract; it entails a real, complete, self-giving to the service of God and all men in the hubbub of the world and those people whose existence is interwoven with our own. By living charity--love--we live all the human and supernatural virtues required of a Christian" (Conversations, 62).
"I assure you, my children, that when a Christian carries out with love the most insignificant everyday action, that action overflows with the transcendence of God. That is why I have told you repeatedly, and hammered away once and again on the idea, that the Christian vocation consists in making heroic verse out of the prose of each day. Heaven and earth seem to merge, my children, on the horizon. But where they really meet is in your hearts, when you sanctify your everyday lives" (Conversations, 116).
"A child of God treats the Lord as his Father. He is not obsequious and servile; he is not merely formal and well-mannered: he is completely sincere and trusting. God is not shocked by what we do. Our infidelities do not wear him out. Our Father in heaven pardons any offense when his child returns to him, when he repents and asks for pardon. The Lord is such a good father that he anticipates our desire to be pardoned and comes forward to us, opening his arms laden with grace" (Christ is Passing By, 64).
Opus Dei
BOOKS ON St. JOSEMARIA
"Do you see? One strand of wire entwined with another, many woven tightly together, form that cable strong enough to lift huge weights. "You and your brothers, with wills united to carry out God's will, can overcome all obstacles" (St. José Maria, "The Way", 480).
"Conversion is something momentary; sanctification is the work of a lifetime. The divine seed of charity, which God has sown in our souls, wants to grow, to express itself in action, to yield results which continually corresponds with what God wants. Therefore, we must be ready to begin again, to find again -- in new situations--the light and the stimulus of our first conversion" (Christ is Passing By, 58).
"If we want to achieve holiness--in spite of personal shortcomings and miseries which will last as long as we live--we must make an effort, with God's grace, to practice charity, which is the fullness of the law and the bond of perfection. Charity is not something abstract; it entails a real, complete, self-giving to the service of God and all men in the hubbub of the world and those people whose existence is interwoven with our own. By living charity--love--we live all the human and supernatural virtues required of a Christian" (Conversations, 62).
"I assure you, my children, that when a Christian carries out with love the most insignificant everyday action, that action overflows with the transcendence of God. That is why I have told you repeatedly, and hammered away once and again on the idea, that the Christian vocation consists in making heroic verse out of the prose of each day. Heaven and earth seem to merge, my children, on the horizon. But where they really meet is in your hearts, when you sanctify your everyday lives" (Conversations, 116).
"A child of God treats the Lord as his Father. He is not obsequious and servile; he is not merely formal and well-mannered: he is completely sincere and trusting. God is not shocked by what we do. Our infidelities do not wear him out. Our Father in heaven pardons any offense when his child returns to him, when he repents and asks for pardon. The Lord is such a good father that he anticipates our desire to be pardoned and comes forward to us, opening his arms laden with grace" (Christ is Passing By, 64).
Opus Dei
BOOKS ON St. JOSEMARIA
Monday, October 03, 2005
St. José Maria Escriva
"The Lord has sworn an oath and he will not retract; you are a priest forever, in the line of Melchisedech" (Psalm 110:4)
God chose St. José Maria Escriva as the instrument to found Opus Dei. Opus Dei is an enabling way of holiness in daily work and in the fulfillment of the ordinary duties of a Christian. José Maria taught that we can turn all the circumstances and events of our lives into opportunities to love and serve God and the Church. That is to say, we can come to trust divine providence in every circumstance of our life. We can do this because of who we are: children of God. A thorough understanding of what he called divine affiliation will change our entire perspective. His teachings inspire a life of joy and simplicity with faith and love. Many lay people all over the world follow this teaching enthusiastically today.
St. José Maria Escriva de Balaguer was born in Spain on 9 January 1902. He was ordained to the priesthood on 28 March 1925. He cherished the priesthood and like Melchisedech, he is a priest forever.
During his life, St. José Maria criss-crossed the world several times, giving many seminars and interviews. He wrote many books and speeches, all for the growth of Opus Dei and today the body has about 85,000 members in 80 countries. José Maria died in Rome on 26 June 1975. Pope John Paul II canonized him a saint on the 6th of October, 2002.
Opus Dei
BOOKS ON BLESSED JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA
God chose St. José Maria Escriva as the instrument to found Opus Dei. Opus Dei is an enabling way of holiness in daily work and in the fulfillment of the ordinary duties of a Christian. José Maria taught that we can turn all the circumstances and events of our lives into opportunities to love and serve God and the Church. That is to say, we can come to trust divine providence in every circumstance of our life. We can do this because of who we are: children of God. A thorough understanding of what he called divine affiliation will change our entire perspective. His teachings inspire a life of joy and simplicity with faith and love. Many lay people all over the world follow this teaching enthusiastically today.
St. José Maria Escriva de Balaguer was born in Spain on 9 January 1902. He was ordained to the priesthood on 28 March 1925. He cherished the priesthood and like Melchisedech, he is a priest forever.
During his life, St. José Maria criss-crossed the world several times, giving many seminars and interviews. He wrote many books and speeches, all for the growth of Opus Dei and today the body has about 85,000 members in 80 countries. José Maria died in Rome on 26 June 1975. Pope John Paul II canonized him a saint on the 6th of October, 2002.
Opus Dei
BOOKS ON BLESSED JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Unless the Lord builds....
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. .... In vain you rise early and go late to rest, toiling for the bread you eat; he supplies the needs of those he loves.(Psalm 127: 1-2)
Finding, keeping and progressing in a good job constitute one of life's great blessings. A good job means many wonderful things in life. It means personal prosperity: a nice home, new cars and vacations. It allows you to give your children great opportunities in life. A good job signifies winning respect, leadership, being admired by people in your social life and business circles. With a good job, you enjoy maximum freedom: freedom from worries, fears, frustrations and failure. A good job means self-esteem. As you optimize your potentials, you discover more happiness and satisfaction from life. You are proud that you are able to do more for people who depend on you.
Everybody wants a good job. We all want the best that life can offer us. Getting that good job is like building a house. The Bible teaches us to build on rock so that the house can stand storms and tempests. God is the architect and the master builder of our jobs, our families and in fact of our lives. He has the blue print. Let us trust Him. "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain(Psalm 127: 1)
Read:The Richest Man in Babylon
Finding, keeping and progressing in a good job constitute one of life's great blessings. A good job means many wonderful things in life. It means personal prosperity: a nice home, new cars and vacations. It allows you to give your children great opportunities in life. A good job signifies winning respect, leadership, being admired by people in your social life and business circles. With a good job, you enjoy maximum freedom: freedom from worries, fears, frustrations and failure. A good job means self-esteem. As you optimize your potentials, you discover more happiness and satisfaction from life. You are proud that you are able to do more for people who depend on you.
Everybody wants a good job. We all want the best that life can offer us. Getting that good job is like building a house. The Bible teaches us to build on rock so that the house can stand storms and tempests. God is the architect and the master builder of our jobs, our families and in fact of our lives. He has the blue print. Let us trust Him. "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain(Psalm 127: 1)
Read:The Richest Man in Babylon
Saturday, October 01, 2005
St. John the Evangelist
"I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth." (John 18:37)
The Gospel of St John is the outcome of a theological reflection on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From the beginning of the book to the end, we see the author's faith shining through every verse. We meet Jesus in the Gospel as the Lamb of God. Jesus is also presented as the truth, the way, the life, the bread of life, etc. The reflections provided the blog Seekfirst are not theological. As I read the Gospel of St John, I wrote down random thoughts that occur to me. I share these jottings hoping that somebody may find spiritual nourishment from them.
The Gospel of St John is the outcome of a theological reflection on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From the beginning of the book to the end, we see the author's faith shining through every verse. We meet Jesus in the Gospel as the Lamb of God. Jesus is also presented as the truth, the way, the life, the bread of life, etc. The reflections provided the blog Seekfirst are not theological. As I read the Gospel of St John, I wrote down random thoughts that occur to me. I share these jottings hoping that somebody may find spiritual nourishment from them.
Friday, September 30, 2005
The Holy Spirit draws men to Christ
"And when I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all men to myself" (John 12:32).
Christ promised to draw all men to Himself when he was lifted up. His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven completed the salvation of all mankind. The way is now open for Christ to lead all men to heaven.
Christ draws us to Himself. The attraction we have for Him and our love for Him are His gifts to us. When Christ was lifted up, He sent the Holy Spirit whose work is to draw all men to Christ. His graces are ever present, ever active in all of us. Our duty is to cooperate with Him. The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ through the Word of God and through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
O Holy Spirit, we have heard your word. We thank you for it. We believe it. You are drawing us closer to Christ everyday. We believe in your loving presence in us. We love you. We surrender ourselves totally to you so that your grace may triumph in us. You can make us holy if you want or indeed whatever you want. We are all yours. Amen.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Christ promised to draw all men to Himself when he was lifted up. His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven completed the salvation of all mankind. The way is now open for Christ to lead all men to heaven.
Christ draws us to Himself. The attraction we have for Him and our love for Him are His gifts to us. When Christ was lifted up, He sent the Holy Spirit whose work is to draw all men to Christ. His graces are ever present, ever active in all of us. Our duty is to cooperate with Him. The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ through the Word of God and through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
O Holy Spirit, we have heard your word. We thank you for it. We believe it. You are drawing us closer to Christ everyday. We believe in your loving presence in us. We love you. We surrender ourselves totally to you so that your grace may triumph in us. You can make us holy if you want or indeed whatever you want. We are all yours. Amen.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Thursday, September 29, 2005
A Grain of Wheat
"Unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest" (John 12:24).
Just as a wheat grain must die on the ground before it yields a rich harvest, so must we die to old selves before we can yield a rich harvest of good works. Dying to our old selves means abandoning totally our old world ideas on key areas of life: family, health, money, job, tools and food. When these old ideas are flushed out, we replace them with Christ's ideas. The Christ-centered new ideas will influence a new way of seeing things and a new way of behaving.
But the process of dying, any dying is very painful. Christ compared the dying process to a woman in child-birth. She groans and cries because her time of trial has come. But then, the test is for a short time and she experiences the joy of suckling a new baby. Anyone who loves his life so much to want to keep his old self intact with loose it. Hating one's life means hating one's Christ-less ideas. Christ's ideas renew us and make new persons of us.
Lord Jesus, show us how to die to ourselves everyday.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Just as a wheat grain must die on the ground before it yields a rich harvest, so must we die to old selves before we can yield a rich harvest of good works. Dying to our old selves means abandoning totally our old world ideas on key areas of life: family, health, money, job, tools and food. When these old ideas are flushed out, we replace them with Christ's ideas. The Christ-centered new ideas will influence a new way of seeing things and a new way of behaving.
But the process of dying, any dying is very painful. Christ compared the dying process to a woman in child-birth. She groans and cries because her time of trial has come. But then, the test is for a short time and she experiences the joy of suckling a new baby. Anyone who loves his life so much to want to keep his old self intact with loose it. Hating one's life means hating one's Christ-less ideas. Christ's ideas renew us and make new persons of us.
Lord Jesus, show us how to die to ourselves everyday.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Precious Ointment
"You have the poor with you always, you will not always have me" (John 12:8.)
Jesus accepted an act of kindness from Mary. She did not count the cost of the ointment. It was very expensive. Mary thought that her Love and Master deserved it. Jesus showed His appreciation by praising her act.
We are called to a life of friendship and companionship with Jesus. How do we show our generosity to Jesus? The first thing in friendship is to provide enough time to nourish the relationship. Mary followed Jesus everywhere. In offering her twenty-four hours to Jesus, she offered her soul, heart, will and everything.
Our love for Jesus must be all-encompassing like Mary's. Often we allow our love for God to remain on the level of intentions. Good intentions on themselves are a good start but for the intentions to become reality, we need the grace of God. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and gives us a generous heart to fulfill our good intentions. Christ is passing by us everyday. What we cannot do for him here and now may be a lost opportunity.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Jesus accepted an act of kindness from Mary. She did not count the cost of the ointment. It was very expensive. Mary thought that her Love and Master deserved it. Jesus showed His appreciation by praising her act.
We are called to a life of friendship and companionship with Jesus. How do we show our generosity to Jesus? The first thing in friendship is to provide enough time to nourish the relationship. Mary followed Jesus everywhere. In offering her twenty-four hours to Jesus, she offered her soul, heart, will and everything.
Our love for Jesus must be all-encompassing like Mary's. Often we allow our love for God to remain on the level of intentions. Good intentions on themselves are a good start but for the intentions to become reality, we need the grace of God. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and gives us a generous heart to fulfill our good intentions. Christ is passing by us everyday. What we cannot do for him here and now may be a lost opportunity.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Let him go free
"Unbind him, let him go free" (John 11:44)
The raising to life of Lazarus presents us with a number of lessons:
1. "This sickness will not end in death but in God's glory and through it the Son of God will be glorified" (John 11:4). Our adversities are opportunities for the glory of God. If we are patient to the end, our tests will become testimonies.
2. "I am the resurrection. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies, he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:26). Christ in raising Lazarus from the dead, proves that He has the power over life and death. This miracle also teaches that Jesus can raise any person to spiritual life no matter the degree of our deadness to sin.
3. "Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40) Believe unleashes miracles. Jesus also promises that if we believe we can do greater things than He did.
"Unbind him, let him go free" (John 11:44). Ignorance, disease and death all represent forms of loss of freedom. The Truth that is Jesus unbinds us from spiritual death.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
The raising to life of Lazarus presents us with a number of lessons:
1. "This sickness will not end in death but in God's glory and through it the Son of God will be glorified" (John 11:4). Our adversities are opportunities for the glory of God. If we are patient to the end, our tests will become testimonies.
2. "I am the resurrection. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies, he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:26). Christ in raising Lazarus from the dead, proves that He has the power over life and death. This miracle also teaches that Jesus can raise any person to spiritual life no matter the degree of our deadness to sin.
3. "Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40) Believe unleashes miracles. Jesus also promises that if we believe we can do greater things than He did.
"Unbind him, let him go free" (John 11:44). Ignorance, disease and death all represent forms of loss of freedom. The Truth that is Jesus unbinds us from spiritual death.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Monday, September 26, 2005
Belief in Jesus
"Do you believe in the Son of man?" (John 9:36)
When Jesus asked this question to the man who had been born blind, the blind man responded in the affirmative because he understood the question. If Jesus asks you: What does belief in the Son of man mean to you? Would your answers include: Jesus is my Lord and God, my Savior and Redeemer, my King and Boss, my Friend and Companion?
Jesus' intervention in the life of the blind man gave him back his sight and gave him faith as well. In a literal sense, he experienced Jesus as his savior and redeemer. Has Jesus made any interventions in your life that touched your faith?
Some years ago, while working in Paris, I had a work-related problem that needed a miracle. I prayed and prayed and was given this scripture: "Do not be afraid! Stand firm, and you will see what Yahweh will do to rescue you today: The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Yahweh will do the fighting for you; all you need to do is to keep calm" (Exodus 14: 13-14). I clung to this scripture as a drowning man clings to any object. God turned around my situation and produced a miracle that made many people praise Him. This event uplifted my faith enormously. Jesus rescued me from a certain career disaster. He was indeed my Savior and Redeemer.
The blind man's adversity has brought him something greater than physical vision. He now had a Lord and God who is his personal Savior and Redeemer. God intervenes in our life to save us from sin and evil in order to strengthen our faith.
"Do you believe in the Son of man?" (John 9:36) Yes, Lord. Strengthen my faith
See: Navarre Bible: St John
When Jesus asked this question to the man who had been born blind, the blind man responded in the affirmative because he understood the question. If Jesus asks you: What does belief in the Son of man mean to you? Would your answers include: Jesus is my Lord and God, my Savior and Redeemer, my King and Boss, my Friend and Companion?
Jesus' intervention in the life of the blind man gave him back his sight and gave him faith as well. In a literal sense, he experienced Jesus as his savior and redeemer. Has Jesus made any interventions in your life that touched your faith?
Some years ago, while working in Paris, I had a work-related problem that needed a miracle. I prayed and prayed and was given this scripture: "Do not be afraid! Stand firm, and you will see what Yahweh will do to rescue you today: The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Yahweh will do the fighting for you; all you need to do is to keep calm" (Exodus 14: 13-14). I clung to this scripture as a drowning man clings to any object. God turned around my situation and produced a miracle that made many people praise Him. This event uplifted my faith enormously. Jesus rescued me from a certain career disaster. He was indeed my Savior and Redeemer.
The blind man's adversity has brought him something greater than physical vision. He now had a Lord and God who is his personal Savior and Redeemer. God intervenes in our life to save us from sin and evil in order to strengthen our faith.
"Do you believe in the Son of man?" (John 9:36) Yes, Lord. Strengthen my faith
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Sin and Slavery
"I tell you most solemnly, everyone who commits sin is a slave....So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:34, 36)
Sin is slavery to passion: food, drink, sex, money, etc. The law of compulsion is at work whenever sin is committed. Compulsion or impulsiveness is the opposite of freedom. If the sin is alcohol, it acts like this: 'Look, I am here. Come and drink your fill.' Or if it id money,: 'I am here. Use me now to fulfill yourself.’ The person concerned cannot say no because of lack of freedom.
Jesus came to set us free from this compulsion and impulsion to act sinfully. When sin as alcohol says to us: 'Come and drink me.' We can respond: 'Christ said: ‘Man does not live by drink alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God."
For every temptation, Jesus has given us a script for it. As good actors, we should be aware of these scripts and use them appropriately. Jesus gives us genuine freedom through His word. His word exposes the lies and errors of temptations such as alcohol, food, sex or money. When we are tempted to turn "these stones into bread”, we know how to respond.
Lord Jesus, make us truly free.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Sin is slavery to passion: food, drink, sex, money, etc. The law of compulsion is at work whenever sin is committed. Compulsion or impulsiveness is the opposite of freedom. If the sin is alcohol, it acts like this: 'Look, I am here. Come and drink your fill.' Or if it id money,: 'I am here. Use me now to fulfill yourself.’ The person concerned cannot say no because of lack of freedom.
Jesus came to set us free from this compulsion and impulsion to act sinfully. When sin as alcohol says to us: 'Come and drink me.' We can respond: 'Christ said: ‘Man does not live by drink alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God."
For every temptation, Jesus has given us a script for it. As good actors, we should be aware of these scripts and use them appropriately. Jesus gives us genuine freedom through His word. His word exposes the lies and errors of temptations such as alcohol, food, sex or money. When we are tempted to turn "these stones into bread”, we know how to respond.
Lord Jesus, make us truly free.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Saturday, September 24, 2005
The Word makes Disciples
"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31)
One of the most popular sayings in the Bible is: "The truth shall make you free." I knew of this quotation before I came to read the Bible. We all love freedom. Today more than ever, there are so many things that enslave us: Money, sex, television, alcohol, drugs, food, tobacco, pornography, cars, gadgets and so on. A number of businesses has grown promising to liberate us from our dependencies and addictions.
Jesus promises that knowing His word will lead to knowledge of the truth. Truth comes as light to chase away the error or darkness that causes sin, ignorance and death. Truth frees us from fear: Fears of ill-health, lack of money, opinion of people; fears of no job and its consequences. These subtle fears drive us to addictions.
How many people are genuinely free today? "Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves" (Psalm 16:4). These tin gods: money, alcohol, sex, food, etc exploit our weaknesses, enslave us and bring so much unhappiness to our lives. How can we be free? Feeding the mind with the words of Jesus Christ will make us free. "If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31)
See: Navarre Bible: St John
One of the most popular sayings in the Bible is: "The truth shall make you free." I knew of this quotation before I came to read the Bible. We all love freedom. Today more than ever, there are so many things that enslave us: Money, sex, television, alcohol, drugs, food, tobacco, pornography, cars, gadgets and so on. A number of businesses has grown promising to liberate us from our dependencies and addictions.
Jesus promises that knowing His word will lead to knowledge of the truth. Truth comes as light to chase away the error or darkness that causes sin, ignorance and death. Truth frees us from fear: Fears of ill-health, lack of money, opinion of people; fears of no job and its consequences. These subtle fears drive us to addictions.
How many people are genuinely free today? "Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves" (Psalm 16:4). These tin gods: money, alcohol, sex, food, etc exploit our weaknesses, enslave us and bring so much unhappiness to our lives. How can we be free? Feeding the mind with the words of Jesus Christ will make us free. "If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31)
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Friday, September 23, 2005
There is time for everything!
"The right time for me has not come yet, but any time is the right time for you." (John 7:6)
When the brothers of Jesus urged Him to manifest Himself openly in Judaea, Jesus told them that the time is not right for such a show. Have you ever been under pressure to act? Subtle pressures to act 'now'; 'to show myself to the world' have troubled me in the past.
When you need to make a critical move in your life, success depends on timing. How do we recognize the right time? The Master is teaching us in John 7:6 that there is time for everything. To succeed, we must align ourselves to God's will and time-table. But how do we find out God's time on any issue?
Christ never took any major step in His life without prayer. He spent the night in prayer before He chose His the twelve apostles. Seeking God's will implies readiness to wait for it. "Faith that is firm is also patient." (Isaiah 28:16). When we wait for God's light and guidance after prayer, He never fails to manifest it. He does this through various means. Once we receive this guidance, then, "Do whatever he tells you." We can then act in confidence, certain that this is God's right time for us.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
When the brothers of Jesus urged Him to manifest Himself openly in Judaea, Jesus told them that the time is not right for such a show. Have you ever been under pressure to act? Subtle pressures to act 'now'; 'to show myself to the world' have troubled me in the past.
When you need to make a critical move in your life, success depends on timing. How do we recognize the right time? The Master is teaching us in John 7:6 that there is time for everything. To succeed, we must align ourselves to God's will and time-table. But how do we find out God's time on any issue?
Christ never took any major step in His life without prayer. He spent the night in prayer before He chose His the twelve apostles. Seeking God's will implies readiness to wait for it. "Faith that is firm is also patient." (Isaiah 28:16). When we wait for God's light and guidance after prayer, He never fails to manifest it. He does this through various means. Once we receive this guidance, then, "Do whatever he tells you." We can then act in confidence, certain that this is God's right time for us.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Thursday, September 22, 2005
The Spirit gives Life
"It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer" (John 6:63)
To experience joy, peace, happiness and contentment is to be alive in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit who is in us makes this condition possible. After we have received the Holy Spirit through baptism, the Spirit maintains His life in us through His word and through the sacraments especially the Eucharist. These are two most important means for building up the body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit transforms the ordinary bread and wine we bring to the altar during the Eucharist into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the life of the soul. The word of God gives spiritual life to man. So does the Bread of life. To have real life, the life that endures, man must partake of the Word of God and the Bread of life.
"It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer" To connect to the Spirit, make your home in the word of God and eat and drink the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ often.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
To experience joy, peace, happiness and contentment is to be alive in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit who is in us makes this condition possible. After we have received the Holy Spirit through baptism, the Spirit maintains His life in us through His word and through the sacraments especially the Eucharist. These are two most important means for building up the body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit transforms the ordinary bread and wine we bring to the altar during the Eucharist into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the life of the soul. The word of God gives spiritual life to man. So does the Bread of life. To have real life, the life that endures, man must partake of the Word of God and the Bread of life.
"It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer" To connect to the Spirit, make your home in the word of God and eat and drink the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ often.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Bread of Life
"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst" (John 6:35).
There are few sources of pleasure in life that could rival food. One saying has it that love enters through the stomach. Food was a major cause of conflict between God and His people during their forty years of journey through the desert to the Promised Land. We are familiar with food riots in homes, schools, prisons and even in societies. Happiness, fulfillment, eternal life have been presented frequently through the images of food, drink and banquet in the Bible.
When Jesus said: "I am the bread of life", He chose a very powerful symbol in which to reach man. Jesus indeed is the bread of life. Under the appearance of bread and wine, He gives us Himself in the Eucharist. How do we know that this is true? This is the very word of Jesus. This is an explicit promise. The original people who heard this knew that Jesus was not being metaphorical. Their reaction showed what their understanding. Secondly, the Church had believed this from the very beginning. The Church believes it today. The Church will believe this till the end of time.
When we come to Jesus in Holy Communion, what do we seek? Christ promises us two things explicitly in the Eucharist. If we come to Him, we will never be hungry and we will never know thirst. "Man does not live by bread alone, there is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God." The natural man has great hunger and thirst for material things. The genuine bread, 'the bread of life' will gradually free man from excessive appetite for material food and drink.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
There are few sources of pleasure in life that could rival food. One saying has it that love enters through the stomach. Food was a major cause of conflict between God and His people during their forty years of journey through the desert to the Promised Land. We are familiar with food riots in homes, schools, prisons and even in societies. Happiness, fulfillment, eternal life have been presented frequently through the images of food, drink and banquet in the Bible.
When Jesus said: "I am the bread of life", He chose a very powerful symbol in which to reach man. Jesus indeed is the bread of life. Under the appearance of bread and wine, He gives us Himself in the Eucharist. How do we know that this is true? This is the very word of Jesus. This is an explicit promise. The original people who heard this knew that Jesus was not being metaphorical. Their reaction showed what their understanding. Secondly, the Church had believed this from the very beginning. The Church believes it today. The Church will believe this till the end of time.
When we come to Jesus in Holy Communion, what do we seek? Christ promises us two things explicitly in the Eucharist. If we come to Him, we will never be hungry and we will never know thirst. "Man does not live by bread alone, there is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God." The natural man has great hunger and thirst for material things. The genuine bread, 'the bread of life' will gradually free man from excessive appetite for material food and drink.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Do not be afraid
"They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, 'It is I. Do not be afraid" (John 6: 19-20)
Jesus is in every event in our life. In these verses, He is saying to us: 'Do not be afraid. I am present.' How can we make this truth serve us? In the midst of the stormy events of life, how do we call to mind the sure presence of Jesus? One way is to cultivate the presence of Jesus through the Jesus prayer. Form the habit of using the name of Jesus as affirmation. Whenever you mention that name, sense His presence.
Jesus is present in us through the Holy Spirit. How can we be sure of this? Because of the peace and tranquility we enjoy. When trial comes to us and we forget the presence of Jesus with us, we become afraid. We feel that we are in control of events and we feel so inadequate. Jesus wants us to know: "I am here. Do not be afraid."
How can we be constantly aware of the presence of Jesus? The words of Jesus bring peace and comfort in troubles. When we immerse ourselves in these words during calm weather, we could recall them easily during storms. Using the name of Jesus, which is Jesus prayer is the simplest but the most powerful type of prayer. It brings calm.
Jesus! "Yes, I am here. Do not be afraid."
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Jesus is in every event in our life. In these verses, He is saying to us: 'Do not be afraid. I am present.' How can we make this truth serve us? In the midst of the stormy events of life, how do we call to mind the sure presence of Jesus? One way is to cultivate the presence of Jesus through the Jesus prayer. Form the habit of using the name of Jesus as affirmation. Whenever you mention that name, sense His presence.
Jesus is present in us through the Holy Spirit. How can we be sure of this? Because of the peace and tranquility we enjoy. When trial comes to us and we forget the presence of Jesus with us, we become afraid. We feel that we are in control of events and we feel so inadequate. Jesus wants us to know: "I am here. Do not be afraid."
How can we be constantly aware of the presence of Jesus? The words of Jesus bring peace and comfort in troubles. When we immerse ourselves in these words during calm weather, we could recall them easily during storms. Using the name of Jesus, which is Jesus prayer is the simplest but the most powerful type of prayer. It brings calm.
Jesus! "Yes, I am here. Do not be afraid."
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Monday, September 19, 2005
"My food is the will of God"
"My food is to do the will of the one who sent me, and to complete his work" (John 4:34).
The Father sent Jesus to redeem the world from sin. Christ understood His mission perfectly. Fulfilling this mission gives His life sustenance as food does to the body. "Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Word of God and Will of God are the same thing.
Food apart from sustaining us, gives pleasure. Doing God's will give Christ the maximum pleasure. How about us?
The loving Father is always communicating with His children. He is eager to let us know His will in every situation. Psalm 40:8 tells us: "Your instructions for me are in the book of the Law" (GNB). If we follow these instructions, we find as Christ did that doing God's will can be food and drink to our life. Jesus left us this teaching and example. Our fulfillment, joy, peace and prosperity lie in following this instruction and example.
O Holy Spirit, lead and guide us to discern God's will for us in every situation.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
The Father sent Jesus to redeem the world from sin. Christ understood His mission perfectly. Fulfilling this mission gives His life sustenance as food does to the body. "Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Word of God and Will of God are the same thing.
Food apart from sustaining us, gives pleasure. Doing God's will give Christ the maximum pleasure. How about us?
The loving Father is always communicating with His children. He is eager to let us know His will in every situation. Psalm 40:8 tells us: "Your instructions for me are in the book of the Law" (GNB). If we follow these instructions, we find as Christ did that doing God's will can be food and drink to our life. Jesus left us this teaching and example. Our fulfillment, joy, peace and prosperity lie in following this instruction and example.
O Holy Spirit, lead and guide us to discern God's will for us in every situation.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Sunday, September 18, 2005
True Worship of God
"But the hour will come – in fact it is here already - when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: This is the kind of worship the Father wants." (John 4:23)
Genuine worship of the Father will be in spirit and truth. The Holy Spirit in us will lead us to the true worship of God. The Holy Spirit inspires and teaches authentic Christian doctrine and worship.
"God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). To worship God properly, we must recognize our spiritual nature and close the doors to the evidence of our senses. Our senses which represent materiality can be obstacle to genuine worship. For example, closing the eyes facilitates prayers for many.
Father, grant us the Holy Spirit so that we can worship you properly.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Genuine worship of the Father will be in spirit and truth. The Holy Spirit in us will lead us to the true worship of God. The Holy Spirit inspires and teaches authentic Christian doctrine and worship.
"God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). To worship God properly, we must recognize our spiritual nature and close the doors to the evidence of our senses. Our senses which represent materiality can be obstacle to genuine worship. For example, closing the eyes facilitates prayers for many.
Father, grant us the Holy Spirit so that we can worship you properly.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
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