"The Lord and Ruler will be coming soon, and His name will be called Emmanuel, because He will be God-with-us." (See Isaiah 7: 14; 8:10)
O Come Emmanuel!
How do we know that Jesus is truly with us as He promised? Because He said so. We walk by faith and not by sight. If Jesus is not with us, we would not have any peace. Our problems will completely overwhelm us. If Jesus is not with us, there will be no hope for the future. There will be no hope of rising from illness or recovery from a serious financial crisis. No hope of finding a new job after losing one. It is because of His abiding presence that we can sing with joy. It is also because of His presence that demons have not made mince meat of us.
Thank you Jesus for your presence.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
The Sign of Emmanuel
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7: 14)
King Ahaz had already decided to seek foreign against the coalition massed against Judah. The situation was not just critical but an emergency. The prophet Isaiah appeared and told the King not to seek any foreign aid. God had promised to help him. For King Ahaz at this stage of the crisis, it was like a parent who had already decided that surgery was the last option for a critically sick child. If you are such a parent, what would you do if a prophet comes along to urge the surgery not to proceed because God will miraculously heal your child. That was the situation of King Ahaz.
God realizing that Ahaz was in a difficult situation offered him an incentive to faith.
"Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!" (Isaiah 7: 10 - 12)
King Ahaz refused to ask for a sign. He had already made up his mind what to do. The Lord God was determined however to give one of the greatest signs in the Bible.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7: 14)
The Virgin Mary is a sign.
"And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2: 12)
The Infant Jesus wrapped in a swaddling clothes is another sign that points to the life and work of this Child.
What sign do we have today that what we believe is true? The Catholic Church is the sign. It is the sign of the presence of Jesus in the world. There are four marks that point to this sign always and everywhere in the world: The Church is one; the Church is holy; the Church apostolic; the Church universal. These four marks have always been the means of recognizing the Catholic Church everywhere.
King Ahaz had already decided to seek foreign against the coalition massed against Judah. The situation was not just critical but an emergency. The prophet Isaiah appeared and told the King not to seek any foreign aid. God had promised to help him. For King Ahaz at this stage of the crisis, it was like a parent who had already decided that surgery was the last option for a critically sick child. If you are such a parent, what would you do if a prophet comes along to urge the surgery not to proceed because God will miraculously heal your child. That was the situation of King Ahaz.
God realizing that Ahaz was in a difficult situation offered him an incentive to faith.
"Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!" (Isaiah 7: 10 - 12)
King Ahaz refused to ask for a sign. He had already made up his mind what to do. The Lord God was determined however to give one of the greatest signs in the Bible.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7: 14)
The Virgin Mary is a sign.
"And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2: 12)
The Infant Jesus wrapped in a swaddling clothes is another sign that points to the life and work of this Child.
What sign do we have today that what we believe is true? The Catholic Church is the sign. It is the sign of the presence of Jesus in the world. There are four marks that point to this sign always and everywhere in the world: The Church is one; the Church is holy; the Church apostolic; the Church universal. These four marks have always been the means of recognizing the Catholic Church everywhere.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Christ our King is coming
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 20 21)
Joseph had three good reasons to be worried. First, was his deep disappointment that after what he considered a prayerful discernment his choice of Mary as a wife was a failure. Second was his deep regret with Mary herself. Mary was reputed as the holy, chaste and wise virgin of the town. Now, she appeared to be like everyone else. Finally, Joseph was saddened with the failure of divine guidance. Divine guidance is promised in the scriptures especially for those who walk in God's ways.
Amidst such forebodings, Joseph went to bed for another restless night. But this night was different from other nights. It was the night of the second Annunciation. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and revealed that Mary was with child by the power of the Holy Spirit. And with this, the peace and faith of Joseph in God was fully restored.
It happens that in our own life, we might go through a period of severe test of faith like Joseph. The test could be in the areas of family, finances, job, health, property and tools. In such period, wouldn't it be wonderful to enjoy a visitation of an angel telling us that everything is alright and urging us to be patient for a little time because what is going on is a set up by God. Alas, most of us would never enjoy any such visit by an angel. This is because the message of God for us has been communicated in the scriptures. Here are a few examples:
God is with us. He is Emmanuel.(Matthew 1: 23)
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14: 14)
"Endure your trials as 'discipline.'" (Hebrews 12: 7)
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46: 10)
"Do not be afraid and do not dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20: 15)
"Not by might, nor by power, but my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4: 6)
There are many such scriptures in the Bible which we can appropriate and apply to our situation.
"Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire." (2 Peter 1: 4)
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 20 21)
Joseph had three good reasons to be worried. First, was his deep disappointment that after what he considered a prayerful discernment his choice of Mary as a wife was a failure. Second was his deep regret with Mary herself. Mary was reputed as the holy, chaste and wise virgin of the town. Now, she appeared to be like everyone else. Finally, Joseph was saddened with the failure of divine guidance. Divine guidance is promised in the scriptures especially for those who walk in God's ways.
Amidst such forebodings, Joseph went to bed for another restless night. But this night was different from other nights. It was the night of the second Annunciation. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and revealed that Mary was with child by the power of the Holy Spirit. And with this, the peace and faith of Joseph in God was fully restored.
It happens that in our own life, we might go through a period of severe test of faith like Joseph. The test could be in the areas of family, finances, job, health, property and tools. In such period, wouldn't it be wonderful to enjoy a visitation of an angel telling us that everything is alright and urging us to be patient for a little time because what is going on is a set up by God. Alas, most of us would never enjoy any such visit by an angel. This is because the message of God for us has been communicated in the scriptures. Here are a few examples:
God is with us. He is Emmanuel.(Matthew 1: 23)
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14: 14)
"Endure your trials as 'discipline.'" (Hebrews 12: 7)
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46: 10)
"Do not be afraid and do not dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20: 15)
"Not by might, nor by power, but my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4: 6)
There are many such scriptures in the Bible which we can appropriate and apply to our situation.
"Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire." (2 Peter 1: 4)
Monday, December 16, 2013
Come to us Jesus and bring us peace
"Hear the word of the LORD, you nations,
proclaim it on distant coasts, and say:
The One who scattered Israel, now gathers them;
he guards them as a shepherd his flock." (Jeremiah 31: 10)
By divine providence, Israel was scattered as the sower scatters the seeds. In the nations were they were scattered, they became the foundation for the sowing of the Gospel. As harvest is gathered in due season, Israel will be gathered up by the Lord.
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers,alleluia!" (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)
"Say to the fearful of heart:
Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
With divine recompense
he comes to save you." (Isaiah 35: 4)
Come Lord Jesus! Come quickly!
proclaim it on distant coasts, and say:
The One who scattered Israel, now gathers them;
he guards them as a shepherd his flock." (Jeremiah 31: 10)
By divine providence, Israel was scattered as the sower scatters the seeds. In the nations were they were scattered, they became the foundation for the sowing of the Gospel. As harvest is gathered in due season, Israel will be gathered up by the Lord.
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers,alleluia!" (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)
"Say to the fearful of heart:
Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
With divine recompense
he comes to save you." (Isaiah 35: 4)
Come Lord Jesus! Come quickly!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Rejoice in the Lord
Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."
Isaiah 35:4
"Say to those who have an anxious heart,
“Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God
will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God.
He will come and save you.”
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Thank you Lord for my Disappointments
http://uniqueministry.blogspot.com/2009/11/disappointment-disguise-for-blessing.html?m=1
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Our Interdependence
God in His immense wisdom and power could have made us independent instead of Interdependent. Each person has something to give to another in our symbiotic ecosystem.
(Idea before the Blessed Sacrament)
What is my cross?
Matthew 16:24
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
"Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Friday, December 13, 2013
Come Lord Jesus!
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself." (Philippians 3: 20 - 21)
Are your eyes permanently pointed to the skies or downwards? Jesus says:
"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart." (Matthew 6: 21)
Our Top Prize is in heaven. There also is our heart. We live therefore in this world as pilgrims not holding anything too tightly because we know full well that our Lord and Bridegroom shall come any time.
Come Lord Jesus!
He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself." (Philippians 3: 20 - 21)
Are your eyes permanently pointed to the skies or downwards? Jesus says:
"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart." (Matthew 6: 21)
Our Top Prize is in heaven. There also is our heart. We live therefore in this world as pilgrims not holding anything too tightly because we know full well that our Lord and Bridegroom shall come any time.
Come Lord Jesus!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Mary's Sign
"And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God." (Luke 1: 36 - 37)
Some people receive revelations, word of knowledge and word of wisdom from God. Some of these people claim that God confirms these communications with signs. My personal reaction is not to doubt. Why should I? I experience inspirations from God all the time. In fact, I cannot survive without inspirations. The inspirations make up for my lack of high intelligence quotient.
When the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the Mother of the Christ, Mary did not ask for any sign. But God gave her a sign nevertheless. That sign was a living person, her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth who desired to be a mother for most of her life was now old and her barrenness was absolute. But God for whom nothing is impossible, infused strength and fruitfulness to Elizabeth. Mary on hearing this would have said to herself, "If this is possible, then it is also possible for me a virgin to conceive to be a mother by the power of the Holy Spirit."
The confirmation of our signs could come from what God does for other people. Such signs need no further communication from God. When we receive the word or promise of God and consent to it, we look for examples of such fulfillments either from scripture, history or from our contemporary experience. They are all signs. Everything is scripture.
for nothing will be impossible for God." (Luke 1: 36 - 37)
Some people receive revelations, word of knowledge and word of wisdom from God. Some of these people claim that God confirms these communications with signs. My personal reaction is not to doubt. Why should I? I experience inspirations from God all the time. In fact, I cannot survive without inspirations. The inspirations make up for my lack of high intelligence quotient.
When the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the Mother of the Christ, Mary did not ask for any sign. But God gave her a sign nevertheless. That sign was a living person, her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth who desired to be a mother for most of her life was now old and her barrenness was absolute. But God for whom nothing is impossible, infused strength and fruitfulness to Elizabeth. Mary on hearing this would have said to herself, "If this is possible, then it is also possible for me a virgin to conceive to be a mother by the power of the Holy Spirit."
The confirmation of our signs could come from what God does for other people. Such signs need no further communication from God. When we receive the word or promise of God and consent to it, we look for examples of such fulfillments either from scripture, history or from our contemporary experience. They are all signs. Everything is scripture.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The word of God stands forever
"The grass withers, the flower wilts,
but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40: 8)
Your word leads to eternal life. Teach us to love your word.
but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40: 8)
Your word leads to eternal life. Teach us to love your word.
Monday, December 09, 2013
On the Occasion of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
On the Occasion of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
"I will rejoice heartily in the LORD,
my being exults in my God;
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation,
and wrapped me in a robe of justice,
Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61: 10)
"For nothing will be impossible for God." (Luke 1: 37)
O Most Immaculate Virgin and Mother, your Son took maximum care to adorn you with the gifts appropriate to you great Mission. Remember us, who approach you in our distress.
"I will rejoice heartily in the LORD,
my being exults in my God;
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation,
and wrapped me in a robe of justice,
Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61: 10)
"For nothing will be impossible for God." (Luke 1: 37)
O Most Immaculate Virgin and Mother, your Son took maximum care to adorn you with the gifts appropriate to you great Mission. Remember us, who approach you in our distress.
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
"The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:
a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
A spirit of counsel and of strength,
a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,
and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
Not by appearance shall he judge,
nor by hearsay shall he decide." (Isaiah 11: 2 - 3)
Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your gifts. Lead us, guide us and use us as you wish. We will not rebel against your total control of our lives.
a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
A spirit of counsel and of strength,
a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,
and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
Not by appearance shall he judge,
nor by hearsay shall he decide." (Isaiah 11: 2 - 3)
Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your gifts. Lead us, guide us and use us as you wish. We will not rebel against your total control of our lives.
Friday, December 06, 2013
Our home is in heaven
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3: 20)
Lord Jesus, strengthen our hearts this season of Advent as we wait for you.
Lord Jesus, strengthen our hearts this season of Advent as we wait for you.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Teach us to love heaven
Titus 2: 12-13
"Let our lives be honest and holy in this present age, as we wait for the happiness to come when our great God reveals Himself in glory. "
May your word teach us to love heaven. May its promise and hope guide our way on earth.
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Great Way to see life by Cardinal John Newman
God has created me to
do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He
has not committed to another.
I have my
mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the
next.
I am a link in a chain,
a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for
naught. I shall do good
---I shall do His work
---I shall be an angel of peace
---a preacher of truth
in my own place while
not intending it, if I but keep His commandments.
Therefore I will trust
Him.
Whatever, wherever I
am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may
serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my
sorrow may serve Him...
He does nothing in
vain; He may prolong my life, he may shorten it; He knows what He is
about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers; He
may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide the future from me
---still,
He knows what He is
about.
Cardinal John Newman
Salvation comes from Jesus
"On that day it will be said:
“Indeed, this is our God; we looked to him, and he saved us!
This is the LORD to whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!" (Isaiah 25: 9)
Lord Jesus we waited for you. At long last, you take pity and answer us. We rejoice in hope.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23: 4)
Lord Jesus, we hope in you. Deliver us from all distress - all fears, all worries and all doubts. Amen!
“Indeed, this is our God; we looked to him, and he saved us!
This is the LORD to whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!" (Isaiah 25: 9)
Lord Jesus we waited for you. At long last, you take pity and answer us. We rejoice in hope.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23: 4)
Lord Jesus, we hope in you. Deliver us from all distress - all fears, all worries and all doubts. Amen!
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
The Kingdom of God belongs to the childlike
"At that very moment he rejoiced [in] the holy Spirit and said, I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.* Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will." (Luke 10: 21)
What does it mean to be childlike?
I am childlike when I trust your promises.
I am childlike when I live for the moment.
I am childlike when I do not take myself too seriously.
I am childlike when I am content to be carried and not to carry.
The childlike believes in miracles. He delights in the simple manifestations of nature - rain, sunshine, snow and wind.
If the kingdom of God belongs to the childlike, I want to be childlike.
What does it mean to be childlike?
I am childlike when I trust your promises.
I am childlike when I live for the moment.
I am childlike when I do not take myself too seriously.
I am childlike when I am content to be carried and not to carry.
The childlike believes in miracles. He delights in the simple manifestations of nature - rain, sunshine, snow and wind.
If the kingdom of God belongs to the childlike, I want to be childlike.
Monday, December 02, 2013
Give us faith Lord Jesus
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.
He said to him, “I will come and cure him." (Matthew 8: 6 - 7)
Lord Jesus, grant us the faith of the Centurion and have mercy on us and heal our sick.
He said to him, “I will come and cure him." (Matthew 8: 6 - 7)
Lord Jesus, grant us the faith of the Centurion and have mercy on us and heal our sick.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Multiple Signs of the Times
"And do this because you know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13: 11)
You know the time. What time? What are the signs of the times? The season of Advent, the four weeks preparation for Christmas is a perfect time to reflect on the signs of the times.
What are the signs of this time and this season?
Extreme secularization
Shame in professing faith publicly
Persecution of Christianity in different parts of the world
Tolerance of same sex marriage
Tolerance of abortion
Profanation of the sacred character of Sunday
Hypercritical attitude towards any kind of authority
Universal availability of affordable mobile technology
Materialism
Romans 13: 11 teaches that because we know these signs, this knowledge and understanding should provoke extreme alert for all Christians. We should be prepared for the coming of Christ anytime to take us home.
Come Lord Jesus!
You know the time. What time? What are the signs of the times? The season of Advent, the four weeks preparation for Christmas is a perfect time to reflect on the signs of the times.
What are the signs of this time and this season?
Extreme secularization
Shame in professing faith publicly
Persecution of Christianity in different parts of the world
Tolerance of same sex marriage
Tolerance of abortion
Profanation of the sacred character of Sunday
Hypercritical attitude towards any kind of authority
Universal availability of affordable mobile technology
Materialism
Romans 13: 11 teaches that because we know these signs, this knowledge and understanding should provoke extreme alert for all Christians. We should be prepared for the coming of Christ anytime to take us home.
Come Lord Jesus!
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