Learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

"Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."  (Ephesians 5: 10 NABRE)

On Day 26 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God asks us to learn what is pleasing to God.  We know that many saints have ran this race and finished well. There are no better examples to teach us about what is pleasing to God than the saints.  Let us consider the example of one saint:

When the Angel Gabriel asked Mary the impossible:  to become the mother of the Son God in her virginhood, Mary replied, "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."  (Luke 1: 38).  Mary discerned that what is pleasing to God is to surrender to the will of God.

The shortest route to be a saint is to discern the will of God for your life every day and do it.

Awake, O sinner, and arise from your sleep, and Christ will give you light.  (Cf Ephesians 5: 14)

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Do not be afraid Mary.

"Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."  (Luke 1: 30 NABRE)

Everybody is familiar with the above scene in the Gospel.  Today the Church everywhere in the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. We have seen two Solemnities in the Season of Lent.  The Church following the custom of ancient Israel is full of festivities. It is the will of God and delightful to us.

What are we celebrating today? The beginning of the fulfilment of the promise made to us after Eve ate the forbidden fruit.  The Son of the woman would crush the head of the serpent.   (Genesis 3: 15)

What if any of us has the power to create his mother, what would you do? I will make my mother the most beautiful, the most virtuous, a queen of unparalleled dignity and power.  Jesus Christ has this power and He used it.  Mary was not an accident. She is not just any woman who can conceive and bear a son. She was especially chosen from time immemorial to be the Mother of the Redeemer.

How did the early Church and the same Church today discover the identity of Mary? The Holy Spirit taught the Church.  This knowledge is hidden in the hearts of all believers in every age. This is the Lord's doing. It is wonderful in our eyes. (Cf Psalm 118: 23)

On Day 25 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Church suspends Lent again to celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.  Happy Feast Day.

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Our God is an awesome God.

"Assyria will not save us, nor will we mount horses;
We will never again say, ‘Our god,’
to the work of our hands; for in you the orphan finds compassion.” (Hosea 14 : 4 NABRE)

I call this 3rd Friday in Lent "NO to IDOLS Friday".  Who is your Assyria? And horses?

"Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, for you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God."  (Psalm 86: 10 RM)

No god to compare with our God:
Not technology, not money, not science, not job or health.  Our God do wonderful things every day.

On Day 24 of 40 of Lent 2017, remember that Jesus was crucified on Friday.

Stations of the Cross.

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Jesus Christ is the Savior of all people.

"I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord.
Should they cry to me in any distress,
I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever."  (Entrance Antiphon Thursday, 3rd Week of Lent)

Jesus Christ is the Hope of Salvation. His name Jesus means Savior (Joshua). Salvation means deliverance, freedom from whatever distress we may have.  Jesus promises to save us if we cry out to Him.

On Day 23 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Liturgy reminds us that Easter is near.  Press forward soldiers of God to the Great Feast!

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

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Believe the word. Teach the word. Practice the word.

"But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 19 NABRE)

Learn the word, ie commands, statutes, promises, law of God. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe to your children, friends and colleagues. Practice what you teach.

On Day 22 of 40 of Lent 2017,
we commit to persevere in learning the word of God and sharing the fruits of our study.

"However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but make them known to your children and to your children’s children."  (Deuteronomy 4: 9)

"Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life."   (John 6: 63)

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Struggling with Unforgiveness, pray for the person daily.

"At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’  (Matthew 18: 26 NABRE)

The servant in the above story owed the master a very large debt which he could not possibly repay.  He knew His master and knew what to do and what to say.   "Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan."  (Matthew 18: 27).  How much do you know the most merciful Heart of Jesus?

Why did this servant not follow up by forgiving his fellow servant who owed him a much less debt?  This is the question for our reflection on Day 21 of 40 of Lent 2017.  Do you notice we have done 50% of the Lent?  Congratulations and keep up the good work. Persevere!

Consider too Jesus' words to this unforgiving servant:
"You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.   Should  you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?"  (Matthew 18: 32 - 33).
Struggling with Unforgiveness?  Start by praying daily for the person.

Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God.

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Behold a faithful and prudent steward, whom the LORD set over His Household.

“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."  (Matthew 1: 20 NABRE)

On Day 20 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Church suspends Lent for today to honor St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   No fasting. No abstinence. We celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph with joy and Gloria is sang or said at Mass.  His feast is March 19. March 19, 2017 fell on Sunday.  The feast is celebrated today.

Why honor St Joseph?  St Joseph is a pivotal person in Salvation history.  He was a just man, full of courage, humble and chosen by God to protect Mary and her Son, Jesus.  He suffered patiently as a self-employed business man.  He showed great fortitude when he took his family into Egypt as refugees.  He is a powerful Intercessor.

St Joseph pray for us!

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

“Is the Lord in our midst or not?”  (Exodus 17: 7 NABRE)

The children of Israel driven by severe thirst in the desert posed this point blank question to God at Massah and Meribah. This place became known as place of rebellion.

Have you ever been driven by extreme adversity to challenge God?  "O God, where are You?"  The psalmist again and again shout out:   "Answer me God. Don't be deaf to my prayers and my cries for help!"  (Cf Psalm 39: 12, 143: 7, 28:1, 35: 22, etc).  But why would God allow us to be driven to this level of desperation that we rebel?  I have been in many such situation in my life.  I have learned the following:

#1.  God is a Father and a Teacher who knows exactly what we need and is teaching us what is best for us.
#2. Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

God uses our adversities as teaching moment.  What son who is valued by his father does not train him for success and integrity?  (Cf Hebrews 12: 7)

On Day 19 of 40 of Lent 2017,
"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day of Massah in the desert."   (Psalm 95:  7 - 8)

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

“Is the Lord in our midst or not?”  (Exodus 17: 7 NABRE)

The children of Israel driven by severe thirst in the desert posed this point blank question to God at Massah and Meribah. This place became known as place of rebellion.

Have you ever been driven by extreme adversity to challenge God?  "O God, where are You?"  The psalmist again and again shout out:   "Answer me God. Don't be deaf to my prayers and my cries for help!"  (Cf Psalm 39: 12, 143: 7, 28:1, 35: 22, etc).  But why would God allow us to be driven to this level of desperation that we rebel?  I have been in many such situation in my life.  I have learned the following:

#1.  God is a Father and a Teacher who knows exactly what we need and is teaching us what is best for us.
#2. Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

God uses our adversities as teaching moment.  What son who is valued by his father does not train him for success and integrity?  (Cf Hebrews 12: 7)

On Day 19 of 40 of Lent 2017,
"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day of Massah in the desert."   (Psalm 95:  7 - 8)

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I will go and say to my Father. Father forgive me.

"The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures."  (Psalm 145: 8 - 9 RM)

On Day 18 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God gives us some Scriptures we need to memorize and repeat every day.  Memorizing and repeating Scriptures is a well attested means of transformation of the mind and heart.  "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."  (Psalm 119: 11)  Here are two more reasons to encourage you to repeat often the Scriptures that touch your heart:

#1.  You are becoming what you believe.
#2.  What transforms your mind and heart is not what you know but what you do everyday.  (Cf John 13 : 17)

"Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts.  Who pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills, Who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with mercy and compassion."  (Psalm 103: 1 - 4)

Glory to You, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ.

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The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

"Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him a long ornamented tunic.  When his brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his brothers, they hated him so much that they could not say a kind word to him."  (Genesis 37: 3 - 4 NABRE)

On Day 17 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God reminds us through the story of Joseph and his brothers the narrative of Cain and Abel which we saw in mid February.  "Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."  (Genesis 4: 8 NABRE)
The motives for the present crime are similar:

#1.  Jealousy, envy, anger, hatred
#2.  Spirit of disobedience
#3.  No fear of God or retribution
Etc, etc.

Consider the consequences:
Murder, fratricide, racism, war.

The brothers of Joseph sold him to traders en route to Egypt for 20 pieces of silver.  Both Abel and Joseph are types of Jesus.  As we approach the great feast of Easter, watch out for other types of Jesus.

"When the LORD called down a famine on the land and ruined the crop that sustained them,
He sent a man before them,
Joseph, sold as a slave.
They had weighed him down with fetters, and he was bound with chains, till his prediction came to pass and the word of the LORD proved him true."  (Psalm 105: 16 - 18 RM)

Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

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Do not put your trust in princes.

"Thus says the Lord:
Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord."  (Jeremiah 17: 5 NABRE)

Why such a severe curse on anyone who trusts in human being? To get our attention.  Some people trust in humans to provide them with  job, money and even life.  The Bible warns again and again, put no trust in man or in princes or in horses and chariots (tanks, fighter bombers, etc). (Cf Psalm 118: 8; 146: 3)

The fellow who trusts in humans or themselves is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season.  (Jeremiah 17: 6).  Just like the 4 Seasons in nature, are the seasons of a man's life.  Spring follows winter.

On Day 16 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God asks us: Who do you trust?

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; the Lord will be their trust. They are like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It does not fear heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit."  (Jeremiah 17: 7 - 8 NABRE)

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My destiny, my security is in Your hands, O Lord my God.

"My destiny is in your hands."  (Psalm 31:  16 NABRE)

Are you delighted to know that your destiny, your total security is 100% in the hands of God?  God's most loving Providence watches over every moment of our life with utmost diligence. So diligent, that not a single hair falls from our head without His permission.  (Luke 12: 7, Luke 21: 18, Matthew 10: 30)

In order to appropriate this blessing, you must believe.  Faith is believing that what God says is true. God never fails, no matter what.  What we believe makes us what we are.  Correct belief is the key to correct action.

On Day 15 of 40 of Lent 2017, God invites us to trust wholeheartedly in His most loving and powerful providence:

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."  (Matthew 6: 33 - 34 NLT)

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Which is easier to do? To resist God or to enjoy the good things of the land?

"If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land."  (Isaiah 1: 19 NABRE)

How far will you go to resist God's will?  I will rather eat the good things of the land than continue in disobedience.

"Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome."  (1 John 5: 3 NLT)
Of course nobody can keep all the Commandments without the help of the Holy Spirit.  When you try and fail to keep the Commandments, the Lord whose mercy is unceasing has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation for this end.  On Day 14 of 40 of Lent 2017, think about this and thank the Lord Jesus for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

"To the upright I will show the saving power of God."  (Psalm 50: 23)

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Be merciful, as your Father is merciful.

"Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful."

 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.   Give and gifts will be given to you."  (Luke 6: 36 - 38 NABRE)

On Day 13 of 40 of Lent 2017, the teaching of Jesus above (Luke 6 : 36-38) needs no comments.  Just do it.

Glory to You, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ

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This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.

"Beloved:  bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God."  (2 Timothy 1: 8 RM)

On Day 12 of 40 of Lent 2017, St Paul urged the young Timothy and us in his 2nd Letter to Timothy to be ready at all times to accept our share of the sufferings of witnessing to Jesus and His Gospel.  Jesus had infinite power to resolve every problem on earth before He ascended into Heaven.  Why did He not do it? To give us opportunity to earn glorify.

Without Jesus we can do nothing. (John 15: 5). We need Jesus to live the Christian life.  We need Jesus to start these 40 Days of Lent. We need Jesus to finish the Journey.

Fix your gaze therefore on Jesus and you will finish the race set before you.  (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

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Pray for your enemies and those who persecute you.

"Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."  (Matthew 5: 44 RM)

How do you love those who persecute you? By praying for them. Every day. Prayer is the greatest gift one friend can give to another. 

Once upon a time, I got a subsidized loan from the company I worked for to build a home.  I had no experience with contractors. The contractor disappeared with the money I gave him to build the house.  What must I do? Find him and lock him up? Sue him? A tiny voice said to me:  "Pray for him. Forget him. I will help you."   I finished the house on time.

I experienced these blessings for obeying the spiritual law of praying for the contractor who caused me immense pain:
1.  Money flowed to me from unexpected sources.
2.  I got a better and more experienced contractor.
3.  I had peace and learned a great lesson which served me well in the future.

Three years after I finished the house, three senior managers colluded against me and got me fired.  When this happened, I had the home but was penniless because I invested every penny in the house.  Again temptation:  Sue the men, sue the company.  I remembered the lesson from the contractor.  I prayed for the men by name every day for five years before the pain went away. I added this lesson to the previous lesson.

On Day 11 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God says to us: "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5: 48)

Glory to You Lord Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God the Father.

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You shall live because of the virtues you have practiced.

"But if the wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die!"  (Ezekiel 18: 21 NABRE)

On Day 10 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Scripture for today calls for Conversion. At the beginning of Lent, we saw that Lent provides a unique opportunity for continuous Conversion because of the immense outpouring of grace and mercy that God promises in this Season.  We have now done 1/4th of the Journey. How do you assess your progress?

In verse 22 of the same chapter 18 of Ezekiel, God says that he who accepts the grace of Conversion "shall live because of the virtue he has practiced."

Some of these virtues are called Corporal Works of Mercy:
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead

Friday in the First Week of Lent:
Stations of the Cross.

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Everyone who asks receives.

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to  you.   For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  (Matthew 7: 7 - 8 NABRE)

On Day 9 of 40 of Lent 2017, it is all about Prayer. The Holy Spirit, Lord and Master of Prayer takes us through a powerful course on Prayer. The word from the Book of Esther  (Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23 - 25) gives us a great template on Prayer:  Posture for Prayer, Time for Prayer, Duration for radical and warrior- type Prayer, words for Prayer and so on.

In the Gospel, Matthew 7: 7 - 12, Jesus promises the certainty of answer to Prayers. This is a great encouragement for us in Lent where Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting form the three pillars of Lent and the Christian life.

The way to experience the pure joy of answered prayer is to ask and keep asking.  God who knows exactly what you need hears  every word of your prayer.  If your request is not in accordance with His superior plan for you, He will do the best thing for you.  Pray with persistence and never give up hope. (Cf Luke 18: 1)

"Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,  or a snake when he asks for a fish?  If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him."  (Matthew 7: 7 - 12 NABRE)

How perfect are you as a father or mother?  If you do not give your son a poisonous snake when he asks for a toy, what do you take God for? A wicked monster?

I believe in prayer.
I believe in the word of God.
I believe in miracle.
I leave the rest to God.

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The word of God came to Jonah a second time.

"When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out."  (Jonah 3: 10 NABRE)

In the Day 8 of 40 of Lent 2017, we see from the story of Jonah that our God is the God of a second chance. Actually, I am enjoying this second chance.  But the main lesson today is that God saw from their actions that they are ready to convert.

What type of actions is God seeking from us today?
Consider some Spiritual Works of Mercy:

1. Instruct the ignorant
2. Counsel the doubtful
3. Admonish sinners
4. Bear wrongs patiently
5. Forgive offences willingly
6. Comfort the afflicted
7. Pray for the living and the dead

"My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn."  (Psalm 51: 19)

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