The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table."  (Acts 6: 2 NABRE).

Note that the above core Principle of the early Church community was not defined by Peter, the head of the apostles but by the Twelve.  This declaration, pronouncement is equivalent to what the modern Church regards as a declaration of the Magisterium at the highest level of authority.  It is defined once and for all time that the core and necessary duty of those chosen, called and anointed to the Sacred Ministry is Prayer and Study and Teaching of the Word of God.

Service at the table will always and everywhere be needed.  Jesus Christ our Savior came to serve and not to be served.  (Matthew 20: 28; Mark 10: 45) But this  notwithstanding, the Twelve appointed "seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task."   (Acts 6: 3).   "Whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”  (Acts 6: 4).

"We [all] are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  (1 Peter 2: 9)

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You have changed my mourning into dancing, O Lord my God.

"The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit."  (Acts 13: 52 RM)

You may call the above Scripture the Mark of the Disciple.
If you are a Christian and you are not joyful, then something is wrong.  Did you receive the Holy when you were confirmed? Are you living in sin?  Perhaps some secret illicit pleasure that offends the Holy Spirit of Jesus?
"Brothers, what shall we do?"  (2: 37)
Repent and confess your sins and you will once more be filled with the Holy Spirit.  (Cf Acts 2: 38  ).

Pope Francis said:  'true Christians have cheerful faces and eyes full of joy'

"You have changed my mourning into dancing, O Lord, and have girded me with joy, alleluia."  (Psalm 30: 12)

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Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.   In  my Father’s house there are many dwelling places."  (John 14: 1 - 2 NABRE).

Our heart is anxious and troubled over health, family, and money issues.  Sometimes, it is over our possessions and tools.  Some people spend sleepless nights worrying about the future. 

But God tells us:

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

Below is the prescription of one who is human like ourselves:
"Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices."  (St Teresa of Avila).

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The favors of the Lord I will sing forever.

"If you know these things, blessed and happy and to be envied are you if you practice them [if you act accordingly and really do them]."
(John 13:17 AMP)

It is not what we know that transforms us.  It is what we do every day.  Habits that lead to addiction is formed one day at a time.   In the middle of winter 2016, I discovered cocoa beverage in the grocery store and enjoyed it every afternoon of winter. Winter is gone and now I am struggling to break the habit.

"Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny."

Character is Destiny. Period!  Why don't you cultivate the 7 Habits of Saints:
1. Prayer
2. Word of God
3. Eucharist
4. Reconciliation
5. Examination of Conscience
6. Ministry / Sharing your gifts
7. Spiritual Reading

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
(John 13:17 NIV)

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The Holy Spirit chooses, calls and equips us for mission.

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”   (Acts 13: 2)

The Holy Spirit is Lord and Giver of life.  We see in the above Scripture that He is the Spirit who calls, prepares and sends out for evangelization.

What are the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit?
1.  Wisdom
2.  Understanding
3.  Counsel
4.  Fortitude
5.  Knowledge
6.  Piety
7.  Fear of God
(CCC #1831)

Through these gifts, the Holy Spirit equips us for mission.

O Holy Spirit of Light and Love, to You we consecrate our minds, hearts and will, for time and eternity.

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Jesus Christ is a true, noble, credible and faithful witness.

"The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me."  (John 10: 25)

Jesus Christ is the faithful and true witness.  (Cf Revelation 1:5; 3: 14)

A very important element of the act of witnessing or testifying to the truth is the character of the witness.  Is the witness a credible character or not?  Jesus Christ is a credible character.  He bore testimony to who He is by His words and works.  His words point to His works and His works clarify His words.

By this standard, is Martin Luther a true, faithful and credible witness?

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I will lay down my life for the sheep.

"I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.   A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away."  (John 10: 11 - 12 NABRE)

The above word from Jesus may be called the story of the Good Shepherd and the hired hands.  Think of all the politicians who promise to save us from everything.  How many of them are the true Moses?

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them  --  not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve."  (1 Peter 5: 2).

On the Cross, our Good Shepherd laid down His life for us.  He did not run away. When He was challenged to come down from the Cross, He did not.

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The Holy Spirit is the Abundant life, the fullness of life.

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."  (John 10: 10 AMP)

What is Abundant life?
Jesus revealed Himself as the Bread of life. (John 6: 35).  In Isaiah, He promised that we shall eat bread without money and drink choice wine without worrying how we pay for it.  (Isaiah 55: 1 - 3). This time is now.  Are you still dreaming and waiting for Abundant life?

Abundant life consists of:
Faith, Patience, Wisdom, Humility, Courage, Peace, Contentment.

How do you form the habit that leads to and maintains Abundant life?
Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Maintaining a clear conscience through daily examination of conscience, Ministry or sharing your gifts, Spiritual reading.
You may call this: The 7 Habits of a saint.

Where does this Abundant life apply in your life?
Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools and Possessions, Food and Peace over your Future.
You may call this:  The 7 War Zones, the areas where Satan wars against you to deprive you of Faith, Peace and Abundant life.

To capture an image of Abundant life, look no further than the life of Jesus and the saints.  They radiate pure joy, peace and contentment.

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."  (John 10: 10 AMP)

The Holy Spirit is the Abundant life, the fullness of life.

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What are the 7 Habits for Abundant life?

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."  (John 10: 10 AMP)

What is Abundant life?
Jesus revealed Himself as the Bread of life. (John 6: 35).  In Isaiah, He promised that we shall eat bread without money and drink choice wine without worrying how we pay for it.  (Isaiah 55: 1 - 3). This time is now.  Are you still dreaming and waiting for Abundant life?

Abundant life consists of:
Faith, Patience, Wisdom, Humility, Courage, Peace, Contentment.

How do you form the habit that leads to and maintains Abundant life?
Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Maintaining a clear conscience through daily examination of conscience, Ministry or sharing your gifts, Spiritual reading.
You may call this: The 7 Habits of a saint.

Where does this Abundant life apply in your life?
Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools and Possessions, Food and Peace over your Future.
You may call this:  The 7 War Zones, the areas where Satan wars against you to deprive you of Faith, Peace and Abundant life.

To capture an image of Abundant life, look no further than the life of Jesus and the saints.  They radiate pure joy, peace and contentment.

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The Church was at peace and walked in the fear of the Lord.

"The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers."  (Acts 9: 31 NABRE)

Jesus gave the Apostles a blueprint on the Church. He gave them the authority to build it up as they see fit.   He promised to approve their plan. (Matthew 28: 18 - 20).  Just like the awesome authority God gave to Adam and Eve:

"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  (Genesis 1: 28)

Imagine the incredible truth that Jesus entrusted His most important work to the weak and fallible Apostles.
The Church has been called by many names, all pointing to its divine and super human identity:
The Body of Christ
Temple of the Holy Spirit
People of God
The Universal Sacrament of Salvation
Mystical Body of Christ

The Church is a credible witness of the life and work and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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John, John, why are you persecuting Me?

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.    Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.”  (Acts 9: 4-6 NABRE)

I call the above scene in the life of St Paul and the life of the infant Church, a turning point. There are many lessons to be gleaned from this incident.  I want to focus on one:  Jesus Christ our Lord is not unaware of what is going on in the life of the Church or your personal life. He knows every detail.  He knows when you are honoring Him, working with Him for the salvation of the world or when you are persecuting Him.  Don't be deceived by His silence.

The full drama of the confrontation between the Risen Jesus and St Paul can be read in Acts 9: 1-20.

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May 5, 2017 - First Friday in May.

May 5, 2017:  First Friday in May.
How do you plan to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus today?

The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

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

6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

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

12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

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The Flesh and Blood of Jesus is the medicine of immortality.

 "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”  (John 6: 51 NABRE)

1.  What is this Bread?
This Bread is truly the Flesh and Blood of Jesus Christ.
2.  When was it given?
It was given on the night before He died with these words: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."  (Matthew 26: 26; Mark 14: 22; Luke 22: 19; 1 Corinthians 11: 24) And then, "Do this in memory of me."
3.  Why did Jesus give us this Bread?
Just as bread nourishes our body and sustain our lives, the Flesh of Christ nourishes our souls and sustains our lives.  St Ignatius of Antioch calls the Body and Blood of Jesus "the medicine of immortality."
4.  How is it available to us today?
The Body and Blood of Jesus is available to us today through the Eucharistic Feast, also known as the Holy Mass.
5.  Where can we find this Bread?
In the Eucharistic Feast or Holy Mass.
6.  Who can receive this Bread?
To receive Holy Communion one must be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church and be in the state of grace, that is, not conscious of any serious sin.
7.  Who is the Minister of this Sacrament?
A Bishop or a priest.

No Eucharist, no Church. No Church, no priesthood.

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The Greatest Sign and Work of Jesus is the Church.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.  And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the  Son.  If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."  (John 14: 12 - 14 NABRE).

Note that the condition to ask and receive is linked to "belief" and "works."   You believe in Jesus, the Only Son of the Father.  You become  active in working for God.  God sees your work for the Kingdom and God works for your interests. (Cf Matthew 6: 33 - 34).

St Maria Faustina, the mystic and the Apostle of Divine Mercy in her Diary records:  Jesus is sad because His children (us) do not ask for big gifts.  He wants us to come to Him and ask for the big items.  What are the big things? What does the Bible say?

"If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!”  (Luke 11: 13 AMP).

The Holy Spirit is the Mother of all gifts.

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Be my Rock of refuge, O Lord my God.

"As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep."  (Acts 7: 59 - 60 NABRE).

This is how the first Christian martyr, St Stephen died.  He died exactly as Jesus died, forgiving his persecutors while still in agony.  Jesus promises unlimited Mercy to all who call on Him in trust.  But this is contingent on our being merciful to others.  The ABC OF MERCY. Yes!
A: Ask for Mercy.
B: Be Merciful.
C: Completely Trust Jesus for Mercy.
Yes. All 3 steps are essential.

"Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
My trust is in the LORD;
I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy."  (Psalm 31: 6-8)

The more you trust Jesus for Mercy, the more you receive mercy.

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Do not labor for food that perishes.

"Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” (John 6: 27 NABRE)

What a great Scripture for today, feast of St Joseph the Worker.  St Joseph is the Patron saint of workers.  Today is public holiday in most of the world.  Workers celebrate human labor.  God Himself promises:

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord and walk in His ways! By the labor of your hands you shall eat;  blessed are you, and blessed will you be. "  (Psalm 128: 1-2 RM).

Let all the workers of the world raise up their hearts and minds to God in prayer and thanksgiving because He has promised to provide for us and to protect us:

" O God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race the law of work, graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage we may complete the works you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."  Amen.

St Joseph the Worker, Pray for us.

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Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem?

"Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer  these things and enter into his glory?”  (Luke 24: 26 NABRE)

The Cross was a necessity for Christ for the salvation of the world.   What is a necessity for the Incarnate Jesus becomes a necessity for us.  Jesus is the Way we must walk.  He is the Truth we follow like a bright street light.  He is the life we live when we are transformed into a new creation.

Do not reject suffering in your life, brethren.   For rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.  (Pope Benedict XVI).  No cross, no crown. No thorns, no testimony. 

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11: 29 - 30)

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The word of God continues to grow.

"The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith."  (Acts 6: 7 NABRE)

Yesterday we reflected on the Gamaliel Principle:
“So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it — and you better not be found fighting against God!”  (Acts 5: 38 - 39 MSG).

Today we see the vindication of the wisdom of Gamaliel.  In spite of the opposition of the Jewish leaders, we see the growth of the Faith through the power of God.  Gamaliel Principle is true. As it was then, so it is now and forever.

Do not be afraid that God will forsake you or abandon you in your calling.

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God will finish what He started.

 "For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.   But  if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”  (Acts 5: 38 - 39 NABRE)

Many years ago, I was discerning a very important project.  After sometime, I decided to consult a spiritual director.  He acknowledged that the project was tough. The only support he offered was the above Scripture (Acts 5: 38 - 39). Years after the consultation, I started to call the Scripture the "Gamaliel Principle" after the main character, Rabbi Gamaliel.  The Scripture turned out to be one of my key Scriptures in spiritual discernment. I learned this life lesson:

1.  If God is with you, it is accomplished.  No matter the obstacles, delays,
disappointments or personal weaknesses.
2.  No fear. No worry. No doubt as long as the Lord is with you.
3.  God will finish what He started. (Exodus 14: 13-14; Isaiah 13: 15; 2 Chronicles 20: 15;  Philippians 1: 6)

"Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"  (Psalm 27: 14)

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If the Lord is with you, it is accomplished.

 "For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.   But  if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”  (Acts 5: 38 - 39 NABRE)

Many years ago, I was discerning a very important project.  After sometime, I decided to consult a spiritual director.  He acknowledged that the project was tough. The only support he offered was the above Scripture (Acts 5: 38 - 39). Years after the consultation, I started to call the Scripture the "Gamaliel Principle" after the main character, Rabbi Gamaliel.  The Scripture turned out to be one of my key Scriptures in spiritual discernment. I learned this life lesson:

1.  If God is with you, it is accomplished.  No matter the obstacles, delays,
disappointments or personal weaknesses.
2.  No fear. No worry. No doubt as long as the Lord is with you.

"Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"  (Psalm 27: 14)

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