Source of Health and Strength

"Lord, you have given us these gifts to honor your name. bless them, let them become a source of health and strength …" (Prayer at Mass)

The Eucharist is the source of health and strength. Thank you, Jesus.

Discipleship Principles

"If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8: 31-32)

Principles of discipleship:

• Make my word your home
  
• Carry your cross everyday and follow me
  
• Be inserted in me as the branch lives in the vine
  

Those are the words of Christ. Those are the three key principles of discipleship.

Daniel and his companions

"Blessed be the God of Sharach, Meshach and Abed-Nego: has sent his angels to rescue his servants who, putting their trust in him, defied the order of the king, and preferred to forfeit their bodies rather than serve or worship any god but their God." (Daniel 3: 28/95)

When we find ourselves in a similar situation as Daniel and his companions, how do we win? The scripture above gives the answer. The same idea is also expressed in Revelation:

"They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love of life did not deter them from death." (Revelation 12: 11)

The Word and the Sacrament

"Father of mercy, hear the prayers of your repentant children who call on you in love. Enlighten our minds and sanctify our hearts….." (Mass Prayer)

Enlighten our minds through your word. Sanctify our hearts through your sacraments.

Jesus Christ comes to us in word and in sacrament to strengthen us in holiness.

Long Journey

"But their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses." (Numbers 21: 4-5)

The Enterprise is a journey. It is a long journey. Beware of complaining, criticizing and condemning.

What are the things God provides to sustain my spirit in this journey? I think of the 7-Way plan. Yesterday was the feast of Corpus Christi. For a couple of times now, I have celebrated this feast which includes a procession after Mass at the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral. I go the Cathedral to "do" thanks for the gift of the Eucharist which is a great food for this journey.

The Power of the Cross 2

"When you have lifted up the Son of man then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of my own accord." (John 8: 28)

No cross, no crown.

No crucifixion, no resurrection.

The crucifixion would prove the divinity of Christ. Our sufferings and triumph over them will glorify God.

"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself, says the Lord." (John 32: 32)

The power of the cross.

Christ saves us through His cross.