The Essence

"Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried; and that on the third day, he was raised to life, in accordance with the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:4)

Christ's death on the cross was not an accident. It was ordained from eternity that Christ was to die for our sins.

The core of the apostolic preaching was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This message has a saving value. How are we saved by this message? What is the implication of this truth for our live today?

Avoid sin. Live for Christ.

The Vine

"I am the vine and you are the branches, says the Lord; he who lives in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit." (John 15: 5)

Principle of productivity: Live in Christ.

We live in Christ through the Sacrament, particularly the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gift. Through it, God shares with us His divine life. Another word for God's divine life in us is sanctifying grace.

We also live in Christ through his words. "If you remain in my word, you will know the truth and the truth will make you free."

Worry is useless

"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 place." (John 14: 1)

Do not be troubled over the 7-War zones. Worry is useless. All that is necessary is trust.

Life-Changing Truth

The two scriptures which were read at Mass today as first reading and responsorial Psalm drastically changed my perspective during my Desert Experience. I came to understand through this 12^th chapter of Hebrews that in God's pedagogy, discipline equals training; trials equals discipline. I now understand more clearly the message of Father Jean-Pierre Caussade, S.J. in Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence. While God uses carrots in His training, sticks form the bedrock or meat of his curriculum. Very much like in the classroom: the tough homework shows the difference between a good student and a mediocre one.

Hebrews 12: 4-7, 11-15

 

4

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

5

You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: "My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him;

6

for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges."

7

Endure your trials as "discipline"; God treats you as sons. For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline?

They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.

11

At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.

12

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.

13

Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

14

Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

15

³ See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled,

 

Psalm 103: 1-2, 13-14, 17-18

 

¹ Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!

2

Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,

13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on the faithful.

14

For he knows how we are formed, remembers that we are dust.

17

But the LORD'S kindness is forever, toward the faithful from age to age. He favors the children's children

18

of those who keep his covenant, who take care to fulfill its precepts.

 

02/04/09

Living Stones

"Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2: 5)

We are living stones in the house of God.

QOP is a type and shadow of God building me into a spiritual house. How is God building me up?

The Seven-Way Plan

Who in the Lord 2

"See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them inspite of famine." (Psalm 33: 18-19)

God shows mercy on those:

• Who fear Him
  
• Who trust Him
  
• Who hope for His kindness, that is, expect to receive His mercy
  

"Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you."

The Right Order

"It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table….We shall devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." (Acts 6: 2, 4)

A very important principle is established here.

First things first:

• Prayer
  
• Ministry of the word
  

In the life of the apostle, there must be priorities. The most important things must be done first and the lesser things left to others or not done at all. Whatever is the ministry, priority must always be given to prayer the word of God.