Hundredfold Harvest

"But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold" (Matthew 13: 8)

The rich soil produced abundant harvest. The rich soil is the soil prepared with faith and obedience.

Valley of Tears

"We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies." (8: 22 – 23)

Although we are saved and liberated by Christ, the full fruits of the redemption will take place at the Parousia. This is why even we who have the firstfruits experience sickness, sin and ignorance. The Church understands this very well and articulates it in her prayers, for example:

"Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail our lives, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee to we send up our tears, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears…."

Yes, we still live in the valley of tears.

The word of God is fruitful

"Thus says the Lord: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55: 10 – 11)

God's word makes us fertile and fruitful. The seed is the word of God. The word of God is fruitful and productive. The word of God is bread for the soul.

Trust and obedience are the essential ingredients that make the word of God very fruitful.

Father, may your word achieve your purpose in my life.

Declaring for Christ

"So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of human beings, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10: 32)

When and how do we declare for Christ before men? The Holy Spirit will lead and guide the soul that is open to His influence. When that time comes, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. The Holy Spirit will take care of everything.

Most Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me and use me. Amen!

Powerful Providence of God

"The evil you planned to do me has by God's design been turned to good, to bring about the present result: the survival of a numerous people." (Genesis 50: 20)

What a comfort to know that God's providential design is supreme in all situations. The enemies Jesus executed Him in their malice. God raised Him up for the salvation of the world. When we trust completely in God, we can say: "What can mortal man do to me?"

Do not worry about what to say

"But when you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you." (Matthew 10: 19 – 20)

Many times in my life, I have enjoyed the benefit of the promise in the above scripture. I have been provided with what to say in some tough situations. Most Holy Spirit, I thank you for your presence in me. Lead me, guide me and always use me.

The Enterprise Journey

"Do not be afraid of going down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I shall go down into Egypt with you and I myself shall bring you back again, and Joseph's hand will close your eyes." (Genesis 46: 3 -4)

Do not be afraid of the Enterprise. I shall go with you. I shall make you great. The Enterprise is a journey with Jesus. Do not fear. If Jesus is with me, it is accomplished.