Deliverance from Slavery

“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1: 2-3)
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1: 6-7)

Manny called me at about 8.30 pm and we talked for about 40 minutes. He told me that this week had been one of the most stressful experienced in recent times. I told him that after Easter every year going back to at least twelve years, I had always experienced great trials. This year is no exception. And this week was one of my most stressful week in the entire year. With money very low, without jobs and without inspiration and with plenty of customer harassment, I had a lot to deal with.

In May 1995, I got this incredible elocution from the Blessed Mother:
"All you need is the Holy Spirit."

I remember that at the time, I was surprised by this message. Why? Because I was praying desperately for money, for job and for health. What is the connection of the Holy Spirit to my dire needs of the moment? But I was curious enough to investigate. As I started reading up on the Holy Spirit using the books in my library, I saw clearly that the Holy Spirit is the answer to my longings and quest for success. In one word, I saw that the Holy Spirit will fulfill the longings/desires of my heart. That is all that I want and need.

That message from Mary had remained with me all these years. But at periods of dire financial needs as I feel this moment, I wondered if I needed something more than the Holy Spirit to help me. For example, skills in making money, skills at a marketable functions, more endearing personality, more robust health, etc.

All these futile speculations were put to rest early this morning when I remembered that Our Lady gave me the message in the most needy time of my entire life. I had discovered since then the reason why Our Blessed Mother said to me: "All you need is the Holy Spirit." The reason is simply because the Holy Spirit is the source of all inspiration and power. I see this in my life every day. I delight in His inspirations. I delight in His power. I know that with Him all things are possible.

Now why do I still feel affected by worries, fears and doubts?

O Jesus, your name says what it is and does what it says. Deliver me O dear Lord from the slavery of fears, worries and doubts. I ask for this in that Name that means Salvation. Amen.

Lying to the Holy Spirit

“Peter said, ‘Ananias, how can Satan have so possessed you that you should lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land?”
Is lying to the Church the same thing as lying to the Holy Spirit? This is what Peter is saying in the above scripture. Listen to another scripture:
“Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 16)
Another scripture with a similar meaning is this:
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9: 4-5)
The three scriptures refer to one thing: the Mystical Body of Christ. Paul wrote that the union of Jesus with His Church is one big mystery.

Proclaiming the word of God fearlessly

“As they prayed, the house where they were assembled rocked. From this time they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the word of God fearlessly.” (Acts 4: 13)
O Most Holy Spirit, you respond to our desire for you by filling us with yourself and your gifts. Come to us and bless us with great courage to share the word of God everywhere. Amen!

Easter Faith

“You must repent,’ Peter answered, ‘and every one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2: 38)
To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, repentance comes first. The Holy Spirit of God will not inhabit a soul that is stained with sin. After repentance comes Baptism. Baptism washes away our sins and makes us the adopted children of God and brethren of Jesus Christ. We died with Christ in Baptism. At Easter we proclaim our faith in the resurrection of Jesus.
May the Risen Jesus fill your hearts and minds with the simple and gracious joys of Easter!
Consider this for a moment:
Through faith, we gain direct and immediate access to the promise of God’s
1. Pardon
2. Peace
3. Purpose
4. Power
5. Protection
6. Provision
You can call the above the 6 P’s of God’s promise.
This is the power of Christ’s Resurrection for each and every believer.