EWTN – Eternal Word Television Network
I left Houston early Friday, March 25, 2006 for San Antonio to attend the EWTN 25th Anniversary Family Celebrations. San Antonio, Texas is one of four cities chosen by EWTN to host its 25th Anniversary celebrations.
I thank the Lord for the opportunity to see how he uses the Eternal Word Television Network to touch souls everywhere in the world. Touched by this work, I signed up as an EWTN Media missionary. I committed myself to spreading the good word about EWTN ministry of evangelization.
I returned to my home in Houston, Sunday afternoon. During my absence, there was no Blog from the Friday I left for San Antonio to Sunday when I returned home.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Pearl of Great Value
Pearl of Great Value
“The kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.” (Matthew 13:45)
When I reflected on the above passage in 1996, I made the following entry in my journal:
“For years I have searched for the holy grail of God’s will for my life. I was determined to find my definite major purpose in life that could engage my whole being. I found this idea in the Enterprise. In order to buy “this pearl of great value,’ I am prepared to pay the ultimate price. I look with coolness at the liquidation of material things which I acquired and valued over the years. This is part of the price I am paying for the Enterprise – “this pearl of great value.” I am also prepared to pay the price in effort, perseverance, hard work and “begin again.”
Today 2006, I am still paying the price in effort and perseverance to hold on to Jesus, “this fine pearl of great value.”
“The kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off in his joy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.” (Matthew 13:44)
“The kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.” (Matthew 13:45)
When I reflected on the above passage in 1996, I made the following entry in my journal:
“For years I have searched for the holy grail of God’s will for my life. I was determined to find my definite major purpose in life that could engage my whole being. I found this idea in the Enterprise. In order to buy “this pearl of great value,’ I am prepared to pay the ultimate price. I look with coolness at the liquidation of material things which I acquired and valued over the years. This is part of the price I am paying for the Enterprise – “this pearl of great value.” I am also prepared to pay the price in effort, perseverance, hard work and “begin again.”
Today 2006, I am still paying the price in effort and perseverance to hold on to Jesus, “this fine pearl of great value.”
“The kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off in his joy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.” (Matthew 13:44)
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
They Slapped Him
They Slapped Him!
“Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged; and after this, the soldiers twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him and saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ and they slapped him in the face.” (John 19: 1-3)
In this scene, we see Jesus scourged, crowned with thorns, insulted and slapped. All in one scene. He suffered severe physical and mental injuries. Contemplation of the passion of the Christ has converted many people to Jesus. Jesus in suffering humbly, patiently and innocently is showing us a powerful example. “See how much I suffered for you.” And then he challenges us, “Can you not stay with me for 30 minutes?”
Lord Jesus, you suffered so much just to show how much you love us. Help us to appreciate this and to trust you completely in everything.
“Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged; and after this, the soldiers twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him and saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ and they slapped him in the face.” (John 19: 1-3)
In this scene, we see Jesus scourged, crowned with thorns, insulted and slapped. All in one scene. He suffered severe physical and mental injuries. Contemplation of the passion of the Christ has converted many people to Jesus. Jesus in suffering humbly, patiently and innocently is showing us a powerful example. “See how much I suffered for you.” And then he challenges us, “Can you not stay with me for 30 minutes?”
Lord Jesus, you suffered so much just to show how much you love us. Help us to appreciate this and to trust you completely in everything.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
My own Cross
My own Cross
“They then took charge of Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out to the city to the place of the skull or, as it was called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified him with two others, one on either side with Jesus in the middle.” (John 19:17)
Jesus carried his own cross to Golgotha. The cross is the mark of the Christian. We often think of prosperity, good health, and well-being as marks of God’s blessings and approval. But the New Testament (Covenant) is clear that it is the cross that is the mark of blessings and God’s approval. The cross is at the heart of the New Covenant/Testament. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14). The Holy Spirit revealed the wisdom of the cross to St. Paul through personal experience and revelation.
Jesus carried his own cross to Golgotha. He wants his followers to carry their own crosses everyday and follow him. Ten years ago when I reflected on John 19:17, I was carrying a heavy cross and I wrote this: “What are my crosses today? They are those unpleasant circumstances, events or conditions that I have not chosen. Today, I have not chosen to be unwell, broke, bereft of tools, no electricity or roads. If I bear each of these situations cheerfully and with fortitude, then I ill be obeying Christ by carrying my own cross and following him. The word of God says that it is not possible for me to carry my cross cheerfully and with fortitude unless Christ helps me.”
Today, my situation has changed dramatically but I do not want to forget the lessons of the cross. Woe betides me if I do.
“They then took charge of Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out to the city to the place of the skull or, as it was called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified him with two others, one on either side with Jesus in the middle.” (John 19:17)
Jesus carried his own cross to Golgotha. The cross is the mark of the Christian. We often think of prosperity, good health, and well-being as marks of God’s blessings and approval. But the New Testament (Covenant) is clear that it is the cross that is the mark of blessings and God’s approval. The cross is at the heart of the New Covenant/Testament. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14). The Holy Spirit revealed the wisdom of the cross to St. Paul through personal experience and revelation.
Jesus carried his own cross to Golgotha. He wants his followers to carry their own crosses everyday and follow him. Ten years ago when I reflected on John 19:17, I was carrying a heavy cross and I wrote this: “What are my crosses today? They are those unpleasant circumstances, events or conditions that I have not chosen. Today, I have not chosen to be unwell, broke, bereft of tools, no electricity or roads. If I bear each of these situations cheerfully and with fortitude, then I ill be obeying Christ by carrying my own cross and following him. The word of God says that it is not possible for me to carry my cross cheerfully and with fortitude unless Christ helps me.”
Today, my situation has changed dramatically but I do not want to forget the lessons of the cross. Woe betides me if I do.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Bearing witness to the truth
Bearing witness to the truth
“Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of the truth listen to my voice.” (John 18: 37)
I find that Jesus makes a great statement of purpose in the above scripture. He is a king whose purpose in life is to bear witness to the truth. Pilate asked Jesus: “What is the truth?” He did not wait for the answer. But we know the answer. “I am the truth, the way and the life,” said Jesus in another occasion.
Jesus is king. But where does he reign? “My kingdom is not of this world,” he says. Jesus reigns in the hearts, minds and souls of believers. He reigns in the Church. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask: “Thy kingdom come.” We ask God the Father to hasten the reign of Jesus in every heart and soul.
Jesus came to bear witness to the truth about God, myself, the Church and the world. Because I have a spark of the truth in me, I listen to Jesus.
Lord Jesus, help me to share in your ministry of bearing witness to the truth.
“Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of the truth listen to my voice.” (John 18: 37)
I find that Jesus makes a great statement of purpose in the above scripture. He is a king whose purpose in life is to bear witness to the truth. Pilate asked Jesus: “What is the truth?” He did not wait for the answer. But we know the answer. “I am the truth, the way and the life,” said Jesus in another occasion.
Jesus is king. But where does he reign? “My kingdom is not of this world,” he says. Jesus reigns in the hearts, minds and souls of believers. He reigns in the Church. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask: “Thy kingdom come.” We ask God the Father to hasten the reign of Jesus in every heart and soul.
Jesus came to bear witness to the truth about God, myself, the Church and the world. Because I have a spark of the truth in me, I listen to Jesus.
Lord Jesus, help me to share in your ministry of bearing witness to the truth.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Did I not see you with Jesus?
Did I not see you with Jesus?
“As Simon Peter stood there warming himself, someone said to him, ‘Aren’t you another of his disciples?’ He denied it saying, ‘I am not.’ One of the high priest’s servants, a relation of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, ‘didn’t I see you in the garden with him?’ Again Peter denied it; and at once a cock crew.”
(John 18: 25 – 27)
Everything in the Scriptures is written to instruct us. What lesson is the above incident teaching me? The lesson is very plain: How the mighty can fall! If it is possible for Peter who had been so close to Jesus to fall, who can be spared? Is the Holy Spirit not right when he spoke through Paul that we should work out our salvation in fear and trembling? We gain strength and victory only through Jesus. Cut off from him, we wither. There is nothing we can do by ourselves. A curious question is: Did the grace of Christ abandon Peter on this occasion in order to teach him a lesson in humility or did Peter reject grace? I recall the black Saturday of June 1974 in Lusaka. On that occasion, I had an analogous experience to Peter’s. The difference is that Peter recovered immediately. It took me a longtime to recover. Lord Jesus, I thank you for calling me back. Grant me deep trust in you and humility as I work out my salvation in fear and trembling.
“As Simon Peter stood there warming himself, someone said to him, ‘Aren’t you another of his disciples?’ He denied it saying, ‘I am not.’ One of the high priest’s servants, a relation of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, ‘didn’t I see you in the garden with him?’ Again Peter denied it; and at once a cock crew.”
(John 18: 25 – 27)
Everything in the Scriptures is written to instruct us. What lesson is the above incident teaching me? The lesson is very plain: How the mighty can fall! If it is possible for Peter who had been so close to Jesus to fall, who can be spared? Is the Holy Spirit not right when he spoke through Paul that we should work out our salvation in fear and trembling? We gain strength and victory only through Jesus. Cut off from him, we wither. There is nothing we can do by ourselves. A curious question is: Did the grace of Christ abandon Peter on this occasion in order to teach him a lesson in humility or did Peter reject grace? I recall the black Saturday of June 1974 in Lusaka. On that occasion, I had an analogous experience to Peter’s. The difference is that Peter recovered immediately. It took me a longtime to recover. Lord Jesus, I thank you for calling me back. Grant me deep trust in you and humility as I work out my salvation in fear and trembling.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
The Cup
The Cup
“Put your sword back in its scabbard; am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
Jesus has now come to the supreme moment of crisis, the moment of decision. He knows what his Father expects of him at this hour. But there are other voices suggesting he takes a different approach.
In all of life-threatening crisis, we face the same temptation. There is always more than one way:
Every good general understands that for every battle, there is a corresponding and appropriate weapon. It is an over-kill to kill an ant with a hammer just as it is useless to face a motorized armored division with one on a horse back. Deep prayer, similar to the one Jesus said in the Garden of Olives gives us the spiritual freedom to make the right choice. Without this support from God, the temptation to adopt the way of “the sword” will be overwhelming.
When we face a crisis, we should aim to discover God’s way of responding. We can discover this, only through prayer and subsequent gift of spiritual freedom.
“Lord, what is your will in this? I seek your will and not my own. Show me your will. Amen”
“Put your sword back in its scabbard; am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
Jesus has now come to the supreme moment of crisis, the moment of decision. He knows what his Father expects of him at this hour. But there are other voices suggesting he takes a different approach.
In all of life-threatening crisis, we face the same temptation. There is always more than one way:
- The way of “the cup that the Father has given.”
- The way of “the sword” for rapid victory or solution.
Every good general understands that for every battle, there is a corresponding and appropriate weapon. It is an over-kill to kill an ant with a hammer just as it is useless to face a motorized armored division with one on a horse back. Deep prayer, similar to the one Jesus said in the Garden of Olives gives us the spiritual freedom to make the right choice. Without this support from God, the temptation to adopt the way of “the sword” will be overwhelming.
When we face a crisis, we should aim to discover God’s way of responding. We can discover this, only through prayer and subsequent gift of spiritual freedom.
“Lord, what is your will in this? I seek your will and not my own. Show me your will. Amen”
Friday, March 17, 2006
St Patrick
"He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob."
(Psalm 24: 5-6)
Every 17th of March is remembered as St Patrick's Day in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and many other countries. Why is this saint who was born in 386 still remembered and honored today? St Patrick is remembered in history for bringing Christianity to Ireland. He is the patron saint of Ireland, a small country with great influence in the world. Ireland is best known for its missionary spirit. St Patrick survived many hardships and achieved his life's purpose because of a spirit of strong faith and tenacity.
Patrick was abducted from his home in Kilpatrick in England at the age of sixteen and enslaved in Ireland. He worked as a herdsman for six years before he got an opportunity to escape into Gaul, modern France. There he prepared for the priesthood and was ordained a priest. After his ordination, Patrick returned to Ireland and worked for the conversion of the Irish people.
St. Patrick died in 461. March 17 is the feast of St Patrick. March 17 is also my birthday. I was born on St. Patrick’s Day in St. Patrick’s parish at a time when the feast of St. Patrick was a school holiday in my country, Nigeria. But I was not baptized Patrick but Emmanuel. I had often wondered why. I never had the opportunity to ask my parents before they died. Most probably the reason may be that my parents chose the name Emmanuel before I was born.
Prayer of St Patrick
Christ is with me,
Christ is before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
BOOKS ON ST PATRICK
(Psalm 24: 5-6)
Every 17th of March is remembered as St Patrick's Day in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and many other countries. Why is this saint who was born in 386 still remembered and honored today? St Patrick is remembered in history for bringing Christianity to Ireland. He is the patron saint of Ireland, a small country with great influence in the world. Ireland is best known for its missionary spirit. St Patrick survived many hardships and achieved his life's purpose because of a spirit of strong faith and tenacity.
Patrick was abducted from his home in Kilpatrick in England at the age of sixteen and enslaved in Ireland. He worked as a herdsman for six years before he got an opportunity to escape into Gaul, modern France. There he prepared for the priesthood and was ordained a priest. After his ordination, Patrick returned to Ireland and worked for the conversion of the Irish people.
St. Patrick died in 461. March 17 is the feast of St Patrick. March 17 is also my birthday. I was born on St. Patrick’s Day in St. Patrick’s parish at a time when the feast of St. Patrick was a school holiday in my country, Nigeria. But I was not baptized Patrick but Emmanuel. I had often wondered why. I never had the opportunity to ask my parents before they died. Most probably the reason may be that my parents chose the name Emmanuel before I was born.
Prayer of St Patrick
Christ is with me,
Christ is before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
BOOKS ON ST PATRICK
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Consecrate me to the truth
Consecrate me to the truth
“Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrate myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth.” (John 16: 17-19)
Jesus prays to the Father to consecrate me in the truth. To be consecrated to the truth is to be completely dedicated to the truth, fully immersed in truth. This is a critical condition for being in the world and not of the world. To be effective in God’s service in the world, one must be consecrated in the truth.
What is the truth? The truth is Jesus, the world of God. I must be consecrated to Jesus , the truth in order to bear fruit in the world. The world represents those whose priorities are other things apart from God. We have three realms: public sector, private sector and religion. There are those in the public and private sector who by their lives and witnessing do not belong to the world. And there are those in religion who are worldly.
Jesus also said that knowledge of God and his Christ constitutes eternal life. Consecration to the truth is eternal life. And the eternal life is for those who are in the world but not of the world.
“Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrate myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth.” (John 16: 17-19)
Jesus prays to the Father to consecrate me in the truth. To be consecrated to the truth is to be completely dedicated to the truth, fully immersed in truth. This is a critical condition for being in the world and not of the world. To be effective in God’s service in the world, one must be consecrated in the truth.
What is the truth? The truth is Jesus, the world of God. I must be consecrated to Jesus , the truth in order to bear fruit in the world. The world represents those whose priorities are other things apart from God. We have three realms: public sector, private sector and religion. There are those in the public and private sector who by their lives and witnessing do not belong to the world. And there are those in religion who are worldly.
Jesus also said that knowledge of God and his Christ constitutes eternal life. Consecration to the truth is eternal life. And the eternal life is for those who are in the world but not of the world.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Joy of Answered Prayer
The Joy of Answered Prayer
“I tell you most solemnly, anything you ask for from the Father he will grant in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and so your joy will be complete.” (John 16: 23-24)
I have said to myself many times that I have never experienced any joy as intense as the joy of answered prayer. Jesus himself seems here to confirm my intuition that when the Father grants your heart’s desire, the joy is intense.
One time I experienced this joy was in 1980. I had desired to go to London to study Marketing. All the odds were stacked against me. But one day, God opened the way. I landed in London on a September night. The next morning when I left my hotel and stepped into the street of London, I experienced the intense joy of answered prayer.
July 18, 1992 was a day that will be difficult to forget in my life. Seven months earlier, I embarked on building my own house from the scratch. I had no clue of what was involved. After I had committed a great deal of resources to the project, it seemed as if it was mission impossible. I bent my knees in prayers. I raised my hands before God asking for his assistance and favor. On July 18th, the first night in the house, I had such a sweet feeling during my light sleep that I thought the whole thing was a dream.
Yes, indeed, God our Father answers prayers in Jesus’ name. And when he does, how great and how intense is our joy.
“I tell you most solemnly, anything you ask for from the Father he will grant in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and so your joy will be complete.” (John 16: 23-24)
I have said to myself many times that I have never experienced any joy as intense as the joy of answered prayer. Jesus himself seems here to confirm my intuition that when the Father grants your heart’s desire, the joy is intense.
One time I experienced this joy was in 1980. I had desired to go to London to study Marketing. All the odds were stacked against me. But one day, God opened the way. I landed in London on a September night. The next morning when I left my hotel and stepped into the street of London, I experienced the intense joy of answered prayer.
July 18, 1992 was a day that will be difficult to forget in my life. Seven months earlier, I embarked on building my own house from the scratch. I had no clue of what was involved. After I had committed a great deal of resources to the project, it seemed as if it was mission impossible. I bent my knees in prayers. I raised my hands before God asking for his assistance and favor. On July 18th, the first night in the house, I had such a sweet feeling during my light sleep that I thought the whole thing was a dream.
Yes, indeed, God our Father answers prayers in Jesus’ name. And when he does, how great and how intense is our joy.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
The Birthing Process
The Birthing Process
“I tell you most solemnly, you will be weeping and wailing while the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. A woman in child birth suffers, because her time has come; but when she has given birth to the child she forgets the suffering in her joy that a man has been born into the world.” (John 16: 20-21)
I wrote the reflection below on the above scripture in 1996 during my Desert experience:
“What does this scripture say to me today? I relate it to my present condition and I find it a great encouragement from Christ, my Lord. I weep and wail today while some of my friends in the world are rejoicing. I am also sorrowful and bewildered. Jesus is saying to me today that this sorrow will turn into joy and I believe him. Thank you Jesus. He also compares my present situation to a woman in childbirth. The process of birthing or transformation is taking place in me. The old me is dying. This is painful and the cause of the weeping, wailing and sorrow. But this necessary process and stage will not last forever. After the rain comes the sunshine. After the test, the testimony. The cross must precede the crown. Lord Jesus, I believe in your word. I can see my crown even now.”
Ten years have gone by since I wrote the above. What is my testimony today? Very simple! Jesus Christ is faithful yesterday, today and forever. The Desert experience and the birthing process are over. But the pilgrimage continues. I can sincerely sing with Mary:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham, and to his descendants forever.”(Luke 1: 46-47; 54-5.)
“I tell you most solemnly, you will be weeping and wailing while the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. A woman in child birth suffers, because her time has come; but when she has given birth to the child she forgets the suffering in her joy that a man has been born into the world.” (John 16: 20-21)
I wrote the reflection below on the above scripture in 1996 during my Desert experience:
“What does this scripture say to me today? I relate it to my present condition and I find it a great encouragement from Christ, my Lord. I weep and wail today while some of my friends in the world are rejoicing. I am also sorrowful and bewildered. Jesus is saying to me today that this sorrow will turn into joy and I believe him. Thank you Jesus. He also compares my present situation to a woman in childbirth. The process of birthing or transformation is taking place in me. The old me is dying. This is painful and the cause of the weeping, wailing and sorrow. But this necessary process and stage will not last forever. After the rain comes the sunshine. After the test, the testimony. The cross must precede the crown. Lord Jesus, I believe in your word. I can see my crown even now.”
Ten years have gone by since I wrote the above. What is my testimony today? Very simple! Jesus Christ is faithful yesterday, today and forever. The Desert experience and the birthing process are over. But the pilgrimage continues. I can sincerely sing with Mary:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham, and to his descendants forever.”(Luke 1: 46-47; 54-5.)
Monday, March 13, 2006
The fullness of truth
The fullness of truth
“But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learned; and he will tell you of the things to come. He will glorify me, since all he tells you will be taken from what is mine.” (John 16: 13-14)
The Holy Spirit has come to me. I do not wait for any other coming. What I do now is to grow in the Spirit through the word of God, the sacraments and prayer. As I grow in the Spirit, he leads me more and more into the truth about Christ, his mission and his teaching. The complete truth will not be revealed all at once. But I have the promise that I will be led to the fullness of truth as I develop spiritually. The means are laid down by Christ Jesus himself: word of God, the Eucharist and prayer.
The Spirit will teach me about Jesus. Everyday I pray to know the heart of Jesus intimately, to love him passionately and to follow him everywhere. It is the Spirit who inspires me to pray thus. It is the same Spirit who will accomplish these ideals in me.
Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I recognize that he is your greatest gift to me. His presence is a guarantee that all your promises to me will be fulfilled.
“But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learned; and he will tell you of the things to come. He will glorify me, since all he tells you will be taken from what is mine.” (John 16: 13-14)
The Holy Spirit has come to me. I do not wait for any other coming. What I do now is to grow in the Spirit through the word of God, the sacraments and prayer. As I grow in the Spirit, he leads me more and more into the truth about Christ, his mission and his teaching. The complete truth will not be revealed all at once. But I have the promise that I will be led to the fullness of truth as I develop spiritually. The means are laid down by Christ Jesus himself: word of God, the Eucharist and prayer.
The Spirit will teach me about Jesus. Everyday I pray to know the heart of Jesus intimately, to love him passionately and to follow him everywhere. It is the Spirit who inspires me to pray thus. It is the same Spirit who will accomplish these ideals in me.
Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I recognize that he is your greatest gift to me. His presence is a guarantee that all your promises to me will be fulfilled.
The fullness of truth
The fullness of truth
“But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learned; and he will tell you of the things to come. He will glorify me, since all he tells you will be taken from what is mine.” (John 16: 13-14)
The Holy Spirit has come to me. I do not wait for any other coming. What I do now is to grow in the Spirit through the word of God, the sacraments and prayer. As I grow in the Spirit, he leads me more and more into the truth about Christ, his mission and his teaching. The complete truth will not be revealed all at once. But I have the promise that I will be led to the fullness of truth as I develop spiritually. The means are laid down by Christ Jesus himself: word of God, the Eucharist and prayer.
The Spirit will teach me about Jesus. Everyday I pray to know the heart of Jesus intimately, to love him passionately and to follow him everywhere. It is the Spirit who inspires me to pray thus. It is the same Spirit who will accomplish these ideals in me.
Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I recognize that he is your greatest gift to me. His presence is a guarantee that all your promises to me will be fulfilled.
“But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learned; and he will tell you of the things to come. He will glorify me, since all he tells you will be taken from what is mine.” (John 16: 13-14)
The Holy Spirit has come to me. I do not wait for any other coming. What I do now is to grow in the Spirit through the word of God, the sacraments and prayer. As I grow in the Spirit, he leads me more and more into the truth about Christ, his mission and his teaching. The complete truth will not be revealed all at once. But I have the promise that I will be led to the fullness of truth as I develop spiritually. The means are laid down by Christ Jesus himself: word of God, the Eucharist and prayer.
The Spirit will teach me about Jesus. Everyday I pray to know the heart of Jesus intimately, to love him passionately and to follow him everywhere. It is the Spirit who inspires me to pray thus. It is the same Spirit who will accomplish these ideals in me.
Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I recognize that he is your greatest gift to me. His presence is a guarantee that all your promises to me will be fulfilled.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
When I am afraid...
When I am afraid….
“I have told you all this so that your faith may not be shaken ….. But I have told you all this so that when the time for it comes you may remember that I told you.”
(John 16: 1-4)
What is it that Jesus has told me so that my faith may not be shaken? What has he told me that should help me in times of crisis? What are the things that Christ says to me today that sustains my faith in the Enterprise? Here are a few:
These are some of the things that Jesus says to me today that sustains my faith. I am encouraged to seek from God’s word: peace, courage and strength. Psalm 56: 3-4 puts it so well:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you,
in God, whose word I praise
in God I put my trust and have no fear,
what power has human strength over me?”
“I have told you all this so that your faith may not be shaken ….. But I have told you all this so that when the time for it comes you may remember that I told you.”
(John 16: 1-4)
What is it that Jesus has told me so that my faith may not be shaken? What has he told me that should help me in times of crisis? What are the things that Christ says to me today that sustains my faith in the Enterprise? Here are a few:
- I give you peace.
- I am with you; I am for you.
- My grace is always with you.
- Ask and you shall receive.
- If you want to be my follower, take up your cross and follow me.
These are some of the things that Jesus says to me today that sustains my faith. I am encouraged to seek from God’s word: peace, courage and strength. Psalm 56: 3-4 puts it so well:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you,
in God, whose word I praise
in God I put my trust and have no fear,
what power has human strength over me?”
Saturday, March 11, 2006
The Enterprise
The Enterprise
“If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them. Take care not to find yourselves fighting against God...” (Acts 5: 38) - New Jerusalem Bible.
“If what they have planned and done is of human origin, it will disappear, but if it comes from God, you cannot possibly defeat them. You could find yourselves fighting against God.” - Good News Bible.
“If this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them – in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” – New Revised Standard Version.
“For it what is being planned and done is human in origin, it will collapse; but if it is from God, you will never be able to stamp it out, and you risk finding yourselves at war with God.” - Revised English Bible.
“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.” – New American Bible.
Acts 5: 38 is one of my key scriptures. It is one of the scriptures found in my top ten scripture list. I received the message of this scripture early in 1995. The person, who gave it to me, gave me the message in a paraphrased form. It was more than a year later that I found the actual reference. Below is what I wrote in my journal entry that morning in 1996 when I discovered the actual chapter and verse of the message.
“This morning, I discovered what I believe is the scripture that Peter meant to give me last year. He had said Acts 6:8 but after a year I did not see Acts 6: 8 as applying to my situation. I was then in a cross road in my life as I am still today. But what applies intimately and what I believe he meant to say is: Acts 5: 38 which in New Jerusalem Bible says:
“If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them. Take care not to find yourselves fighting against God...” (Acts 5: 38)
I had decided on a new direction for my life which I call the Enterprise. Where is the origin of the idea of the Enterprise? If the origin of the Enterprise is human, that is, Avila or myself, then I should forget it. But if in fact it comes from God, rejoice for it is accomplished. I had always believed that the origin is from God. Although the initial idea of the Enterprise came from Avila in 0595, I had no doubt in my mind that Avila was inspired. Later, when I used my mind and “counted 10 to win,” following Robert Schuller’s formula, the Enterprise emerged as number one and the most practical solution in my situation.
Over one year after I received Acts 5: 38, my belief that the Enterprise is from God is stronger today than ever. My faith in its success is very strong. If it is from God, it is accomplished.
Thank you Jesus for Acts 5: 38. You have strengthened my faith in the Enterprise through it. I know for certain that you will bring to a successful conclusion what you initiated over a year ago. Lord, grant me the patience that confirms my faith in you in this project. I have taken a comprehensive insurance with you with regard to every detail of the project. Dear Jesus, my Lord, my King and Boss, my best Friend, please take charge.”
Ten years later, today, 2006, where am I with the Enterprise? My faith has not diminished that this project is from God. I am working on it everyday. There have been too many signs of grace to mention during this time. I live one day at a time and place the future completely in the hands of God.
“If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them. Take care not to find yourselves fighting against God...” (Acts 5: 38) - New Jerusalem Bible.
“If what they have planned and done is of human origin, it will disappear, but if it comes from God, you cannot possibly defeat them. You could find yourselves fighting against God.” - Good News Bible.
“If this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them – in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” – New Revised Standard Version.
“For it what is being planned and done is human in origin, it will collapse; but if it is from God, you will never be able to stamp it out, and you risk finding yourselves at war with God.” - Revised English Bible.
“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.” – New American Bible.
Acts 5: 38 is one of my key scriptures. It is one of the scriptures found in my top ten scripture list. I received the message of this scripture early in 1995. The person, who gave it to me, gave me the message in a paraphrased form. It was more than a year later that I found the actual reference. Below is what I wrote in my journal entry that morning in 1996 when I discovered the actual chapter and verse of the message.
“This morning, I discovered what I believe is the scripture that Peter meant to give me last year. He had said Acts 6:8 but after a year I did not see Acts 6: 8 as applying to my situation. I was then in a cross road in my life as I am still today. But what applies intimately and what I believe he meant to say is: Acts 5: 38 which in New Jerusalem Bible says:
“If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them. Take care not to find yourselves fighting against God...” (Acts 5: 38)
I had decided on a new direction for my life which I call the Enterprise. Where is the origin of the idea of the Enterprise? If the origin of the Enterprise is human, that is, Avila or myself, then I should forget it. But if in fact it comes from God, rejoice for it is accomplished. I had always believed that the origin is from God. Although the initial idea of the Enterprise came from Avila in 0595, I had no doubt in my mind that Avila was inspired. Later, when I used my mind and “counted 10 to win,” following Robert Schuller’s formula, the Enterprise emerged as number one and the most practical solution in my situation.
Over one year after I received Acts 5: 38, my belief that the Enterprise is from God is stronger today than ever. My faith in its success is very strong. If it is from God, it is accomplished.
Thank you Jesus for Acts 5: 38. You have strengthened my faith in the Enterprise through it. I know for certain that you will bring to a successful conclusion what you initiated over a year ago. Lord, grant me the patience that confirms my faith in you in this project. I have taken a comprehensive insurance with you with regard to every detail of the project. Dear Jesus, my Lord, my King and Boss, my best Friend, please take charge.”
Ten years later, today, 2006, where am I with the Enterprise? My faith has not diminished that this project is from God. I am working on it everyday. There have been too many signs of grace to mention during this time. I live one day at a time and place the future completely in the hands of God.
Friday, March 10, 2006
You have been with me
You have been with me
“When the Advocate comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be my witnesses, because you have been with me from the outset.” (John 15: 26-27)
The Holy Spirit witnesses to the presence of Jesus in the world. How? Through the activities of the Church: teaching, preaching, feeding and healing. How does the Holy Spirit witness to the presence of Christ in the individual? I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in me through peace and tranquility, joy and consolations, light and guidance, encouragement and patience. The deep attraction to the word of God and facility in prayer are also signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus tells me in John 15: 26-27 that I too shall be his witness. How? I can witness to Christ today through my kind and considerate words, encouragement of others, selfless service, bearing my crosses patiently and cheerfully.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your words. I know that today you will present me with many opportunities to witness to you. Help me not to fail.
“When the Advocate comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be my witnesses, because you have been with me from the outset.” (John 15: 26-27)
The Holy Spirit witnesses to the presence of Jesus in the world. How? Through the activities of the Church: teaching, preaching, feeding and healing. How does the Holy Spirit witness to the presence of Christ in the individual? I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in me through peace and tranquility, joy and consolations, light and guidance, encouragement and patience. The deep attraction to the word of God and facility in prayer are also signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus tells me in John 15: 26-27 that I too shall be his witness. How? I can witness to Christ today through my kind and considerate words, encouragement of others, selfless service, bearing my crosses patiently and cheerfully.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your words. I know that today you will present me with many opportunities to witness to you. Help me not to fail.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Commissioned to bear fruit
Commissioned to bear fruit
“You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name.” (John 15: 16)
In 1987 when I returned home from internationalization with Unilever in Paris, I was sent to work in a division where I had a great Dutchman as my boss. I was conceited and often spoke of how much I loved the products and services the division provided its customers. I implied I chose the division because of this. One day, Mr. Han (not his real name) said to me: “You did not choose me. I chose you.” It was a brutal, appropriate and humbling reminder of the truth.
In my relationship with Jesus, I might from time to time forget this truth and believe that I chose Jesus. Today Jesus is reminding me that it was he who chose me and not the other way. He called me as he called Peter to a life of friendship, companionship and spiritual productivity.
Lord Jesus, I know you have chosen me to be with you and work for you. Have you commissioned me or is it something that will happen in the future? I understand that we live our mission every moment of our life. Our God given purpose is always there for us to work on.
On the feast of Assumption, August 15, 1995, I became aware of a second call to follow Jesus. Jonah was reluctant the first time he heard the call to go to Nineveh. So was I. But the second time the call came, I was ready. The Lord had prepared me for this moment through suffering. He had also prepared me for it through elevation. Having given me an unmerited opportunity to climb high in the corporate ladder, I have seen and observed life from the upper floors. In August, 1995, I had decided that there was nothing there that deserved my losing my life to gain.
When Mary was commissioned at the Annunciation, the Word started to bear fruit in her womb right away. I am commissioned by Christ to go out and bear fruit that will last. I do so today by faithfulness in little things. Help me Jesus.
“You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name.” (John 15: 16)
In 1987 when I returned home from internationalization with Unilever in Paris, I was sent to work in a division where I had a great Dutchman as my boss. I was conceited and often spoke of how much I loved the products and services the division provided its customers. I implied I chose the division because of this. One day, Mr. Han (not his real name) said to me: “You did not choose me. I chose you.” It was a brutal, appropriate and humbling reminder of the truth.
In my relationship with Jesus, I might from time to time forget this truth and believe that I chose Jesus. Today Jesus is reminding me that it was he who chose me and not the other way. He called me as he called Peter to a life of friendship, companionship and spiritual productivity.
Lord Jesus, I know you have chosen me to be with you and work for you. Have you commissioned me or is it something that will happen in the future? I understand that we live our mission every moment of our life. Our God given purpose is always there for us to work on.
On the feast of Assumption, August 15, 1995, I became aware of a second call to follow Jesus. Jonah was reluctant the first time he heard the call to go to Nineveh. So was I. But the second time the call came, I was ready. The Lord had prepared me for this moment through suffering. He had also prepared me for it through elevation. Having given me an unmerited opportunity to climb high in the corporate ladder, I have seen and observed life from the upper floors. In August, 1995, I had decided that there was nothing there that deserved my losing my life to gain.
When Mary was commissioned at the Annunciation, the Word started to bear fruit in her womb right away. I am commissioned by Christ to go out and bear fruit that will last. I do so today by faithfulness in little things. Help me Jesus.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Keep My Commandments
Keep My Commandments
“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” (John 15: 10)
The words of Christ are living words. Jesus is addressing these words to me right here, right now. These words are not like dead words of literature and history.
Today Jesus is saying to me: Just as the Father loves me, so do I love you. Incredible words! But remember who is speaking. He is the truth. Jesus loves me as I am. He loves me with all my assets and all my liabilities. He wants me to remain in this love. He does not want me to do anything that might separate me from this love. The way to remain in his love is to observe his commandments. His love is greater than silver and gold.
Thank you Jesus for your love for me. May nothing ever separate me from this love.
“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” (John 15: 10)
The words of Christ are living words. Jesus is addressing these words to me right here, right now. These words are not like dead words of literature and history.
Today Jesus is saying to me: Just as the Father loves me, so do I love you. Incredible words! But remember who is speaking. He is the truth. Jesus loves me as I am. He loves me with all my assets and all my liabilities. He wants me to remain in this love. He does not want me to do anything that might separate me from this love. The way to remain in his love is to observe his commandments. His love is greater than silver and gold.
Thank you Jesus for your love for me. May nothing ever separate me from this love.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Bearing much fruit2
Bearing much fruit
“It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.” (John 15:8)
What an incredibly astonishing statement! Jesus is saying to me here that the Father will be glorified by my success in life, which is “bearing much fruit.” Sometimes we act as if God is hostile to our desires, plans and ambitions. But I am learning here that my success will glorify God. If my success will glorify God and if God is the first cause of everything, shouldn’t I align myself with God as my partner?
When we align our thoughts and actions with God’s will for our life, everything cooperates to the accomplishment of our purpose in life. God cannot oppose the mission he has given. If we seek his help, he will provide it.
What is the lesson for me in John 15:8? My purpose in life is to learn and communicate Jesus. Everyday I ask God for the grace to do it well through whatever means may present themselves to me. I remember that he who is faithful in little things will be faithful in big ones. I have solid faith that with God’s grace I will succeed and that the project will glorify God.
“It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.” (John 15:8)
What an incredibly astonishing statement! Jesus is saying to me here that the Father will be glorified by my success in life, which is “bearing much fruit.” Sometimes we act as if God is hostile to our desires, plans and ambitions. But I am learning here that my success will glorify God. If my success will glorify God and if God is the first cause of everything, shouldn’t I align myself with God as my partner?
When we align our thoughts and actions with God’s will for our life, everything cooperates to the accomplishment of our purpose in life. God cannot oppose the mission he has given. If we seek his help, he will provide it.
What is the lesson for me in John 15:8? My purpose in life is to learn and communicate Jesus. Everyday I ask God for the grace to do it well through whatever means may present themselves to me. I remember that he who is faithful in little things will be faithful in big ones. I have solid faith that with God’s grace I will succeed and that the project will glorify God.
Monday, March 06, 2006
"Remain in me"
“Remain in me”
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers.” (John 15: 5-6)
What is Jesus saying to me this morning? He is the vine and I am the branch. I am linked to Jesus and I am one with him. The way to bear fruit is to continue to be in Jesus.
What fruits? Spiritual fruits, fulfillment of one’s life purpose, the abundant life that Jesus promises to his followers. This is a remarkable promise. It teaches me that Jesus is an indispensable help to me in life and not a constraint. The deeper I am in him, the more fruitful I become.
How do I remain in Jesus? Jesus himself indicates two means:
Lord, I thank you for your message and your promise this morning. I desire to remain in you and with you in me. Grant me the grace to do this everyday so that I may bear abundant fruit. Amen.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers.” (John 15: 5-6)
What is Jesus saying to me this morning? He is the vine and I am the branch. I am linked to Jesus and I am one with him. The way to bear fruit is to continue to be in Jesus.
What fruits? Spiritual fruits, fulfillment of one’s life purpose, the abundant life that Jesus promises to his followers. This is a remarkable promise. It teaches me that Jesus is an indispensable help to me in life and not a constraint. The deeper I am in him, the more fruitful I become.
How do I remain in Jesus? Jesus himself indicates two means:
- “Dwell in my words.”
- “Eat my flesh.”
Lord, I thank you for your message and your promise this morning. I desire to remain in you and with you in me. Grant me the grace to do this everyday so that I may bear abundant fruit. Amen.
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