Lack of Faith

Lack of Faith

“Prophets are respected everywhere except in their own home town and by their relatives and their family.”  (Mark 6:4)

Three things struck me in Mark 6: 1 – 6:

Jesus was a teacher who taught with wisdom.  Since I perceive my mission as learning and teaching, I ask Jesus everyday to grant me wisdom and power so that I can fulfill my life’s work.

His town people lacked faith in him because they thought that they knew his origin.  I approach the word of God everyday in order to know Jesus better.  Familiarity with Jesus should increase my faith and not breed contempt of him.

Faith is a condition for miracle.  Jesus performed few miracles in his town because of their unbelief.

Lord Jesus, teach me wisdom.  Train me to teach like yourself.  Grant me strong faith in you.

The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh

“Little girl, I tell you to get up.’  The little girl got up and began to walk about.”
  (Mark 5: 41)

In the healing of Jairus’ daughter, I observe the following:
Jesus is not afraid of bad news.  He was not moved when they reported that Jairus’ daughter had died.  It reminds me of the Psalm which says, “Those who fear the Lord fear no bad news.”

When Jesus got to the house of Jairus, he found mourners weeping and wailing.  When he told them that the girl was asleep and not dead, they laughed at him.  The mourners “see” life through their senses.  There are two reactions to the word of God.  The natural man who lives through his physical senses reacts in laughter, mockery or indifference.  The supernatural man, who lives through faith, responds through reverence and belief.  Who laughs last?  When Jesus raised the little girl to life, he had the last laugh.  When we believe, we will always have the last laugh.

Lord Jesus, grant us profound respect and faith in your word.

Success Principles

Success Principles

“My daughter, ‘he said ‘your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint.”  (Mark 5: 34)

The cure of the woman with hemorrhage presents me with these success principles:  

• Definite Major Purpose


• Faith


• Persistence


• Master Mind Principle

For the woman, her definite major purpose was to be healed.  
After having tried many doctors and failed, she learned about Jesus and believed that Jesus could heal her.
She took action.  She tried to get in touch with Jesus.  There were too many people trying to do the same.  She was blocked.  She persisted.
To finally get to Jesus, some people had to make way for her.  They were moved by her urgency and insistence and they cooperated with her.  This is an application of the master mind principle.

This woman with the issue of blood is rich in faith.  She sold everything she had in order to attain her definite major purpose, good health.  If I desire to know Jesus as this woman desired to regain her health, I will succeed.

Jesus and Crisis

Jesus and Crisis

“Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he (legion) ran up and fell at his feet and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What do you want with me Jesus, Son of the Most high God? ….”  (Mark 5: 6 – 8)

What impresses me in this incident is Jesus’ reaction to sudden crisis.  He is utterly calm.  I encountered him a short while ago sleeping soundly in the face of a severe storm and gale.  When he was confronted here by the Legion, he did not shake.  Can I imitate this calm?  What is the source of this profound calmness of Jesus?  Jesus is deeply aware of who he is – the Son of God.  I too by virtue of my Baptism I am a son of God.  Why do I often lack faith in who I am?  I believe the reason is a result of sense evidence.  I see too many failures around that I wonder whether I am not being presumptuous or simply naïve.  What do I need?  I need a strong and dynamic faith, the type of faith that does not look right or left at the storm or the gale but is focused Jesus.

Lord, grant me this faith.

The Storm

The Storm

“Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped.  But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion asleep.  They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care?  We are going down!’  And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now!  Be calm!’  And the wind dropped, and all was calm again.  Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened?  How is it that you have no faith?”  (Mark 4: 37 – 40)

There was calm before the storm broke.  The behavior of Jesus before and after the storm was the same.  He was asleep.  The Storm though violent did not wake him.  How do I react to crisis?  It is unrealistic to expect calm all my life.  Maturity implies a realization that life is up and down and a willingness to accept the ups and the downs.  

Jesus asked his frightened disciples:  “How is it that you have no faith?”  Without faith that God is with us, we cannot handle crisis calmly.  Romans 8: 28 teaches us that even the storms and crisis work for us.

When I am afraid

When I am afraid

“Master, do you not care?  We are going down!  And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now!  Be calm!’  And the wind dropped, and all was calm again.  Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened?  How is it that you have no faith?”  (Mark 4: 39 – 40)

“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?”  (Psalm 56: 3 -4)

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth
Should change,
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the
Sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”  (Psalm 46: 1 – 3)

“Therefore let all who are faithful
Offer prayer to you;
At a time of distress, the rush of might waters
Shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me;
You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with glad cries of deliverance.”  (Psalm 32:  6 – 7)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
To devour my flesh –
My adversaries and foes –
They shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war rise up against me,
Yet I will be confident.”  (Psalm 27:  1 – 3)

Receive the Word with Faith

Receive the Word with Faith

“This is what the kingdom of God is like.  A man throws seed on the land.  Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know.  Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.  And when the crop is ready, he loses no time:  he starts to reap because the harvest has come.”  (Mark 4: 26 – 29)

The seed is the word of God.  The land is the soul of man.  When man is prepared to receive the word of God through faith, the word starts sprouting and growing in him of its own accord.  O my soul, prepare yourself to receive God’s word through faith.  Receive his message, his Rhema and believe that the message is true and expect what it promises.  The word of God says that those who believe that what God promises them will come to pass are blessed.

I am today in a period of grace, a time of favor.  I have so many of God’s promises.  I believe all.  Through prayer and affirmation, I keep my faith in God’s promises to me alive.  The word surely will sprout and grow.  This is God’s promise.

The Seed is the Word of God

The Seed is the Word of God

“What the sower is sowing is he word.  Those on the edge of the path where the word is sown are people who have no sooner heard it than satan comes and carries away the word that was sown in them.  Similarly, those who receive the seed on patches of rock are people who, when first they hear the word, welcome it at once with joy.  But they have no root in them, they do not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, they fall away at once.  Then there are others who receive the seed in thorns.  These have heard the word, but the worries of this world, the lure of riches and all the other passions come in to choke the word, and so it produces nothing.  And there are those who have received the seed in rich soil:  they hear the word and accept it and yield a harvest, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”  (Mar 4: 15 – 20)

This is one of my favorite parables in the Gospel.  I see the lessons of the parable so true in myself and in other people in the Body of Christ.  For me the core message is that where you are when the word of God comes to you may determine your response and eternal destiny.  

The first group in the parable lives “on the edge of the path.”  They exist in physical and psychological environment that gives no chance to the word.  The demonic influences in their environment are simply overwhelming.  What can they do?  Seek help and move out of the environment.

The second group lives “on patches of rock.”  These are very shallow people.  The reason why “they have no root in them” is because they have no understanding of the word that they heard.  What can they do?  They need to hear the word again and again and study it in order to gain some understanding of the message.

The third group lives “in thorns.”  The people in this group are still very much in love with the world.  They hear the word and like it and believe that the word can help them to get more out of this world.  What can they do?  Scripture advices us:  “Do not conform to the world.”  We need the word of God to renew our minds.

The last group was ready for the word when they heard it.  They accept it and put it into practice in their life and the word transforms them.  They yield rich harvest.

Intuition

Intuition

“Finally, stick to the advice your own heart gives you, no one can be truer to you than that; since a person’s soul often gives a clearer warning than 7 watchmen perched on a watchtower.  And besides all this beg the Most High to guide your steps into the truth.”  (Sirach 37: 13 – 15)

How strong is my desire for the Enterprise?  Nobody attains more than he desires.  I learned from St. Ignatius that desire makes the man.   Is my desire for the Enterprise as strong as to make me sell all that I have in order to purchase this “pearl of great value?”

Yes indeed.  My desire for the Enterprise is very strong.  It represents the biggest risk I have ever taken in my life.  My intuition tells me that this risk is worth taking.  Scripture says that my intuition cannot be faulted.  I stick to the advice that my own heart gives me because I know that no one can be truer to me than that.

My intuition tells me that the Enterprise is God’s answer to my prayer to discover my purpose in life.  The search started in 0193.  The same intuition tells me that it is worth risking everything because I will succeed.

The Secret of the Kingdom

The Secret of the Kingdom

“The secret of the kingdom of God is given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parable, so that they may see and see again, but not perceive; may hear and hear again, but not understand.”  (Mark 4: 11-12)

To understand the words and works of God, one must be an insider.  The process of becoming an insider is analogous to the process of initiation into a cult.  We call this process the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.   The inquirer comes to the Church and declares his interest in becoming a member.  He or she is then instructed in the basics of the Christian faith for a period between one year and three years.  The inquirer is taught the main events of salvation history from the Bible, the person and the life of Jesus Christ and the Sacraments of the Church.  When he is ready, he declares publicly his intention to proceed to full initiation into the “secret of the kingdom of God” through Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.  Then he becomes an insider who has received the secrets of the kingdom of God.

I thank God for having initiated me into the secrets of his kingdom.  I believe the words of Jesus that the kingdom of God is now within me.  The seed of the word of God is in my heart.  This word is active and dynamic.  If I tend it, it will grow and yield harvest in proportion to my desire and faith.  Today’s word of life reminds me of my call by Christ to a life of friendship and companionship with him.  Jesus spoke the words in Mark 4: 11 – 12 when he was alone with his disciples.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your call to a life of friendship and companionship.  I need to feel your presence very close at this moment.  I know you will tell me that you are always very close.  Make me believe it keenly every moment.

The Sower, the Seed & the Harvest

The Sower, the Seed and the Harvest

“Listen!  Imagine a sower going out to sow ……  as he sowed …..some seeds fell into rich soil and, growing tall and strong, produced crop; and yielded 30, 60, even a 100 fold.”  (Mark 4: 1 – 9)

The seed is the word of God.  When it falls into a rich soil, it produces rich harvest.  What is a rich soil?  A rich soil is a soul that has been prepared and conditioned to receive the word of God.  Who has the responsibility for preparing and conditioning this “soil”?  Each person prepares himself using all the means provided by a God who knows no favorites.  

The means for preparing the soul to receive the word of God are prayer, the sacraments, study and a desire for God.  When the soul is prepared, it becomes like a watered garden.  It becomes expectant and receptive.  So when it hears the word of God (Rhema), it is ready for it.  It recognizes its opportunity when it comes because it has been expecting it.  When the word of God is received with faith, it germinates, grows and yields rich harvest.

Who is my mother?

Who is my mother?

“Who are my mother and my brothers?  Here are my mother and my brothers.  Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother.”  (Mark 3: 34)

Jesus seizes the opportunity of the visit of his mother to teach us an important lesson about a new kind of relationship in the kingdom.   If I do the will of God, I can truly call Jesus, my brother.  Jesus praises his mother because she does the will of God.  Christ is saying here that spiritual maternity is of a higher order than a mere physical one.  Mary is the mother of Jesus in the order of nature and in the higher order of grace.  

Jesus gave us his mother on the cross even when we were still sinners.  This is so that the mother will lead us to our brother, Jesus.

I turn to Mary, the one full of grace and pray:  Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, you were praised because you do the will of God.  I too am your son.  Teach me to hear the word of God today and to do it.

Criticisms

Criticisms

“I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness:  he is guilty of an eternal sin.”  (Mark 3: 28 – 30)

Jesus reacts here to an unfair and severe criticism.  Instead of gratitude for his miracles, his enemies used his benevolence as a point of attack in order to demoralize Jesus and his followers.  If Jesus had unclean spirit, he would be regarded as a sinister magician.

What is my attitude to criticisms?  Do I feel crushed by them?  Do I succumb to a well-planned trap by being discouraged and abandon some good work?  The first thing to do when faced with a severe criticism is to pause and understand the nature of the attack.  Who is the attacker?  Try to see the motive.  If you determine that this is a spiritual warfare, then follow the advice of the spiritual masters.  “Agere contra.”  To the exact opposite of what the enemy is urging.  If the enemy’s intention is for you to abandon prayer, double your prayers.  

Lord Jesus, help me never to overreact to criticism.  Let me always remember that you who are goodness and wisdom was also criticized.

Jesus summoned those he wanted

Jesus summoned those he wanted.

“He now went up into the hills and summoned those he wanted.  So they came to him and he appointed 12; they were to be his companions and to be sent out to preach, with power to cast out devils.”  (Mark 3: 13-14)

Jesus summoned those he wanted.  He wanted me and therefore he called me.   Like the second call of Jonas, this is also my second calling.  Lord Jesus, I have heard.  Now tell me what to do.  

Those Christ called, he made his companions.  What is a companion?  A companion is a friend that is always there, sharing everything with his friend.  Availability is a characteristic of companionship.  Christ wants me to be his companion.  He wants me to make a permanent room in my heart for him.  Lord, thank you for this honor.  I accept.

He sent out the 12 to preach with power to cast out devils.  Although they had not become knowledgeable in kingdom principles, in personal holiness or their commitment to him, he trusted them enough to send them out to preach in his name.  How about me?  Today I yearn for power to publish Christ.  I believe that Jesus will give me this power.

Be Merciful

Be Merciful

“Is it against the law on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life or to kill?’  But they said nothing.  Then, grieved to find them so obstinate, he looked angrily round at them, and said, to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’  He stretched it out and his hand was better.”  (Mark 3: 4 – 5)

The above passage evokes these associations:

• “What I want is mercy and compassion and not sacrifice.”


• “A sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me.”


• “The Sabbath is made for man and not man for the Sabbath.”


• “What I want is love and knowledge of God.”

To please God, we must understand the things that are nearest to his heart.  When we take the spirit out of the law, we find that the letter of the law can be very harsh.  Mercy, love and compassion are nearer the heart of God than strict observance of the law.  

Lord, teach me to be merciful in applying the law.

The Sabbath was made for man

The Sabbath was made for man

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath; so the son of man is master even of the Sabbath.”  (Mark 2: 27)

Under a particular circumstance, David ate sacred bread which he was not supposed to eat.  His motive was the preservation of life.  This was not considered as sin.  The disciples who picked ears of corn on a Sabbath when Jesus was with them were not considered to have done any wrong.  Jesus said that he made the Sabbath and the law about it.  So he knows when the Sabbath is infringed.  Christ healed the paralytic on the Sabbath.

God’s wisdom, knowledge and motives are impenetrable to man.  This is why he reserves judgment and condemnation to himself alone.

The Bridegroom

The Bridegroom

“Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting while the bridegroom is still with them?  As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they could not think of fasting.” (Mark 2: 19)

Jesus defends his disciples from the attacks of the Pharisees.  I recall how he is concerned for their welfare.  “Come, let us go to a quiet place and get some rest”; “Come and have breakfast”; “Peace be with you”.  It is obvious that Jesus cares very much for the men he has chosen to be with him.

How about me?  I believe that Christ has called me to a life of friendship and companionship with him.  He wants me to trust him completely with all my cares, my desires and my plans.  He promises to take care of them for me.  Lord Jesus, I feel delighted by this inspiration and I thank you for it.  I know I can trust you.  Thank you for my faith.  I have made up my mind to trust you completely with the Enterprise.  I let go and let you, dearest Jesus.  Fill me with faith in your guidance.  Teach me how to grow through this unique opportunity.  In all things, let me know your will and give me the courage to do it.  Amen!

O Happy Fault!

O Happy Fault!

“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’  When Jesus heard this he said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick.  I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.”  (Mark 2: 17)

“Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!  Bless the Lord, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God, who pardons all your sins and heals all your ills.”  (Psalm 103: 1-3).  Yes indeed, Jesus came to call sinners and not the just.  He came to bring health to the sick.   My misfortunes have brought me a Savior.  O happy fault!

How do I appropriate more fully the promises of Jesus in Mark 2: 17?  I confess my sins to God.  I partake of the sacrament of reconciliation.  I become aware that I am now a friend of Jesus and I do what is right.  I affirm always that by his stripes I am healed.  I look to Jesus to provide me good health and maintain it.  I do the right thing with regard to my health.  I eat sensibly, rest well and exercise properly.

Now that these gifts are mine, I teach them to others and help them appropriate them.  

Get Up and Follow Me

Get Up and Follow Me

“He went out again to the shore of the lake; and all the people came to him, and he taught them.  As he was walking on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus, sitting by the custom’s house, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’  And he got up and followed him.”  (Mark 2: 13 – 14)

Levi also called Matthew in the Gospels is a tax collector.  He was like the local internal revenue agent.  One skill he must possess is that of record keeping and writing reports.  These are the skills that would be very important in the kingdom project that Jesus Christ has just inaugurated.  Jesus asked Levi to quit his job and use his skills for a higher calling.

We are all called to follow Jesus and serve him with all our time, talent and treasure.  But not everybody is called to leave everything behind and follow him more closely.  How can we serve Christ more completely in our non religious professions?  When we do everything for Jesus at home and at work, we can say that we respond to his call to “get up and follow him.”  

Thank you Jesus for your love and mercy

Thank you Jesus for your love and mercy

“Why do you have these thoughts in your hearts?  Which of these is easier?  To say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, “get up, pick up your stretcher and walk?’  But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he said to the paralytic – ‘I order you:  get up, pick up your stretcher and go off home.”  (Mark 2: 9 – 12)

Thank you Jesus.  Thank you for this beautiful incidence.  Lord Jesus, my soul praises you and I will never forget how kind you are.  Is it not you who forgave all my sins?  Did you not heal all my diseases?  You kept me from the grave and blessed me with love and mercy.  You fill my life with good things and renew my youth like an eagle.  I thank you with all my heart for your kindness and mercy to me.  Now that I am aware of all that you do for me, Lord help me to respond in act and not just in words.  O Prince of Peace, I love you.  I love you above all things.  May I grow in your love this very day.  Help me to share this love with others.  Amen!