"Look, there is the Lamb of God." (John 1:36)
The Lamb is one of John's favorite images for Jesus. It is one that is full of meekness, gentleness and tenderness. Jesus is not the lion of God or the horse of God but rather the Lamb of God. Everything in the scripture is written to teach us some truth. Jesus is the image of God the Father. One of the purposes of His incarnation is to reveal to us the nature of the Father. Jesus is the God who is meek, gentle and tender. A God that is very lovable.
Jesus as the Lamb of God is a concept we can all relate to: young and old, poor and rich, strong and weak. The New Testament has so many names for Jesus: Emmanuel, Prince of peace, High Priest, Son of David, etc. The Lamb is one of the tenderest descriptions of Jesus. It is an image of the power that created the universe presented as powerless.
Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. The Lamb defeated the ferocious enemy, the ruler of the powers and principalities. The Lamb was slaughtered but now is alive forever more. Is it not amazing that the image of a lamb is used to portray the power that defeated Satan? God displays His mighty power through meekness, gentleness and tenderness, rather than through brutal force.
Lord Jesus, make us meek, gentle and tender lambs.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
TheLight of the world
"The Word was the light that enlightens all men." (John 1:9)
The Word is Jesus Christ. Jesus provides meaning for the life of man. This meaning is the light that guides us in dark places of the world. Without this light, we move in darkness and error. The Word gives meaning to the spiritual nature of man. He explains everything about man in relation to God.
There are two lights in the world: the light of the Word and the light of Satan, which is in reality darkness. This light is error; it distorts the image of man by trying to portray man as purely a material being. But Christ is the true light of the world. Where is this light? Where is Christ? Where Christ is, there is the light. Christ is alive in the Church; He is in His word; He is also in the sacraments of the Church. Christ is also anywhere two or three people are gathered in His name. It is obvious that we cannot perceive Jesus today with our physical eyes. We need faith to do so.
How do we apply this scripture today? The word of God is the true light that enlightens me on: health, family, food, tools, job and money. Any other light will lead me into error. When we ask prayerfully this question: What does the word of God say on health, family, job, food, money or tools, the answer we get will guide me to right action in relation to all these basic necessities of life.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
The Word is Jesus Christ. Jesus provides meaning for the life of man. This meaning is the light that guides us in dark places of the world. Without this light, we move in darkness and error. The Word gives meaning to the spiritual nature of man. He explains everything about man in relation to God.
There are two lights in the world: the light of the Word and the light of Satan, which is in reality darkness. This light is error; it distorts the image of man by trying to portray man as purely a material being. But Christ is the true light of the world. Where is this light? Where is Christ? Where Christ is, there is the light. Christ is alive in the Church; He is in His word; He is also in the sacraments of the Church. Christ is also anywhere two or three people are gathered in His name. It is obvious that we cannot perceive Jesus today with our physical eyes. We need faith to do so.
How do we apply this scripture today? The word of God is the true light that enlightens me on: health, family, food, tools, job and money. Any other light will lead me into error. When we ask prayerfully this question: What does the word of God say on health, family, job, food, money or tools, the answer we get will guide me to right action in relation to all these basic necessities of life.
See: Navarre Bible: St John
Thursday, July 05, 2007
My Top 10 Names for Jesus
"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means, 'God is with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Jesus Christ is called by many names and titles in the Bible. . All the names are significant. The ten names below are my favorite names for Jesus.
1. Emmanuel : "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means, 'God is with us" (Matthew 1:23).
2. Alpha and Omega : "I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).
3. Lamb of God : "Look, there is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world."(John 1:29).
4. Kings of kings : "He is the blessed and only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords." (1 Timothy 6:15).
5. Prince of Peace: "And this is the name he has been given, 'Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace" (Isaiah 9:5).
6. Teacher : "Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher" (John 3:2).
7. Living One : "I am the Living One" (Revelation 1:17).
8. Bread of life : "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48).
9. Faithful Witness : "Grace and peace to you from him who is, who was, and who is to come, ...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness" (Revelation 1:5).
10. Light of the world : "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
Jesus Christ is called by many names and titles in the Bible. . All the names are significant. The ten names below are my favorite names for Jesus.
1. Emmanuel : "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means, 'God is with us" (Matthew 1:23).
2. Alpha and Omega : "I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).
3. Lamb of God : "Look, there is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world."(John 1:29).
4. Kings of kings : "He is the blessed and only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords." (1 Timothy 6:15).
5. Prince of Peace: "And this is the name he has been given, 'Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace" (Isaiah 9:5).
6. Teacher : "Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher" (John 3:2).
7. Living One : "I am the Living One" (Revelation 1:17).
8. Bread of life : "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48).
9. Faithful Witness : "Grace and peace to you from him who is, who was, and who is to come, ...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness" (Revelation 1:5).
10. Light of the world : "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
RACE IN A SOUTHERN RURAL TOWN
In regards to the Civil Rights Act and its effects in the South (in Atlanta in particular), I have comments about race relations in the southern small town, in this case, the town of Bennettsville, South Carolina.
It appears to me that there is still a “duality” as are as society works in the area around Bennettsville. As for location, the nearest “city” of note is Florence, which is at the eastern terminus of I-20—it is almost 40 miles away. Bennettsville is about 100 miles NE of Columbia, 95 miles SE of Charlotte, NC and 120 miles SW of Raleigh, NC.
The racial make-up of Bennettsville is almost an even split between black and white, with a small percentage of “others” (most of them being of Native American heritage, as the center of the Lumbee Indian group, centered in Pembroke, NC—about 30 miles to the east). Though the different peoples of the area do work together; the young people go to school together, “after hours”, it is a “segregated” society. It seems to me that the society there has been slower to accept social integration than in the larger cities. I’m sure that education (or lack thereof) and the local heritage and economy have a lot to do with it.
Not many people in that region (that is, the area in SC where the border turns from “east” to SE on the way to the coast) are well educated. This is still a largely agricultural area; many of the “older” people worked on the farm; many now work in the factories and small businesses in the area (most of which does not require education beyond high school). Like many areas, the white population is more educated than the black In this area, that may be a legacy of the past; that is, the pre-civil rights era. Like most areas of the South, schools were segregated until the mid to late 1960s, and as has been brought to our attention since, “separate but equal” was “not equal”. Since then, the schools were consolidated—first by placing all students of age groups within the same school that lived in the same city or district; later, “comprehensive” high schools were created to put virtually all (“public”) school students within a school system (often a county) in the same school.
This has helped some of the younger generation to integrate (though the “high society” portion still “segregates” itself by placing their children into private schools, such as “Marlboro Academy”, located about 6 miles NE of Bennettsville). The elders, however, still have the old mindset of “superiority” that stems from the pre-Civil Rights days. In the evening, each seems to have their “own place”; the same is true on Sunday morning [though I am not sure about Catholic or Episcopalian churches, it is definitely true of Baptist and “holiness” churches]. There are some of the Native American population that can “mix in”. One other thing that may influence the “social distance” between races in this area (and possibly much of the South Atlantic Coast region)—the descendants of former slaves in this area were a little more isolated from mainstream American culture than those in other parts of the country. As a result, these people appear to look more “African” shall we say—then black Americans in most other parts of the country. In fact, in this area—especially those on the coast—from around Georgetown, SC (below Myrtle Beach) and Amelia Island, FL (just above Jacksonville) are the “Sea Islands”, which includes the “Gullah” culture—which consists of a group of Black Americans who were the most isolated, and who have retained more of their “original” culture than any other Black Americans in the US. Quite possibly, some of the population of Bennettsville and other communities that are inland from the coast may have some of the Gullah heritage.
A few final notes: As my family (paternal side) is from this area, I have had a chance to observe the communities. Having been brought up in the Atlanta area, I have seen various things as far as interaction between ethnic groups, and in the part of town where I live (College Park, near Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport)—I have seen a lot of “migration” (white people leave; others enter). I have remained in the community, and have adjusted quite well to the demographic changes. If in the event I move from that area, I would not consider the racial make-up to be the primary factor of where I would want to move [e.g. the SW Atlanta area—a nice middle class area—with 90+% black population]. In Bennettsville however, if I were to move there, it is more difficult, as integration in housing is “new” in the area (and never mind the social integration there—I would not be used to things there). In the neighborhood where my father lives, there have been a few people of color who have moved into housing on the same block of my father’s house. Just across Main St—just a block from my father’s house, the demographics are reversed. Such are the housing patterns in Bennettsville, which is probably the case in many Southern rural towns. Finally, as for how do they refer to each other? While in most of America, we use the terms “black” or the more recent “African-Americans”, in the small town, they may use “black”, or some still say “colored” [which has been removed from mainstream America since the 1970s]. Yes, these places are a bit “behind the times” of much of the rest of America (or, it is just more “out in the open” there, and more “discrete” mainstream America….).
Allen M
It appears to me that there is still a “duality” as are as society works in the area around Bennettsville. As for location, the nearest “city” of note is Florence, which is at the eastern terminus of I-20—it is almost 40 miles away. Bennettsville is about 100 miles NE of Columbia, 95 miles SE of Charlotte, NC and 120 miles SW of Raleigh, NC.
The racial make-up of Bennettsville is almost an even split between black and white, with a small percentage of “others” (most of them being of Native American heritage, as the center of the Lumbee Indian group, centered in Pembroke, NC—about 30 miles to the east). Though the different peoples of the area do work together; the young people go to school together, “after hours”, it is a “segregated” society. It seems to me that the society there has been slower to accept social integration than in the larger cities. I’m sure that education (or lack thereof) and the local heritage and economy have a lot to do with it.
Not many people in that region (that is, the area in SC where the border turns from “east” to SE on the way to the coast) are well educated. This is still a largely agricultural area; many of the “older” people worked on the farm; many now work in the factories and small businesses in the area (most of which does not require education beyond high school). Like many areas, the white population is more educated than the black In this area, that may be a legacy of the past; that is, the pre-civil rights era. Like most areas of the South, schools were segregated until the mid to late 1960s, and as has been brought to our attention since, “separate but equal” was “not equal”. Since then, the schools were consolidated—first by placing all students of age groups within the same school that lived in the same city or district; later, “comprehensive” high schools were created to put virtually all (“public”) school students within a school system (often a county) in the same school.
This has helped some of the younger generation to integrate (though the “high society” portion still “segregates” itself by placing their children into private schools, such as “Marlboro Academy”, located about 6 miles NE of Bennettsville). The elders, however, still have the old mindset of “superiority” that stems from the pre-Civil Rights days. In the evening, each seems to have their “own place”; the same is true on Sunday morning [though I am not sure about Catholic or Episcopalian churches, it is definitely true of Baptist and “holiness” churches]. There are some of the Native American population that can “mix in”. One other thing that may influence the “social distance” between races in this area (and possibly much of the South Atlantic Coast region)—the descendants of former slaves in this area were a little more isolated from mainstream American culture than those in other parts of the country. As a result, these people appear to look more “African” shall we say—then black Americans in most other parts of the country. In fact, in this area—especially those on the coast—from around Georgetown, SC (below Myrtle Beach) and Amelia Island, FL (just above Jacksonville) are the “Sea Islands”, which includes the “Gullah” culture—which consists of a group of Black Americans who were the most isolated, and who have retained more of their “original” culture than any other Black Americans in the US. Quite possibly, some of the population of Bennettsville and other communities that are inland from the coast may have some of the Gullah heritage.
A few final notes: As my family (paternal side) is from this area, I have had a chance to observe the communities. Having been brought up in the Atlanta area, I have seen various things as far as interaction between ethnic groups, and in the part of town where I live (College Park, near Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport)—I have seen a lot of “migration” (white people leave; others enter). I have remained in the community, and have adjusted quite well to the demographic changes. If in the event I move from that area, I would not consider the racial make-up to be the primary factor of where I would want to move [e.g. the SW Atlanta area—a nice middle class area—with 90+% black population]. In Bennettsville however, if I were to move there, it is more difficult, as integration in housing is “new” in the area (and never mind the social integration there—I would not be used to things there). In the neighborhood where my father lives, there have been a few people of color who have moved into housing on the same block of my father’s house. Just across Main St—just a block from my father’s house, the demographics are reversed. Such are the housing patterns in Bennettsville, which is probably the case in many Southern rural towns. Finally, as for how do they refer to each other? While in most of America, we use the terms “black” or the more recent “African-Americans”, in the small town, they may use “black”, or some still say “colored” [which has been removed from mainstream America since the 1970s]. Yes, these places are a bit “behind the times” of much of the rest of America (or, it is just more “out in the open” there, and more “discrete” mainstream America….).
Allen M
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Are you confident?
"God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior." (Isaiah 12:2)
What makes the word of God so potent in transforming our weakness into strength? One good reason to me is the person behind that word or promise. We know that God cannot fail. The Holy Spirit writes in Isaiah 12:2 "God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior." When we receive words like these with an open and trusting heart, incredible strength and courage is born within us. And we feel that we can almost do anything because of Him who gives us strength.
The Bible urges us to have courage and not to be afraid. We need courage as sons to claim our inheritance. Every father realizes this truth. Our Father in heaven knows that we cannot claim our rights as His children without courage. If we believe that God is indeed our Savior and ever present help, then we should be confident and not be afraid. The life of love, praise and worship of our creator which is the very essence of the Christian life demands courage.
See: Some Books on Courage
What makes the word of God so potent in transforming our weakness into strength? One good reason to me is the person behind that word or promise. We know that God cannot fail. The Holy Spirit writes in Isaiah 12:2 "God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior." When we receive words like these with an open and trusting heart, incredible strength and courage is born within us. And we feel that we can almost do anything because of Him who gives us strength.
The Bible urges us to have courage and not to be afraid. We need courage as sons to claim our inheritance. Every father realizes this truth. Our Father in heaven knows that we cannot claim our rights as His children without courage. If we believe that God is indeed our Savior and ever present help, then we should be confident and not be afraid. The life of love, praise and worship of our creator which is the very essence of the Christian life demands courage.
See: Some Books on Courage
Monday, July 02, 2007
St. Vincent de Paul Society
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. ….. Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” (Matthew 6: 25 – 26)
On the 23rd of March, 1997, I confided the following to my journal.
“Yesterday, Ruth and Mary Ann of SVDP came to SAM to take me to help move a Hispanic family from one apartment to another.
Family: Husband died last year. Woman has 6 kids. Eldest, 15 year old girl. Five of the kids are girls. It seemed to me that 5 of them are below 10 years. Woman is pregnant with her 7th child. Woman is illiterate. No English. Family totally dependent on SVDP and welfare. On the face of it, the situation seems hopeless. Woman cannot work even if she finds one. She needs to look after the young ones. The eldest girl, 15 will need another 5 years or so before she can start making a contribution. Some of the kids were barefooted.
Something struck me about the family. They seemed happy. Oblivious of their dire situation. When I entered their house with Ruth, Mary Ann and the Cuban volunteer, the mother of six stepped out, greeted us cheerfully and shook hands. All the kids seemed alive with joie de vivre. Yet from human point of view, their situation seems pitiable.
This is surely a family that lives on hope. Hope that God will continue to provide for them day by day. It reminds me of Christ’s teaching in Matthew 6: 25 – 34. God provides for the birds. He surely will provide for us. I ask myself how many such families exist here in Houston? From my SAM experience, I know that there will be thousands. Again I think of the paradox that is the US. The richest country in the world. The most advanced technologically. Yet with incredible human sufferings of poverty, ignorance, disease, insanity, crimes, etc. I cannot forget the plenty of goodness that exists here: the many volunteer organizations, Christian Radio, TV, especially TBN. What is the destiny of this country? What does the equal mixture of goodness and evil in this society mean?
I thank God for my exposure to SAM and SVDP. Both organizations are giving me invaluable training.”
On the 23rd of March, 1997, I confided the following to my journal.
“Yesterday, Ruth and Mary Ann of SVDP came to SAM to take me to help move a Hispanic family from one apartment to another.
Family: Husband died last year. Woman has 6 kids. Eldest, 15 year old girl. Five of the kids are girls. It seemed to me that 5 of them are below 10 years. Woman is pregnant with her 7th child. Woman is illiterate. No English. Family totally dependent on SVDP and welfare. On the face of it, the situation seems hopeless. Woman cannot work even if she finds one. She needs to look after the young ones. The eldest girl, 15 will need another 5 years or so before she can start making a contribution. Some of the kids were barefooted.
Something struck me about the family. They seemed happy. Oblivious of their dire situation. When I entered their house with Ruth, Mary Ann and the Cuban volunteer, the mother of six stepped out, greeted us cheerfully and shook hands. All the kids seemed alive with joie de vivre. Yet from human point of view, their situation seems pitiable.
This is surely a family that lives on hope. Hope that God will continue to provide for them day by day. It reminds me of Christ’s teaching in Matthew 6: 25 – 34. God provides for the birds. He surely will provide for us. I ask myself how many such families exist here in Houston? From my SAM experience, I know that there will be thousands. Again I think of the paradox that is the US. The richest country in the world. The most advanced technologically. Yet with incredible human sufferings of poverty, ignorance, disease, insanity, crimes, etc. I cannot forget the plenty of goodness that exists here: the many volunteer organizations, Christian Radio, TV, especially TBN. What is the destiny of this country? What does the equal mixture of goodness and evil in this society mean?
I thank God for my exposure to SAM and SVDP. Both organizations are giving me invaluable training.”
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Remember
“Remember how for forty years now the Lord, your God, has directed all your journeying in the desert, so as to test you by affliction and find out whether or not it was your intention to keep his commandments. He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord. The clothing did not fall from you in tatters, nor did your feet swell these forty years. So you must realize that the Lord, your God, disciplines you even as a man disciplines his son.” (Deuteronomy 8: 2 – 5)
Deuteronomy 8:2
God led you for 48 years in the desert /wilderness
• To humble you
• To test you by affliction
Deuteronomy 8: 3
He humbled you and made you experience hunger.
Deuteronomy 8: 5
Know this: God is training you as a Father trains his con.
Divine filiation
Deuteronomy 8:2
God led you for 48 years in the desert /wilderness
• To humble you
• To test you by affliction
Deuteronomy 8: 3
He humbled you and made you experience hunger.
Deuteronomy 8: 5
Know this: God is training you as a Father trains his con.
Divine filiation
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Choose life
“I summon heaven and earth to witness against you this day: I offer you the choice of life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life and you and your descendants will live; love the Lord your God, obey him, and hold fast to him: that is life for you and length of days on the soil which the Lord swore to give to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19 – 20)
Life and blessing for me in the Enterprise consist in this:
• Love the Lord your God
• Obey him
• Hold fast to him
Rewards:
Life, success, health, prosperity, security
Divine filiation
Life and blessing for me in the Enterprise consist in this:
• Love the Lord your God
• Obey him
• Hold fast to him
Rewards:
Life, success, health, prosperity, security
Divine filiation
Friday, June 29, 2007
Observe all the commandments
Observe all the commandments
“Be careful to observe ll the commandments I enjoin on you today, that you may live and increase, and may enter in and possess the land which the Lord promised on oath to your fathers.” (Deuteronomy 8: 1)
• Diligently observe the commandments
• Be careful to observe all the commandments
• Carefully observe every command
• You must keep and put into practice all the commandments
WHY?
• So that you may live and increase and occupy the land
• So that you may ….. and possess the land
• So that you may survive and increase and enter the Promised Land and make it your own
KEY POINT:
Observe all the commandments; not just some.
REWARD:
You enter and possess the land.
“Be careful to observe ll the commandments I enjoin on you today, that you may live and increase, and may enter in and possess the land which the Lord promised on oath to your fathers.” (Deuteronomy 8: 1)
• Diligently observe the commandments
• Be careful to observe all the commandments
• Carefully observe every command
• You must keep and put into practice all the commandments
WHY?
• So that you may live and increase and occupy the land
• So that you may ….. and possess the land
• So that you may survive and increase and enter the Promised Land and make it your own
KEY POINT:
Observe all the commandments; not just some.
REWARD:
You enter and possess the land.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Building on Rock
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” (Matthew 7: 24 – 25)
The Rewards of Wisdom
“Wisdom instructs her children and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life; those who seek her out win her favor.
He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the Lord bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves.
He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her innermost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger, and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline;
With her precepts she puts him to the proof, until his heart is fully with her.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveals her secrets to him.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.”
(Sirach 4: 11 – 19)
The Rewards of Wisdom
“Wisdom instructs her children and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life; those who seek her out win her favor.
He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the Lord bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves.
He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her innermost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger, and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline;
With her precepts she puts him to the proof, until his heart is fully with her.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveals her secrets to him.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.”
(Sirach 4: 11 – 19)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
He appointed me ......
“I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has made me equal to the task; I thank him for judging me worthy of trust and appointing me to his service – although in the past I had met him with abuse and persecution and outrage. But because I acted in ignorance of unbelief I was dealt with mercifully; the grace of our Lord was lavished upon me, along with faith and love which are ours in Christ Jesus. Here is a saying you may trust, one that merits fully acceptance:
‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; and among them I stand first. But I was mercifully dealt with for this very purpose, that Christ Jesus might find in me the first occasion for displaying his inexhaustible patience, and that I might be typical of all who were in future to have faith in him and gain eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1: 12 – 16)
‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; and among them I stand first. But I was mercifully dealt with for this very purpose, that Christ Jesus might find in me the first occasion for displaying his inexhaustible patience, and that I might be typical of all who were in future to have faith in him and gain eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1: 12 – 16)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Continual Guidance
Continual Guidance
“Yahweh will always guide you, will satisfy your needs in the scorched land; he will give strength to your bones and you will be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never run dry.” (Isaiah 58: 11)
Continual guidance: (Joshua 1: 9; Proverbs 3:5)
Total support: (Hebrews 13: 5; Matthew 6: 34)
Healing (Matthew 18: 17; Psalm 103: 2)
Fresh and renewed (Psalm 103: 5; Psalm 23: 2)
Continual guidance is promised. God will provide total support even if resources become generally greatly reduced. Good health, renewal of mind and body are also promised.
“Yahweh will always guide you, will satisfy your needs in the scorched land; he will give strength to your bones and you will be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never run dry.” (Isaiah 58: 11)
Continual guidance: (Joshua 1: 9; Proverbs 3:5)
Total support: (Hebrews 13: 5; Matthew 6: 34)
Healing (Matthew 18: 17; Psalm 103: 2)
Fresh and renewed (Psalm 103: 5; Psalm 23: 2)
Continual guidance is promised. God will provide total support even if resources become generally greatly reduced. Good health, renewal of mind and body are also promised.
Monday, June 25, 2007
St. John the Baptist - June 24
St. John the Baptist – June 24
St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of my alma mater, St. John’s College, Alor. He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.
St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. Without compromise, he fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.
What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many. His greatest attainment was the crown of martyrdom. In the Eucharistic prayer on his feast day, the Church says that God favored John with a martyr’s death. John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly.
Apart from physical death, there are other ways of dying for Christ.
We die for Christ, when we accept:
• Delays, disappointments and obstacles
• Insults, contempt, humiliations and rejections
• Physical pain and injuries
We do not invite these situations; they come to us in the course of life.
“It is the spirit that gives life. The flesh has nothing to offer.”
When we apply the words of Jesus in our situation, the Holy Spirit breathes life into our spirituality. When we hear the words and do not apply them, we become like flesh that has nothing to offer.
St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of my alma mater, St. John’s College, Alor. He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.
St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. Without compromise, he fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.
What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many. His greatest attainment was the crown of martyrdom. In the Eucharistic prayer on his feast day, the Church says that God favored John with a martyr’s death. John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly.
Apart from physical death, there are other ways of dying for Christ.
We die for Christ, when we accept:
• Delays, disappointments and obstacles
• Insults, contempt, humiliations and rejections
• Physical pain and injuries
We do not invite these situations; they come to us in the course of life.
“It is the spirit that gives life. The flesh has nothing to offer.”
When we apply the words of Jesus in our situation, the Holy Spirit breathes life into our spirituality. When we hear the words and do not apply them, we become like flesh that has nothing to offer.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The Enterprise
"Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, they heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end"
Anonymous
Have peace! Be calm! Relax!
For God is with you and for you in this project.
Wait patiently for God's time.
Let your hope make you joyful and patient.
Trust in God's disposal of events.
God is faithful.
He will not abandon you nor forsake you.
He is guiding you every step in this project.
And his guidance is peace.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Time of favor
"In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a very acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6: 2)
It appears from the above scripture which the Church uses at the beginning of Lent every year and several times during Lent that there is a time when God makes a special promise to listen to our prayers. That time is variously described as the "acceptable time,"
"in the hour of my favor," and "at the time of my favor." Lent is indeed the acceptable time par excellence. Why? Because Lent provides us the opportunity to exercise faith and obedience to God's word.
If we seek God during Lent through prayer, fasting and alms-giving, we can be sure that our prayers will be answered. The Church believes that Lent is the acceptable time of 2 Corinthians 6: 2. It an excellent time to pray for increased faith, patience, wisdom and humility.
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Power of Preparation 3
"For look, today I have made you into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze to stand against the whole country: the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests and the people of the country." (Jeremiah 1: 18)
What means is God using to make me into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze?
- The Holy Spirit
- Eucharist
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Blessed Virgin Mary
- Rosary
- Examination of Conscience
- Word of God
- Spiritual Direction
- Communion of Saints
- Sacramentals
Constant and diligent use of all the above satisfies the injunction to "put on the full armor of God." And little by little, they will transform one into a fortified city, a pillar of iron and a wall of bronze.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Power of Preparation 2
"As for you, prepare yourself for action." (Jeremiah 1: 17)
What is entailed in preparation?
- Gird your loins like a man (Job 38:3; 40: 7)
- Gird up your loins (2 Kings 4: 29; 9: 1)
- Gird up your loins and speak to them (Jeremiah 1: 17)
- Gird up your minds (1 Peter 1: 13)
- Feet shod with preparation for the Gospel (Ephesians 6: 15)
Message of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19:
- Stand firm
- You will have enemies among the people, including the powerful among them
- The Lord is more powerful than all of them
- The Lord will protect you
- You must be faithful especially in two things:
- Speak only my words
- Speak it fearlessly
- Speak only my words
What does the call to service of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19 include?
- High energy – Prepare yourself for action
- Obedience – Speak only what God commands you
- Thoroughness – Speak "all" that God commands you
- Fearlessness – Cowardice is sin
Note the assurance of Divine protection in Jeremiah 1: 18:
"For it is I this day
who have made you a fortified city,
A pillar of iron, a wall of brass,
against the whole land:
Against Judah's kings and princes,
against its priests and people."
The assurance of Divine protection is given in a succession of strong images so that no one can miss its importance and certainty.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Power of Preparation
"As for you, prepare yourself for action." (Jeremiah 1: 17)
That the man of God may be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3: 17)
The equipping of the saints for service (Ephesians 4: 12)
Be dressed in readiness with your lamps burning (Luke 12: 35)
Be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4: 2)
Be ready, for he is coming when you least expect (Matthew 24: 44)
Be ready (Luke 12: 40)
I am ready to go to prison and death (Luke 22: 33)
I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus (Acts 21: 13)
(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
After many years …
Allen:
I remembered you this morning when I listened to the Public Radio news. A man talked of Atlanta as the heart of the deep South, hotbed for segregation and discrimination in the past. Did you see some of it while growing up?
Obi,
Let me see what I can say about the question....
A little background here--Atlanta, along with Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma Alabama, and Greensboro, NC--were where major demonstrations took place during the Civil RIghts movement. ML King was involved in most of these, and Atlanta was his home town, and therefore, the center of the movement. Because of that, the power structure of the time--in an effort to try to keep control of their power, was against anything that King and the other Civil Rights leaders did.
As for me, I was in Kindergarten at the time of the King assassination, and therefore, was quite young during the after effects of the movement.
Things changed slowly--for example, I did not see any black students in my school until I was in the 4th grade, which was around 1972. [Just to give an idea of how things have changed, I am not sure that there are any white students in that school now]. From what I can remember, I was largely "sheltered" from see the effects of discrimination (and if things did happen, I didn't notice). Just to give you an idea of my early experiences with different ethnic groups--both at school and in the neighborhood--an uncle married a lady from Vietnam back in 1971.
Not sure how some in the family accepted her, but most of them that met here got along with here. Though now the uncle is long gone, some of us still keep up with my "auntie"--I see her about every other month. At school, had the first Asian student in my class in 5th grade, and also the first Latino student about the same time. Did not have a black student in a classroom with me until 8th grade. Had central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean ones around 11 grade. As for my neighborhood (as I still live in the same place I did during my school days)--first black residents around 1973. Did not see much "white flight" in our area then (it was growing "out of fashion" by then, but had seen it in areas closer to downtown years before)--but when the SE Asians moved into our area in the mid 1980s--then a lot of people moved.
Now, my neighborhood is nearly half Asian, almost half as many black (a few of them Caribbean or African), and a few scattered Latino and Anglo (I'm the last one on my block...). As many in the Atlanta area keep moving farther and farther away (not unusual for people who work in Downtown to live some 50 miles away...)--I myself--if I leave where I am--I wouldn't want to go far--I will stay wherever the neighbors will have me!
Allen
I remembered you this morning when I listened to the Public Radio news. A man talked of Atlanta as the heart of the deep South, hotbed for segregation and discrimination in the past. Did you see some of it while growing up?
Obi,
Let me see what I can say about the question....
A little background here--Atlanta, along with Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma Alabama, and Greensboro, NC--were where major demonstrations took place during the Civil RIghts movement. ML King was involved in most of these, and Atlanta was his home town, and therefore, the center of the movement. Because of that, the power structure of the time--in an effort to try to keep control of their power, was against anything that King and the other Civil Rights leaders did.
As for me, I was in Kindergarten at the time of the King assassination, and therefore, was quite young during the after effects of the movement.
Things changed slowly--for example, I did not see any black students in my school until I was in the 4th grade, which was around 1972. [Just to give an idea of how things have changed, I am not sure that there are any white students in that school now]. From what I can remember, I was largely "sheltered" from see the effects of discrimination (and if things did happen, I didn't notice). Just to give you an idea of my early experiences with different ethnic groups--both at school and in the neighborhood--an uncle married a lady from Vietnam back in 1971.
Not sure how some in the family accepted her, but most of them that met here got along with here. Though now the uncle is long gone, some of us still keep up with my "auntie"--I see her about every other month. At school, had the first Asian student in my class in 5th grade, and also the first Latino student about the same time. Did not have a black student in a classroom with me until 8th grade. Had central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean ones around 11 grade. As for my neighborhood (as I still live in the same place I did during my school days)--first black residents around 1973. Did not see much "white flight" in our area then (it was growing "out of fashion" by then, but had seen it in areas closer to downtown years before)--but when the SE Asians moved into our area in the mid 1980s--then a lot of people moved.
Now, my neighborhood is nearly half Asian, almost half as many black (a few of them Caribbean or African), and a few scattered Latino and Anglo (I'm the last one on my block...). As many in the Atlanta area keep moving farther and farther away (not unusual for people who work in Downtown to live some 50 miles away...)--I myself--if I leave where I am--I wouldn't want to go far--I will stay wherever the neighbors will have me!
Allen
Monday, June 18, 2007
Be prepared for action
"As for you, prepare yourself for action. Stand up and tell them all that I command you. Have no fear of them and in their presence I will make you fearless. For look, today I have made you into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, and a wall of bronze to stand against the whole country: the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests and the people of the country. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you, Yahweh declares, to rescue you." (Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19)
What will be my reaction if I know for certain that the above words are meant for me personally?
First of all, I will seek to understand it more. Then I will thank God for it. I will relish the words and be deeply happy that God has chosen me for his work. I will say to God, "fiat."
Message of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19:
- Be prepared (Jude 20)
- Remain in my word (John 8: 31)
- Have no fear; be strong; be courageous (Joshua 1:9)
- I will make you very strong.
- Expect them to fight against you.
- They will not overcome you.
- I am always with you.
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