Be holy just as your heavenly Father is holy.

"The Lord said to Moses: Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy."  (Leviticus 19: 1 -  2 NABRE)

"So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5: 48)

Is holiness a scary subject to you?  Or perhaps you consider it a topic for nuns, priests and pastors?  To be holy, you must want to be holy.  Do you desire to be holy?

Holiness consists simply in loving your neighbor as yourself and accepting with serenity day after day the things you cannot change.  These are your crosses.

Of course you cannot do the above without a life of prayer and complete trust and dependence on the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of holiness dwells in you and makes you a temple of God.  (1 Corinthians 3: 16)

Desire holiness and make friends with the Holy Spirit and He will do the rest.

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His Name is the Word of God.

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  (Mark 9: 7 NABRE)

Peter, James and John accompanied Jesus to the Mountain of Transfiguration.  And here they heard Abba Father say to them:  “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  (Mark 9: 7)
In the whole of Sacred Scripture, we do not have many instances of Abba Father speaking to anyone.  This is a treasured moment and gift.  The speech is brief, just 8 words.  Clear and direct.  Father directs us to listen to His Son Jesus.  This is a counsel no Christian dare to take lightly.

We listen to Jesus in the Scriptures especially.  He is the word of God.  He is the word that is made flesh.  (John 1: 14)  His name is the word of God.  (Revelation 19: 13) The Book of Hebrews teaches us that in these last days, the Father has spoken to us through His Son Jesus.  (Hebrews 1: 1-2) Jesus is therefore the last word of the Father.

Whenever I hear the Father's word on the Mountain of Transfiguration, I remember another great counsel, this time by the Mother of Jesus.  "Do whatever He tells you."  (John 2:  5)  When you combine the two counsels,  you have a perfect spirituality.   You hear and you do.

Grace and Mercy be upon you.

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Your cross is tailor-made to fit your person.

“If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]."  (Mark 8: 34 AMP)

This sounds impossible and insane until you remember that there is a great cloud of witnesses that have done it.   (Hebrews 12: 1)  Jesus Himself is the Author and Finisher of our faith and would not ask us what He did not experience.  (Hebrews 12: 2)

Whatever your cross, you may not have chosen it.  Know with absolute certainty that it was tailor-made for you by One who knows you perfectly.   You have tried and found that you cannot come down from that cross.

I say this prayer every morning and it helps me to carry my daily crosses:

O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can.  And the wisdom to know the difference.

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Be my Protector, the Mighty Stronghold to save me.

“But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Messiah.”  (Mark 8: 29 NABRE)

Who is Jesus for you?

"Be my protector, O God,
a mighty stronghold to save me.
For you are my rock, my stronghold!
Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name."  (Cf Psalm 31:  3 -  4 RM)

Jesus is my Savior, my Protector, my Mighty Stronghold, my Rock.

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What can I offer the Lord for His mercies towards me.

What can I offer the Lord
for all he has done for me?"  (Psalm 116: 12 NLT)

When you experience a great favor from God and your heart is overflowing with gratitude, how do you thank God?

Let us see some of the ways this was done in the Scriptures:
#1.  "Noah built an altar to the Lord, and choosing from every clean animal and every clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar."   (Genesis 8: 20)
#2.  Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek.  (Genesis 14: 20; Hebrews 7: 2)
#3.  "Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High." (Psalm 50: 14)
"Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me."  (Psalm 50: 23)
#4.  Jesus offers the Eucharist at the Last Supper, a Sacrifice of His Body and Blood.  (Matthew 26: 17-30; Mark 14: 12 - 26; Luke 22: 7 - 23)

The Eucharist is a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving repeated daily in Memorial of Jesus' total self-sacrifice.  (Luke 22: 19; 1 Corinthians 11: 24)  This oblation which Jesus calls the New Covenant (Matthew 26: 23) cleanses and renews us and become for us the source of Eternal Life. 

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Do you not remember?

"The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat." (Mark 8: 14 NABRE)

We often ask the Lord for favors on health, family, money, job, etc.  The Lord is pleased to grant us the favor  to help grow our faith in Him.   Since no condition is permanent and the favor was meant to be renewed through fresh request, the next time we feel the need, we panic instead of asking again with confidence.

The Lord Jesus chides the disciples and us with these words:  "Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened?  Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember."  (Mark 8: 17 -  18)

Why do we forget so often details of God's past mercies?  I find personally that even when I write the favor in my journal, I still forget.  I do better when I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of the favors I have enjoyed from God. 

 “Do you still not understand?”  (Mark 8: 21)

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Am I my brother's keeper?

"Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."  (Genesis 4: 8 NABRE)

Thus we see the first murder in the Bible and Cain became the first murderer.  When I was a little child and heard this story, I was shocked and frightened.  In those days, murder was rare.  Let us consider the reasons for this crime and the consequences:

#1.  Jealousy, envy, anger, hatred
#2.  Spirit of disobedience
#3.  No fear of God or retribution
You can expand on the list.

Consider the consequences:
Murder, fratricide, war.

You may add as an example the chilly effect of the 911 attack on the American society.  It changed a society that was kindly and welcoming into one that is fearful and suspicious of strangers.  It gave birth to an insidious warmongering spirit.

All the above are attributable to the demonic spirit of Cain.  But the Scriptures bring us hope:

"For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another,  unlike Cain who belonged to the evil one and slaughtered his brother. Why did he slaughter him? Because his own works were evil, and those of his brother righteous."  (1 John 3: 11 -  12)

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Open my eyes, that I may consider the wonders of Your law.

"Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 19 NABRE)

This Sunday, the 6th in Ordinary Time, the Spirit focuses our attention on one theme:  God's law, God's commandments.  Let's consider a few of the pointers in today's letter to the  Churches:

#1.  "If you choose, you can keep the commandments; loyalty is doing the will of God."  (Sirach 15: 15)
#2.  "He never commands anyone to sin, nor shows leniency toward deceivers."  (Sirach 15: 20)
#3.  "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord."  (Psalm 119 : 1)
#4.  "Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart."  (Psalm 119: 34)
#5  "Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 19)

What is the reward for keeping the commandments?

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
 and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him.”  (1 Corinthians 2: 9 NLT)

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They ate and were satisfied.

"They ate and were satisfied."  (Mark 8: 8 NABRE)

Jesus fed 4000 people with seven loaves and a few fish. They all get ate and were satisfied with plenty leftover.  How many times have you been to a party, wedding or reception and can honestly say that you ate and were satisfied?  Only Christ the Bread of life who knows exactly what we need can pull this off.  Remember the Wedding Feast at Canna?  The people drank the best wine until they could drink no more.

Jesus fulfilled admirably the prophecy in Isaiah 55:

"All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat;
Come, buy grain without money,
wine and milk without cost!"  (Isaiah 55: 1)

In verse 2 of the same chapter,  God asked our throw-away generation an intriguing question:

"Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy?
Only listen to me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare."  (Isaiah 55: 2)

Every single day, Jesus continues to feed millions of people with the finest wheat, the Bread of life.   (John 6 : 35;  Matthew 26: 26; 1 Corinthians 11: 24)

“It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God."  (Matthew 4: 4 AMP)

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Be alert. Watch and pray.

"Now the snake was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made."  (Genesis 3: 1 NABRE)

St Peter warns us:  "Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour."   (1 Peter 5: 8)

What is your attitude to temptations?  Are you the type that likes to get to the very edge of the cliff?  Is playing with fire like a sport to you?

Now listen to Jesus:  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.   The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  (Matthew 26: 41 NIV)

Know yourself, your weak points. Satan knows these very well.  Be alert.  Watch and pray.

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Welcome the word that has been planted in you.

"Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls."  (James 1: 21 NABRE)

The "word" above means also the word of God, law, command, statute, promise, etc.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."  (Romans 10: 17 NKJV)

The word you hear is the Good News.  His name is Jesus.  When you welcome the word or the message, you welcome Jesus.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."  (Revelation 3: 20 NLT)
Where Jesus is, there is salvation; there is prosperity.

"Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls."  (James 1: 21)

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O bless the Lord my soul!

"All creatures look to you to give them food in due time. When you give it to them, they gather; when you open your hand, they are well filled."  (Psalm 104: 27 -  28)

Every living thing depend on God for  nourishment and life.  Note there is a time for gathering.

"Young lions roar for prey; they seek their food from God."  (Psalm 104:  21)

Even young powerful lion's still depend on God for their food.

"You make the grass grow for the cattle and plants for people’s work to bring forth food from the earth,
wine to gladden their hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread to sustain the human heart."  (Psalm 104: 14 - 15)

Are you surprised to learn that God gives us wine, beer and spirit to gladden our hearts?  How about those fine cosmetics?  And all the assorted kinds of food?

"Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord, my God, you are great indeed!" (Psalm 104: 1)

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Sunday Rest is a great gift from Abba Father.

"On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing; he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken.   God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation." (Genesis 2: 2 -  3 NABRE)

God rested on the seventh day from His labors.  He set it apart for us for rest and worship. 

Families should take advantage of the Sunday Rest for spiritual and physical refreshment.  It is a day to visit the sick in the hospital, enjoy the zoo and the parks.

It is a day when all anxiety about work and money should be banished.  Cast the burden on the Lord who ordered us to rest on Sunday.

The Sunday Rest is a Rehearsal for the promised Eternal Rest.

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Cry out to Jesus with expectant faith and you will be healed.

"Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed."  (Mark 6: 56 NLT)

Many today need healing for their infirmities.  The sick in Mark 6: 56 were healed by their faith in Jesus and not by the act of touching the fringe of His robe.   Since Jesus is alive and active today, whoever approaches Jesus with expectant faith will be healed.  Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever.   (Hebrews 13: 8)

Where and how can we approach Jesus today?
#1.  The Eucharist, which is the New Covenant and the source and summit of our faith.
#2.  The word of God, which contains His presence, power and person.
#3. Prayer, which Jesus calls a vital necessity.  (Luke 18: 1)

The important thing is:  Approach Jesus with a dynamic and expectant faith and you will be healed.

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Bestow your bread on the hungry and watch how the Lord will respond.

"Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them."  (Isaiah 58: 7 RM)

Yesterday, we heard the following from the Lord:   "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16)

Today, the Lord became more specific.  The poor and the needy cry to the Lord and He hears them.  (Psalm 34: 17; 69: 33) It is not because of any limitations to His power that Abba Father does not supply the poor and the needy directly.   Father is pleased to share the government of the world with us.  As a good Teacher, He motivates us.

If you obey,  "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"  (Isaiah 58: 8 -  9)

For all who obey God, No fear.  No worry.  No doubt.

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If you bestow your bread on the hungry, it shall be well for you and you will never have to fear bad news.

"Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them."  (Isaiah 58: 7 RM)

Yesterday, we heard the following from the Lord:   "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16)

Today, the Lord became more specific.  The poor and the needy cry to the Lord and He hears them.  (Psalm 34: 17; 69: 33) It is not because of any limitations to His power that Abba Father does not supply the poor and the needy directly.   Father is pleased to share the government of the world with us.  As a good Teacher, He motivates us.

If you obey,  "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"  (Isaiah 58: 8 -  9)

For all who obey God, No fear.  No worry.  No doubt.

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If you bestow your bread on the hungry, it shall be well for you and you shall never be moved.

"Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them."  (Isaiah 58: 7 RM)

Yesterday, we heard the following from the Lord:   "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16)

Today, the Lord became more specific.  The poor and the needy cry to the Lord and He hears them.  (Psalm 34: 17; 69: 33) It is not because of any limitations to His power that Abba Father does not supply the poor and the needy directly.   Father is pleased to share the government of the world with us.  As a good Teacher, He motivates us.

If you obey,  "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"  (Isaiah 58: 8 -  9)

For all who obey God, No fear.  No worry.  No doubt.

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Do good and share what you have.

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind."  (Hebrews 13: 16 NABRE)

Do you groan if you find yourself sharing what you have?  Our Heavenly Father who is not partial has bestowed on each of us immense Time, Talent and Treasure.   He wants us to develop and enjoy these gifts.  He is very pleased when we share them. 
You can share your gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure not just in your faith and civil communities but even with strangers.

"May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord,  furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will."  (Hebrews 13: 20 - 21)

If the Lord is truly your Shepherd, He promises that you will lack nothing.  Trust Him.  (Psalm 23: 1)

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February 03, 2017: First Friday

February 03, 2017 First Friday

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

#5:  I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

The above is one of 12 of The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary.

Jesus promises to pour abundant blessings on all the undertakings of those who honor and are devoted to His Most Sacred Heart.

I always remind Jesus of this promise.  Scripture teaches us to pray that God prospers the work of our hands.  (Psalm 90: 17).  When you tie this prayer to the Sacred Heart devotion, you give a boost to your faith.  God responds to Faith always and everywhere.

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Love money and money will enslave you.

"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake  you.”   That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”  (Hebrews 13: 5 - 6 TLB)

By dying Jesus Christ freed us from the fear of death.  (Hebrews 2: 15)
By His poverty, we are freed from the fear of being poor.  This fear has led many to be enslaved by money all their life.  (Cf Hebrews 2: 15)

Man does not live on money alone.  Man is created to live on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  (Cf Matthew 4 : 4)
Paul says that he knows how to live as a rich man and  how to live as a poor man.  There is no situation he cannot find contentment because of Jesus Christ who has promised him His presence, protection and provision.  He found his security in Jesus.  ( Cf 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10;  Philippians 4: 12)

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