Do you know the ABC OF MERCY?

“Peace be with you."  (John 20: 19, 21, 26 NABRE)

Peace, Shalom is the preeminent gift of Easter.  Have you noticed that in the Gospel of today (John 20: 19 - 31), Jesus pronounced the incomparable blessing of Shalom 3 times? Before you can enjoy this peace, you must be touched by the Mercy of God.

The universal Church celebrates today the Solemnity of Divine Mercy. (Always 2nd Sunday of Easter).  Jesus is the Face of Mercy of Abba Father.  Mercy is the name and essence of God the Father revealed to us through His Only Son, Jesus the Christ. The open Heart of Jesus is the symbol and seat of Mercy.  Mercy is promised to all. 

To prepare yourself to receive and retain Mercy, you must follow the ABC OF MERCY.  It is called  ABC because, it is an acronym that can be remembered easily and secondly it is as simple as ABC.

A:  Ask for Mercy.
B:  Be Merciful.
C:  Completely Trust Jesus for Mercy.

It is as easy and as simplistic as the Sacraments.  They are God’s mighty weapons, powerful enough to destroy Satanic strongholds.  (2 Corinthians 10: 4)

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Believe and share the Gospel.

 “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16: 15).

This is the command of Jesus to every Christian.  Since nobody can give that which he has not, to preach the Good News, you must have it.  After the Resurrection, the Apostles did not have the Gospel.  They did not believe Mary Magdalene who witnessed to them that Christ has risen indeed.  They did not believe the two disciples whom Jesus met on the road to Emmaus.  (Luke 24: 13 - 32)

Jesus "rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised."  (Mark 16:  14).  Faith comes through hearing.  Thomas, the Apostle wanted to see the Risen Jesus before he could believe the testimony of others.   Are you a Thomas? (John 20: 25).   "Do not be unbelieving, but believe,”  Jesus said to the Thomases. (John 20: 27).

"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”  (John 20: 29).   Belief and witnessing go hand in hand. If you believe the witnessing of others, people will believe your own witnessing.
Easter Season is the time to ask for faith to believe.

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Come and have breakfast.

"Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him,  “No.”   So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.”  (John 21: 5 - 6 NABRE).

We strive and struggle and strain to make a living or to get our hearts' desires.  Meanwhile Jesus who knows exactly what we need and when we need it is waiting for us.  “Come, have breakfast.” (John 21: 12).  The astonished disciples could not believe their eyes or ears.  Yet, this is not the first time in the Gospel that Jesus manifests such tenderness. 
"He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat."  (Mark 6: 31).  All the years I slaved for a corporate giant, I never got such an invitation from any of my bosses.

"Keep safe, O Lord, we pray,
those whom you have saved by your kindness that, redeemed by the Passion of your Son they may rejoice in his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever."

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Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

"He opened their minds to understand the scriptures."  (Luke 24: 45 NABRE)

After the Resurrection, Jesus opened the minds of His apostles to understand the Scriptures.  Unless the Lord Builds the House, they labor in vain who builds it. (Psalm 27: 1).  Unless the Lord opens your mind to understand the Scriptures you read and study the Scriptures in vain.  (Cf Luke 24: 45).  In vain you burn the midnight oil and buy expensive commentaries.
Ask the Lord repeatedly in prayer to open your mind to understand the Scriptures.

Remember:  The word of God is the sword of the Spirit.  (Cf Ephesians 6: 17).  Cultivate the friendship of the the Holy Spirit.  "For wisdom opened mouths that were mute and gave eloquence to the tongues of infants."  (Wisdom 10: 20 - 21 NABRE)

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In the Name of Jesus Christ, rise and walk.

“I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.”  (Acts 3: 6 NABRE)

The crippled man rose and walked.

The very Name of Jesus represents three spiritual realities:
#1.  It is the Person of Jesus.
#2.  It is the Power of Jesus.
#3.  It is the Presence of Jesus.
You may call it the 3 P's of the Name of Jesus: Person, Power, Presence.

The Name Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua.  It means God saves.  The Name Jesus causes what it signifies.  It brings about salvation:  Salvation from sin and sin induced disorders.  The Name of Jesus is a powerful weapon against evil spirits. 

Miracles happen when the Name of Jesus is invoked with faith.   Do you know that the Name of Jesus is a complete prayer?   "Jesus Son of David have mercy on me."  In emergency, you can simply pray: JESUS.  This invocation brings the Presence, Power and Person of Jesus to you.  It is not magic.  You must invoke it with faith.

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The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

"If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God;
mind the things that are above, alleluia."  (Colossians 3: 1-2 RM)

The above Scripture is one of the Easter Season constants.  Why? We have risen with Christ. We are new creation. We have received the Holy Spirit to help us live in a new way.  Are you ready for the adventure with the Risen Savior? Brace yourself for an exciting time with Jesus.  Discover Him in:

#1. Sacred Scripture
#2. Join small faith sharing group
#3.  Accept the gift of Daily Mass
#4.  Share your special gifts with your Church community

"This is the day (Season) the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it."  (Psalm 118: 24). Alleluia, Alleluia.

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The Lord has risen as He said.

“Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”  (Matthew 28: 10 NABRE)

Today is Monday in the Octave of Easter. After 40 Days of Lent, we enjoy 50 Days of celebration till the Solemnity of Pentecost.  It is a time to relax, enjoy and be happy because Jesus Christ is truly risen from the dead.  And you are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

How do you witness to the Resurrection of Jesus? How do you recognize the Risen Christ?
#1.  In the Scriptures
#2.  In the Eucharist
#3.  In the Poor and Needy

Start by growing your faith through deeper commitment to daily prayer, daily study of Holy Scriptures and more days with the Lord in the Eucharist.

"Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know."  (Acts 2: 22)

Jesus is yearning to do great wonders through you.  Will you allow Him?

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I have risen, and I am with you still.

"I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia." (Entrance Antiphon)

Today is the Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord, Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017.

Too wonderful for us this experience. The Lord is truly risen, alleluia. To Him be glory and power for all ages of eternity.  Alleluia!

Brethren, let us lift up our hearts to God:

"God our Father,
by raising Christ your Son
you conquered the power of death
and opened for us the way to eternal life.
Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

Abundant Peace and Joy of Easter to you all. 💒 🌹🌼💟

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The stone the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.

"The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia. 
To Him be glory and power for all the ages of eternity, Alleluia, Alleluia!"   (Luke 24: 34; Cf Revelation 1: 6 RM)

"Today is Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil - April 15, 2017. 

 raised Jesus from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.   He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen — by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead." 
(Acts 10:40-41 NIV)

"And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead."   (Acts 10:42 NLT)

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118: 1)

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Jesus gave His life as an offering for sin.

“Are you the king of the Jews?”  (John 18: 33 NABRE)
"Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18: 36)

Today is Good Friday, April 14, 2017.  The Church celebrates the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world."  Think of it:  If the Kingdom of Jesus belongs to this world, no Christian will ever experience poverty or illness.  But we are affected by the conditions of this fallen world as much as others.

St Paul encourages his followers with these words:  "Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything."  (2 Corinthians 6: 10 NLT).  What does this mean? Christ Jesus died today on the Cross for a weightier goal than silver and gold, Mercedes and BMW, Palaces and Mansions, a 6-figure salary.

Jesus died that we may know the true nature of God, grow to love Him intensely, serve Him and at the end of our earthly life enjoy life everlasting with Him in Heaven.  Mary the Mother of Jesus understood this.  She was poor, humble and insignificant until her death. Look at her net worth and recognition today.  All the saints have similar understanding of the nature of the Kingdom Jesus died for.  They gave up ashes to possess forever genuine Gold.

Salvation, glory, and power to the Lord Jesus Christ!

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This is the Chalice of the New Covenant in My Blood.

"How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord."  (Psalm 116:  12 - 13 NABRE)

Today is Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Triduum, the three most holiest days in Church Calendar.  Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Institution of the Eucharist and the Sacred Priesthood by Jesus Christ, our Eternal High Priest.

“This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD, as a perpetual institution.”  (Exodus 12: 14 RM)

In gratitude for so great a gift, the People of God (us) responds:
"I will offer a sacrifice of praise
and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people."  (Psalm 116:  17 - 18)

Salvation, glory, and power to the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Hail O Cross, Our Only Hope!

"Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests  and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver."  (Matthew 26: 14 - 15)

On Wednesday of the Holy Week 2017, the word of God presents for our reflection: Sin, Betrayal and Repentance.
The word "Betrayal" is used in today's Gospel, Matthew 26: 14 - 25 six times.  You may call it:  Betrayal Wednesday in Holy Week.  So what do you think of the mystery of sin and betrayal?

Every single sin is a betrayal of Jesus.  What is your price? What is it that you love and prefer to Jesus? That is the price you ask for your sin or betrayal.

Awake, O sinner, and arise from your sleep, and Christ will give you light.  (Cf Ephesians 5: 14)

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Hail to You, our King, led to Your crucifixion like a gentle Lamb.

"Before birth the Lord called me, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name."  (Isaiah 49: 1 NABRE)

He shall be called Jesus. (Cf Matthew 1: 21; Luke 1: 31). Like Jesus, we too are called, chosen and anointed for good works.
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  (Ephesians 2: 10).

"Though I thought I had toiled in vain, for nothing and for naught spent my strength,
Yet my right is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God."  (Isaiah 49: 4)
Shake off any discouragement or sloth.  Jesus Christ our Lord and Captain, set His face as flint as He marched to Jerusalem to complete His assignment.  (Cf Luke 9: 51).  Think of the cloud of witnesses who had gone before us.  (Cf Hebrews 12: 1)

On Tuesday of Holy Week 2017, we hail our Captain Jesus Christ the Faithful Witness! (Cf Revelation 1: 5)

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You always have the poor with you.

"You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”  (John 12: 8 NABRE)

Judas reproaches Mary, sister of Martha for a very extravagant deathday gift to Jesus.  What type of birthday present do you consider fitting for Jesus? What if you are to give Jesus a perfect deathday present, what would it be?  Your gift reveals the depth of your love.

"Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."   (Mark 12: 17).   What is it that belongs to God?  The Lord our God must be #1 in everything.  Honor Him and reverence Him above everything.  (Cf Exodus 20: 3;  Deuteronomy 5: 7).
Genuine charity realizes that what honors God does not deprive the poor.  Where love is, there is God.

Today is Monday of Holy Week, April 10, 2017.  This week is the climax of the Season of Lent.   The love of Christ impels us to finish the race.  (Cf 2 Corinthians 5: 14)

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A Tale of Two Prisoners

“Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?"  (Matthew 27: 17 RM)

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.  Our word to live by is the above Scripture.  You may call it: A tale of two prisoners.
One is Jesus called Christ.  The other prisoner is Barabbas.
Jesus the Christ has during His public ministry healed the sick, raised the dead, fed multitudes.  Most of His public life was devoted to teaching the people.
Barabbas was a notorious criminal branded a "revolutionary."

“Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?"  (Matthew 27: 17 RM)
The crowd answered Pilate, "Barabbas."  
"Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Messiah?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”  (Matthew 27: 22).

This is the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world.  The sacrifice of Christ will vanquish it.

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I was dead but now I am alive forever.

 “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live."  (John 11: 25 NABRE)

Jesus claims here that in His Person, you see the fulfilment of the Promise of Resurrection and Eternal life for all God's children.  As if John 11: 25 is not clear enough, Jesus said:  "Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever."  (Revelation 1: 18 NABRE)

The question is:  Do you believe this or not?  Like so many things that affect the promises of God, belief is critical.  Do you find it difficult to believe the claims of Jesus in the Gospel? Are you a cafeteria Christian? Do you pick and choose what you believe? Faith in Christ is like a seamless robe. Either you believe everything or nothing.

On Saturday in the 5th Week of Lent 2017, Do not be afraid.  Open your heart and mind to Jesus.  "Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”  (Mark 9: 24)

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First Friday: April 07, 2017

April 07, 2017 First Friday

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

#4.  "They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death."

The above is #4 of 12 of The  Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary.

I consider Promise #4 a great Promise.  St Augustine says:  "If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well."  To die well therefore is what every human being must pray for.  It is already promised by the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass.

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Our weapon has divine power to demolish strongholds - 04/07/17

"All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.
“Perhaps he can be tricked; then we will prevail, and take our revenge on him.”  (Jeremiah 20: 10 NABRE)

Relentless spiritual warfare is the norm in Christian life.  If you want to serve God, prepare for trials.  (Cf Sirach 2: 1)

Your enemy the devil prowls like a lion seeking whom to devour.  (Cf 1 Peter 5: 8).  Therefore, be sober and alert. (Ibid)

Do not forget that He who is with us  is stronger than our enemy.  (Cf Matthew 12: 29)

"But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not prevail.
In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion."  (Jeremiah 20: 11)

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."   (2 Corinthians 10: 4).

"In my distress I called out: Lord!
I cried out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry to him reached his ears."  (Psalm 18: 7)

On Friday of the 5th Week of Lent 2017, be sober. Be alert.

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God who did not spare His own Son will refuse us nothing which is good for us.

"He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?"  (Romans 8 : 32 NABRE)

Remember the above Scripture when you stand before the Father to ask for anything for yourself, your family, friends or even for the world.
Remember also:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."  (John 3 : 16)

God bound Himself with a covenant oath to be our God forever.

To enjoy continually the Peace of Christ:
#1.  Accept all that has happened.
#2.  Accept everything that is happening.
#3.  Cooperate with everything except with what is sinful.
(Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ)

On Thursday  of the 5th Week of Lent 2017, the Father wants us to rejoice in our filial adoption.

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When you make My word your home, then.....

"Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   (John 8: 31 - 32)

Are you one of the Blessed Ones who believe in Jesus?  Are you enjoying all your privileges?  John 8: 31 - 32 is one of the greatest Scriptures in the New Testament.  There are three great promises laid out by Jesus the Teacher:

#1.  You abide and become the disciple of Jesus.  To serve God is to reign. Pure and simple.
#2.  You know the Truth. The Truth promised is Jesus Himself.  This Truth comes with the knowledge of the Way, Jesus.  See the Beatitudes. (Matthew 5: 3 - 12)
#3.  You enjoy unlimited freedom and victory in your life.  The freedom that is promised is  primarily freedom from sin which is the root cause of illness, divorce, poverty, ignorance, joblessness, aimlessness, etc.

The Secret of appropriating these treasures is:  REMAIN IN THE WORD. That is, make your home in the word of God.

"The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed."  (Isaiah 50: 4)

On Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent 2017, make the word your home.

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