Ask something of Me and I will give it to you.

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8: 28)
All things serve your plans, O Great God and Father!

"I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be hindered."  (Job 42: 2)

Our God is almighty.  Whatever He wills, He does, come what may.  Nothing can resist Him.
Father, I delight in the truth that all things serve you.  (Psalm 119: 91)
Nothing that concerns our purpose is too marvelous for God to do for us.  (Genesis 18: 14).

"I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth" (John 18: 37).

Jesus defined His purpose on earth as bearing testimony to the truth.

What is your purpose in life? Do you feel in your heart that you are destined, chosen, called and sealed with the Holy Spirit for this purpose?

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"The Lord will accomplish his purpose for me." (Psalm 138: 8).

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."   (Ephesians 1: 17 - 18  NIV)

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Welcome Jesus to Martha's Vineyard!

"Jesus entered a village,
where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home."  (Cf Luke 10: 38 RM).

Today is the Memorial of St Martha, sister of Mary and one of the powerful women of the Bible.  After her is named Domus Sanctae Martha, or Casa Santa Martha, the Guest House in the Vatican where Pope Francis lives.

A week ago, the Church celebrated the feast of St Mary Magdalene. Let us consider the lives of two great women in the life of Jesus:  Jesus cast out seven demons from Mary Magdalene.  She was possibly a high class prostitute with considerable income.  She belonged to a group of women who traveled with Jesus and His apostles and provided financial support. (Luke 8: 2 - 3).
Mary Magdalene is distinguished in Christian history for being the first person to see Jesus after the Resurrection and the person sent by Jesus to take the message to the Apostles.

Martha on the other hand is renowned for her hospitality.  Whenever Jesus wanted to have a good meal with some wine and relax with friends, He headed to Casa Martha.  Martha's Vineyard was always a welcome home for Jesus and His Apostles.

"Almighty ever-living God,
whose Son was pleased to be welcomed in Saint Martha’s house as a guest, grant, we pray, that through her intercession,
serving Christ faithfully in our brothers and sisters, we may merit to be received by you in the halls of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."  (Collect on the feast of St Martha).

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The Commandments of the Lord are true, all of them just.

"In those days:
God delivered all these commandments:"  (Exodus 20: 1 RM).

We shall deal today with the 2nd Commandment:

"You shall not invoke the name of the Lord, your God, in vain. For the Lord will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain."  (Exodus 20: 7).

A quiet examination of conscience:
Have I used God’s name in vain:  lightly or carelessly?  Have I been angry with God?  Have I wished evil upon another person?  Have I insulted a sacred person or abused a sacred object?  Did I curse or swear? Have I used foul language or jokes?

"The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple."  (Psalm 19: 8).

"Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance."  (Cf Luke 8: 15).

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When you use your talent, you will have more talent and grow rich.

"To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away."  (Matthew 13: 12).

Jesus is speaking here of genuine riches and not what the Bible describes as filthy lucre or dishonest wealth.  (Titus 1: 11;  1 Timothy 3: 3).

Examples of spiritual riches are faith, hope and charity.  Others are:  patience, wisdom, humility, courage, peace and contentment. When you exercise your gifts, they grow and you will become rich in what matters. When you fail to use your talent, they diminish and atrophy and then die.

Gracious Lord, grant us the grace to be grateful for the gifts You have given us and help us to use them in Your service. Amen.

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Do not grumble against God.

"And the whole community of Israelites began complaining about Moses and Aaron in the desert…." (Exodus 16: 2).

The Journey of Faith is a journey through the desert. This is by the intentional purpose of gracious will of God. Things may get rough and tough on the way. A good principle is never to complain, criticize or condemn. Instead,  take whatever problem to Jesus in prayer. Have I always lived up to this principle? I wish I could answer in the affirmative. But alas, my record here is abysmal. I am not discouraged. I keep working to eliminate complaining, criticizing and condemning from my character.

"O Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come to you. Hide not your face from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; in the day when I call, answer me speedily." (Psalm 102: 2-3)

Father Almighty, do not allow us to tempt You in our hearts by demanding the food [things] we crave. When we call, answer us speedily.

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The Lord gave them bread from heaven.

"And the whole community of Israelites began complaining about Moses and Aaron in the desert…." (Exodus 16: 2).

The Journey of Faith is a journey through the desert. Things may get rough and tough on the way. My principle is never to complain, criticize or condemn. Instead, I take whatever problem to Jesus in prayer. Have I always lived up to this declaration? I wish I could answer in the affirmative. But alas, my record here is abysmal. I am not discouraged. I keep working to eliminate complaining, criticizing and condemning from my character.

"O Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come to you. Hide not your face from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; in the day when I call, answer me speedily." (Psalm 102: 2-3)

Father Almighty, do not allow us to tempt You in our hearts by demanding the food we crave. When we call, answer us speedily.

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My grace is sufficient for you.

"But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves."  (2 Corinthians 4 : 7 AMP).

"We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us."  (2 Corinthians 4: 7 CEV).

We see here the interplay between human weakness and divine power. The more our weakness, the more God can pour His power into us.
Where do you store [hide] your treasure? Bank, bunker?  God hides His treasure in you and me!

"My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.”  (2 Corinthians 12: 9 GNT).

Today is the feast of St James the Apostle.  Happy feast day to all my friends called James, Jim and Jimmy.

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Be calm and watch what the LORD will do for you today.

"Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid! Take your stand [be firm and confident and undismayed] and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for those Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.” (Exodus 14: 13-14 AMP).

"Cast your care upon the LORD,
who will give you support.
He will never allow
the righteous to stumble."  (Psalm 55: 22).

Since the LORD Himself initiated this Journey, why not cast your cares on Him and watch what He will do for you.  Be calm. Let the LORD be the Actor. You be the spectator.

"Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices."  (St Teresa of Avila).

Salvation is the experience of the profound peace of Christ.  It is deliverance from the distress of fear, worry and doubts.  Salvation comes from Christ alone.  Trust Him.

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The Mustard Seed is the smallest seed.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field.  It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches."  (Matthew 13: 31 - 32).

The mustard seed of God's word is alive, potent and sharper than a two-edged sword even if it comes in a tiny form. The origin of Christianity bears witness to this truth. What started very small with a handful of men grew into the biggest shrub. Many "birds of the air" today shelter in its shade. Many women and men make a decent living from this huge shrub. The beginning of a project may be small but if that enterprise is God's will, it will grow.

When Peter and the Apostles were arraigned before the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel, a leading member of the Sanhedrin prophesied: "If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will be unable to destroy them. " (Acts 5: 38). The history of Christianity proved that the enterprise is from God.

In the parable of the Mustard Seed, savor the truth of of small beginnings. Do not despise small beginnings.   Work of grace in the soul follows the principle of the mustard seed.  Small steps.  Small beginnings.  Silently.  Steady progress.

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Tell me, Mary, what did you see on the way?

"The Bride says:
On my bed at night I sought him
whom my heart loves — I sought him but I did not find him.
I will rise then and go about the city;
 in the streets and crossings I will seek Him whom my heart loves."  (Song of Songs 3: 1- 2).

This is the first Reading chosen today for the feast of St Mary Magdalene.  It illustrates the intense love of Mary Magdalene for Jesus.  She sought the dead among the dead and found the Risen Jesus who was waiting for her.  Jesus promised "Seek and you shall find."  ( Matthew 7: 7). Jesus rewarded her by saying to her: 
"Go to my brothers and tell them:
I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."  (John 20:  17).

And Mary responded:
"Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her."  (John 20: 18).

This made Mary Magdalene whose feast we celebrate today both the first person to see Jesus after His Resurrection and the first messenger of the Gospel.

St Mary Magdalene pray for us.

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I desire mercy, not sacrifice.

"I desire mercy, not sacrifice."  (Matthew 12: 7).

Jesus Christ brought grace and mercy.  Grace is unmerited favor.  Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown to someone who expects or deserves punishment.  Sacrifice is working hard to cancel or eliminate a debt.   "I have done my time in prison. So leave me alone."

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. 

Moses brought the law.  Experience shows that even for the best of us, it is impossible to observe the law perfectly.  Jesus Christ brought grace and mercy. 

"Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy."  (Matthew 5: 7).

Learn about how to be merciful from Jesus. Learn the ABC of Mercy:

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

Practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy:

1.Instruct the ignorant
2.Counsel the doubtful
3.Admonish sinners
4.Bear wrongs patiently
5.Forgive offences willingly
6.Comfort the afflicted
7.Pray for the living and the dead

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Come to me with your burdens and I will give you rest.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."  (Matthew 11: 28 - 30)

Gracious invitation from Christ.  But how do we come to Christ?  We come to Christ in prayer, in His word, and especially in the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Penance. 

What are the labors and burdens that we bring to Christ, the Doctor to heal?  We bring our burdens of sin.  We are overwhelmed with fears, worries and doubts about our health, family, finances, job, tools, food and the future.  We bring all these to Jesus.

How does Christ give us the promised rest?  He cancels our sins and relieves us once and for all from guilt.  Sometimes He heals our bodies and finances.  At other times, He gives us a supernatural perspective from which to view our woes.  You may call this indepth perspective therapy.  People go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France for physical healing.  Many such people receive the indepth perspective therapy and decide to stay in Lourdes to minister to pilgrims sicker than themselves..

What yoke does Christ invite us to take upon ourselves?  The yoke of Christ is the Gospel of Christ.  The yoke of Christ is the Sermon on the Mount.  Christ Himself says that this yoke is both easy and light. John the Apostle says that to keep the commandments is not burdensome. (1 John 5:3). Paul writes of the weight of glory that awaits us after some light suffering.  (Romans 8: 18;  2 Corinthians 4: 17).

"Learn from me," pleads Christ.  Christ is the Teacher and the Lesson.  Learn to be with me.  Learn to be like me.

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I WILL BE WITH YOU!

"Now indeed the outcry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen how the Egyptians are oppressing them.  Now, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt."  (Exodus 3: 9 - 10).

After over 300 years in slavery in Egypt, God said that He was just noticing the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt.  Seriously?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9).

Moreover, God does not measure time as we do:
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."  (2 Peter 3: 8).

The conversation of God and Moses continues:

"But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”  God answered: I will be with you."  (Exodus 3: 11-12).

When God chooses, calls and anoints you for a job, all you need as credential is:  I WILL BE WITH YOU!"

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O that today you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes."  (Matthew 11: 21).

What is it of Bethsaida and Chorazin in your life? Where is the last outpost of resistance in your relationship with Jesus? Let us do a brief examination of conscience with the First Commandment:

#1.  "I am the Lord your God:  You shall have no strange gods before me."

Do I love anybody or anything more than God?

Do I give God time everyday for prayer?  Do I seek to love him with my whole heart?  Have I been involved with superstitious practices?

Have I been involved with the occult?  Do I seek to surrender myself to God’s Word as taught by the Church?  Have I ever received Communion in a state of mortal sin?  Have I deliberately told a lie in Confession or have I withheld a mortal sin from the priest in Confession?

Turn to the Lord in your need and you will live.  (Psalm 69).

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Had the Lord not been with us, our enemies would have swallowed us alive.

"A new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to power in Egypt."  (Exodus 1: 8)

A new president... came to power.
A new sheriff.... came to power.
A new manager... came to power.

The above words presage dramatic changes in statusquo.
Israel had grown populous, rich and powerful in Egypt. Now things were about to change.  Had they perhaps forgotten the promise to Abraham? The Promised Land? Wealth and prosperity have their hazards.

"Accordingly, they set supervisors over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor."  (Exodus 1: 11)

God's providence has its special tools for arousing us from deep slumber.

"So the Egyptians began to loathe the Israelites.... reduced the Israelites to cruel slavery,  making life bitter for them with hard labor, at mortar and brick and all kinds of field work—cruelly oppressed in all their labor."  (Exodus 1: 12 - 14).

At last the pilgrims were ready to resume their journey to the Promised Land so that God could fulfill His promises to Abraham.

Where are you today in your Journey of Faith?

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Faith comes from hearing and obeying the word of God.

"My word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it."  (Isaiah 55: 11).

What makes the word of God so potent, so incredibly powerful? We can gain some understanding by asking:  What makes the Name of Jesus so powerful? First the Name Jesus means GOD SAVES. The Name of Jesus accomplishes what it signifies and It signifies what It accomplishes.  The Name Jesus is the power of Jesus, the person of Jesus and the presence of Jesus.

So is the word of God. It is the power of God. God is in His word. Therefore, it never fails!

"But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”  (Matthew 13: 23).

"Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls."  (James 1: 21).

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Fear God and give Him glory.

"And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna."  (Matthew 10: 28).

If Bishops fear God as they dread litigation or the IRS, what would the Church be? If priests and religious fear God as they fear traffic tickets, the Church will be growing and bearing more fruits for Jesus. The sad truth is that we all fear those who cannot and do not desire to kill the body but bark.  Why do we fear these people more than we fear the Sovereign LORD?

"Fear God!" (Revelation 14: 7).

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If they persecute Me, what do you expect?

"When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you to all truth
and remind you of all I told you."  (John 16: 13;  14: 26).

What truth will the Awesome Spirit guide us to?
* The truth about Jesus, who is the Truth, the Way and Life.
*  The truth about His mission on earth, which is to found a Church, the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Pillar and Foundation of truth.

"When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."  (Matthew 10: 19-20).

Evangelization comes with Persecution.  If they persecute the Lord Jesus, what do you expect?  (Cf. John 15 : 20).  But do not be afraid.  The Holy Spirit will help you.

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Evangelization comes with persecution. But do not be afraid.

"When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you to all truth
and remind you of all I told you."  (John 16: 13;  14: 26).

What truth will the Awesome Spirit guide us to?
* The truth about Jesus, who is the Truth, the Way and Life.
*  The truth about His mission on earth, which is to found a Church, the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Pillar and Foundation of truth.

"When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."  (Matthew 10: 19-20).

Evangelization comes with Persecution.  If they persecute the Lord Jesus, what do you expect?  (Cf. John 15 : 20).  But do not be afraid.  The Holy Spirit will help you.

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God sent a man before them, Joseph sold as a slave.

“I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.  But now do not be distressed, and do not be angry with yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you."  (Genesis 45: 4 - 5).

The Scripture above is one of the most beautiful text in the whole of Sacred Scripture.  Why? It teaches about the great doctrine and mystery of Divine Providence.  The Church defines Divine Providence as:

"Divine providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end."  (CCC 321).

The Providential will of God appears casual and haphazard in its operations.  This makes it difficult to recognize or believe.
The ordinary providence of God constitutes 99.9% of His operations.  This is His modus operandi or simply the way God governs His world.

"You give me bread to feed me, soap to cleanse me, fire to purify me, and a chisel to shape my human form into one worthy of heaven.  You give me everything I need. What I seek elsewhere seeks me out and offers itself to me through all creation." 
(Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ - ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE)

Jean-Pierre de Caussade, an 18th century French Jesuit is one of the leading authorities on Divine Providence.

"O God, whose providence never fails in its design, keep from us, we humbly beseech you, all that might harm us and grant all that works for our good.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever."
(Collect Wednesday 9th week of Ordinary Time).

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