Price of Freedom

Price of freedom

“No one who remains in him sins, and whoever sins has neither seen him nor recognized him.” (1 John 3: 6)

Jesus promises that if I remain in him, he frees me from sin. What does freeing from sin mean? It means freedom from the compulsion of sin; freedom from the domination of a sinful life style.

How do I remain in Christ? I remain in Christ through these means of grace:

· Eucharist

· Word of God

· Confession

· Prayer

· Examination of conscience

· Spiritual reading

These are the visible means of remaining in freedom. The price of freedom is investment in eternal vigilance.

FATAL ERROR

Fatal Error

“The reason why the world does not acknowledge us is that it did not acknowledge him.” (1 John 3:1)

It is fatal error for the child of God to ever seek recognition from the world. Do not crave for such recognition. The world will never give it to us as long as we commit to Jesus Christ. Know this truth once and for all. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe and practice what you teach.

Sow a thought

Sow a thought

“If you know that he is upright you must recognize that everyone whose life is upright is a child of his.

You must see what love the Father has lavished on us by letting us be called God’s children – which is what we are!” (1 John 2: 29 – 3:1)

Do I truly believe that I am a child of God? It is an act of great love on the part of God to make me his child. Do I fully realize what this means? Correct thought is the key to correct action. Belief empowers action. I will think differently, speak differently and behave differently today if I truly believe that I am a child of God. How do I empower myself with the powerful thought of my filial adoption?

As I reflect on the above, this thought comes to mind:

Sow a thought and you reap an action.

Sow an action and you reap a habit.

Sow a habit and you reap a character.

So a character and you reap a destiny.

Our destiny is to be children of God but there are a number of steps to the full appropriation of this gift. It starts with a thought of our divine filiation. We get the thought from the word of God. The next step is to act as if I am a child of God. Then another action. More action until it becomes a habit.

Wisdom and Understanding

Wisdom and Understanding

“The Lord opened his mouth in the assembly, and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothed him in a robe of glory.” (Sirach 15: 5)

The above scripture was used on the feast of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazienen, both doctors of the Church.

Wisdom and understanding are gifts of God. Honor and glory come from God. The Lord himself opened the mouths of Basil and Gregory in the assembly. Both men were faithful to the anointing they received from the Holy Spirit. They witnessed to Christ in the Assembly with their gifts of wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

Who are you?

Who are you?

“Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself? So he said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied: A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord. Make his paths straight!’ (John 1: 22)

Who are you? John the Baptizer knew who he was. From the Scriptures, he was able to discern accurately his identity. I learned many years ago that we find our true identity in the Scriptures. What I find about myself in the Scriptures is troubling. I find for example this passage:

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you….. To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 1: 5 – 8)

I answered: ‘Lord but I do not want to be a prophet. I am satisfied with things as they are. I love my quiet private life.’

In the beginning

"Let what you heard in the beginning remain in you; as long as what you heard in the beginning remains in you, you will remain in the Son and in the Father." (1 John 2: 24)

What is the beginning for me? The beginning of a new life for me was 060195. This was the day I experienced and accepted the presence of the Holy Spirit in me. This is the day that I can truly say is the New Beginning in every sense of the word. With the awareness of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, I heard words from the Scriptures that were new words. The words came to a new heart to begin the formation of a new man in Christ Jesus. I thank God that what I heard in the beginning remains in me.

"But as for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you; since the anointing he gave you teaches you everything, and since it is true, not false, remain in him just as he has taught you." (1 John 2: 27)

I believe that I received an anointing from the Lord in 060195. This anointing gives me a strong sense of what is true doctrine, that is a type of sensus fidei. I am also very happy to realize that the anointing remains me in after over ten years. Praise the Lord!

What does the word of God mean that I do not need anyone to teach me? Where then am I to seek teaching? There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit has taught me a great deal since 060195. I believe that the Holy Spirit is warning me here about false teachers. Be on your guard against those who could mislead me by false doctrine.

Open Access

"I know about your activities. Look, I have opened in front of you a door that no one will be able to close." (Revelation 3: 8)

"I know about your activities." Christ Jesus knows all about me. He knows where I am, what I am doing and how I feel at this moment. What an awesome knowledge!

"I have opened in front of you a door that no one will be able to close." What door is Jesus talking about? Many commentaries say that the "open door' is the opportunity to proclaim the gospel. I feel in my life that Christ has given me an open access to his word. He has also given me an open access to the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. Let me then trust in Jesus who has absolute power to save me and who started this good work in me to take it to the next level.

The Call

Vocation: Called by God.

From the womb the Lord called me. (Isaiah 49: 1)

The king called those who were invited. (Matthew 22:3)

Calling them to the wedding feast (Matthew 22:9)

Many are called but few are chosen. (Matthew 22: 14)

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. (Matthew 9: 13; Mark 2: 17; Luke 5: 32)

Those whom he predestined he called and those whom he called, he justified. (Romans 8: 30)

Called according to his purpose. (Romans 8: 28)

Not because of works but of God’s call (Romans 9: 11)

The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11: 29)

Confirm your calling and election. (2 Peter 1: 10)

Those with him are called and chosen and faithful (Revelation 17: 14)

God called through his grace (Galatians 1: 15)

He called you so to obtain the glory of our Lord. (2 Thessalonians 2: 14)

He has called us with a holy calling. (2 Timothy 1: 9)

Brethren who share in holy calling (Hebrews 3:1)

The hope of his calling (Ephesians 1: 18)

To those who are called (1 Corinthians 1: 24, Jude 1)

You are called of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1: 6)

(Roget’s Thesaurus of the Bible)

Absolute Trust

"It follows, then, that his power to save those who come to God through him is absolute, since he lives forever to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7: 25)

Christ's power to save is absolute. The power of Jesus is not bound by the limitations of geography or time. He has absolute power in the truest sense of the word. He is therefore worthy of absolute trust.

Every kind of faith is a gift of God. Absolute faith in Jesus Christ is a great gift of God. This is a faith that trusts Christ at all times, in every circumstance and everywhere. Lord, give me this faith!

"The principal point of all that we have said is that we have a high priest of exactly this kind. He has taken his seat at the right of the throne of divine majesty in the heavens, and he is the minister of the sanctuary and of the true Tent which the Lord and not any man, set up." (Hebrews 8: 1 – 2)

Christ is the minister of the sanctuary and he is the true Tent. I want to remember this when I go to Mass.

God fulfills His Promises

"Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not a single word has gone unfilled of the entire generous promise he made through his servant Moses." (1 Kings 8: 56)

"But Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for his blessing before it happened. He was completely sure that God was well able to do anything he promised." (Romans 4: 20 – 21) Living Bible

"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6:15)

"Thus it was that Abraham, after patient waiting, obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6: 15)

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)

"And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans." (Romans 8: 28) Living Bible.

Two joyful lessons emerge from the above scriptures:

1. God fulfills his promise come what may.
   
2. Nothing that happens to me is insignificant. Everything that happens is part of God's plan for my life.
   

The Divine Pedagogy

The Divine Pedagogy

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21: 45)

“In a class at school, what the teacher says to one is intended for the information of all. And what the Almighty has done to one individual or nation is for the instruction, refreshment, consolation of all.” (Pulpit Commentary)

Properity

Prosperity

“Happy those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked, nor go to the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers.

Rather, the law of the Lord is their joy;

God’s law they study day and night.

They are like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in due season;

Its leaves never wither;

Whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1: 1 – 3)

“Regard prosperity, first, as the natural consequence of acting on good advice. He who steers by God’s compass and chart is preserved from many rocks and shallows, and is most likely to reach the haven of his legitimate desire.

Regard prosperity as a promised result. He who consults omniscience is helped by omnipotence.”

(The Pulpit Commentary)

Keep up your courage

Keep up your courage

“Therefore, keep up your courage, men; I trust in God that it will turn out as I have been told.” (Acts 27: 25)

“Courage is the supreme requirement of God’s saints and strength goes with it. “Add to your faith, courage” says Peter.

Fear is the parent of every kind of vice; fear of conflict, fear of shame, fear of failure, fear that God will leave fidelity unrewarded and prayer unanswered.”

To Faith

To faith

“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)

Isaiah said that faith that is firm is patient. Faith that is firm and is exercised can be seen. The friends of the paralytic exercised their faith and Jesus saw it.

Where do I need to exercise my faith today? What circumstances today are challenging my faith?

· Support

· Security

How do I exercise my faith on the above every day? The first thing is prayer. The second thing is to faith. I do this not on a global basis but one day at a time, one step at a time.

To Faith

To faith

“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)

Isaiah said that faith that is firm is patient. Faith that is firm and is exercised can be seen. The friends of the paralytic exercised their faith and Jesus saw it.

Where do I need to exercise my faith today? What circumstances today are challenging my faith?

· Support

· Security

How do I exercise my faith on the above every day? The first thing is prayer. The second thing is to faith. I do this not on a global basis but one day at a time, one step at a time.

The Power Within

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1: 8)

We have from Christ Jesus the power and authority to be his witnesses. (Acts 1: 8) This power and authority is not limited to witnessing but extends to overcoming evils in our lives. The first step in overcoming evil is to say No unequivocally to suggestions of sin. We have the power and authority to become overcomers and winners.

About ten years ago, I prayed constantly for an entire year to feel this power and authority in my life. One day, I heard from a homily that the power and authority that I prayed for was already there but dormant, waiting to be activated. Why have I not realized this truth? How can I exercise faith in the power of Christ within me? Lord Jesus, teach me.

Glorious Deeds of the Lord

Glorious Deeds of the Lord

“Declare to the generation to come the glorious deeds of the Lord and his strength and the wonders that he wrought.” (Psalm 78: 3 – 4)

After three months of the inception the Enterprise, I confided to my journal the following thoughts:

“The Lord has done glorious deeds for me in the first three months of the Enterprise:

· Daily Eucharist

· Deeper study of the word

· Prayer

· Library

· SAM

· Lector

· Blessings of home

· Health

· Opus Dei

· Spiritual direction

· Friendships

The Lord did these things for me that “I too might put my trust in God, and not forget the works of God, keeping his commandments.” (Psalm 78: 7)

How to Succeed

How to succeed

“Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal. I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 8 – 9)

“Constantly remind the people about these laws, and you yourself must think about them every day and every night so that you will be sure to obey all of them. For only then will you succeed. Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Living Bible)

“Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal. I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (New American Bible)

“My courage, hope of victory, and wisdom necessary for success are dependent upon my constant attention and inflexible adherence to the word of God.” (Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

“The only true wisdom is that obtained from God, whether in answer to prayer, or in meditation on his law.”

“Men,” says Calvin, “never act skillfully, except in so far as they allow themselves to be ruled by the word of God.”

“The Christian warrior of today, who contends not for himself but for his master may emulate Joshua’s courage and confidence, for the same promises are his as were Joshua’s.

The Christian who would conquer in his conflict with the powers of evil must be diligent in his study of God’s word, and careful to frame his life by its precepts.”

“The great ones have gone; that which made them great remains.” Some of the great ones: Paul, Peter, John, Augustine, Ignatius, Vincent de Paul, etc.

God's Plans

God’s Plans

“Yes I know what plans I have in mind for you, Yahweh declares, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) – New Jerusalem Bible.

“For surely I know the plan I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not your harm, to give you a future with hope.” (The New Oxford Bible)

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare not for your woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope.” (Catholic Study Bible)

Key words in Jeremiah 29: 11 – plan, welfare, know, hope, future.

Plan:

• · No plan of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)
• · The Lord has planned and who can annul it? (Isaiah 14: 27)
• · The plans of the Lord stand forever. (Psalm 33: 11)
• · I will accomplish all my purpose. (Isaiah 46: 10)
• · God planned it long ago. (2 Kings 19: 25; Isaiah 22: 11; 25: 1; 37: 26)
• · The Lord planned it. (Isaiah 23: 9)
• · I know the plans I have for you. (Jeremiah 29: 11)
• · The people did whatever your hand predestined to occur (Acts 4: 28)
• · God prepared our good works beforehand (Ephesians 2: 10)
• · A man’s lifespan is predestined (Job 14: 5)

Thesaurus of the Bible

The Almighty shall be your gold

The Almighty shall be your gold

“And treat raw gold like dust and the fine gold from Ophir as pebbles from the brook. Then the Almighty himself shall be your gold and your sparkling silver.” (Job 22: 24 – 25)

“Let one who seeks not stop seeking until one finds.” (Gospel of St. Thomas)

Exciting Moment of truth

"If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry…" (Matthew 6: 30 31)

"While I plan to get an accommodation, God was weaving together another design and preparing a place of ministry for me. I saw it happen several times. There is no "No Vacancies" with God. I have a healthy respect for God's Placement Department as I look back over my life.

It's an exciting moment of truth to find out that God has put you in your house, in your apartment, on your street, in your town with an eternal plan in mind. It totally transforms the nuisance of inadequate urban planning, noise, pollution and even the strangeness of a new town.

It's easy to "care" for a whole town, a whole continent, or the people who live across town. It's not so easy to look on our block or in our own apartment. That is, until we catch hold of the idea that God has placed us where we are with a purpose in mind. And finding that purpose makes life sing!"

(Gladys Hunt, "You Can Start a Bible Study Group")

“Come you to the waters.”

"Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to me and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

Incline your ear to me, and come to me; listen so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David." (Isaiah 55: 1 – 3) NRSV.

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5: 6) Hunger and thirst for God's kingdom are essential prerequisite for salvation. They are also the vital conditions for receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Everyone is invited to the feast but the qualification is thirst. Where God gives grace, he first gives the thirsting after it. Where he has given a thirsting after grace, he will give it.

All people are invited to "come you to the waters." Come to Jesus Christ in the: Eucharist, Blessed Sacrament, Sacrament of Reconciliation, word of God and prayer. "Come and buy; come and eat" implies full possession. Christ Jesus outperforms our expectations in his provisions. "Come and buy wine and milk." The gifts are priceless. The giver does not need our money.

Isaiah 55: 1-3 foreshadows the incredible and invaluable gifts of the Sacraments which flow out of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Wait patiently for your turn

"A furnace for silver, a foundry for gold, but Yahweh for the testing of hearts!" (Proverbs 17: 3)

How is Yahweh testing me today?

I recall pre-1195, I was sorely tested by money problems and job. At the inception of the Enterprise in 1096, I was tested by money, shelter and little needs. I learned through all these tests that Yahweh wants me to trust him in everything. One area that is a big testing ground for me today is the need to develop patience in every situation, every time and every place. The message for me every day is "wait patiently for your turn."

School of Wisdom

School of Wisdom

“The fear of Yahweh is a school of wisdom, before there can be glory, there must be humility.” (Proverbs 15: 33)

Fear Yahweh – obey Yahweh.

Obedience to the word of God is what opens our personality fully to wisdom. God humbles us before he raises us up to whatever glory he has destined us.

Some of the too many examples attesting to this truth are:

• · Jesus Christ
• · Blessed Virgin Mary
• · Saints Peter and Paul

Discipleship

Discipleship

“If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 31)

“Discipleship involves constancy as learners and [constancy] gains the promise of knowledge of the truth and freedom. Real discipleship leads to real freedom.

“The truth shall make you free.’ The truth which Christ teaches tends to make men free, (Isaiah 61: 1). It makes us free from our spiritual enemies, free in the service of God, free from all fears, free to the privileges of sons.

Secondly, the knowing, entertaining, and believing of this truth does actually make us free, free from prejudices, mistakes and false notions, free from the dominion of lust and passion; and restores the soul to the government of itself. The mind, by admitting the truth of Christ is vastly enlarged, and has scope and compass given it and never acts with so true a liberty as when it acts under divine command.” (2 Corinthians 3: 17)

(The Pulpit Commentary)

Keeping Watch

Keeping Watch

“Blessed, whoever listens to me, who day after day keeps watch at my gates to guard my portals. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of Yahweh.” (Proverbs 8: 34 – 35)

I am encouraged by the above scripture. Day after day, I keep watch at God’s gates waiting for his word on the Enterprise. I am reassured that at the fullness of time, he will answer me with life and his favors. Thank you Lord.

“Fear of Yahweh means hatred of evil.” (Proverbs 8: 13)

Love of truth means hatred of lies, dishonesty.

Give and there will be gifts for you

Give and there will be gifts for you

“Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap; because the standard you use will be the standard used for you.” (Luke 6: 38)

Give what? Your –

· Time

· Treasure

· Talent

· Prayers

· Thoughts

· Counsels

Give to whom?

· Family

· Fellow Christians

· Neighbors

· Children in need

Why give?

· God has given us everything we have

· He gives us that we may give others

· Giving is divine

· It makes us rich in spirit

· When we give, we receive more

When give?

· Every time we confront human need.

“Give and it shall be given to you. Men shall return it into our bosom; for God often makes use of men as instruments, not only for his avenging, but of his rewarding justice. God will incline the hearts of others to give to us when we need, and to give liberally, ‘good measure pressed down and shaken together.’ Whom God recompenses he recompenses abundantly.

We must expect to be dealt with ourselves as we dealt with others. “With the same measure that ye mete it shall be measured to you again.” Those that deal harshly with others may expect to be paid in their own coin; but they that deal kindly with others have reason to hope that God will raise them up friends who will deal kindly with them.”

Scope of Prayer

"Whatever you ask in my name I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." (John 14: 13 – 14)

"Whatever: the scope of prayer.

Ask: The condition of prayer.

In my name: The ground of prayer. This involves at least two things:

1. Praying in the authority Christ gives (Cf Matthew 28: 19, Acts 3: 6)
   
2. Praying in union with him, so that one does not pray outside his will.
   

That the Father may be glorified in the Son: The purpose of prayer."

(The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

Confidence in Prayer 3

Confidence in Prayer 3

“We can approach God with confidence in this: if we make our requests which accord with his will, he listens to us; and if we know that our requests are heard, we know that the things we ask for are ours.” (1 John 5: 14 – 15)

“A privilege belonging to faith in Christ. The Lord Christ emboldens us to come to God in all circumstances. Through him our petitions are accepted of God. The matter of our prayer must be acceptable to the declared will of God. We may have confidence that the prayer of faith shall be heard in heaven.

The advantage accruing to us by our privilege, verse 15. To know that his petitions are heard or accepted is as good as to know that they are answered.”

(Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume)

“When believers are so responsive to the guidance of the Spirit of truth that their prayers accord with God’s will, God hears their prayers and grants their requests.” (Harpers Bible Commentary)

“Earlier, the Apostle referred to confidence in prayer and to how we can be sure of receiving what we pray for: that confidence comes from the fact that “we keep his commandments and do what pleases him” (1 John 3:22). Now he stresses that God always listens to us, if we ask “according to his will”. This condition can be taken in two ways, as St. Bede briefly explains: “In so far as we ask for things he desires, in so far as those of us who approach him are as he desires us to be.” The asker therefore needs to strive to live in accordance with God’s will, and to identify himself in advance with God’s plan. If he does not try to live in keeping with God’s commandments, one cannot expect him to listen to one’s prayers.

When prayers meet those requirements, “we know that we have obtained the requests made of him,” as our Lord himself assured us; “if you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14: 14).” (Navarre Bible Commentary)

Confidence in Prayer 2

“We can approach God with confidence in this: if we make our requests which accord with his will, he listens to us; and if we know that our requests are heard, we know that the things we ask for are ours.” (1 John 5: 14 – 15)

“John sees prayer as having a wide scope for he speaks of asking for anything, but he immediately qualifies this “according to his will.” Prayer is not a device for inducing God to change his mind and do whatever we want. It must be offered in accordance with his will if it is to be effective. When it is offered in this way God hears us. Elsewhere we learn that prayer must be in faith (Mark 11: 24), in the name of Jesus (John 14: 14), offered by those who abide in Christ (John 15: 7), who have forgiven those who offend them (Mark 11:25); it must be accompanied by obedience (1 John3: 22), and it must not be for the gratification of one’s passions (James 4: 3). All this is involved in praying according to the will of God. From the thought that God hears us we move to the consequences, namely that he grants our requests.” (New Bible Commentary)

Confidence in Prayer

Confidence in Prayer

"We can approach God with confidence in this: if we make our requests which accord with his will, he listens to us; and if we know that our requests are heard, we know that the things we ask for are ours." (1 John 5: 14 – 15)

This seems utterly reasonable to me. If somebody asks me for something which agrees with my plan for the person, I give it. So it is important that our prayers accord with God's will for us. How do we know God's will?

"The believer who is in fellowship with God will not ask anything that is contrary to God's will. (The Holy Spirit will ensure that this does not happen."

"Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it." (John 14: 13 – 14, Matthew 7: 7, 18: 9), so Jesus promised his disciples. To pray in his name, to pray as he prayed, is to offer perfect prayer, for it is prayer that is always in accordance to his will. Such prayer is always answered, though the answer may be different from our expectations. The assurance that God hears and answers our prayer is for the Christian the final confidence in victory that he is guided by God; and no power of sin or of the devil can ultimately claim him." (The Interpreters One Volume Commentary of the Bible.)

You save me on day of my distress

"I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;

Before the gods to you I sing.

I bow low toward your holy temple;

I praise your name for your fidelity and love.

For you have exalted over all your name and your promise.

When I cried out, you answered;

You strengthened my spirit."

(Psalm 138: 1 – 3)

Yahweh heard my cry of distress in 1995. Therefore, I give him great thanks. I recall your faithful love and constancy and I praise you for it, my God.

On that day when I was surrounded by trouble on every side, I called on you and you gave new strength to my heart. You gave me your Holy Spirit to live within me.

When I think of your so many promises, I feel glad.

Although you are great and sublime, you condescended to take care of me.

When I think of how you saved me from my many troubles and give me life, I rejoice.

I know you will do great things for me because your faithful love endures forever. Amen

Spiritual Laws

Spiritual Laws

“Blessed the upright, for he will feed on the fruit of his deeds.” (Isaiah 3: 10)

The word of God promises in several places that he will bless the labors of the person who believes and obeys him. God’s promises are spiritual laws governing everyone and everything. I ought to see my promised land scriptures as spiritual laws.

What is the nature of a spiritual law?

• · Spiritual law depends on certain conditions for fulfillment.
• · They are precise and immutable.

The only conditions necessary for God’s spiritual laws to operate in our lives are faith and prayer. St. Augustine says that these are the two things that conquer God.

“I have strength for everything through him who empowers me.” (Philippians 4: 13). This is a spiritual law that governs me.

Properous will you be

Prosperous will you be

“How blessed are all who fear Yahweh, who walk in his ways! Your own labors will yield you a living, happy and prosperous will you be.” (Psalm 128: 1 – 2)

When I reflected on the above scripture ten years ago, I was unemployed and unsalaried but considered myself employed in the vineyard of the Lord. I appropriated the blessings. I confided this in my journal below:

“I fear the Lord and I believe that I am walking in his ways. And God is saying to me now: my labors will yield me a living.

What are my labors today?

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I consider my labors to be:

· Prayer of praise, petition and intercession.

· Study of the word of God.

· Study of tools, e.g. writing and the Internet.

· SAM volunteer work.

· Lector

· Apostolate of friendship.

God is saying to me right here and right now that these labors will yield me a living. He is also promising that I will be happy and prosperous. I am certainly very happy today but what does prosperity mean to me? It means the gift of simplicity and contentment. It means that my real needs will be provided for adequately. How has God been providing for me since the inception of the Enterprise?

Peace, happiness and confidence

Food

Medication

Shelter

Clothing

Mass

Word of God

Prayer time

Books

Computer and Internet

Sam

I am eating bread without money. (Isaiah 55: 1 – 3)

For Nothing is Impossible for God

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” (Luke 1: 37)

This is the assurance that the Angel Gabriel gave to Mary when he told her that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit to be the Mother of God.

No word of God will be impossible to him. I appropriated this message from the scriptures one Sunday morning: “I am going to provide a place for my people Israel; I shall plant them there, and there they will live and never be disturbed again; nor will they be oppressed by the wicked anymore, as they were in former times …. I shall grant you rest from all your enemies.” (2 Samuel 7: 10) It was a consolation of the truth for me to see in the message to Mary that “Nothing will be impossible for God.”

God himself will provide a place for me.

God will plant me there and make me secure.

I learned also this morning that full belief manifests itself in obedience and patience. How do I show obedience to this word of God? “I am the servant of the Lord: may his will for me be done.” Amen.

Definition of Revelation

Definition of Revelation

“Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages, but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Romans 16: 25 – 27)

The Gospel was made known to the Gentiles “that they may believe and obey.”

Some read the Bible and believe that it is the word of God (prophetic writings). But they do not obey. So they do not see the wisdom of God or his power. The Gospel can only be alive and powerful when we believe and obey it.

Mary says: “I am the servant of the Lord: may his will for me be done.” She believes. She obeys. Help me O Blessed Mother to believe and to obey.

Shalom

Shalom!

“I am going to provide a place for my people Israel; I shall plant them there, and there they will live and never be disturbed again; nor will they be oppressed by the wicked anymore, as they were in former times ….. I shall grant you rest from all your enemies.” (2 Samuel 7: 10)

I discover in this Promised Land scripture the following promises that I can appropriate:

God himself will provide a place for me.

He himself will plant me there and there I will live.

Nobody will disturb me.

The wicked will not oppress me: (for example – money, job, tools, family, health, food)

God will grant me rest from all my enemies.

As I write this, I recall one of the greatest gifts of the Mass: Peace. Peace is offered as a gift of Christ to us in the Mass at least 5 times. Lord Jesus, I truly believe that you anoint me with peace every time I meet you in the Eucharist. I know now why you give me this peace. Yes, you give it to me to enjoy and to become your instrument of peace to the world. Lord, I will never know how to do this until you teach me. Please Jesus, make me an instrument of peace.

The Scroll of the Book

The Scroll of the Book

“My task, I have said, Yahweh is to keep your word.” (Psalm 119: 57)

“In the scroll of the book it is written of me, my delight is to do your will.” (Psalm 40: 7)

It will not be possible for me to do God’s will unless God is generous to me in this direction. (Psalm 119: 17)

Unless he teaches me, gives me understanding and guides me (Psalm 119: 33 – 35; Colossians 1: 9)

Unless he averts my eyes from “pointless images”, that is, luxury, pornography, alien gods.

Unless he gives me life, that is the Holy Spirit (Psalm 119: 88)

Unless God supports me (Psalm 119: 116)

This Cup

This cup

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26: 39)

Without overcoming the fear of physical suffering and the fear of criticism, we shall never be able to achieve our potentials in Christ’s vineyard. The Holy Rosary is the most powerful prayer I have experienced and this month of October 2006, I thank God for 12^th year of commitment to the daily Rosary. Apart from the Eucharist, nothing has brought me more power, peace and protection than the Holy Rosary.

In the First Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary, we recall the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” This is a prayer to overcome the fear of physical suffering. I have used it to pray for this intention for the past 12 years. I pray the 3^rd Sorrowful Mystery, the Crowning of Christ with thorns to overcome the fear of criticism and to accept humiliation and rejections.

We can pray confidently with Christ for God’s will to be done in our lives because we know that Our Father is almighty, loving and all wise. He can never permit harm to come to us except it is for a greater good.

Holy Scripture

Holy Scripture

“When I discovered your teaching, I devoured it. Your words brought me joy and gladness; you have called me your own, O Lord my God.” (Jeremiah 15: 16)

Today is September 30^th, the feast day of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church. Jerome, one of the 33 doctors of the Church translated the Bible into Latin. His translation, the Vulgate was for centuries the official version of the Church. The Church prays in the Memorial Mass to honor St. Jerome:

“Father, you gave St. Jerome delight in his study of holy scripture. May your people find in your word the food of salvation and the fountain of life.”

Late in 1996, I confided the entry below to my journal:

“Yesterday at the Houston Central Library downtown, I met Steve Conwell, an African-American pastor. Like two other people I had met in the library, he affirmed that our meeting was providential. We discussed the methodology of studying the Bible. Steve gave me some elements of methodology, for example: Parallel Bible, Bible Dictionary, Bible Commentaries, etc. Without prompting, he offered to enroll me free of charge in his brother’s Bible School. In other words, I was given a scholarship. Amazing! But less than an hour after we parted, I knew that this was not the answer to the vision I had a couple of days ago. God’s answer will come at the appointed time.”

I knew without being able to explain it at the time that what separates the Church from Protestant Christianity is the understanding of scripture, its interpretation and Tradition. I knew instinctively that Protestant rendering of holy scriptures lacks historicity and will not be faithful to tradition. And for me, such a study will be an exercise in futility.

The Call to Service

The Call to Service

“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, a wall of bronze to stand against the whole country: the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests and people of the country. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you, to rescue you.” (Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19)

In the above scripture, God tells Jeremiah how to respond to his call.
The scripture is for everyone who is called to study and share God’s word and the message is clear:

Stand firm!
You will have enemies among the people, including the very powerful.
The Lord is who sends you is more powerful than all of them.
God will protect you.

You must be faithful especially in two things:
Speak only my words.
Speak it fearlessly.

The Call to Service includes:

Physical energy – Prepare yourself for action.
Obedience – Speak only what God commands you.
Thoroughness – Speak “all” that God commands you.
Fearlessness – Cowardice is sin.

The strong assurance of divine protection in Jeremiah 1: 18 is given in strong images that it may be felt in all its certainty and fullness.

Scholarship

Scholarship

“I have opened in front of you a door that no one will be able to close.” (Revelations 3: 8)

In 1996, I confided the following to my journal:

“Last night I dreamt that my name was included in a scholarship list. One of my guarantors is Emma Obidozie. I had filled the form long ago and did not even remember it. How do I interpret this dream? Does it have a message or is it a dream like any other dream? Is it of the class of the Jesus Name dream?

I proceeded to interpret it thus:

What is a scholarship? An educational grant for study.

Why scholarship for me? Because of my intense desire to study Christology: the Person and the work of Christ. I see my mission as learning and communicating this knowledge.

This simple interpretation satisfied me. The dream is a message that God will open a door for me to study Jesus Christ and his mission. Scholarship symbolizes the open door. My name on the list signifies that God has approved me for the program. All that I need today is faith and patience. This interpretation made me very happy.” That was ten years ago.

On the 16^th of September, almost ten years to the day I had the dream, I was one of many catechists who received full certification as catechists in the Archdiocese of Houston-Galveston. On that day, Archbishop Daniel Dinardo gave me my certificate. Prior to this day, I had received scholarship to study for the Formation Towards Christian Ministry. This year, I have received two scholarships to participate in the Liturgical Conference in Austin, Texas and the Beginnings and Beyond Workshop in Houston, Texas.

God is faithful.

Our Identity 2

Our Identity 2

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn.” (Isaiah 61: 1 – 2)

“Turn it, turn it round and round

In it all things can be found.”

I cannot remember where I got the above quote. But it refers to the Bible. Indeed all things can be found in it. Sometimes in codes.

What biblical texts point to my mission? What is my mission?

I desire to learn about Jesus and to communicate Jesus.

How did Christ see his mission? He saw it in terms of Isaiah 61: 1-2: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn.”

When Jesus quoted the above scripture in the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4: 18 – 19), he stressed the note of present fulfillment: what the prophet foretold centuries ago was now being fulfilled.

God chose to be generous and magnanimous to his people “in the year of favor.”

The gift of “the Spirit of the Lord” is for the benefit of the marginalized.

When Jesus searched the scriptures for an understanding of his mission, he found the answer in Isaiah 61: 1 – 2. He appropriated the scripture and applied it to himself.

How about me? What did I find when I searched the scriptures for my mission? Is it possible that a number of scriptures may be pulled together to throw a light on my mission?

Our Identity 2

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn.” (Isaiah 61: 1 – 2)

“Turn it, turn it round and round
In it all things can be found.”
I cannot remember where I got the above quote. But it refers to the Bible. Indeed all things can be found in it. Sometimes in codes.

What biblical texts point to my mission? What is my mission?
I desire to learn about Jesus and to communicate Jesus.
How did Christ see his mission? He saw it in terms of Isaiah 61: 1-2: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn.”

When Jesus quoted the above scripture in the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4: 18 – 19), he stressed the note of present fulfillment: what the prophet foretold centuries ago was now being fulfilled.

God chose to be generous and magnanimous to his people “in the year of favor.”
The gift of “the Spirit of the Lord” is for the benefit of the marginalized.
When Jesus searched the scriptures for an understanding of his mission, he found the answer in Isaiah 61: 1 – 2. He appropriated the scripture and applied it to himself.

How about me? What did I find when I searched the scriptures for my mission? Is it possible that a number of scriptures may be pulled together to throw a light on my mission?

Our Identity

Our Identity

“There was a man named John sent by God, who came as a witness to the light….”

“Finally they said to him ‘Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us. What do you have to say for yourself?’ He said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, ‘I am a voice in the desert, crying out: Make straight the way of the Lord!” (John 1: 6 – 8; 19 – 28)

John was anointed by God. God sent him to prepare the way for Christ. To understand his identity and his mission, he turned to the scriptures. We discover our true identity only in the scriptures. The Holy Spirit anoints each Christian for a mission. What is the specific nature of my own mission? What does the scripture say on this?

“In the scroll of the book it is written of me, my delight is to do your will; your law, my God, is deep in my heart. I proclaim the saving justice of God in the great assembly. See, I will not hold my tongue, as you well know. I have not kept your saving justice locked in the depth of my heart, but have spoken of your constancy and saving help. I have made no secret of your saving and steadfast love, in the great assembly.” (Psalm 40: 7 – 10)

This is what scripture says about my mission:

What I will do is already written in the Book. - “To do your will.”

In what specific context? - “To proclaim the saving justice of God.”

Where? To Whom? – “In the great assembly.” To use what God has done for me as a platform to proclaim his saving justice, his constancy, saving help, his faithful and steadfast love.

What does scripture say of my mission?

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength. By calling me into his service he judged me trustworthy, even though I used to be a blasphemer and a persecutor and contemptuous. Mercy, however, was shown me, because while I lacked faith I acted in ignorance; but the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love that was in Christ Jesus. Here is a saying that you can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I myself am the greatest of them; and if mercy has been shown me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the leading example of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who were later to trust in him for eternal life. To the eternal King, the undying, invisible and only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1: 12 – 17)

“Rejoice always, never cease praying, render constant thanks; such is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus … He who calls us is trustworthy, therefore he will do it.” Amen! (1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 24)

Anointing

Anointing

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and day of vindication from our God.” (Isaiah 61: 1 – 2).

O Holy Spirit, I believe that you are within me.
What have you anointed me for?
Who are the captives that you want me to proclaim liberty to?
Who are the prisoners that you want me to help release?
To whom shall I announce a year of favor from the Lord?
In short, O Holy Spirit, what are you preparing me for? What mission?

Can I learn anything from the lives of Christ, Peter, Paul, Ignatius, Louis de Monfort and Josemaria with regard to these questions? All are men anointed by the Lord and given specific mission. Their mission was revealed to them step by step over a long period