"It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table….We shall devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." (Acts 6: 2, 4)
A very important principle is established here.
First things first:
In the life of the apostle, there must be priorities. The most important things must be done first and the lesser things left to others or not done at all. Whatever is the ministry, priority must always be given to prayer the word of God.
"Lord God, fountain of all mercy, look upon our gifts on this feast of St. Joseph. Let our sacrifice become the protection of all who call on you…." (Offertory Prayer on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker)
God our Father is the fountain of all mercy. O that I would remember this at the moment of need.
The gifts we bring up to the altar, bread and wine, fruits of our labor represent our sacrifice. We join this with the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ and ask the Father and fountain of all mercy for our protection from evil and all who call upon Him.
"If you stay in my word, you will indeed be my disciples, and you will know the truth." (John 8: 31)
The truth here is a person, Jesus Christ Himself. Essential to knowing Him is a relationship that develops through daily communion with His word.
St. Jerome says: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Jesus Christ."
1 A psalm of the Korahites. A song. The LORD loves the city founded on holy mountains,
2 Loves the gates of Zion more than any dwelling in Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! Selah
From Babylon and Egypt I count those who acknowledge the LORD. Philistia, Ethiopia, Tyre, of them it can be said: "This one was born there."
3 But of Zion it must be said: "They all were born here." The Most High confirms this;
the Lord notes in the register of the peoples: "This one was born here." Selah
So all sing in their festive dance: "Within you is my true home."
Psalm-Prayer:
Lord God, your only Son wept over ancient Jerusalem, soon to be destroyed for its lack of faith. He established the new Jerusalem firmly upon rock and made it the mother of the faithful. Make us rejoice in your Church, and grant that all people may be reborn into the freedom of your Spirit. (Lectio Divina 01/29/09)
"This is the carpenter's son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude?" (Matthew 13: 55)
The people of Nazareth where Jesus grew up saw Him only as the carpenter's son and the son of Mary. But things are not always what they seem. His words and miracles are opportunities for them to probe deeper into the person of Jesus. They did not. Their minds were closed.
"Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it." (Genesis 1: 28)
"Be fruitful" means be productive.
The Holy Spirit is the principle and source of fruitfulness. The Holy Spirit helps us abide in Christ as the branch abides in the tree.
"God our Father, creator and ruler of the universe, in every age you call man to develop and use his gifts for the good of others. With Joseph as our example and guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised….." (Prayer on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker May 1st)
Help me to develop my talents, Lord. Lead and guide me to work you have called me to do.
St. Joseph pray for me.
"Happy are all who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. You shall enjoy the fruits of your labor, you will prosper and be happy." (Psalm 127: 1-2)
So many promises are attached to the fear of the Lord. I love them all. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which I covert. Here in Psalm 127: 1-2, prosperity and happiness are promised to anyone who fears the Lord. Moreover, I am promised that I will enjoy the fruits of my labor. How great!
Dear Lord, teach me to fear you.
"I am the Way; I am the Truth and life." (John 14: 6)
Christ is the Way that I seek.
Jesus is the Truth that I study.
Christ is the Life in me.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled." (John 14: 1)
Do not let your heart be troubled about:
"Trust in God, trust also in me."
Your words are sweet to my heart. I will not be troubled about anything. Help me by your grace to always remember that you are in complete control.
"You are my son; today I am your father. Only ask it of me, and I will make your inheritance the nations, your possession the ends of the earth." (Psalm 2: 7-8)
The Father's promise to his son: Ask it of me, and I will give you anything that is good for you.
Dear Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit and teach me how to surrender completely to Him. This is what I ask you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen!
"And it is these same companions of his who are now his witnesses before our people." (Acts 13: 31)
The apostles were the companions of Jesus. After His resurrection, they became his witnesses. Jesus wants us to be His friend, companion and witness. How do we fulfill these tasks here and now? Keep on doing what you have been taught: the 7-Way Plan. The early Church survived the gruesome persecution of imperial Rome through fidelity to what they had been taught. They prayed, read and broke open the word of God and they broke Bread together. They drew strength from these to live in a very hostile environment.
"Father, you chose St. Pius V as pope of your Church to protect the faithful and give you more fitting worship. By his prayers, help us to celebrate your holy mysteries with a living faith and an effective love…."
God chose St. Pius V for a specific mission: The Reform of the Liturgy.
Each of us has a unique and unrepeatable mission.
What is my mission?
"Father of our freedom and salvation, hear the prayers of those redeemed by your son's suffering. Through you may we have life; with you may we have eternal joy ….." (Prayer at Mass)
God is the Father of our freedom and salvation. He is also a gracious Father.
"By your blood, O Lord, you have redeemed us from every nation and people: you have made us into the kingdom of God." (Revelation 5: 9-10)
The blood of Christ has redeemed us from every sin and danger.
"Lord, may the Eucharist, which nourished St. Catherine in this life, bring us to eternal life ….." (Prayer in the Mass of St. Catherine of Siena)
Those nourished by the Eucharist:
The same Eucharist is nourishing me every day!
"Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, first born from the dead; you have loved us and washed away our sins in your blood." (Revelation 1: 5)
Jesus Christ is the Faithful Witness. Semper Fidelis. He keeps His promises come what may. What a delight and joy to serve such a Leader. You know you can trust Him.
Jesus Christ washed away our sins in His blood. Lord, you have absolute power to save me. You have absolute authority to make me whatever you want. I wait for the fullness of time without any anxiety.
"Now that you know this, blessed are you if you behave accordingly." (John 13: 17)
Blessed is he who hears the word of God and keeps it.
Grant us light to know your will and courage to do it.
Your word is a light to my path.
Now that you know the Beatitudes, blessed are you if you behave accordingly.
"But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1: 7)
To walk by the light means to walk by the light of the word. Christ is the light of the world. He is also the Word of God.
When we accept Christ as our Savior and live by the light of His word, His blood cleanses us from all sin.
"Father, in meditating on the sufferings of your Son and in serving your Church, St. Catherine was filled with the fervor of your love. By her prayers, may we share in the mysteries of Christ's death and rejoice in the revelation of his glory…." (Opening Prayer in the Mass on the feast of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church – April 29)
Catherine grew in holiness through meditating on the passion of Christ. She was imprinted with the sacred stigmata. "In word and deed, she showed her love for God's Church and the Roman Pontiff. With her short life she gave us a lesson in courage." (Roman Missal)
"The Lord says, I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last, alleluia." (John 15: 16, 19)
The choice, the call and the anointing.
Lord, here I am. I have come to do your will. (Psalm 40: 8-9)
"Lord God, by this holy exchange of gifts you share with us your divine life. Grant that everything we do may be directed by the knowledge of your truth…." (Prayer at Mass)
The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gifts: Our bread and wine are accepted and transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus. We received the transformed gifts in Holy Communion.
If we come to the Eucharist and do not bring our gifts, represented by bread and wine, there will be nothing to transform. Our bread and wine encompass the fruits of our labor, our disappointments, delays, obstacles; our joys and sorrows. We offer all these to the Lord during the offertory.
We pray during the Eucharist that the Lord will strengthen our will and resolve so that everything we do will be directed by the knowledge of His truth. We ask for the all-encompassing light of Christ direct everything we do.
"I have come into the world as light, to prevent anyone who believes in me from staying in the dark anymore." (John 12: 46)
Christ is the light of the world.
To be in the light means to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.
How does Jesus prevent anyone who believes in Him from staying in the dark? He does it through His word and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Penance. These gifts of Jesus are available and abundant to believers.
"I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the man who follows me will have the light of life." (John 8: 12)
The word of God is the light of the world. The Gospel provides light on all our problems.
The Gospel light shines on these areas of our life:
The Sermon on the Mount is the masterpiece of the golden rule for peace and true riches of life. If we follow its light, we shall never be in darkness.
"I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13: 2)
Peter came to the ministry as a fisherman. Matthew came as a tax collector. Paul came as a rabbi.
What am I bringing to the ministry? To what has the Holy Spirit called me?
"I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread knowledge of your name among my brothers."
"Father, you called St. Peter Chanel to work for your Church and gave him the crown of martyrdom. May our celebration of Christ's death and resurrection make us faithful witnesses to the new life he brings…." (Opening Prayer on the feast of St. Peter Chanel, April 28)
God called St. Peter Chanel
God called St. Louis de Montfort
God called St. Ignatius Loyola
Is God calling me?
The Eucharist is the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Eucharist makes us faithful witnesses to the calling of God.
"God our Father, life of the faithful, glory of the humble, happiness of the just, hear our prayer. Fill our emptiness with the blessing of this Eucharist, the foretaste of eternal joy….." (Mass Prayer)
God is our Father. He has made us for Himself and our hearts are restless till they rest in Him.
The Eucharist is a foretaste of eternal joy.
"I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia." (Psalm 18: 50; 22: 23)
Grand purpose: To learn and to teach.
Father, may it be done to me according to this word. But then, I have too many impediments.
In the fullness of time, the Holy Spirit will help you.
"Lord, may this celebration of our redemption help us in this life and lead us to eternal happiness….." (Mass Prayer)
How does the Eucharist help us in our pilgrimage of life?
"Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory." (Luke 24: 46, 26)
Moses had to suffer before his glory.
Others who had to suffer before they enter into glory:
There is a divine necessity for suffering before glorification.
"Lord, give us joy by these Easter mysteries; let the continuous offering of this sacrifice by which we are renewed bring us to eternal happiness." (Prayer at Mass)
The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ form the core of the Easter mysteries that is celebrated continuously in the Eucharist. The Eucharist increases sanctifying grace in our souls. The Eucharist also renews our vitality.
"The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." (John 10: 27)
Whose voices are competing with Christ's voices for our attention today?
Why do we listen to our parents?
Why do we listen to our teachers?
Why do we listen to our government?
We listen to them because we believe we belong. The sheep that belong listen to the voice of the master.
"I have told you but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine." (John 10: 25-26)
The Gospels tell us about the words and works of Christ. We learn that the words and works of Christ form a unity. The words explain the works and the works confirm the words.
A few years ago, I was challenged by a Moslem to show from the Gospels that Jesus is God. I searched and found John 21: 28 where Thomas responded to Jesus with the words, "My Lord and my God!" But if I knew what I know today about the Gospels, I should have told him that the synthesis of the Gospel is Jesus Christ. Every word, every work goes to prove that He is God.
"Those who had scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but hey proclaimed the message only to Jews. Some of them ….. started preaching also to the Greeks." (Acts 11: 19-20)
The exiles of the Jews created Jewish Diaspora all over the world. It was a providential environment for evangelization. The Christians fleeing from persecution in Palestine found ready places in the Diaspora where they could share the Good News. The great lesson is that God is in control of history. All things work together for good to those who love God. Trust completely in God's disposal of events.
"Let us shout out our joy and happiness, and give glory to God, the Lord of all, because he is our king." (Revelations 19: 7, 6)
What will I do if I know with absolute certainty that Christ is my king and my boss?
I will seek to serve Him with distinction and excellence. I will also trust Him to provide adequately for me.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep." (John 10: 11)
Christ is the good Shepherd who lays down His life for me. Therefore I am precious in His eyes.
The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.
"My being thirsts for God, the living God, |When can I go and see the face of God?
Why are you downcast, my soul; | Why do you groan within me?
Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, | My Savior and my God.
I say to God, "My rock, | Why do you forget me?
Why are you downcast, my soul, | Why do you groan within me?
Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, | My Savior and my God.
You, God, are my strength.
Why then do you spurn me?
Why must I go about mourning, | With the enemy oppressing me?
Send your light and fidelity, | That they may be my guide
And bring me to your holy mountain, | to the place of your dwelling,
That I may come to the altar of God, | to God, my joy, my delight.
Then I will praise you with the harp, | O God, my God.
(Psalm 42-43: 3, 6, 10, 12, |2-4)
"I answer you through my word." (4th Sunday of Advent – 122108)
"I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came down on us at the beginning." (Acts 11: 15)
Peter was amazed that the Holy Spirit was also given to the gentiles.
The Spirit blows where He wills.
We must therefore respect the gifts of the Holy Spirit across Christendom. God's extraordinary providence is always as work so that as many as possible will be saved.
"Father, through the obedience of Jesus, your servant and your Son, you raised a fallen world. Free us from sin and bring us the joy that lasts forever….." (Prayer at Mass)
Christ obeyed unto death.
Obedience of faith
Trust and obey.
Christ is Lord and King, yet he humbled himself as a servant and obeyed unto death.
"A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly." (John 10: 10)
You are either with Christ or you are with the thief. There is no middle course.
If you are with the thief, know his agenda: theft, slaughter and destruction. Whatever he gives today in money, power, prestige and fun would not last. He would reach out and take much more back, leaving behind a trail of destruction. After he finishes his work, your life would be shattered and would need rebuilding. Jesus Christ, the good Shepherd is standing by to help.
If you choose Christ, then the good Shepherd promises abundant life: peace, joy, contentment under any circumstances.
"Beloved: If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. For this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps." (1 Peter 2: 20 – 21)
Patience, submission and self- abandonment: What a glorious trio.
"I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. " (Psalm 23: 6)
What would I do if I know for certain that this promise is also for me?
I would say: "Thank you Father. When will this promise be fulfilled?'
"Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come." (Psalm 23: 6)
Yes, only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life. Now what will I do if I know for certain that this is absolutely true? I will wonder in what sense is this true. I will pray for light to understand the spiritual meaning of this truth. Then I will trust God's providence completely in everything.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. | in verdant pastures he gives me repose; besides restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul." (Psalm 23: 1-2)
The Lord is indeed my Shepherd. I trust Him; therefore I shall not lack:
O how good you are O Jesus!
"Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to al those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2: 14, 36, 41)
The gift of the Holy Spirit – A promise made to all of us. Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit – A promise made to all of us.
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Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 8
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, 9
and the violent are taking it by force.
All the prophets and the law 10 prophesied up to the time of John.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come.
Whoever has ears ought to hear.
When I read this scripture early this morning, I wondered what Jesus means that the violent are taking the kingdom by force. It is necessary to coerce our natural inclinations if we want to enter the kingdom of God. Sometimes, we need to use force on our will.
Fr. Thomas preaching a homily on the above text shared with us life in India where most people use public transportation. If they want to get to their job or destination on time, they must not only be at the bus stop on time but must struggle to get into the bus. So those who desire to get a seat on the bus and get to their destination must take it by force as it were. I was encouraged to see that we got the same light on the same text.
25
To whom can you liken me as an equal? says the Holy One.
6 Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these: He leads out their army and numbers them, calling them all by name. By his great might and the strength of his power not one of them is missing!
7 Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"?
Do you not know or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny.
He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound.
Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall,
They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. (Isaiah 40: 25-31)
1 Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,
Who pardons all your sins, heals all your ills,
Delivers your life from the pit, surrounds you with love and compassion,
2 Fills your days with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD does righteous deeds, brings justice to all the oppressed.
His ways were revealed to Moses, mighty deeds to the people of Israel.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger, abounding in kindness.
God does not always rebuke, nurses no lasting anger,
Has not dealt with us as our sins merit, nor requited us as our deeds deserve. (Psalm 103: 1-10)
The message from Isaiah 40: 25-31 brought me great joy and peace this morning. I want to record my thankfulness in this blog. It is consoling to realize that God knows where I am today and that He is in control. The response to Isaiah is fittingly Psalm 103 which I appropriate is my own this morning. Both scriptures are from the Mass readings of today, Wednesday in the second Week of Advent.
"God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, though your people walk in the valley of darkness, no evil should they fear; for they follow in faith the call of the shepherd whom you have sent for their hope and strength. Attune our minds to the sound of his voice, lead our steps in the path he has shown, that we may know the strength of his outstretched arm and enjoy the light of your presence forever ….." (Mass Prayer)
Although I walk in the valley of financial darkness today, I fear no evil. I follow in faith the call of my Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ whom God has sent for my hope and strength.
Father, attune my mind to the sound of His voice and lead my steps in the path He shows me. Amen!
"Almighty and ever-living God, give us new strength from the courage of Christ our Shepherd, and lead us to join the saints in heaven …." (Mass Prayer)
The courage of Christ: Imitation of the courage of Christ is the fruit of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
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17 He got into a boat and his disciples followed him.
Suddenly a violent storm 18 came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep.
They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! 19 We are perishing!"
He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?"
20 Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.
The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?" (Matthew 8: 23 – 27)
Jesus calls the disciples who are with him in the boat "men of little faith." They had enough faith to go to him for help; what did they lack?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;
In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
The disciples relied on their own perception of the event. They did not acknowledge His power and presence.
Complete trust in God implies absolute surrender to His divine Providence, that is, accepting unconditionally His will in every situation.
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12 "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
Lord Jesus, the rains are falling heavily; the floods are everywhere. The house is buffeted by furious winds. I have built my house on the solid rock of your word. See to it Lord that my house does not collapse. Amen!
"It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." (John 6: 63)
The Spirit gives life. The Holy Spirit gives eternal life. Christ's words are spirit and life.
List all that the Spirit gives:
The Holy Spirit is the one thing we truly need.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines sanctifying grace thus:
"Sanctifying grace is an habitual gift, a stable and supernatural disposition that perfects the soul itself to enable it to live with God, to act by his love. Habitual grace, the permanent disposition to live and act in keeping with God's call, is distinguished from actual graces which refer to God's interventions, whether at the beginning of conversion or in the course of the work of sanctification." (CCC # 2000)
"What return can I make to the Lord for all that he gives to me? The cup of salvation I will take up and I will call upon the name of the Lord." (Psalm 116: 12-13)
This is Thanksgiving season. How do we thank the Lord for all that He gives to us? If we take the example of the Psalmist, we thank Him first and foremost through Eucharistic worship. In the Eucharist, which means Thanksgiving, we honor the Lord by lifting up "the cup of salvation."
"Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you: get up and make your bed.' Aeneas got up immediately." (Acts 9: 34)
It is Jesus Christ who heals. Grace and truth comes through Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ mediates the fruits of our redemption through:
"Jesus Christ cures you"
"God, our Father, by the waters of baptism you gave new life to the faithful. May we not succumb to the influence of evil but remain true to your gift of life….." (Mass Prayer in the Season of Easter)
The third of the 15 promises of the Virgin Mary to Christians to recite the Rosary is this:
"The Rosary will be a powerful armor against hell; it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies."
The secret of not succumbing to the influence of evil is to say the Rosary every day.
"In baptism we have died with Christ, and we have risen to new life in heaven, because we believed in the power of God who raised him, from the dead." Colossians 2: 12)
We died with Christ in baptism. Immersion in water symbolized our dying. We also rose to new life in baptism.
"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in that person." (John 6: 56)
Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Eucharist. I accept your word as true. May it be done to me according to your word.
"Go, for this is my chosen instrument to bring my name before gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel." (Acts 9: 5)
Paul is Christ's instrument for world evangelization. Find out what you have been chosen for.
"Let the peace of Christ control your hearts." (Colossians 3: 15)
Let the peace of Christ provide you with immunity from the turbulence in the world. The peace of Christ acts on the soul like immunization acts on the body. It protects the soul from viral attacks that destabilize the soul. Exposed to these attacks without protection, the soul is in mortal danger of great damage. The enemy of mankind is most potent when the soul is destabilized by worries, doubts, anxieties and fears.
"Let the peace of Christ control your hearts." (Colossians 3: 15)
"Lord God, by this holy exchange of gifts you share with us your divine life. Grant that everything we do may be directed by the knowledge of your truth……"
We bring bread and wine, the fruits of human labor to God in the Eucharist. We take from God the gift of the Body and Blood of His Son, Jesus. Through this gift, we share in God's divine life.
If all our thoughts, words and deeds are directed by the knowledge of God's truth, then we live truly as Jesus lived.
"I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world." (John 6: 51)
Two promises of the Eucharist to note today:
"Let all the earth cry out to God with joy….. Hear now all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. When I appeal to him in words, praise was on the tip of my tongue." (Psalm 66)
Spiritual Principle: Praise must precede and go with the prayer of petition. The power of praise!
"The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, 'Set out at noon and go along the road that leads from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road." (Acts 8: 26)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of mission. The Holy Spirit is the main principle behind apostolic productivity and fruitfulness. Docility to the Holy Spirit is the key to empowerment.
"Father, in this holy season we come to know the full depth of your love. You have freed us from the darkness of error and sin. Help us to cling to your truths with fidelity…." (Mass Prayer in the Season of Easter)
How do we come to know the full depth of God's love for us? The Father loves us so much that He gave up His Son Jesus to save us. (John 3:16)
How does the Father free us from the darkness of error and sin? He frees us through His word and through the Sacraments. As we gird our loins in the truth of His word, we are freed from errors. As we come to Jesus in the Eucharist, we are freed from sin.
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"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, 5
or a snake when he asks for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
(Matthew 7: 7-11)
What promises does Jesus make in the above verses on Prayer?
In one phrase, the promise of the infallibility of Prayer. Awesome! Very few promises in Scripture have been guaranteed as Prayer. Few promises are misunderstood as Prayer. Even good Christians may be tempted to rationalize or dilute the promise on Prayer.
Prayer is a spiritual law like the law of the Beatitudes. If you want the type of happiness promised by Jesus in the Beatitudes, live the Beatitudes. Similarly, if you want the type of answers to prayers promised by Jesus, apply the laws of Prayer.
"Lord, may this celebration of our redemption help us in this life and lead us to eternal happiness……" (Mass Prayer)
Whenever we participate in the Eucharist, we celebrate the primary event of our redemption. The Eucharist renews our mind, our soul and our body. It destroys the hunger and thirst for anything that is not Christ.
"We can approach God with confidence for this: if we make requests which accord with his will he listens to us; and if we know our requests are heard, we know that the things we ask for are ours" (1 John 5:14-15)
This seems utterly reasonable. If somebody asks me something that I have and which agrees with my plan for the person, I give it. So it is important to ensure that our prayers agree with God's will for us. How do we know God's will for us? How do I find out God's will for me in the Enterprise?
The believer who is in fellowship with God will not ask anything that is contrary to God's will. The Holy Spirit will see to it that our desires and prayers accord with God's will for us.
"Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it" (John 14: 13-14; Cf Matthew 7:7, 18:9).
To pray in Jesus' name, to pray as he prayed, is to offer perfect prayer. It is prayer that accords in His will. Such prayer is always answered, though the answer may be delayed and 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 guarded by God and no power of evil can ultimately triumph over him. (THE INTERPRETERS ONE VOLUME COMMENTARY OF THE BIBLE.)
John sees prayer as having a wider scope for he speaks of asking for anything, but he immediately qualifies this "with accordance 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 accord to God's 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 (Mk 11:24), in the name of Jesus (Jn 14:14), offered by those who abide in Christ (Jn 15:7), who have forgiven those who offend them (Mk 11:25); it must be accompanied by obedience (1 Jn 3:22), 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 R220.7N532)
John presents prayer as a privilege belonging to faith in Christ. The Lord Christ emboldens us to come to God in all circumstances. Through Jesus, our petitions are accepted by God. The matter of our prayer must be agreeable 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 such privilege, v15. 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 - R220.7 H523)
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 - R220.7H215)
"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" (Jn 14: 13-14)
Whatever: the scope of the prayer. Eg: To do God's will, faith, patience, wisdom, humility and courage.
Ask: The condition of prayer - Ask and keep asking.
In my name: The ground of prayer. This involves at least two things: praying in the authority Christ gives (cf Mt 28:19; Acts 3:6) and praying in union with Him, so that one does not pray outside His will.
That I will do: The certainty of prayer.
That the Father may be glorified in the Son: the purpose of prayer. (WYCLIFFE BIBLE COMMENTARY)
"Lord, restore us by these Easter mysteries. May the continuing work of our Redeemer bring us eternal joy…." (Mass Prayer in the Season of Easter)
The greatest of the Easter mysteries is the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, we enjoy the real presence of the Risen Christ. In the Blessed Sacrament, we enjoy the comfort of His real presence on our altar. The Eucharist renews our spiritual vitality in a way that nothing else could come close to. It is our true Daily Bread. St. Ambrose, doctor and father of the Church asks, "Why receive once a year that which is offered daily?"
"I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever hunger; no one who believes in me will ever thirst." (John 6: 35)
You cannot serve God and mammon. Both are mutually exclusive. If you pick up one, you drop the other. The Bread of life destroys hunger for mammon in our lives. Hunger for mammon destroys hunger for the Bread of life. It is either one or the other. Never the two at the same time. These words of Jesus in John 6: 35 is well a tested principle like the Beatitudes. If you ask, "Is it true?' You try it and see for yourself.
Lord, let your flesh which is the Bread of life destroy in me all hunger and thirst for mammon. Amen!
"Once they had scattered, they went from place to place preaching the good news." (Acts 8: 4)
The persecution ushers in missionary activity. Like the crucifixion of Jesus, t he persecutors did not foresee the consequence otherwise they would not have persecuted the disciples of Jesus.
"All things work together for good to those who love God."
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 10)
"Father, you called St. Anslem to study and teach the sublime truths you have revealed. Let your gift of faith come to the aid of our understanding and open our hearts to your truth…." (Opening Prayer on the feast of St. Anslem)
God called St. Anslem.
He called Peter and Paul.
He called Augustine and Ignatius.
Is God calling me?
God called St. Anslem to learn and to teach the sublime truths of faith. What is my vocation? I love to learn and to communicate.
The gift of faith comes to the aid of our intellect and opens our heart to God's truth.
"Merciful Lord, hear the prayers of your people. May we who have received your gift of faith share forever in the new life of Christ…." (Prayer at Mass)
The gift of faith is one of the most important gifts we receive from our merciful Father.
"I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever hunger; no one who believes in me will ever thirst." (John 6: 35)
Jesus is the bread of life. The Bread of life destroys hunger and thirst for material things. This is a promise that can be trusted.
"Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit…. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake, you will lead me and guide me." (Psalm 31: 6, 4)
God is my rock and my refuge. For the sake of your name, Jesus, lead me, guide me and use me.
"But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand." (Acts 7: 55)
Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. How does one come to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the source of apostolic excellence and productivity. Stephen's success is attributed to the Holy Spirit. Simeon's presence in the temple during the presentation of the Child Jesus has the Holy Spirit as the cause.
How much control do I wish to give the Holy Spirit in my life? If according to the locution, the Holy Spirit is the only thing I need in life, then it will be ridiculous not to give him complete control. O Holy Spirit, I surrender everything to You. Lead me, guide me and use me.
"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. Take care not to find yourselves fighting against God." (Acts 5: 38)
This scripture occurred to me early in the Obama campaign for the presidency of the United States of America. What I will call as from today 538 seems to be utterly vindicated today, November 5, 2008. Obama won the presidency last night November 4, 2008 with a convincing margin. I decided last night to offer the Eucharist and my prayers this morning for his intentions. My plan seemed to have been confirmed when Fr. Hugh who had led us in a Novena of prayer to elect a Prolife President offered the 6.30 am Mass this morning for the new President-elect. He started the Mass by saying that God new from eternity that Obama would be elected the President of United States at this hour.
Scripture urges us to pray for our leaders constantly so that we can enjoy peace and stability. I had prayed for President Bush every day and will continue to do so till the 22nd of January 2009.
On the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the first reading from Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6 is as follows:
1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, Subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, Opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred:
2 I will go before you and level the mountains; Bronze doors I will shatter, and iron bars I will snap.
I will give you treasures out of the darkness, and riches that have been hidden away, That you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.
For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not.
I am the LORD and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not,
3 so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, there is no other;
The Gospel reading on this Sunday is equally relevant. Matthew 22: 15-21
8 Then the Pharisees 9 went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech.
They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, 10 saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status.
11 Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
12 Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin.
He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"
They replied, "Caesar's." 13 At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
What are we to make of these convergence of scriptures?
"Father, you open the kingdom of heaven to those born again by water and the Spirit. Increase your gift of love in us. May all who have been freed from sins in baptism receive all that you have promised…." (Prayer at Mass)
The Holy Spirit is the highest promise of Jesus Christ. It is also the greatest gift of the resurrection. The Holy Spirit makes us new beings, children of God and opens the kingdom of heaven to us. The power of the Spirit frees us from the compulsion of sin.
Lord, may we receive all that you have promised to us.
"Almighty and everlasting Lord, you restored us to life by raising Christ from death. Strengthen us by this Easter Sacrament; may we feel its saving power in our daily life….." (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)
The Eucharist strengthens God's hold on our life. How do we feel the saving power of the Eucharist every day? How do we form the habit of thinking of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist and in us?
Sow a thought and you reap a word.
Sow a word and you reap an action.
Sow an action and you reap a habit.
Sow a habit and you reap a character.
Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." (Matthew 25: 35 – 36 RSV)
When we give food to the hungry, we give it to Jesus.
When we give drink to the thirsty, we give it to Jesus.
When we speak on behalf of the immigrant, we speak for Jesus.
When we clothe the naked, we clothe Jesus.
When we visit the sick, we visit Jesus.
When we visit the prisoner, we visit Jesus.
"The Lord says, peace I leave with you, my own peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give, alleluia." (John 14: 27)
Pax Christi – Deep contentment in the heart. Trust in God at all times and in everything.
Awareness of the nearness of Jesus everywhere at all times no matter the condition. Awareness that Jesus is in control.
We appropriate this peace of Christ every day. You ask the question: "How about the peace I appropriated yesterday's morning?" Answer: "That was for yesterday." Jesus says: "My own peace I give you; not as the world gives." He gives His peace as we appropriate it day by day. The world pretends to give its peace once and for all. After we appropriate the peace of Christ early in the morning, we defend this treasure against all threats everywhere and at all times. St. Peter warns us that our mortal enemy, the devil prowls constantly seeking the ruin of this peace.
Similarly, early in the morning, we offer our entire life – time, talent and treasure to Jesus. In exchange, we appropriate His peace, protection, provision, power, pardon and purpose for the rest of the day. We place our entire life and fortune in His loving and all powerful providence. We remain vigilant against all threats to the trust we place on Christ in the course of the day.
"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1: 6)
What God begins, He brings to completion. I am confident that God will complete what He started with the Enterprise.
"Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you will be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.
(Ephesians 6: 10 – 20)
"This is carrying out God's work: must believe in the one he has sent." (John 6: 29)
Believe in Jesus:
Know Jesus intimately
Love Him passionately
Follow Him everywhere
"Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people." (Acts 6:8)
God has inspired me to ask for a large portion of the spirit of love, wisdom and power. Stephen is one of my patron saints.
"God our Father, your light of truth guides us to the way of Christ. May all who follow him reject what is contrary to the gospel….." (Mass Prayer)
God's light of truth – the word of God and the teaching of the Church.
The way of Christ is the Via Dolorosa.
What is contrary to the gospel:
"For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2: 16)
"Lord, bless us with your heavenly gifts, and in your mercy make us your obedient servants…" (Prayer at Mass)
Jesus Christ was obedient to His Father. Lord, make me your obedient servant.
"Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures." (Luke 24: 27)
Jesus Christ interpreted the scriptures authoritatively. He gave the same authority to His Church. If Jesus did not Himself say that all scriptures point to Him, this truth is not evident on its own. It is therefore misleading to assert that we can read scriptures and interpret it correctly for ourselves. We need the teaching authority of the Church to tell us authoritatively that this is what scripture means.
Lord Jesus, open my mind to understand scriptures.
"If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one's works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb." (1 Peter 1: 17-21)
The precious blood of Jesus Christ ransomed me from my futile conduct.
"Lord, you will show us the path of life.
I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed." (Psalm 16: 11, 8)
How do I set the Lord ever before me? Jesus prayer is the one word prayer that anybody can use at any time. The Jesus prayer constitutes simply the name of JESUS. The name of Jesus is a full prayer in itself.
"God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses." (Acts 2: 32)
The apostles were the chief eye witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. We are Christians because we believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection, our faith is worthless. Without the resurrection of Jesus, the Church becomes like a social club but a club that promises only suffering and renunciations of comforts without offering anything positive. Because of the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own resurrection, we know that there is a better life than this one.
I am called to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Can one witness to prayer if one does not pray? Can one witness to the resurrection of Christ if one has not experienced this reality? To bear witness to the resurrection is to bear witness to the truth that Christ is alive and is present in me through the Holy Spirit. He is present in a unique way in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is also present in the Church when it gathers for worship.
To bear witness to the Christ present in me is to produce the fruits of Christ in my life.
"God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses." (Acts 2: 32)
The apostles were the chief eye witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. We are Christians because we believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection, our faith is worthless. Without the resurrection of Jesus, the Church becomes like a social club but a club that promises nothing but suffering and renunciations of comforts without offering anything positive. Because of the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own resurrection, we know that there is a better life than this one.
"Father in heaven, author of all truth, a people once in darkness has listened to your Word and followed your Son as he rose from the tomb. Hear the prayer of this newborn people and strengthen your Church to answer your call. May we rise to come forth to the light of day to stand in your presence till eternity dawns …." (Mass Prayer in Easter Season)
God is the author of all truth. The death and resurrection of Jesus ushered in a new age. It is the time of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make him the father of all nations. The Church is the new people of God marked by four attributes: one, holy, catholic and apostolic. At Easter, the Church asks the Father to strengthen the Church to fulfill its mission.
"God our Father, may we look forward with hope to our resurrection, for you have made us your sons and daughters, and restored the joy of our youth……" (Mass Prayer)
In his passion and death and resurrection, Jesus Christ reconciles us to God and at the same time restores our spiritual youth which was lost by the sin of Adam and Eve. When we participate in the Eucharist, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ restore the joy of our youth.
"Lord, may this Eucharist which we have celebrated in memory of your Son, help us to grow in love ….."
The Eucharist helps us to grow in the love of God and of our neighbor.
"Merciful Lord, make holy these gifts and let our spiritual sacrifice make us an everlasting gift to you……"
In the Offertory, we offer the bread and wine, which represent the fruits of our labor to God. As the priest makes the offering on our behalf, we offer silently our joys and sorrows, our delays, disappointments and obstacles. In a holy exchange, God gives these back to us as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
"It's me. Don't be afraid." (John 6: 20)
Peace is the special gift of Easter. This peace is a deeper awareness that Christ who was dead is now alive forever more. He is near me. He is in me. So I will not fear. I will not be afraid for Casa. I will not be afraid for SFJ. I will not be afraid for the Enterprise. I will not be afraid of anything. It is Jesus Himself who tells me, 'Don't be afraid.'
"Lord, let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you…
See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them inspite of famine." (Psalm 33: 18 – 19)
God will have mercy on those who trust in Him to have mercy on them. I trust in God to have mercy on me with regard to the Enterprise. In fact, I believe He will.
God watches over those who fear Him. Lord, fill me with your fear.
Those who hope in God will be delivered from death and God will supply their needs even in time of famine.
"We ourselves will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word." (Acts 6: 4)
I am deeply attracted to prayer and the service of the word.
Lord Jesus, lead me, guide me and use me. Amen.
"It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food." (Acts 6: 2)
There is a hierarchy in ministries. Food for the soul is more important than food for the body. "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that falls from the mouth of God" (Acts 6: 4)
