Be Prepared

"Once more taking the twelve aside he began to tell them what was going to happen to him." (Mark 10: 32)

Jesus prepares His disciples for the future by telling them what was going to happen to Him. In another passage, He tells them what was going to happen to them when He was gone from their presence. I attended a retreat once where the retreat director prepared us for life after the mountain-top experience of the retreat. The warning helped me.

Every genuine Christian experiences the truth of mountain-top and down-the-valley experience in our walk with Christ. The crucial message is that one must always be prepared.

Patience and Reward

"Reward those who hoped in you and let your prophets be proved true. Hear the prayer of your servants, for you are ever gracious to your people. Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth that you are the eternal God." (Sirach 36: 15-17)

Lex orandi, lex credendi. The rule of prayer is the rule of faith. Surely, God will reward those who wait for Him.

"The Lord is my inheritance and my cup; he alone will give me my reward." (Psalm 16: 5)

Father, grant me the patience and perseverance to wait for your reward. Amen.

How do I wait for God's kairos? Prayer / 7-Way Plan.

The apostles and Mary waited for the Holy Spirit in prayer.

St. Philip Neri

"Father, you continually raises up your faithful to the glory of holiness. In your love kindle in us the fire of the Holy Spirit who so filled the heart of St. Philip Neri…." (Prayer on the feast of St. Philip Neri)

It is God who raises up saints. Our task is to cooperate with His grace. The path to sanctity runs across every single occupation and is completely accessible to every person. It is God's desire that everybody aspire to holiness. The Church provides the means of sanctification primarily through the Sacraments. The Holy Spirit is the sanctifier. He prompts us, He nudges us and inspires us to accept the means of holiness.

Measuring line

"The Lord is my inheritance and my cup; he alone will give me my reward. The measuring line has marked a lovely place for me; my inheritance is my great delight." (Psalm 16: 5-6)

I seek my reward only from God. I seek my salvation only from my God. I seek peace only from God. God says to me: "I am your inheritance and your cup. I alone will give you your reward." Why should I doubt God? Is He a man to lie? Is anything too difficult for Him to accomplish?

God further promises me: "The measuring line has marked a lovely place for you." What place has God marked for me here and now?

• 7-Way Plan
  
• Casa
  
• SFJ
  

Thank you Father.

A formidable resource

"Lord, by this celebration, may your Spirit fill us with the same light of faith that shines in the teaching of St. Bede." (Communion Prayer on the feast of St. Bede)

The Eucharist provides a point of contact with the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist is a formidable resource in spiritual, physical and mental renewal.

Mysteries of the kingdom

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom." (Matthew 11: 25)

What are the mysteries of the kingdom?

The mysteries of the kingdom are the deposit of faith enshrined in the Creed we repeat on Sundays and feast days. The mysteries of the kingdom are also the seven Sacraments. The mysteries of the kingdom are the body of truth revealed by Jesus to His Church. God chooses to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to the humble.

How do we come by the knowledge of salvation? How do we learn the mysteries of the kingdom?

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." (Luke 10: 16) Jesus gave to the apostles and their successors authority to teach the mysteries of the kingdom.

The Call and the Promise

"In truth, I tell you, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times as much, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – and persecutions too – now in the present time and , in the world to come, eternal life." (Mark 10: 10: 29-30)

Whenever I read the above scripture, I think of the many priests, religious, missionaries and all those that live the consecrated life. Is the above promise true in their regard, I wonder? From what I can tell from those of them that I know, the promise is absolutely true. God is faithful. He is not a man to lie. But a few that are called, seem to overlook the fulfillment of this promise and present a sometimes sorry image to the world. Do they listen to word of man more than they listen to the word of God? Just as your heart follows your treasure, so does your mind follow the preponderance of the words it receives.

Praise is the key

"Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High. Then call on me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me….

Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obedient I will show the salvation of God." (Psalm 50: 14-15, 23)

Praise and thank God at all times. Fulfill your vows to the Most High.

Praise is the key to God's heart.

A Generous God

"Give to the Most High as he has given to you, as generously as your means can afford; for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over." (Sirach 35: 9-10)

Who can rival the Lord in generosity? Nobody. Always remember that nobody can out do God in generosity.

Be generous to God with your time, talent and treasure. God is a generous rewarder

 

A cheerful giver

"Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes." (Sirach 35: 8)

Be joyful in giving. God loves a cheerful giver.

St. Bede the Venerable

"The learned will shine like the brilliance of the firmament, and those who train many in the ways of justice will sparkle like stars for all eternity." (Daniel 12: 3)

The above scripture was read on the feast of St. Bede the Venerable, doctor of the Church.

Purpose in life: to learn and to teach.

You become learned like the Venerable Bede by learning. You become a teacher by teaching.

I am with you always

"I the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 20)

These are the very last words of Jesus Christ to His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. They are also the very last sentence in the entire Gospel. What a powerful promise these parting words are. How much the disciples would need these words in their subsequent struggles to build the kingdom of God. 2000 years after, we the current disciples of Jesus need these words no less than the original disciples. This promise of Jesus Christ brings to full circle the promise of God that His Son would be Emmanuel, "God with us."

What difference does this promise make to me here and now? It can only make a difference to me if I understand the spiritual meaning and appropriate the promise by an act faith. If Jesus is with me always, why do I forget this fact most of the time? How can I remember this truth most of the time? Having a credit card in your pocket does you no good unless you are aware that it is there. It is critical in life's emergencies to remember the promise of Jesus: "I the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 20)

The way I try to help my memory is to type out the critical scriptures I need in emergencies and spread them out on the walls all over my apartment. In emergencies, I walk round the apartment reading the promises of God. I have found that this practice calms my anxiety and restores perspective to whatever is troubling me.

The All-powerful God

"By human resources it is impossible but not for God: because for God everything is possible." (Mark 10: 27)

I know and believe that everything is possible for God. Thank you Father for giving me such a big picture of yourself.

The God I worship is a very powerful God. He accomplishes whatever He wills, come what may. This is the faith that powers me. I confess that sometimes I am not sure what God's will is for my life. But I do not doubt that His will or plan is good because His word says so unequivocally – "I know for sure the plan I have for you. Plan for your good and not for disaster. Plan to give you a future full of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Faithful God

"Thus should all your faithful pray in time of distress. Though flood waters threaten, they will never reach them. You are my shelter; from distress you keep me; with safety you ring me round." (Psalm 32: 6-7)

Whenever I am in distress, I cry to God and He hears my prayer. Though deep waters overflow, they will never reach me. God Himself is my shelter. From all distress, He will preserve me.

Gospel of Hope

"But to those who repent he permits return, and he encourages those who have lost hope." (Sirach 17: 24)

God encourages all who have lost hope. Be a witness of the Gospel of joy and hope.

Gospel Joy

"Father in heaven, form in us the likeness of your Son and deepen his life within us. Send us as witnesses of gospel joy into a world of fragile peace and broken promises. Touch the hearts of all men with your love that they in turn may love one another ….." (Mass Prayer)

What a profound prayer. First of all, we ask our Father in heaven to produce in us the likeness of Jesus. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. His most cherished task is to form the likeness of Jesus in us and deepen the life of Jesus with us. How does He accomplish this? Primarily through the Eucharist. Also through the Sacraments and His word.

It is only when we have remained with Jesus for a long time and begin to reflect His character can we be sent as witnesses of the gospel joy into the world marked by fragile peace and broken promises. Any person who places his trust in what the world offers and promises places his life on a moving sand.

The only reliable promise is God's Word, Jesus Christ our Lord

God guides the course of history

"Lord, guide the course of world events and give your Church the joy and peace of serving you in freedom ……" (Prayer at Mass)

God guides world history by his wisdom and power.

Father, guide too the course of my life this day. I put my life and future into your hands.

The Lord is my strength

"The Lord has been my strength; he has led me into freedom. He saved me because he loves me." (Psalm 18: 19-20)

The Lord has been my strength all the days of my life. He delivered me from the shackles of the enemy and led me into freedom. He saved me because He loved me. He is still saving me today because he loves me.

Fruits of the Eucharist

"Father, may the food we receive in the Eucharist help our eternal redemption. Keep within us the vigor of your Spirit and protect the gifts you have given your Church….." (Communion Prayer on the Feast of Pentecost)

One important fruits of the Eucharist which I love is that it keeps within us the vigor of the Holy Spirit. That is to say, as we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we are refilled with the Holy Spirit.

We ask the Father in the above Communion prayer to protect the gifts He has lavished on the Church. Some of these gifts are:

• Holy Spirit
  
• Blessed Virgin Mary
  
• Word of God
  
• Sacraments
  
• Communion of the Saints
  

 

I love testimonies

"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke of great things God had done." (Acts 2: 4, 11)

Perhaps the easiest way to evangelize is to speak of the great things God has done for you. Testimonies rarely fail. When I hear one, I say aloud or to myself: " I love testimonies." Testimonies build up your faith.

O Holy Spirit, remind me the great things you have done for me and let me know when to use them to promote the Kingdom of God.

Peace be with you!

"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20: 21)

Lord thank you for your gift of peace. I need it very much today. I want your peace. I do not want to worry for anything.

Lord if you send me, I will go.

Left: The Blessed Sacrament Chapel at St. Thomas More Church in Houston, Texas.

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is the home of peace. It is not possible to come into the presence of Christ and seriously ask Him for peace and leave His presence without the gift. Impossible!

Peace be with you!

"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20: 21)

Lord thank you for your gift of peace. I need it very much today. I want your peace. I do not want to worry for anything.

Lord if you send me, I will go.

Manifestation of the Spirit

"To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit." (1 Corinthians 12: 7)

How does the Holy Spirit manifest in my life for the benefit of the Church? What are my gifts?

I learn and I teach

Faith

Obedience

Prayer

Empowerment

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim." (Acts 2: 4)

The Spirit enabled them to exercise their different gifts. May the Holy Spirit also empower me to exercise my own gift. I trust He will in the fullness of time. I walk by faith and not by sight.

Mighty Wind

"Father of light, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praise in words beyond the power of speech, for without your Spirit man could never raise his voice in words of peace or announce the truth that Jesus is Lord…." (Prayer on Pentecost Sunday)

Every good gift comes from God.

Open the horizons of our minds by the flame of your wisdom.

Loosen our tongues to speak your praise.

Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing.

Working under the Holy Spirit

"God our Father, let the Spirit you sent on your Church to begin the teaching of the gospel continue to work in the world through the hearts of all who believe…" (Prayer on Pentecost Sunday)

The Spirit ushers in the work of the Church. Has he ushered in your work?

Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit. May he lead and guide me to my work. Amen!

Holy Spirit and love

"The love of God has been poured into our hearts by his Spirit living in us." (Romans 5: 5; 8:11)

I accept this as true. I walk by faith and not by sight. I do not worry whether I love God or my neighbor. I know that the Holy Spirit who lives in me produces the fruit of love. I may fail sometimes but I do not doubt that my permanent disposition is to love.

Renewed hearts

"Father of mercy, hear our prayers that we may leave our former selves behind and serve you with holy and renewed hearts….." (Prayer at Mass in the Season of Easter)

Our hearts are renewed this Easter season through the celebrations of the Easter Sacraments. We ask the Father for the grace to leave our former selves behind and serve Him with holy hearts.

Experiential Knowledge of Jesus

"This disciple [John] is the one who vouches for these things and written them down, and we know that his testimony is true." (John 21: 24)

John wrote what he saw, heard and touched. His testimony is true.

How do I experience Christ so that I can testify to what I see, hear and touch?

Proclaiming the Good News Out of Season

"[Paul] He spent the whole of the two years in his own rented lodging. He welcomed all who came to visit him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete fearlessness and without any hindrance from anyone." (Acts 28: 30 – 31)

• You shall bear witness to me in Rome.
  

Even as a prisoner, Paul proclaimed the good news. For anyone who is willing, there is always an opportunity to proclaim the good news.

Most Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me and use me.

Constant at Prayer

"The disciples were constantly at prayer together, with Mary the mother of Jesus, the other women, and the brothers of Jesus." (Acts 1: 14)

One of the constant messages of Mary during her apparitions in history is to urge us to pray. Pray, pray and pray seems to me the one dominant message at Medjugorje. How best do we respond to Mary's call for prayer: the Rosary.

Eucharist is the great mystery of our faith

"God our Father, the Eucharist is our Bread of life and the Sacrament of our forgiveness. May our sharing in this mystery bring us to eternal life, where Jesus is Lord forever and ever." (Prayer at Mass in the Season of Easter)

God is dedicated to us as a Father. He offers us Jesus as our Bread of life. The Eucharist also cleanses us from all venial sins. It is the great mystery of our faith.

Teach me

"The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and remind you of all I have said to you." (John 14: 26)

The Holy Spirit is a great teacher. Most Holy Spirit, teach me, guide me and use me.

The Holy Spirit is a great reminder. O Divine Spirit, remind me of all that God has done for me so that I will always be full of thanks.

How much love?

"When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more these others do?" (John 21: 15)

Manny, do you love me more than your:

• Family
  
• Health
  
• Money
  
• Job
  
• Tools
  
• Food
  

Yes, Lord. I love your more than all these.

Opportunities to bear witness

"Agrippa said to Festus, "I should like to hear the man myself." (Acts 25: 22)

When they put you before tribunals, do not worry about what to say. It shall be your opportunity to bear witness.

What opportunities would be created for me today to bear witness?

Most Holy Spirit lead me, guide me and use me today.

Eternal life is within us

"Father, in glorifying Christ and sending us your Spirit, you open the way to eternal life. May our sharing in this gift increase our love and make our faith grow stronger…." (Prayer in Easter Season)

The presence of the Holy Spirit in us is the guarantee that eternal life is already within us. "Eternal life is knowing you the one true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." The Holy Spirit brings us the knowledge of God.

Father, Pentecost is near. We await eagerly the gifts of your Blessed Spirit. Increase our love and our faith.

Christ prays for me

"I pray not only for these but also for those who through their teaching will come to believe in me." (John 17: 20)

Christ the High Priest has prayed especially for me: "Emmanuel, Emmanuel, I pray that your faith will not falter. After the trial, when you are strong, strengthen your brothers."

Thank you Jesus.

Christ's prayer is very effective.

Path to life

"Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope….. You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever." (Psalm 16: 1, 11)

The Holy Spirit has shown me the path to life – the 7-Way Plan.

St. Bernadine

"Father, you gave St. Bernadine a special love for the name of Jesus. By the help of his prayers, may we always be alive with the spirit of your love…." (Prayer on the feast of St. Bernadine – 05/20/2009)

Exactly ten years ago, I confided this brief reflection on the above prayer:

God gave St. Bernadine a special gift: Love of the name of Jesus. Everything is a gift from our Father.

St. Ignatius Loyola also had special love for the name of Jesus. He called the religious order he founded – The Society of Jesus.

When the Holy Spirit is in Control

"Father, let your Spirit come upon us with power to fill us with his gifts. May he make our hearts pleasing to you, and ready to do your will ……"

We are 12 days away from Pentecost 2009. We ask the Father to fill us with the awesome gifts of the Holy Spirit so that our hearts will always be pleasing to Him. With the Holy Spirit firmly in control of our hearts, He will dispose us to do God's will in all things.

Come into His Presence with Confidence

"Let us come to God's presence with confidence, because we will find mercy and strength when we need it." (Hebrews 4: 6)

How to come into God's presence:

• Prayer
  
• Word of God
  
• Eucharist
  
• Blessed Sacrament
  

How to come into God's presence with confidence:

• As sons and daughters
  
• Aware of His provisions and promises
  
• Aware of His reputation for mercy

You will also be my witness

"When the Holy Spirit comes to you, the Spirit whom I shall send, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me, and you also will be my witnesses." (John 15: 26 – 27)

Yes Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word. I am your servant.

Consecrate me in the truth

"Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17: 17)

O Holy Spirit, set me apart for service of the Truth, who is Jesus Christ. Amen!

Be on your guard

"Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the guardians, to feed the Church of God which he bought with the blood of his own Son." (Acts 20: 28)

Be watchful. Be alert. Your enemy is constantly prowling, seeking for an opportunity to score a goal.

Be watchful too for your flock. Pray for them constantly. Be ready to alert them after prayers on the wiles of the evil one.

The Holy Spirit and Memory

"The Holy Spirit who the Father will send in my name will teach you all things, and remind you of all I have said to you." ( John 14: 26)

The Holy Spirit and instructions

The Holy Spirit and memory

The Holy Spirit will teach me and remind me.

The Enterprise will glorify God

"I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do." (John 17: 4)

Father, help me to glorify you by finishing the work you gave me to do.

The Enterprise will glorify God. God will not oppose anything that will glorify His name. Emm-Del, Mary-HP, AD-8 will all glorify God because all have been dedicated to His service.

God bears our burdens

"Sing to God, O Kingdom of the earth ….. Blessed day by day be the Lord, who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation." ( Psalm 68: 33, 20)

God bears our burdens day by day. God is there for us all the time.

The Number One thing

"But I do not place any value on my own life, provided that I complete the mission the Lord gave me – to bear witness to the good news of God's grace." (Acts 20: 24)

Christ's work must come before our very lives. It must be number one in our priority.

The task is to bear witness to the good news of God's grace.

Inspiration

"Lord, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us that we may remain faithful and do your will in our daily lives ….." (Mass Prayer in the Season of Easter)

We can do nothing without the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit.

I am favored by constant inspiration from my Precious Friend. I commit myself to acting as soon as I get the inspiration. O Holy Spirit, grant me the gift of discernment of spirits so that no open door will be left for the inspiration of the enemy. Amen.

I am alive forever

"I am the beginning and end of all things. I have met death, but I am alive, and I shall live for eternity." (Revelation 1: 17-18)

I was dead but I am alive forevermore.

I conquered death by dying. You conquer fear by facing fears.

They conquered the enemy through:

• The blood of the lamb
  
• Their word of testimony
  
• By facing death
  

(Revelation 12:10)

Eucharist – Source of Sanctifying Grace

"Lord, may these gifts cleanse us from sin and make our hearts live with your gift of grace …."

The Eucharist increases the life in God in us. We call this life sanctifying grace. It also cleanses us from venial sins and enables us to live in grace.

Be Courageous

"I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous: I have conquered the world." (John 16: 33)

It gives me peace and comfort to know that Jesus knows everything that is happening in my life. Where has he told me all that will happen in my life? In the scriptures. The scriptures reproduce faithfully the profile of the disciple.

Be courageous in your witnessing. Be courageous in living the 7-Way Plan.

The Power that makes the difference

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

What type of people were the disciples of Jesus before Pentecost? They were people with weak faith, timid and unsure of themselves and their calling. Although they had been with Jesus for three years and had seen all His miracles and heard His great teaching. That was not enough to make them solid and trustworthy disciples.

What type of people were the disciples after Pentecost? They were full of faith, courage and enthusiasm for their calling. After Pentecost, they were so full of zeal for their calling that they were prepared to lay down their lives for Jesus.

What made the difference in the lives of the disciples before and after Pentecost? The gift of the Holy Spirit made all the difference.

Father of Orphans

"Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. …… The Father of orphans and defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads for the prisoners to prosperity." (Psalm 68: 5-7)

Father, I thank you for who you are. Help me to trust and appreciate you as Father. I ask for this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our brother. Amen!

Absence of Power

"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" (Acts 19:2)

St. Paul noticed that something is missing in the new believers. What was missing?

• Power to live the Christian life
  
• Power to evangelize
  
• Power to witness
  

Wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is power. Where He is not, power is lacking. The discernment that the Holy Spirit was absent in some of the new Christians was apparent to Paul. Every Christian that has the Holy Spirit can make the same discernment. The discernment could be the first step in leading people to the Holy Spirit.

Send Your Holy Spirit

"Lord, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us that we may remain faithful and do your will in our daily lives ….." (Prayer at Mass in Eastertide)

Without the power of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to do God's will day after day. Faithfulness in following Jesus every day is a sign that the Holy Spirit is resident in a soul.

I need the light and courage from the Holy Spirit to do God's will in my life every day.

Project Canisius is practicum

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. You will be my witnesses to all the world." (Acts 1: 8)

The Holy Spirit will give me power to witness to Jesus wherever and whenever He pleases. When will this happen? At the appointed time. This is the time of discipleship. Project Canisius is practicum.

Work and Glory

"I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do." (John 17: 4)

We glorify God by accomplishing His work.

What work has the Father given me to do today? Today, I start preparing candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday.

What are some of the tools of discipleship?

Prayer, Eucharist, word of God, Sacrament of Reconciliation, study.

Father, may I glorify you through my work.

Rejoice in Sufferings

"Rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly." (1 Peter 4: 13)

Fruits of the Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary: Grace to share in the sufferings of Christ.

The One thing

"One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple." (Psalm 27: 4)

Jesus said to Martha, "Only one thing is necessary." For the psalmist, that one thing is to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. Note that the psalmist does not just ask the Lord for the one thing. He seeks it. Jesus commands us to ask for the one thing; seek the one thing; knock on doors for the one thing until we find it.

What is the one thing that I need in my life right here and right now? That one thing is the Holy Spirit. This is the one thing that makes all things possible.

Prayer and Hope

"All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and his brothers." (Acts 1: 12 – 14)

Wait for the promise of the Father in Jerusalem. Where is my Jerusalem today?

How did the apostles wait for the Holy Spirit? They devoted themselves with one accord to Prayer.

How do I wait for the fulfillment of the promise of the Enterprise? Prayer! Prayer! Prayer! The 7-Way Plan.

Through prayer, we keep hope alive.

2 dimensions of prayer:

• Pray that you do not enter into temptation: (Gethsemane). Prayer becomes a defensive weapon in spiritual warfare.
  
• Pray in order to be able to wait for the promise of the Father. Prayer becomes a means of living the virtue of hope.

History is the unfolding of truth

"Eternal Father, reaching from end to end of the universe, and ordering all things with your mighty arm: for you, time is the unfolding of truth that already is, the unveiling of beauty that is yet to be. Your son has saved us in history by rising from the dead, so that transcending time he might free us from death. May his presence among us lead to the vision of unlimited truth and unfold the beauty of your love….." (Mass Prayer)

God orders all things with His mighty arm.

History is the unfolding of truth that already is.

The Risen Christ is among us in the Church.

Christ, our Emmanuel

"Father, help us to keep in mind that Christ our Savior lives with you in glory and promised to be with us until the end of time….." (Mass Prayer in the 7^th Sunday of Easter)

Christ our Emmanuel promised to be with us always. He also promised that His grace will always be sufficient for us. He will be with us in our journey and in every struggle.

Thank you Jesus. Bless me with the gift of keeping this in mind always.

Ask

"Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete." (John 16: 24)

"In all truth I tell you, anything you ask from the Father he will grant in my name." (John 16: 23)

"When that day comes you will ask in my name…." (John 16: 26)

Most of our prayer is involved with asking. God created us to be completely dependent on him for everything. Why then be ashamed to ask for help in the time of need?

Ask and you shall receive and your faith will grow stronger.

Fullness of truth

"Apollos was accurate in all the details he taught about Jesus . …. Pricilla and Aquilla gave him more detailed instruction about the way." (Acts 18: 25 0 26)

Some teachers /TV evangelists are accurate in some details they teach about Jesus. Those that are open to the Spirit and thirst for the fullness of truth are given more instruction about the Way.

 

Called out of darkness

"You are a people God claims as his own, to praise him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2: 9)

God claims me as His own.

God is my portion and inheritance.

God designed me to praise Him.

God called me out of darkness into His marvelous light.

St. Matthias

"Lord, you constantly give life to your people in this holy Eucharist. By the prayers of the apostle St. Matthias, prepare us to take our place among your saints in eternal life…" (Prayer in the feast of St. Matthias)

The Eucharist strengthens God's grace within us. The Eucharist constantly gives us spiritual life. The life of God within us is sanctifying grace.

The Eucharist prepares us to take our place among the saints in heaven.

The Jesus Character

"You are my friends, if you do what I command you." (John 15: 14)

The apostle is called to enjoy intimate friendship with Jesus.

• To be with Jesus all the time.
  
• To be like Jesus and to act like Jesus.
  

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to produce the Jesus character in the apostle.

The Witness Defined

"Out of the men who have been with us the whole time that the Lord Jesus was living with us, from the time when John was baptizing until the day when he was taken up from us, one must be appointed to serve with us as a witness to his resurrection." (Acts 1: 21-22)

Attributes of the apostle and the witness:

• Must be with Jesus for a long time
  
• Must know Jesus well
  
• Must have experienced the resurrection of Jesus to bear witness to the truth by his word and life

Called and anointed

"Father, you called St. Matthias to share in the mission of the apostles. By the help of his prayers, may we receive with joy the love you share with us and be counted among those you have chosen….." (Prayer on the feast of St. Matthias)

The choice, the call and the anointed.

Every Christian has be chosen, called and anointed to share in the mission of the apostles. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of mission will lead and guide each one to his path.

Chosen

"You have not chosen me; I have chosen you. Go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15: 16)

Lord, lead me; guide me; use me.

The Great Commission

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19 – 20)

Jesus Christ is Emmanuel – "God with us." He promises: "Behold, I am with you always."

At the beginning of his Gospel, St. Matthew writes:

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel." (Matthew 1:21)

At the end of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Jesus promises: "Behold, I am with you always."

Jesus Christ is with us in the Eucharist. He is with us in all the mission fields in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Use me

"Go and teach all nations, I am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 19, 20)

Lord, lead me, guide me and use me.

Strong Hope

"May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your heart be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy one…." (Ephesians 1: 17-18)

Lord, bless me with the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

Bless me with a strong hope.

Be strong and wait

"It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1: 7-8)

You will receive power from the Holy Spirit.

You will be my witnesses everywhere.

When will these promises be fulfilled? Wait for the Lord. Wait patiently for the Lord.

Waiting for the Promises

"While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak, for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1: 4-5)

Wait for the promises of the Father. (122108)

Wait for the promises of the Enterprise.

Teach me to wait. Help me to wait.

How to wait: Wait with oil burning in your lamp: the 7-Way Plan.

If we perish

"If our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, Your Majesty, he will save us; and even if he does not, then you must know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:17 – 18)

A good paraphrase of the above scripture which I like is this: "If we live, we live; if we perish, we perish."

"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26: 39) Again, we can paraphrase Christ's sentiments thus: "If I live, I live; if I die, I die."

"For though the fig tree blossom not | nor fruit be on the vines, |Though the yield of the olive fail| and the terraces produce no nourishment, | Though the flock disappear from the fold | and there be no heard in the stalls, | Yet will I rejoice in the Lord |and exult in my saving God. (Habakkuk 3: 17 – 18) Prophet Habakkuk's word can me summarized with - "If we live, we live; if we perish, we perish."

"If you make my word your home |you will indeed be my disciples; | you will come to know the truth, | and the truth will make you free." (John 8: 31 – 32)

When we are faithful to the teachings of Jesus, we will have the faith and courage to appropriate the above scriptures. We will know that God is faithful come what may.

Eyes of faith

"Father in heaven, our minds were prepared for the coming of your kingdom when you took Christ beyond our sight so that we might seek him in his glory. May we follow where he has led and find our hope in his glory…." (Mass of the Ascension)

The ascension took Christ beyond our sight. Now we can see Christ with the eyes of faith. Where Christ is, there is the kingdom of God.

Waiting

"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking in the sky? The Lord will return, just as you have seen him ascend." (Acts 1: 11)
The fruit of the second mystery of the Rosary is hope. To hope is to wait for and expect actively.
What I wait for?

• I wait for a ride.
• I wait for the UPS man.
• I wait for an email.

Active waiting implies preparedness.
I am waiting for the Lord for the next step in the Enterprise. Beware of the danger of growing tired of waiting. How do I wait for the Lord? The Seven Way Plan.
"Those who wait for the Lord renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40: 31) God helps those who wait for Him.

Eternal fruits

"The Lord says, I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15: 16, 19)

Lord, if you have chosen me, I will go. Fill me with the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of evangelization so that I can go and bear spiritual fruits for you.

Knowledge of truth

"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 in Mass)

The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gifts. God takes our bread and wine and transforms them into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ which is then given back to us.

"Grant that everything we do may be directed by the knowledge of your truth´ Knowledge of truth comes from the word of God. We pray that we gain genuine knowledge through the word of God. We pray also that this knowledge influence everything we do.

The Spirit and the truth

"However, when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth." (John 16: 13)

Spirit and the truth

Spirit of truth

Most Holy Spirit, come and teach me your truth. Remove from me all falsehood.

The Spirit leads the Church to the fullness of truth on the word of God

God gives everything

"Nor is [God] he in need of anything, that he should be served by human hands; on the contrary, it is he who gives everything – including life and breath to everyone." (Acts 17:25)    

All blessings come from our God. All life, all breath come from God. God gives to everyone whatever he has. All talent, time and treasure come from God.

"Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness, we have this bread to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. It shall become for us the bread of life." We answer this offertory prayer with the affirmation – "Blessed be God forever." So, even the gifts we bring to God are provided to us by God Himself.

Saints Nereus and Achilleus

"Father, we honor Saints Nereus and Achilleus for their courage in dying to profess their faith in Christ. May we experience the help of their prayers at the throne of your mercy….." (Prayer in the Mass of the feast of St. Nereus and Achilleus)

They showed courage in dying to profess their faith in Christ. Am I ready to resist temptation to the point of blood? The martyrs died for Christ through the power of Christ. I too can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

A Witness

"I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers." (Psalm 18: 50; 21:23)

This is my desire.

O Lord, how, when? Wait! (Psalm 42 – 122108)

Divine Necessity of Suffering

"Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead; and so enter into his glory." (Luke 24: 46, 26)

Those who suffered:

• Peter and Paul
  
• James and John
  
• Pope John Paul II and Pope Paul VI
  
• All the Saints
  

There is a divine necessity of suffering.

Watch and Wait

1

¹ "Then ² the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2

³ Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

3

The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them,

4

but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.

5

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6

At midnight, there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

7

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.

8

The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

9

But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'

10

While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.

11

⁴ Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!'

12

But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.'

13

Therefore, stay awake, ⁵ for you know neither the day nor the hour.

 

(Matthew 25: 1 – 13)

 

The foolish virgins did not anticipate a delay and were unprepared when the bridegroom was long delayed. (v5)

St. Augustine in his Sermons, 93 wrote: "Watch with the heart, watch with faith, watch with love, watch with charity, watch with good works […]; make ready the lamps, make sure they do not go out […], renew them with inner oil of an upright conscience; then shall the Bridegroom enfold you in the embrace of his love and bring you into his banquet room, where your lamp can never be extinguished."

When I reflect on the above, I think of the message of 122108: Wait!

"6

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." (Psalm 42: 6)

The Spirit of truth

"I will send you the Spirit of truth; he will lead you to the whole truth." (John 16: 7, 13)

Thank you Jesus. Open my heart and mind to learn all that I can from the Spirit of truth.

Lydia listened attentively

"Lydia listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying." (Acts 16: 4)

Lydia paid attention to the word.

She listened eagerly.

Lydia responded to what Paul said.

Lydia is a fertile and noble soul on which the seed of the word of God fell and yielded abundant harvest.

Lord Jesus, open our hearts to accept all that you will say to us today.

Easter Effects

"God of mercy, may our celebration of your Son's resurrection help us to experience its effects in our lives….." (Prayer in Mass in the Season of Easter)

What are the effects of Christ's resurrection that we should experience in our lives?

• Peace
  
• Joy
  
• Faith
  
• Holy Spirit
  
• Eucharist
  

How can we witness to these Easter effects without experiencing them?

Dying to something

"Christ now raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has power over him." (Romans 6: 9)

If I die to something in my life, I will never die again to the same thing. I have died to alcohol. I will never die to alcohol again. Alcohol no longer has power over me.

Things I want to die to:

• Money
  
• Fear of ill health
  
• Security
  
• Food
  

 

In need of forgiveness

"Lord, accept our prayers and offerings. Make us worthy of your sacraments of love by granting us your forgiveness…." (Prayer in Mass)

We are continually in need of God's forgiveness.

"Say but a word and I shall be healed."

The Advocate

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains in you, and will be in you." (John 14: 16 – 17)

Thank you Jesus for the Holy Spirit. Yes, I am beginning to know Him. And what I am learning about Him is very exciting.

Reasons for Hope

"Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3: 15-16)

What are the reasons for my hope on the Enterprise?

• God is faithful.
  
• He has been consistently faithful through the journey so far.
  
• He started the Enterprise and has sustained it so far.
  
• God will bring to conclusion whatever He started.
  
• He gives me a pledge in the Eucharist.
  
• He gives me peace and faith.

Sanctify Christ

"Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts." (1 Peter 3: 15)

Enthrone Christ as King and Lord of your heart.

Make Christ your most cherished desire.

Give Christ the first place in your heart.

Seek Christ's kingdom and righteousness above everything else.

The Ultimate Joy

"God our Father, maker of all, the crown of your creation was the Son of Man, born of a woman, but without beginning; he suffered for us but lives forever. May our mortal lives be crowned with the ultimate joy of rising with him…." (Prayer in Mass in the Season of Easter)

Christ suffered and died for us but now lives forever more. If we suffer now with Christ, we too will live forever.

The Joy of the Resurrection

"Ever-living God, help us to celebrate our joy in the resurrection of the Lord and to express in our lives the love we celebrate……" (Prayer at Mass in Easter season)

What does the Resurrection of Jesus mean to me? Do I feel the joy of Easter? What are the fruits of the Resurrection?

The Resurrection means victory, triumph over the forces of evil.

The world loves its own

"If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice of you has drawn you out of the world, that is why the world hates you." (John 15: 19)

The world recognizes its own and loves them.

Since those chosen by Christ and withdrawn from the world by His choice are not recognized by the world, all they can expect from the world are challenges, resistance and hatred.

The Spirit and Mission

"They traveled through Phrygia and the Galatian country, because they had been told by the Holy Spirit not to preach the word in Asia." (Acts 16: 6)

The Spirit and Mission

If we surrender our lives completely to the Spirit as Paul did, He would guide our work as He guided Paul's. He will reveal to us in due time:

• The what?
  
• The where?
  
• The When?
  
• The How?
  

Of our vocation.

Most Holy Spirit, help us to surrender completely to you.

Unceasing Care

"Loving Father, through our rebirth in Baptism you give us your life and promise immortality. By your unceasing care, guide our steps toward the life of glory…." (Mass Prayer)

Baptism gives us new life in God. All the sacraments increase this life or sanctifying grace in us. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation this life is renewed and refreshed.

God's care for us is unceasing. His perfect love for us casts out fear. Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.