Keeping the Commandments

"Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5: 19)

The first benefit of keeping the commandments is that the peace of Christ controls one's heart. (Colossians 3: 15) Peace is the source of all spiritual and material blessings. The Prince of Peace promises that anybody who in addition to keeping the commandments, teaches other people to keep them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.

The Holy Spirit enables us to keep God's commandments.

Christ is our Competence

"Such is the confidence we have through Christ in facing God; it is not that we are so competent that we can claim any credit for ourselves; all our competence comes from God." (2 Corinthians 3: 4-5)

The Holy Spirit helps us to be confident when we face God in prayer through Christ.

Jesus Christ is our light and our salvation. He is also our Savior. Christ is our competence in everything. "My grace is sufficient for you."

Fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit

"Lord, in your love fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit, who inspired the deacon Ephrem to sing the praise of your mysteries and gave him strength to serve you alone." (Feast of St Ephrem)

• The only thing you need is the Holy Spirit.

St Ephrem

"The Lord opened his mouth in the assembly, and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding and clothed him in a robe of glory." (Scripture text on the feast of St. Ephrem)

The Lord made Ephrem deacon, saint and doctor of the Church. He filled him with a spirit of wisdom and understanding.

The Lord will fulfill too His purpose in my life.

Little light

"You are the light of the world. … In the same way, your light must shine in people's sight, so that seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5: 14, 16)

Lord, how do you want my light to shine on people's sight today? What do you want me to do? How do you want me to spend my time today? How do you want me to interact with those whom I meet today?

Lord, I desire that your light shine on every thought, every word and every deed of mine this day.

The Holy Spirit is the Pledge

"It is God who gives us, with you, a sure place in Christ and has both anointed us and marked us with his seal, giving us as pledge the Spirit in our hearts." (2 Corinthians 1: 21 – 22)

I have a sure place in Christ Jesus. This is the special gift of the Father. But that is not all His gift to me. He has anointed me and sealed me with the Holy Spirit. Do I doubt the presence of the Spirit in me? Not at all! I know that God will complete the good work He has started in me. As long as I keep praying, I am winning. If God is with me, it is accomplished.

Hunger for Uprightness

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill." (Matthew 5: 6)

It is important to note that Jesus did not say: "Blessed are those who have righteousness…"

Righteousness is produced in the soul by the Holy Spirit. Our task is to sincerely desire and pray for it in season and out of season. In the fullness of God's time, our hunger shall be satisfied.

Father, grant me a great hunger and thirst for uprightness.

Father of Compassion

"Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God." (2 Corinthians 1: 3-4)

I am struck by two points in the above scripture:

1. God encourages us in every single affliction. It may not seem so but that is the truth.
   
2. We can only encourage others with the encouragement we have first received from the Father.
   

For the past many weeks, I have been enjoying the consolations of the Father in these areas:

• Enterprise
  
• Job
  
• Tools
  

Thank you Father. Now, lead and guide me to those you want me to encourage and enable me to do so.

Table of the Lamb

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." (John 6: 51)

This great promise of Jesus Christ is fulfilled everyday in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. It is also the memorial of His passion, death and resurrection. In one act, we encounter Jesus, the living bread that came down from heaven. In the same act, He invites us to feed on His flesh and blood. Blessed is he who is invited to the table of the Lamb.

The One Loaf

"Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." (1Corinthians 10: 16-17)

The Eucharist is a sign of the unity of the Church. The Church is one because we are nourished from the same loaf world-wide.

One Shepherd, one body and one loaf.

Do not forget God

"Do not forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery; who guided you through the vast and terrible desert with its seraph serpents and scorpions, its parched and waterless ground; who brought forth water for you from the flinty rock and fed you in the desert with manna, a food unknown to your fathers." (Deuteronomy 8: 14 – 16)

Do not forget God in your prosperity.

"O God, you have made us for yourself; our hearts are restless till they rest in you." Never allow us to prefer the gift to the giver of all gifts.

Eucharistic Presence of Jesus

"Lord Jesus Christ, we worship you living among us in the sacrament of your body and blood. May we offer to our Father in heaven a solemn pledge of undivided love. May we offer to our brothers and sisters a life poured out in loving service of that kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit…." (Mass Prayer on the feast of Corpus Christi.)

We Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist species. We also believe in His real presence in the Blessed Sacrament where the consecrated Host is reserved. Why does Jesus make Himself so readily available? So that we can come to Him and find life, love and peace.

Lord Jesus, help us to come to you in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament with deep faith and love. Enable us through the power of your presence to serve your people with love and perseverance.

Feast of Corpus Christi

"Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death. May our worship of this sacrament of your body and blood help us to experience the salvation you won for us and the peace of the kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen." (Mass Prayer on the feast of Corpus Christi)

The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ's suffering and death. The Eucharist celebrates our redemption. The Eucharist celebrates Christ's real presence with us in His Body and Blood.

Jesus Christ is everyday inviting everyone to come to the Eucharist. "Come and eat bread without money." The more we respond to this invitation, the more we experience the salvation Jesus Christ won for us.

The Eucharist brings us immense peace. Do you lack peace of soul? Then go often to the Eucharist. The Prince of Peace is waiting to immerse you in peace.

The Eucharist and the Abundant Life

"The Lord fed his people with the finest wheat and honey; their hunger was satisfied." (Psalm 81: 17)

The Eucharist is "the finest wheat and honey."

The Eucharist completely satisfies our hunger for the abundant life. "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."

Generosity

"In truth I tell you, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in money they could spare, but she in her poverty has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on."

This poor widow shows great faith. She understands that all things belong to God. She knew something else: No one can outdo God in generosity.

Constant Praise

"Then Raphael took them both aside and said, 'Bless God, utter his praise before all the living for all the favor he has shown you." (Tobit 12: 6)

God deserves constant praise and thanks. He renews His favors every day. Without faith, it is impossible to appropriate God's promises. Faith gives us access to God's promise of:

• Peace
  
• Pardon
  
• Power
  
• Protection
  
• Provision
  
• Purpose
  

Delighting in the Word of God

"And the large crowd was listening to him with delight." (Mark 12: 37)

Jesus Christ was not just a great teacher but He also had great communications skills. He must have been witty in the way He narrated the parables in particular and His teachings in general.

Do we listen to the Gospel with delight? The seed that fell on good and fertile soil produced much harvest.

Joys and Trials

"I can see you, my son, the light of my eyes." (Tobit 11: 14)

God afflicted Tobit with blindness for a short time to try his faith. Tobit like job was steadfast in faith during his period of trial. God healed him of his blindness.

"For, having afflicted me, he has had pity on me and now I see my son Tobias." (Tobit 11:15)

Lord, your providential designs for my life encompass joys and trials. Help me during the period of trials to call upon you and to trust you completely.

Eucharist and the Power to Endure

"Lord, at this celebration of the triumph of your martyrs, we have received the sacraments which helped them endure their sufferings. In the midst of our own hardships may this Eucharist keep us steadfast in faith and love…." (Prayer in Mass)

The Eucharist helps us to endure suffering. The Eucharist helps to keep us steadfast in faith and love.

 

Single-minded love of God and Neighbor

"Jesus replied, 'This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the One, only Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength ….. You must love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12: 29 – 30)

Single-minded love of God and neighbor is only possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. If our heart and mind urge us to love God and neighbor in this manner, we ask God to pour the Holy Spirit in our hearts to enable us to fulfill this command.

Imitation of Best Practice

"Tobias rose from the bed and said to Sarah, 'Get up, my sister, you and I must pray and petition our Lord to win his grace and his protection." (Tobit 8: 4)

Tobias shows here his faith in action. She got his bride to pray first for God's blessing before they consummate their marriage. God blessed them.

The Bible teaches us best practice. It shows us examples of good thought, good word and good deed. We are inspired to imitate these.

St. Charles Lwanga

"Father, you have made the blood of martyrs the seed of Christians. May the witness of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions and their loyalty to Christ in the face of torture inspire countless men and women to live the Christian faith…." (Prayer on the feast of St. Charles Lwanga)

Blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians. We sow blood. We reap committed lives for Jesus. "It is necessary for the Christ to suffer." There is also a divine necessity for the seed to die in order to yield fruit.

The Resurrection and the Life

'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will not die forever." (John 11: 25, 26)

Lord Jesus, grant us deep faith in you.

God of the living

"He is God, not of the dead, but of the living." (Mark 12: 27)

God created man for eternal life. He is God of the living and not God of the dead.

I will not be put to shame

"To you, O Lord I lift of my eyes. In you I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. No one who waits for you shall be put to shame; ……" (Psalm 25: 2-3)

I read the above scripture and I identify completely with the sentiments of the Psalmist. No wonder the Psalter is the prayer book of Israel and the prayer of the Church. The Psalms provide us with ready words in which to express our prayer. We can identify with much of the feelings and aspirations of the Psalmist.

I trust God for everything and I know that I will not be put to shame. He has been faithful every one of the almost 4700 days of the Enterprise. Surely my enemies cannot exult over me or ask: "where is your God?"

Caleb’s encouragement

Reading 1
Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35

The LORD said to Moses [in the desert of Paran,]
"Send men to reconnoiter the land of Canaan,
which I am giving the children of Israel.
You shall send one man from each ancestral tribe,
all of them princes."

After reconnoitering the land for forty days they returned,
met Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of the children of Israel
in the desert of Paran at Kadesh,
made a report to them all,
and showed the fruit of the country
to the whole congregation.
They told Moses:  "We went into the land to which you sent us.
It does indeed flow with milk and honey, and here is its fruit.
However, the people who are living in the land are fierce,
and the towns are fortified and very strong.
Besides, we saw descendants of the Anakim there.
Amalekites live in the region of the Negeb;
Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites dwell in the highlands,
and Canaanites along the seacoast and the banks of the Jordan."

Caleb, however, to quiet the people toward Moses, said,
"We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so."
But the men who had gone up with him said,
"We cannot attack these people; they are too strong for us."
So they spread discouraging reports among the children of Israel
about the land they had scouted, saying,
"The land that we explored is a country that consumes its inhabitants.
And all the people we saw there are huge, veritable giants
(the Anakim were a race of giants);
we felt like mere grasshoppers, and so we must have seemed to them."

At this, the whole community broke out with loud cries,
and even in the night the people wailed.

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron:
"How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me?
I have heard the grumblings of the children of Israel against me.
Tell them: By my life, says the LORD,
I will do to you just what I have heard you say.
Here in the desert shall your dead bodies fall.
Forty days you spent in scouting the land;
forty years shall you suffer for your crimes:
one year for each day.
Thus you will realize what it means to oppose me.
I, the LORD, have sworn to do this
to all this wicked assembly that conspired against me:
here in the desert they shall die to the last man."

The above scripture was the first reading in today's Mass all over the world. I was fascinated by the lessons. For me the greatest lesson is that every challenge and every trial is a test of faith. Whom do you trust? It is clear that the Israelite scouts who gave the negative and discouraging report on the expedition never put God into the equation. They demoralized the people by their human-based wisdom. On the other hand, Caleb gave a report full of faith and hope because he knew that one with God is always a majority. As I reflected on this, I thought of the Enterprise and all my impediments. I took encouragement from the lesson that one with God is always a majority.

Food for the journey

3

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life, going to Beer-sheba of Judah. He left his servant there

4

and went a day's journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death: "This is enough, O LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers."

5

He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat.

6

He looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again,

7

but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, "Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!"

8

He got up, ate and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb. (1 Kings 19: 3 – 8)

 

"There is no surer pledge or dearer sign of this great hope in the new heavens and new earth "in which righteousness dwells,' than he Eucharist. Every time the mystery is celebrated, 'the work of our redemption is carried on' and 'we break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1405)

 

I came today to the unshakeable conviction that frequent Eucharist is a major reason for maintaining me on course in this Journey. Thank you Jesus.

Prayer is the key

"This time the prayer of each of them (Tobit and Sarah) found favor before the glory of God, and Raphael was sent to bring remedy to them both." (Tobit 3: 16)

Prayer is the key to God's heart. Do not hang up on God. Hang in there. Persevere in prayer. Be assured that the time of answer will come.

To pray is to work

"Pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God." (Mark 12: 7)

To Caesar belongs taxes and civil obedience. To God belongs adoration, worship, love and service.

Through my taxes and work, I help to build up the city of man. When I build up the city of man in the spirit of Jesus Christ, I build up at the same time the city of God. Orare est laborare and laborare est orare.

The just man fears no bad news

"The heart of the just man is secure trusting in the Lord…… An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm trusting in the Lord." (Psalm 112:7)

Who is the just man? The man whose righteousness comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christ in us is our hope of glory.

About ten years, I confided the reflection below on Psalm 112: 7 to my diary:

The just man fears no bad news. When RD told me six weeks ago that he had bad news for me about casa, my heart did not fear. I trusted in the Lord to deliver me. And He did.

Our faith is supported by reason which in this case is evidence of experience. I have reason or experience to believe that God will deliver me from any crisis if I trust Him.

The Cross

"The message of the cross is folly for those who are on the way to ruin, but for those of us who are on the road to salvation it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1: 18)

God's folly is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1: 25)

The message of the cross comes to us through God's providential designs for our lives every day. The cross and all it represents is God's wisdom. Trust in it completely.

St. Justin Martyr

"Father, through the folly of the cross you taught St. Justin the sublime wisdom of Jesus Christ. May we too reject falsehood and remain loyal to the faith…" (Mass Prayer on the feast of St. Justin Martyr)

St. Paul writing to the Corinthians on the paradox of the cross says: "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:17-18)

The cause of Christ is served more through faith and prayer than any other means. "I promise to be your strength in proportion to the trust you place on me."

The Fables of the Wicked

"The wicked tempted me with their fables against your law, but I proclaimed your decrees before kings without fear or shame." (Psalm 119: 85, 46)

What are some of the fables of the wicked?

• Quick prosperity schemes
  
• Eternal youth drugs
  
• Peace and happiness without responsibility
  
• Money can buy anything
  

How does one stand his ground against such fables?

• By asking for the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit everyday
  
• By reading and meditating on the word of God day and night
  
• By prayer
  

 

Miracle of faith

"Lord, let the Church praise you for the great things you have done for your people. May we always recognize with joy the presence of Christ in the Eucharist we celebrate, as John the Baptist hailed the presence of our Savior in the womb of Mary…" (Mass Prayer on the feast of Visitation)

In this prayer, the Church recognizes the miracle of the recognition of Jesus still in the womb of Mary by John the Baptist who was in the womb of Elizabeth, the mother. Jesus Christ is truly present to us in every Eucharist. How do we recognize Him in the Eucharist? We recognize Him through the miracle of faith. Through faith, we see more than the physical eye is able to see. Faith enables us to see with the eye of the spirit.

Firm Belief

"Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for your firm believing, that the promises of the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1: 45, Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

The angel of the Lord declared to Mary that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God. Although, eye had never seen nor ear heard of such a thing, Mary believed firmly in God's promise. She knew that He who made the promise is faithful. It became done unto her according to her belief.

How do I emulate Mary's firm belief? What are God's promises to me here and now?

• The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. (Psalm 23)
  
• If God is with me, who can be against me? (Romans 8: 31)
  
• God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. (Isaiah 12: 2-3)
  
• Yahweh will do the fighting for me. (Exodus 14: 14)
  
• "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust." (Luke 8:50)
  

Isaiah says that faith that is firm is also patient. Like Mary I believe that God who made the above promises is faithful. He is not a man to lie nor is His hand too short to perform. God accomplishes whatever He wills come what may.

Fountain of Salvation

"God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation …." (Isaiah 12: 2-3)

What is the fountain of salvation?

It is the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, Christ Jesus speaks to us through His word. We answer Him through our prayers. Then He offers us His flesh and His blood as food and drink.

The Church teaches that the Eucharist is the source, the center and the summit of our Christian life.

Emmanuel 2

"Yahweh your God is there with you, the warrior-savior. He will rejoice over you with happy song, as on a day of festival. I have taken away your misfortune, no longer need you bear the disgrace of it." (Zephaniah 3: 17)

This is a happy prophecy. I rejoice whenever I see the promise of "God is with you." I respond: "If God is with me, then it is accomplished." All is well if God is with me; all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.

In the Old Testament, one of the greatest blessings comes from the promise "God is with you." The incarnation of this promise is the very person of Jesus Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us." Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the one who stands at the door and knocks. He has promised to be with anybody who opens the door for Him and welcomes Him into His house.

Lord Jesus, come in! The house is yours!

The Holy Spirit and Inspiration

"Father, you inspired the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your Son to visit Elizabeth and assist her in her need. Keep us open to the working of your Spirit, and with Mary may we praise you forever…." (Mass Prayer)

The Holy Spirit inspired Mary to visit Elizabeth. God is the source of all inspiration and power.

How would you feel if the Holy Spirit were to inspire you today on what to do on your job and give you the courage to do it? You will succeed in everything you do today. The one thing I need, the one thing I pray for with tenacity is for inspiration and power. The best things I have done in my life have all come through inspirations.

Father, keep me open to the working of your Holy Spirit and grant that I may praise you forever with Mary.

Great things the Lord has done for me

"Come, all you who fear God, and hear the great things the Lord has done for me." (Psalm 66: 16)

What great things has the Lord done for me recently?

• The Eucharist
  
• Study of His word
  
• Two clients who renewed their annual contract
  

When I meet the Lord in prayer every Monday morning, I review the blessings of the past week. One constant blessing I thank Him week after week is the blessing of enjoying the weekend particularly Sunday. Sunday has become my favorite day of the week. I enjoy the full Sabbath rest. I have come to realize the wisdom and love of God in granting us the Sabbath rest. The Sabbath rest is for me a time of physical, mental and spiritual renewal. It is amazing how much inspiration I receive for my job on Sundays. The mind is relaxed and the strength of the mind seems to come to full power when it is relaxed and under no pressure of time and space.

The Egyptians

"Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today. These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again. The Lord himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still." (Exodus 14: 13-14)

About fifteen years ago, I was in deep crisis with regard to my job and my future. I was in a hotel room and I could not sleep. I took up the Bible on the night stand, flipped it open and it fell on the above passage. I read it and was gripped by the message. I saw clearly my dire circumstances as the "Egyptians." I believed what I read. The "Egyptians" could be overcome with the help of God. I prayed and my conviction increased that God could help me to overcome the Egyptians. The critical moment of test arrived and God helped me to overcome the "Egyptians."

Since then, I had learned that prayer is the efficient cause for answer to our needs. I have also learned what faith means. It is the conviction that what God says is true. And growth in faith? It is the deepening of the conviction through experience that as God had acted previously in a crisis, He could act similarly in the present emergency.

Prayer is the efficient cause of answer

"Lord God, we worship you, a Trinity of Persons, one eternal God. May our faith and the sacrament we receive bring us health of mind and body." (Mass Prayer)

Faith is the efficient cause of access to God's promises of:

• Peace
  
• Provision
  
• Protection
  
• Power
  
• Purpose
  
• Pardon
  

This is because God is the first cause of all things. Prayer is the efficient cause of answer which comes in form of the above blessings. Prayer and answer form a loop in the divine plan of communication. When you prayer, expect an answer. I am often irked that some people send me an email without checking back for the reply. What do they expect? No reply?

Abba Father

"As a proof that you are children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" (Galatians 4:6)

As often as I am able to cry out from heart, "Abba, Father" I am reassured of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I should remember this each time I say the Lord's Prayer. Jesus Christ taught us to pray confidently to the Father. The Holy Spirit helps us to do so.

Believe in Jesus

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

Thank you Father.

What does it mean to believe in Jesus?

To believe in Jesus means to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him.

Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you." (2 Corinthians 13: 13)

Amen!

If the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is with me today, then everything will be fine.

"Perfect love drives out fear." With the perfect love of God for me on my mind, I will fear nothing.

Self-revelation

"Thus the Lord passed before him and cried out, 'The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity." (Exodus 34: 6)

God's self-revelation:

• A merciful and gracious God
  
• Slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity
  

How reassuring! How comforting! I find my strength today in your self-definition, O God.

Holy Trinity

"God, we praise you: Father all-powerful, Christ Lord and Savior, Spirit of love. You reveal yourself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in your life and your love. One God, three Persons, be near to the people formed in your image, close to the world your love brings to life….." (Opening Prayer on Holy Trinity Sunday)

God reveals Himself in the depths of our being. God draws us to share in His life and His love.

Gospel Truths

"Father, you sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us to worship you, one God in three Persons, by proclaiming and living our faith in you …." (Prayer in Mass)

Jesus Christ, the Word of God brought us the truth about God. The Holy Spirit makes us holy through the sacraments and the word of God.

The mystery of God's life could not be known without the gospel truths revealed by Christ. We worship God by proclaiming and living our faith in Him.

The Reason for the Choice

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

The choice, the call and the anointing.

God's choice of Israel is a mystery. God choice of everyone of us also a mystery. But the reason for the choice is not mysterious: to go and bear fruit that will last.

In order to achieve this purpose, there are two steps that must be taken:

First, to be with Jesus.

Then, to be like Jesus.

Being precedes doing.

Help me to believe

"I tell you, therefore, everything you ask and pray for, believe that you have it already, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)

What do I pray for today?

• Inspiration and power
  
• Blessing and prosperity for the work of my hands
  
• Protection from all evil and all anxiety
  

Jesus promises that if I believe they are mine already, they are mine. Lord, help me to believe.

Witnesses of 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 ……." (Opening Mass Prayer)

Form in us the likeness of Jesus.

Deepen His life within us.

Send us as witnesses of gospel joy to our families, friends and work places.

Touch our hearts with your love so that we can love others.

All things obey God

"By the words of the Lord his works come into being and all creation obeys his will." (Sirach 42: 15)

All things obey God. (Psalm 119: 91)

I delight so much in this attribute of God. Whatever God wills, He accomplishes. I can trust Him.

St. Augustine of Canterbury

"Father, by the preaching of St. Augustine of Canterbury, you led the people of England to the gospel. May the fruits of his work continue in your Church…" (Feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury)

God inspired and blessed the preaching of St. Augustine of Canterbury and used it to convert England.

"Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing." (John 15: 5)

One Shepherd

"I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will raise up one shepherd who will pasture them. I, the Lord, will be their God." (Ezekiel 34: 11, 23-24)

God will always provide pasture for his flock.

One flock, one shepherd. One Church, one pastor.

Hunger for the Bread of life

"Lord, strengthen us with the bread of life. May we always imitate St. Philip by hungering after the sacrament in which we find true life…" (Communion Prayer in the feast of St. Philip Neri)

• I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
  

The Eucharist is one critical path to this abundance of life promised by Jesus Christ. The Eucharist strengthens our inner being. By diminishing and eventually eliminating desire for that which is material and transitory, it elevates that which is permanent, that is the true life in us.

We ask the Lord to increase our hunger for the Eucharist always.

Leaving everything for Christ

"I solemnly tell you: those who have left everything and followed me will be repaid a hundredfold and will gain eternal life." (Matthew 19: 27 – 29)

Lord, I believe in your promise. Help me to leave everything and follow you with all my heart.

You also promised:

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (Matthew 6: 33)

Lord, I also believe in this promise. Help me to seek you first in every thought word and deed. Let it be done to me according to your word.

A fortified city

"For look, today I have made you into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze to stand against the whole country: the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests and the people of the country." (Jeremiah 1: 18)

How does God make us a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze? What resources does He provide us here and now to make these promises true?

• Holy Spirit
  
• Eucharist
  
• Blessed Virgin Mary
  
• Word of God
  
• Communion of the Saints
  
• Sacrament of Reconciliation
  

Constant use of the above resources would constitute anybody into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze.

Cheerfulness

"Lord, help us who offer this sacrifice of praise to follow the example of St. Philip. Keep us always cheerful in our work for the glory of your name and the good of our neighbor…." (Prayer in the Mass of St. Philip Neri)

The Eucharist is a sacrifice of praise.

Cheerfulness is an important gift in ministry. I will be cheerful today. I resolve to be always cheerful.

The Servant

"For the Son of Man himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10: 45)

Lord, I am humbled by your servant spirit. Give me the same spirit. Teach me how to serve.

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.