What is your favorite form of physical exercise? Why?

“Avoid profane and silly myths. Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.”  ( 1 Timothy 4: 7-8)

What is your favorite form of physical exercise? Why? ,,

Today, my favorite form of physical exercise is walking.  I thank God for my good legs.  I have enjoyed walking as long as I can remember but it has not always been my favorite exercise.  Some years ago, it was bicycling until I discovered that I missed something vital when I cycle.  I miss the joy of reflection.  You cannot do quality reflection during cycling.  You risk accident.  So, with walking, I kill two birds with one stone.  I exercise and I reflect. 

What do I reflect on during exercise?  Generally, what God is doing in my life.  I will be writing more on this.

"Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith." (Mark 5: 36)

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."
"On hearing this, Jesus answered him, “Do not be afraid; just have faith and she will be saved." (Luke 8:50)
"Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith." (Mark 5: 36)

Statistics, expert information, poll numbers, clinical diagnosis, bank statements, etc are some of the "facts" and "numbers" that terrorize the heart and mind of man.  In Mark 5: 36. we are told that Jesus disregarded the message that the little girl is dead and said, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  And with this, He confirmed the biblical principle that faith kills fear.  So when you receive that terrible diagnosis from your doctor, you know what to do.  Take it to Jesus and lay it out before Him.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ."  (Philippians 4: 4 - 7

You are no longer a temporary resident

"So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone."  (Ephesians 2: 19 - 20)

The Church is the household of God where all the members are full and fellow citizens.  We are citizens by choice and not by birth.  When we made the decision to be baptized or the decision was made for us by our parents, we become adopted children of God and members of God's household.  We become citizens of God's Kingdom.  As citizens, we have privileges and obligations.  Baptism makes us members of the Church and opens the door to full sacramental life.  The sacraments nourish the life of God in us and confirm and strengthen our citizenship.  As children, we love Our Father and obey His commandments.  We also love the Church and our fellow citizens in the Kingdom.

Thank you Father for the gift of your Son, Jesus.  Thank you for the Church.  Thank you for making us citizens of your Kingdom.

God indeed is my Rock of Refuge and my Stronghold. I shall not be put to shame.

"In you, LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me;
incline your ear to me;
make haste to rescue me!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to save me." (Psalm 31: 1-2)

God indeed is my Rock of Refuge and my Stronghold.  I shall not be put to shame.  I will trust Him because faithfulness is the essence of His name.

Last night I got one of the flashes of insight that I enjoy so much.  My three Mormon friends visited me and for a second Sunday, we had over an hour of discussion.  The foundation of Mormon doctrine and theology is the so-called apostasy committed by the Church after the death of the last apostle.  God waited till the mission of Prophet Joseph Smith in the early 1800 to renew His covenant with the world.  Elder Flowers saw a parallel with the Old Testament.  I was reflecting on this just before going to be at 11 pm last night when I was suddenly hit by the thought of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew.  I asked myself the question:  What is the central point of the Genealogy?  First to show that God is faithful to His promises and has the power to bring His design to fruition.  Secondly,   to demonstrate that sins and evil cannot derail the plan of God for the world.  There was just not one apostasy but many apostasies by the Chosen People in the Old Testament.   Inspite of this, God sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ at the appointed time to save the world.

Just as God was faithful in the Old Testament, so is He in the New Testament and in the Church Age and ever shall be world without end.  Amen!

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust." (Luke 8: 50; Mark 5: 36)

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  (Luke 8: 50; Mark 5: 36)

Jesus overheard what was said to Jairus about the death of his 12 year old daughter and said to him, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  I met people today who are terrified of end of life issues.  I said to them, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  I also added, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own perception.  In everything you do, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

The Christian has a silver bullet in his armor against fear: Faith!  Faith is generated by prayer and the word of God.  Faith destroys fear, worry and doubt.

The Lord will guard your coming and going

"The LORD will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your soul.
The LORD will guard your coming and going
both now and forever." (Psalm 121: 7-8)

What a gracious and precious promise.  Thank you Gracious Father for this comforting word.  How it gives me a feeling of well-being and security
St. Paul must  be thinking of this scripture when he says:

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4: 18)

Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit

"Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

How do we bear much fruit?  Abide in Christ.  What is the principle of productivity?  Abide in Christ.  What does abiding in Christ mean?  Abiding in Christ means that we are solidly and completely attached to Christ just as a branch is attached to the trunk of a tree.  The detached branch has no life of its own.  It withers and dies.

How do we abide in Christ? When we are baptized, Christ lives in us as our hope of glory.  The most Holy Trinity takes it abode in our soul.  We sustain this supernatural life in us by means of prayer and feeding on the word of God.  Jesus Christ gives us His flesh and blood for our food. This is the most direct and concrete way in which Christ abides in us.  We respond with faith and use prayer and the word of God to keep this communion alive.

If the communion with Christ is  broken by sin, Christ has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a means of cleansing us and reestablishing the communion.

Our fruitfulness depends therefore on this dynamic relationship with Christ in us our hope of victory and glory.

"For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people." (1 Peter 2:15)

"For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people."  (1 Peter 2:15)

The world is constantly scrutinizing every action of the believer in order to have some ground to criticize.  There is the suppressed rage that the Christian carries himself loftily as if superior to other men.  They will be delighted to pull him down a notch or two.

"Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect," Jesus stipulates.  In the Gospels and other parts of the New Testament, we see similar counsel to be irreproachable in behavior. I tend to cringe when I come across these prescriptions of behavioral standard for Christians.   I cringe because I fear that I may not be able to live up to the high standard.  And the idea of constant scrutiny of your every move is discomforting to me.

What shall we do in order to live this word of God with joy and peace?  The answer is to trust the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is in us to help us to live the Christian life.  If we practise every day acts of surrender to Him, He will lead, guide, teach and use us.

Bless the LORD, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts

"Bless the LORD, my soul;
and do not forget all his gifts,
Who pardons all your sins,
and heals all your ills,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
and crowns you with mercy and compassion,
Who fills your days with good things,
so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."  (Psalm 103: 2 - 5)

 The topic of our RCIA class today is Grace.  The presenter asked the class of any example of how God's grace has touched our lives.

I gave an example of how God's grace healed me of four addictions.  The healing from alcoholism was the most dramatic.  I received the grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  After a long confession in which I felt the confessor gave me a rather long counseling on the evil effects of alcoholism, I got back to my pew.  As soon as I knelt down to pray, I heard this  voice clearly:  "Do you want to be healed?"  "Yes Lord, I answered."  And with that, the craving for alcohol dried up.  When I finished my testimony, BAM said, "It is a miracle."  I said I knew it was a miracle.

"Bless the LORD, my soul;
and do not forget all his gifts,
Who pardons all your sins,
and heals all your ills,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
and crowns you with mercy and compassion,
Who fills your days with good things,
so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."  (Psalm 103: 2 - 5)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you"  (Jeremiah 1: 5)

Jeremiah received sanctifying grace in the womb for his prophetic mission.

"Before birth the LORD called me,
from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.*
He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword,
concealed me, shielded by his hand.
He made me a sharpened arrow,
in his quiver he hid me."  (Isaiah 49: 1 - 2)

Isaiah is another prophet who received supernatural grace in the womb for his mission.  Supernatural or sanctifying grace is the unmerited favor and permanent disposition God places in or soul that enables us to love God, respond to His love, love our neighbor and be god-like.  This is the same grace given to every Christian in Baptism. In the scriptures, we see instances of this in Isaiah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist.

Do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you

"Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you.
But 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: 12 - 13)

Times and seasons are divine appointment.

"1 There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. 2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. 6 A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. " (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8) 

The Lord's acts of mercy are not exhausted

"The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted,
his compassion is not spent;
They are renewed each morning—
great is your faithfulness!"  (Lamentations 3: 22 - 23)

How good it is to know that God's acts of mercies are not exhausted and that God will never be tired of being the Father of Mercies and the God of all consolations.  Father, thank you for giving us the consolation of the truth in your word.  I wake up every morning knowing that with the new day will be new favors.  Like David, I look out for them as the Day unfolds.  Faithfulness is the very essence of your name, O Father.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths."  (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Lord I need to trust you completely today with all my finances and jobs.  You have been good to me.  Help me not just to trust you but always and everywhere to know that I trust you.  Lead and guide every thought, word and action today.  I need also to trust you completely today with my family, health, tools, food and future.

Lord Jesus, let trusting you completely in everything today drive out all fears, worries and doubts from me.  You say:  "Perfect love drives out fear."  (1 John 4: 18).  You also say:  "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  (Luke 8:50; Mark 5: 36)  Lord, I want to trust you more than I want to do anything today.  Help me!

My yoke is easy and my burden is light

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

Lord Jesus, thank you for this beautiful and generous invitation.  I run to you to give me the promised rest from my labors and burdens.  I labor and find nagging questions about my productivity and fruits.  I am burdened by debt and my inadequacies.  You say, 'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.'  What do you want me to learn from you?  Your meekness and humility of heart?  So this is the price to pay for the promised rest?  I am prepared to pay it but you will help me.  Just as you cover me with your righteousness, give me as an act of mercy and grace a meek and humble heart.  Remember that you promise to give us anything we ask in your name.  I accept your yoke and your burden because I believe that your yoke is easy and your burden light.  I reject the alternative.

Every perfect gift comes from God the Father

"All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."  (James 1:17-18)

Every good gift we enjoy comes from God, who is the perfect Father.  He knows the needs of each of of His children.  Yesterday was Sunday and I enjoyed one of God's good gifts, a full Sabbath rest.  During my morning prayer on Monday, I gave thanks to God for the wonderful weekend He gave me to enjoy.  Less than an hour later, I was getting ready to leave the house.  I caught myself worrying about what the new day will  bring.  Then this scripture hit me:
"All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."  (James 1:17-18)

How could I think that the same God who dealt so mercifully with me during the weekend will abandon me on Monday?  Are there two Gods?  One for the weekend and the other for the weekday?  No there is only one God, the Father of mercies and God of all consolations who is the Father of lights who never changes.

My God, you are an excellent Father.  Help me to trust you on Monday as I trust you on Sunday.

Walk by faith and not by sight

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

When fears, anxieties and doubts assail my heart, I try to counteract them by remembering the precious promises of God in His word.  I hear this little voice in my head asking, "Can they be true?  They sound too good to be true."  When this happens, I remember this master word from Isaiah:

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

Yes indeed!  God's thoughts are not our thoughts.  His ways are not our ways.  Look at Sacred Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.  They are filled with stories of where God's thoughts and ways confound our little minds.  The greatest instances of these are found in the Gospel.  Jesus Christ, Son of God was born of a Virgin in a stable.  He was crucified and died.  On the third day, He rose again from the dead.  Although it is difficult for the human mind to comprehend these events, they are nevertheless true.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9)

If we want to enjoy the precious promises of God in our life, we must do what the Holy Spirit asks us to do - Walk by faith and not by sight.

The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes

"When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the farther they went from me,
Sacrificing to the Baals
and burning incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
but they did not know that I cared for them."  (Hosea 11: 1-3)

In the above scripture, the message could be:  God does all the work.  Baal takes all the credit.  How said!   The New American Bible titles the above scripture - 'The Disappointment of a parent.'  Mother and Father do all the work and the credit goes to an unknown friend of the child.  One important lesson I learned about the Holy Spirit is that He reminds us the marvelous things that God is doing in our lives.  Without this constant reminding, it is impossible to know.  If if you do not know, how can you give thanks?

Lord thank you for the Holy Spirit who reminds me of the wonderful things you do for me. (Psalm 118: 23)

How important is money to you?

How important is money to you?

Money has never  been very important to me.  All that I had ever wanted of money is what is sufficient for my need.  But the experience of debt which came  late in my life has made me more aware of the usefulness of money.  I have wondered from time to time what life would be like if I have no debt.  I know the answer.  If I have no debt, I would  be proud of my achievement.  Also absence of debt would make me more frivolous in my expenses.  Frivolity with spending of money come with much waste of time.

See what  debt has done for me:

1. Humility
2. Prudence with money
3. More time to enjoy life instead of constant windows hopping or bargain hunting. 

With the above, I can almost say with Paul:

"but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10)

Do you believe that you are earning what your job is worth? If not why not?

My believe today with regard to job and money is governed by three  scriptures particularly and many other scriptures in the word of God.

1. "Man does not live on bread alone.  There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God."  (Matthew 4:4)

2. "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4: 6-7)

3. "Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have.  for God has said, 
'I will never fail you.  I will never forsake you.'
That is why we can say with confidence,
'The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?"  (Hebrews 13: 5 - 6)

Do I believe that I am earning what my job is worth?  In the light of the three scriptures above, the answer is yes.  I ask the Holy Spirit  every day to grant me inspiration and power for my work.  Recently, I have added a prayer for deeper trust in the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is one thing for God to guide you every step.  It is a totally different thing to believe in that guidance.
God's thoughts are not our thoughts.  God's ways are not our ways.  We are asked to walk by faith and not by sight.

"Arise, go to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow there to feed you." (1 Kings 17: 9)

"Arise, go to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow there to feed you."  (1 Kings 17: 9)

God's powerful and loving providence is in full play in the above scripture.  God who appointed ravens to bring food to Elijah when he was in hiding has now appointed a poor widow of Zarephath to fulfill the task.

In the Temptations in the Desert, Jesus gave us a scripture rich in God's providence.  He answered Satan who tempted Him to turn stones into bread:  "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."  (Matthew 4: 4)

God is the first cause of everything.  Every other cause is a secondary cause.  It is up to the Primary Cause to use any cause He chooses to accomplish an objective.  Man can be fed with whatever means God chooses.  Bread is only one of the options.

In the case of the widow of Zarephath, God shows here  as throughout the bible and history His consistent predilection to use weak secondary causes to achieve mighty events.

"Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.  Accompanying him were the Twelve  and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,  Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources."  (Luke 8: 1 - 3) 

Lord Jesus, help me to trust completely in your divine providence.

"All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat; Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost!" (Isaiah 55: 1)

"All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, buy grain and eat;
Come, buy grain without money,
wine and milk without cost!"  (Isaiah 55: 1)

The offer of salvation is universal and free.  Everyone is invited. Although it is free, it is not cheap.  Juicy rich food is promised and not "wretched food."  Choice wine is made available for this Banquet of the Lamb.

Grain, water, wine and milk are types of the Eucharist.

In Numbers 21: 4 -5, the Israelites rejected the food given to them by God.
"From Mount Hor they set out by way of the Red Sea, to bypass the land of Edom, but the people’s patience was worn out by the journey; so the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!"  (Numbers 21: 4 - 5).

The wretched food they complained about is the manna, a type of the Eucharist.  In the Eucharist, Jesus Christ offers us Himself to be our food and drink.  The Church describes the Eucharist as "the sum and summary of our faith. 'Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking."  (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1327)

The Church commemorates the gift of the Eucharist in the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ)

Do you like to take risks in investing your money?

Do you like to take risks in investing your money?

Today, I have little or no money to invest.  I am not a gambler by nature.  I do not take unnecessary risk in life.  If I have money to invest, I will never take risk on it.  This is because risk taking comes with fear and anxiety.  There are two scriptures that come to me right now on this topic:

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4: 6-7)

"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have.  For God has said,
'I will never fail you / I will never forsake you.'
That is why we can say with confidence,
'The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?'  (Hebrews 13: 5-6)

Risky investment creates the condition for anxiety and rejects the counsel of Philippians 4: 6-7.  Taking risk in investing money could also be a symptom of a heart that loves money.  This person has no trust in the loving and powerful providence of God.

The widow contributed everything because she understood that God is responsible for all her time, talent and treasure

"For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood." (Mark 12: 44)

How much are you prepared to contribute to the Lord's work?  3%, 5%, 10% or more?  Jesus Christ praised the widow who was not content to contribute her leftovers but everything.  Although all she had is what has come to be known as the widow's might, she was willing to give it all.

The widow contributed everything because she understood that God is responsible for all her time, talent and treasure.  She trusted in God and knows that she would not be deprived by contributing all her worth.

Lord Jesus, take and receive all my time, talent and treasure as well as all my weaknesses.  I offer them all.  Help me by your grace to hold nothing back.  Amen!

By waiting and by calm you shall be saved

"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength.
But this you did not will."  (Isaiah 30: 15)

When I feel insecure, I run the Lord.  I do not run to Egypt.
The ever changing environment in which we live involves the following dynamics:  Health, family, money, job, tools, food, future.  The only constant in all these factors is change.  Things change and they can change rapidly.  The other thing that is constant in a world of frequent changes is Jesus Christ.  He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

"Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth,
for I am God; there is no other!"  (Isaiah 45: 22)

True security exists only in God.  "By waiting and by calm, you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength."  

If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you

"In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived.
But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it"  (2 Timothy 3: 12 - 14)

The idea of trials, persecutions and suffering being part and parcel of our Christian vocation is not surprising to anybody who is familiar with the scriptures.  This idea is as prevalent in the Old Testament as it is in the New.  Examples from the Old Testament are Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David and the prophets.  In the New Testament, the principal example is Jesus Christ Himself.  He asks anyone who wants to follow Him, to pick up his cross and come along.  The Church of the Pentecost understood immediately that what was true for Jesus in His earthly journey would be true of the early Church and down through the centuries to our day.  This is as inevitable as the divine necessity for the Messiah Himself:
"And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!  Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"

Why then does the persecution that comes with the Christian calling always a surprise to us?  Our surprise is in inverse proportion to our understanding of Sacred Scripture.  The more of Sacred Scripture we understand, the less we are surprised at the mystery of suffering.  The less Sacred Scripture we understand, the more we are surprised at the sufferings in the world including the big suffering in the life of  disciples of Jesus.
"Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.  And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me."  (John 15: 20 21)

Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand the mystery of suffering.

No trial has come to you but what is human

"No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it."  (1 Corinthians 10: 13)

I find the above scripture very helpful especially  periods of trial.  There are a number of truths here that if grasped will enable us to sail through any trial without too much collateral damage.  Let us look at the truths one by one:

First, we have the assurance that no matter the trial, some other human being has already faced it.  It is not unique to you.  It means much more if God says this in his word.

Secondly, we are reminded of God's faithfulness, wisdom, power, love and knowledge.  We know that if God permits this trial, we can be sure that it is measured to fit.  Once you discern that this trial is for you, acceptance becomes easier.

Finally, you are told to look for the way of escape provided by God in this trial.

1 Corinthians 10: 13 is a great scripture in a period of trial.

Stir into flame the gift of God

"For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control."  (2 Timothy 1: 6-7)

What are the gifts that I can stir into flame right here and right now?  I know that the Holy Spirit has blessed me with many gifts.  I know that today, I have been blessed with the gifts of feeding on the word of God.  I have also enjoyed the quiet time with the Lord which is a blessing.  Most importantly, I have been with the Lord in the Eucharist and have received His Precious Body and Blood.  How do I go about sharing these gifts?

I do not know how I can stir into flame these gifts.  But I know that the Holy Spirit who is the author of these gifts will help me if I ask Him.  If I trust Him to lead, guide and use me today, He will not disappoint.  O Holy Spirit, you have blessed me so much today.  I pray you to lead, guide and use me today.  I will trust you completely today for your continual guidance

May the glorious Father give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation

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

What difference does it make if I know for certain that our glorious Father has given me a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of Him?  This question brings to  mind  this word from Jesus:  Eternal life is to know the One true God and Jesus Christ, His Only begotten Son.  Do I feel that I have the seed of eternal life in me right here and right now?  I know for certain that the Holy Spirit dwells in me.  The scripture calls the Holy Spirit the down payment of the full gift of eternal life.  Christians can grow in the size of this deposit or down payment.  We grow in this by means of prayer, word of God, Eucharist, Sacrament of Reconciliation and other sacraments.  This is the prayer of St. Paul for the early Christian community in Ephesus.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!"  (Romans 8: 14 - 15)

Most Holy and Adorable Spirit, I believe that you are in me.  I know that I am led and guided by you.  But I pray you to help me to trust completely in your continual guidance.  My greatest desire today is for you to lead me, guide me and use me.  I want to depend on you always and everywhere  in all things.  I want you to be my teacher.  I am teachable.  I want to learn from you everything that I need to know about my life's purpose.  Lead me to the fullness of truth promised by Jesus Christ.  I believe that my purpose in life is to learn and communicate the faith.  Open doors of opportunities for me.  Keep me simple and humble like Jesus Christ.  Protect me always from the attacks of the evil one.

The spirit of slavery is the spirit of fears, worries and doubts.  This mean spirit is opposed to the Holy Spirit. It seeks to control the mind and heart through fears, worries and doubts.  Resist him. Cry out to the Holy Spirit to expel him from your domain.  Soak yourself in sacred scriptures.  Remember always your divine sonship.  Have a close relationship with God the Father.  If you cry out often enough, Abba, Father! which means, "My own dear very Father" the Holy Spirit in you will use this cooperation to dislodge completely the spirit of slavery from your mind and heart.

Build yourselves up in your most holy faith

"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit.
Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."  (Jude 1: 20 - 21)

How do I build up myself in the most holy faith?  I build up myself by means of the 7-Way Plan received from The Way Himself.  The 7-Way Plan has 7 elements:

1. Prayer
2. Word of God
3. Eucharist
4. Penance
5. Examen
6. Ministry
7. Spiritual Reading

"For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,  as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ,"  (Titus 2: 11-13)

Through the means of the 7-Way Plan, the Lord trains me to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age.  Fortified with grace, I wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ and the blessed hope of His coming.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart in all the areas of your struggle

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths."  (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Trust completely in the supreme and powerful providence of God over you.  Do not try to figure out the whys and the hows of His ways.  His ways are not your ways because His thoughts are not your thoughts.  Embrace without questions His disposal of events in your life.  This is the way you guarantee the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Commit to God unresolved issues in the areas of your health, family, finances, job, tools, food and future.  His divine providence offers step by step direction and minute by minute protection.   God has promised His children always and everywhere His pardon, peace, power, purpose, presence, protection and provision.

Trust God with all your heart.

The Story of 2 Women - Mary and Elizabeth

"During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah,  where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,  cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed are you who believed* that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."  (Luke 1: 40 - 45)

This is the story of two women, Mary and Elizabeth that was proclaimed in the Gospel of today, the feast of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.  As I heard this Gospel at the morning Mass today, my thoughts explored the differences between these two great Giants of our faith.

Mary is young.  Elizabeth is old.
Mary is newly pregnant.  Elizabeth is in her 6th month of pregnancy.
Mary is married to Joseph.  Elizabeth is married to Zechariah.
Mary and Joseph live in Nazareth.  Elizabeth and Zechariah live in a town of Judah.
Mary is conceived of the Holy Spirit.  Elizabeth owes her pregnancy to her husband.
Mary was visited by an angel before her conception.  Elizabeth's husband was visited by an angel before her pregnancy.
Mary was inspired by the Holy Spirit to sing her Magnificat.  Elizabeth was inspired by the Holy Spirit to sing her Hail Mary.
Mary is the Mother of Jesus.  Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ.

I saw clearly for the first time that the Gospel passage of Luke 1: 39-56 may well be one of the most important in the entire New Testament.  It bears a number of revelations and prophecies that continue to be true and inspire to this day.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth foretold the future place of Mary in salvation history.  The same Holy Spirit inspired Mary to predict that all generation shall call her blessed.  All generations indeed starting from apostolic times to this day continue to call Mary blessed always and everywhere.  After the name of Jesus, which is the most pronounced name everyday, the name of Mary is second.  Each time we say the Rosary, we pronounce the name of Mary at least 106 times.  Consider how many Rosaries are said all over the world everyday.  When you add them up plus the name of Mary in the liturgies and other prayers, that is a huge number.  Faced with this critical mass of data, who can deny that all generations are hailing her blessed.  Is this a coincidence or arbitrary?  No!  It is the fulfillment of the prophecy in the Magnificat of Mary.  God is faithful.

(2000th Blog - 053112)

You do not know what you are asking

"Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"  (Mark 10: 38)

Prayer is both praise and petition.  In my own case, most of my prayer is petition.  We are so burdened by the weight of flesh that the spirit in us barely has room to soar in praise.

What makes up my prayer of petition ?  I pray for good health, for job and financial success, for family, my daily bread and protection from evil.  Jesus reminds me today, "You do not know what you are asking of."  Yes Lord, you are right.  I do not know what I am asking of.  I should trust you completely with every area of my life.  You know what is best for me.  I trust you to take care of me.

Your word to me, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well," is true.  Help me never to doubt it.

For although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike

"At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike." (Matthew 11: 25)

Knowledge puffs up but love builds up.  God's modus operandi is to reveal the secrets of the kingdom to the childlike.  What are these secrets?  They are mysteries which the mind of man cannot fully understand.  Yet once they are revealed are found to be reasonable.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul often compares the wisdom of this world and the wisdom that comes from above.  Although the wisdom of this world deals only with the material creation, they tend to puff up those who have it.  Those who possess this wisdom pretend that they know everything.

St. James in his letter writes of two types of wisdom:  Wisdom that comes from above and the earthly wisdom.  The wisdom that comes from above bears the marks of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  While earthly wisdom bears all the signs of the Father of lies.

The hidden things of the kingdom are revealed to the childlike.  The childlike are those who have hearts and minds disposed to God.

Lord Jesus, make me childlike.

Jesus Christ became poor so that I might become rich

"For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich."  (2 Corinthians 8: 9)

In order to appropriate the promises designed for us in the word of God, we must understand the meaning of the word.  I realize lately that I do not understand the meaning of many scriptures that I thought I did.  An example is 2 Corinthians 8:9.  What does it mean that Christ became poor so that by His poverty, I may become rich?

Early this morning, I read a couple of commentaries on the scripture and was surprised by what I discovered.  Christ is the Son of God, creator of heaven and earth and all that is seen and unseen.  He is the Lord of history.  The destiny of the entire world is in His hands. He owns all the silver and gold, all the banks and deposits.   Can you get richer than that?  Yet, Christ chose to be born in a stable in Bethlehem.  Born of poor parents, he learned carpentry as His trade.  Throughout His public ministry, He depended on women to provide for His needs from their meagre resources.  When He died, He had no wealth to bequeath to His mother.  On the cross, He entrusted the care of His mother to his disciple, John.  He was buried in a borrowed grave.

Out of His passion, death and resurrection, He bestowed freely on us the greatest gift of redemption, the person of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the source of all inspiration and power.  He is resourcefulness Himself.  If we have the Holy Spirit, we are potentially rich in every resource, of which the most important is faith.  Gold though tested by fire perishes.  Faith never perishes.  With faith all is possible.

Lord, open my eyes to see how rich you have made me.  Amen!

St. Philip Neri - Cheerful disposition

"And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Romans 5: 5)

May 26, Feast of St. Philip Neri - From the Roman Missal, we have the following:

"(1515 - 1595).  Born in Florence, he was ordained in 1551, and in 1564 he founded the Congregation of the Oratory.  He is noted for his zeal in converting sinners through the Sacrament of Penance, and for his cheerful disposition.  He was a catechist and a spiritual guide of extraordinary talent.  He was canonized in 1622."

St. Philip Neri had four gifts I want for myself:

1. Zeal in converting sinners through the Sacrament of Penance
2. Cheerful disposition
3. Catechist
4. Spiritual guide

As St. Philip the Apostle is the model of my mission in his relation to the Holy Spirit, St. Philip Neri is the model of the gifts I need to fulfill my purpose.

Opening Prayer on the feast of St. Philip Neri:

"Father, you continually raise 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 Philip Neri.  We ask his through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son..."

Without this fire of the Holy Spirit, our ministry will only be mediocre.

The Holy Spirit will remind you of all that I told you

"The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you."  (John 14: 26)

Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Thank you for His activities in my life.  I bear witness to the truth that the Holy Spirit is the best Teacher.  I depend on Him when I want to learn anything.  Today I am praying to Him to make me as great a teacher as Jesus.  O Divine Spirit, give me the gift of teaching with simplicity.

Thank you O Holy Spirit for reminding me of the favors God has bestowed on me.  Without this reminding, I would forget many blessings I enjoy from God.  I love all your gifts O Spirit of God.  One of the gifts I love most is your reminding me of the good things that God has done for me.  This constant reminding makes me constantly thankful and constitutes a solid wall of protection during hard times.

Come O Holy Spirit.

Approach the throne of grace with confidence

"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."  (Hebrews 4: 16)

Those who dare to approach the throne of grace with confidence receive abundant favors.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,* and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11:28)

"All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, buy grain and eat;
Come, buy grain without money,
wine and milk without cost!"  (Isaiah 55: 1)

"Blessed* are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19: 9)

The Power to testify

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.
And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning."  (John 15: 26 - 27)

Lord, fill us with you Holy Spirit that we will bear witness to you in the Lord.  Empower us with your Spirit of truth that we shall spread the knowledge of your name among our brothers.  Without you, we can do nothing.

The Mediator

"On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you.
For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God."  (John 16: 26 - 27)

Prayer should be in the name of Jesus for He is our Mediator and Intercessor.  In the past few weeks, the Gospel readings at daily Mass have been taken largely from St. John's Gospel.  We read again and again Jesus urging us to ask in His name and we shall receive.  The promise today goes one step further.  The engaged disciple is now no longer a baby.  He loves Jesus.  This love is evidence of the Holy Spirit who has made a home in the disciple's heart.  This disciple starts to enjoy the full benefits of his love for Jesus.  Jesus knows his needs and takes them to the Father and the Father graciously obliges.  Thank you Jesus.

The Peace of Jesus

"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16: 33)

The peace of Christ surpasses all understanding.  (Philippians 4: 7)
"Let the peace of Christ control your hearts."  (Colossians 3:15)  When the peace of Christ keeps guard over the heart, then the person is peaceful under every circumstance.  He is not at the mercy of events and circumstances.  We come to this condition by accepting in faith the peace offered to us by Jesus in John 16: 33.  Before this, we reject the flippant and conditional peace offered by the world.  A peace that depends on the weather is no peace at all.   Whatever is the event or circumstance, we refuse to be anxious but by prayer and petition mixed with thanksgiving, we make our requests known to God.  Whenever I live this word of God, I have felt the peace promised by Jesus Christ.  It is peace that the world cannot understand or replicate.

Jesus Christ wants His followers to enjoy peace.  I am amazed at the number of times the word peace is repeated during holy Mass.

I am with you always

"Behold, I am with you to the end of the ages." (Matthew 28: 20)

What if we know for certain that Jesus is with us always?  If we know for certain that Jesus is with us always, we will act with more courage on His word that "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  We are more likely than not  obey His commands.

God's word is true.  If Jesus says that He is with us always, that is what it is.  He is not a man to lie.  Lord, grant me the grace to act here and now as if you are truly with me.  Amen!

I am with you always

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,  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)

"I am with you always."  What a promise!!  What will you do if you know that this promise is absolutely true?  If I know with absolute certainty that this promise is true, I will not walk but run everywhere to announce the Goodnews.  How sad that there should even be a doubt on this!

"The promises of the LORD are sure, silver refined in a crucible, silver purified seven times."  (Psalm 12: 7)

Dear Jesus, help me to trust completely in your promises.  Let your words drive my life.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to surrender completely to all His actions in me.

God is not far from us

"He made from one the whole human race to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions, so that people might seek God, even perhaps grope for him and find him, though indeed he is not far from any one of us."  (Acts 17: 26 - 27)

God is not far from any of us.  But we can recognize His presence only if we seek Him.  If we grope for Him we shall surely find Him.  Times and seasons are there to teach us that God is not only faithful but very close.  When we seek Him in prayer, He hears us instantly and often answers without delay.

The Spirit of truth

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth...."  (John 16: 13)

Lord, the Spirit of truth has come.  You have fulfilled your promise.  I need your precious and loving Spirit to guide me to the whole truth on your plan for me with regard to the work, finances, family, tools, food and future.  Bless me also with the gift of discernment of spirits so that I can know your will for me in everything.  Fill me with the fruits of your Holy Spirit so that I can bear much fruit for you in the world.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last."  (John 15:, 16, 19)
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

He raises the needy from the dust

"He raises the needy from the dust,
lifts the poor from the ash heap,
Seats them with princes,
the princes of the people,
Gives the childless wife a home,
the joyful mother of children." (Psalm 113: 7 - 8)

My Lord, you are the hope of the poor.  You always hear the cry of the poor.  Look upon me with mercy.  Do not allow that I succumb to the influence of evil in sadness, discouragement, auto-criticism, regrets or impatience.   Rather let me remain true to your gift of life.  Amen

The Spirit of truth

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate  to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you."  (John 14: 15 - 17)

Lord, I love you and want to keep your commandments.  Since I cannot keep them without your Holy Spirit to help me, please ask the Father to fill me with your precious Spirit.  Then I will keep all your commandments.
Then I will bear witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers.

Lord, you also promise that your Spirit will be with me always.  This is terrific.  If He is with me always, will He always guide me continually?  Sometimes I have problem in recognizing His continual guidance.  As we approach the celebration of Pentecost in two weeks time, I ask you to grant me the grace to always recognize the presence of your Spirit in me and to discern and accept His guidance in all things.

They grow stronger in faith

"Day after day the churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number. " (Acts 16: 5)

What is growth in faith?  It is the growth in the understanding and acceptance of the truths of faith.  It is also growth in appropriating God's generous promises in His word.  As we appropriate these promises and watch the fulfillment in our lives, our faith grows.

Lord Jesus, you brought us the consolation of the truth.  Thank you Jesus.

Go and bear much fruit

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you." (John 15: 16)

Yes, Lord.  I know you chose me.  I did not choose you.  I remember at time when I thought that I chose you.  Thank you for your patience.  Thank you for teaching me.  You chose me to go and bear fruit that will last.  Today more than ever, I want to do this.

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

The Witness

"And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us.He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts."  (Acts 15: 8 - 9)

The Holy Spirit in us bears witness that we are indeed here and now the children of God.  It is amazing how people from different Christian traditions experience and express this same reality.  The presence of the Holy Spirit in us is the sure guarantee of the life of God in the soul.   We call it sanctifying grace.  It is sanctifying because the function of the Holy Spirit in us is to make us holy.  He convicts us of sin and leads to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  He renews our mind through His living word and makes us conform to Christ and not to the world.  He reminds us what Jesus has taught us through His word and through the Eucharist.  He is also the voice that "speaks in court."  Court here meaning any place where we need to bear witness to Jesus.

O Most Beloved Holy Spirit, fill me with your precious Self.  Fill me also with your gifts.

Bear much fruit

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."  (John 15: 7-8)

The Father will be glorified when I bear much fruit.  What fruits are expected of me here and now?  Mango trees do not bear apple fruits.  Apple trees bear apple fruits and mango trees bear mango fruits.  As one baptized in Christ, I am called to holiness.  I bear fruits that bear evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in me.  I bear fruits of love, joy, kindness, purity, gentleness, etc.

The Holy Spirit also equips me with special charisms to enable me to build up the Body of Christ.  These charisms are faith, teaching and prophecy.  I use these charisms to bear fruit in the area of my purpose:

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15: 16, 19)
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21:23)

The Divine Necessity of the Cross

"Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (Luke 24: 26)

At the heart of the Paschal Mystery is the Cross.  The Cross is a divine necessity.  It was so for Christ.  It is so for every one of us.  To reject the cross is to reject Jesus Christ.  To embrace the cross is to embrace life and glory.

My Peace I leave with you

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."  (John 14: 27)

Let the promised peace of Christ control my heart and mind today.  Let the word of Christ dwell in me richly.  (Colossians 3: 15, 16)   I will trust in Jesus completely today and enjoy His peace no matter whatever happens.  The Lord's peace will abide in me and with me even if war is raging in all the 7 war zones of health, family, finances, job, tools, food and future.

I will have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make my requests known to God.  The peace of Jesus Christ which surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and mind always throughout this day.  (Philippians 4: 4 - 6)  Thank you Jesus.

Bearing abundant fruit

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

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

The choice, the call and the anointing all have one objective:  to bear much fruit.  We are chosen, called and anointed to bear abundant durable fruit.  How do we achieve this lofty objective?  Remain in Christ and allow Christ to remain in us.  We achieve this principally through the word of Christ and through the Eucharist.  Jesus Christ is present in His word.  This is why His word is alive and powerful.  The Eucharist is the real body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.  When we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we achieve a level of communion and intimacy with Jesus that is beyond compare with any experience we could ever have with God.

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers."  ((Psalm 17: 50; 21:23)  This is bearing fruit.

The Double Promise

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

I call this the double promise.  Jesus is the Goodnews.  His name is a gold mine.  Ever since I had the dream of falling from a cliff and saved by calling the name of Jesus, I have cultivated this Name.

It was a breakthrough moment in my study of Sacred Scripture to realize that the Goodnews is Jesus and that Jesus is the Goodnews.   He is the truth, the way and the life.  He is the Lord of history.  In His hands are all our destiny.  Since the Giver of all good things includes Himself as the Object of gift, can we ask less than the supreme gift?

Lord, I ask that you fill me utterly with your Holy Spirit.  Give me also the gift to surrender completely to Him so that He will transform me into your image.

Do not let your heart be troubled

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?"  (John 14: 1-2)

What a beautiful word for this morning.  I will make a conscious effort to remember this today.   I have faith in the Father.  I believe He is a loving and merciful Father.  I believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.  He is my Savior, my King and my best Friend.

But sometimes I let my heart be troubled when I forget these truths.  Is there anyway I can remember now and always that God is indeed my Father?  "Perfect love drives out fear."  (1 John 4:18).

Lord make me aware of your unconditional love for me so that my heart will not be troubled today by anything.

If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.

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

Thank you Jesus for this promise.  I take them very seriously.  Your word is true.  You are not man to lie.  Therefore with bold confidence, I ask for the filling of your Holy Spirit.  I ask that throughout this day, I will be conscious of the presence of your Holy Spirit.  I ask that I will trust absolutely in His complete guidance.  I want Him to lead, guide and use me fully this day.  All this I ask for dear Jesus in your name.  Amen!

Now, if I doubt that the Lord will do as He promised, where will the fault lay?  Squarely on me.

You did not choose me

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you."  (John 15:16)

The choice, the call and the anointing.

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!"  (Psalm 17: 50; 21:23)

How do I accomplish this?  In the fullness of time, the Holy Spirit will tell me.  In the meantime, I wait.  While I wait, I live the 7-Way Plan.

The anointing provides the power.

You shall enjoy the fruits of your labor

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
and who walk in his ways.
What your hands provide you will enjoy;
you will be blessed and prosper."  (Psalm 128: 1-2)

This is the Entrance Antiphon for the feast of St. Joseph the Worker which is celebrated today, May 1.  Note the promise: your shall enjoy the fruits of your labor and it shall be well with you.  But don't forget the condition or the path to this blessing: Fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

When I read the above scripture this morning, I asked myself:  Can I honestly say that I enjoy the fruits of my labor and that all is well with me?  My initial reaction is to say no.  How can I say that I enjoy the fruits of my labor when it appears that I need money more often than not?  Then I remembered this scripture:

"But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,* and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."  (Matthew 6: 33 - 34)

These are the very words of Jesus.  They are true.  As long as I seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, I should have absolutely no doubts that all that I need here and now is mine and that I enjoy what my hands provide.  Then I remember too this scripture:

"The LORD is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures he makes me lie down;
to still waters he leads me;
he restores my soul.
He guides me along right paths
for the sake of his name."  (Psalm 23: 1-3)

Lord Jesus, I know your words are true.  I know too that you have been good to me.  Help me to see clearly your design for me with regard to provisions of my needs.  Give me the grace to embrace your plan so that I can feel that I enjoy the fruits of my labor and that all is well with me.  Amen!

More Abundant life

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."  (John 10: 10)

Man is a composite of body and spirit.  To live fully, man must feed the physical and spiritual parts of his nature and draw strength from both.

"Man does not live on bread alone."  (Matthew 4:4).  We need also the Manna from Heaven in order to live a full, balanced and abundant life.  God in His divine providence provides man with all that he needs to live a full, balanced and abundant life.  These gifts are:
Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Presence, Protection and Provision

Man and Bread

“It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

God’s loving providence provides man with everything that he needs to live a fully human life, viz:

1.       Pardon

2.      Peace

3.      Power

4.      Purpose

5.      Presence

6.      Protection

7.      Provision

Provision of bread, #7 is one element of the many provisions in that category that man needs to live a fully human life.  Abraham Maslow's principle of hierarchy of human needs teaches very much the same truth.

Into your hands I commend my spirit

The Responsorial Psalm of today’s Mass is so powerful that I decided to have it as my Blog.  I hope it will also minister to whomever happens to visit this page.

R. (6a) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
My trust is in the LORD;
I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence
from the plottings of men.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Courtesy of:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042412.cfm

Into your hands O Lord, I commend my family, health, finances, job, tools, food and future.  You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.  My trust is in you; I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy.

Fullness of life

“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”  (Matthew 4:4)

God’s powerful providence always and everywhere provides man with everything he needs for life.  If man does not live by bread alone, what else does he live by?  Because man is a composite of soul and body, he requires much more to satisfy his needs than only bread.  Man needs pardon and the consequent freedom from guilt; peace of soul to keep him sane.  Man needs the power that comes from outside himself to realize certain objectives.  If he has no purpose in life, his life will be aimless.  A purposeful life is a happy life.  One needs also to feel the presence of God in his life.  The world is full of hazards both spiritual and physical.  Therefore man needs protection from evil forces.  And finally, man needs provision of food, water, clothing and shelter.  No single individual can provide all these for himself.  The promises of God for a full life can be grouped under 7 P’s:

Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Presence, Protection, Provision.

When Jesus says “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4), we recall the original text in Deuteronomy 8:

"Remember how for these forty years the LORD, your God, has directed all your journeying in the wilderness, so as to test you by affliction, to know what was in your heart: to keep his commandments, or not. He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your ancestors, so you might know that it is not by bread alone that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. The clothing did not fall from you in tatters, nor did your feet swell these forty years. So you must know in your heart that, even as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD, your God, disciplines you. Therefore, keep the commandments of the LORD, your God, by walking in his ways and fearing him." (Deuteronomy 8: 2 - 6)

Maslow’s famed theory of hierarchy of needs teaches that man’s needs are more than food, shelter and clothing.  Unlike the animals, man needs intellectual, emotional and spiritual gifts in order to satisfy him completely and open the door to a  full life for him.  Jesus promises, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”  (John 10:10)

If we trust God, He leads and guides us to the fullness of life.

The Presence of Jesus

“But he said to them, ‘It is I.  Do not be afraid.’  They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.”  (John 6: 20 – 21)

As soon as the disciples discerned the presence of Jesus, they realized that they have arrived where a little while ago, they wondered if they would ever make it.  So it is in all our struggles in life.  When we become aware that Jesus is with us and for us, we know that all is well.  If Jesus is with us, the task is accomplished.  

Consolation of the truth

The three scriptures below are the consolation of the truth from today's Mass reading - Second Friday of Easter

1. "So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him." (Acts 5: 38 - 39) 
2. "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? \ One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple. / I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14)
3. "When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do." (John 6: 5 - 6)

Many are the trials of the saints

“Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him.”  (Psalm 34: 20)

Why are the saints not spared the troubles of life?  Why do they seem to have more problems in the areas of the 7-War Zones:  health, family, money, job, tools, food, and future?  This is a perplexing question.  Although Psalm 34:20 tells us that the Lord eventually delivers His holy ones from all troubles, the Psalm does not tell us why He allows them to go through the experience in the first place.   The Letter of St. James 1: 2-4  under the heading of “The Value of Trials and Temptation” gives us an acceptable answer:

“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  And let perseverance be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  (James 1: 2-4) (NABRE)

Trials are the preordained means through which the Lord imparts to us the strength to persevere.  Without perseverance, nobody can make it to heaven.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”  (2 Corinthians 12: 9)

"I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me." (Philippians 4: 12 - 13)

Note that St. Paul says in Philippians 4: 13, “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.”   The strength comes through perseverance in trials. 

The dictionary defines perseverance thus: 

1.        Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc. , especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

2.       Theol.  Continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

Perseverance in trials is necessary for eternal salvation.

The Lord delivered me from my fears

“I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look for him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”  (Psalm 34: 4-5)

The Lord is delivering me from my fears, worries and doubts.  At first, I thought that this is a once and for all deliverance.  But I am finding out in this Easter season that it is a progressive deliverance.   Deliverance come as and when needed; it comes as and when we ask for it.  Deliverance comes in proportion to the trust we place on the Deliverer, Jesus.

In the desert, the Israelites were commanded to gather the manna they needed just for one day.  “Give us this day our daily bread,” Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer.  Learning to live one day at a time is the best way to live.   Blessings and challenges are distributed day by day.   “So do not be anxious about tomorrow; tomorrow will look after itself.  Each day has troubles enough of its own.”  (Matthew 6:34)

Continual Guidance 4

"Then the LORD will guide you always and satisfy your thirst in parched places, will give strength to your bones And you shall be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

"The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; 3 he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23: 1-4)

The Lord led me to freedom

“The Lord led his people to freedom and they shouted with joy and gladness, alleluia.”  (Psalm 105: 43)

This is Easter week.  I feel that the Lord is leading me to freedom from the slavery of fear, worry and doubt.  I have not felt as much joy and peace in the midst of circumstances that would have made me very nervous in the past.  Thank you Jesus.