Free to preach the Gospel

2 Timothy 4:17

"17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth."

"When we proclaim God's Word, we need not be chained by compulsive behavior, imprisoned by sin, or paralyzed by the fear of death (see Rv 11:11-12). The truth of God's Word sets us free (Jn 8:32). God's Word is the key to freedom. On this glorious feast, turn the key to unlock your chains, spring yourself from prison, and give yourself real freedom." (Presentation Ministries - June 29th 2013)

Yes I will do it

"And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately."  (Matthew 8: 2 - 3)

Lord Jesus, if you will, you can transform me.  You can fill me with the Holy Spirit and all His gifts.  I want you to do for me what you did for the leper.  Touch my head and say to me, "Yes, I will do it."  Now give me the faith to receive.  I ask for this in your Name Jesus.  Amen!!

"Come," says my heart, "seek his face;" Your face, Lord, do I seek."  (Psalm 27:8)

Source of blessings

"Unless the LORD build the house,

they labor in vain who build.
Unless the LORD guard the city,
in vain does the guard keep watch.
It is vain for you to rise early
and put off your rest at night,
To eat bread earned by hard toil—
all this God gives to his beloved in sleep."  (Psalm 127: 1 -2)

"But Moses answered the people, “Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the LORD will win for you today. For these Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again.
The LORD will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”  (Exodus 14: 13 -14)

"to Egypt whose help is futile and vain.
Therefore I call her
“Rahab Sit-still.”  (Isaiah 30: 7)

"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)

"Otherwise, you might say in your heart, “It is my own power and the strength of my own hand that has got me this wealth.”
Remember then the LORD, your God, for he is the one who gives you the power to get wealth, by fulfilling, as he has now done, the covenant he swore to your ancestors."  (Deuteronomy 8: 17 - 18)

"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)

"It is the LORD’s blessing that brings wealth,h
and no effort can substitute for it"  (Proverbs 10: 22)

"“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.
 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’
All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
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: 25 34)

"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)

"Give us today our daily bread;"  (Matthew 6: 11)

Building on a foundation of rock

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock." (Matthew 7: 24 - 25)

"Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves." (James 1: 22)
Power comes from doing.

"He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Luke 11: 28)
Blessings come from obeying the word.

"I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them." (Luke 6: 47)
The man who listens to the word of Jesus and acts on them is like one who builds his home on a foundation of solid rock.  No rain, no storm, no hurricane or flood can destroy that house.

"For it is not those who hear the law who are just in the sight of God; rather, those who observe the law will be justified." (Romans 2: 13)
Emphasis again is on observing, acting and doing.

"Children, let no one deceive you. The person who acts in righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous." (1 John 3: 7)

• Believe what you read.
• Teach what you believe.
• Practice what you teach.

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

Unless the Lord builds

Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord Builds the House

127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city,the watchman stays awake in vain.2 It is in vain that you rise up earlyand go late to rest,eating the bread of anxious toil;for he gives to his beloved sleep."

Do good to every person

"“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7: 12)

Lord, grant me a merciful heart for every person I meet today.  Help me to bear witness to your word and wisdom by thinking of, speaking to and acting towards every person exactly the way I want them to do to me.

St. John the Baptist who is synonymous with bearing witness, pray for me.

He is the most effective witness

"A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him."  (John 1: 6 - 7)

St. John the Baptist bore a most befitting testimony to Jesus Christ.  He pointed out the Lamb of God to the world.  That is witness par excellence.  By his lifestyle and preaching, he called people to repentance.  This repentance prepare hearts and minds to receive the message of Jesus Christ.

How can we witness to Jesus Christ today?  The best practice in bearing witness is John the Baptist.  If we want to bear effective witness to Jesus Christ, we must do what John the Baptist did.  We must point people to Jesus.  By our lifestyle and word, we must invite people to conversion.

We teach people to use the word of God to deal with the daily challenges of health, family, finances, job, tools and property.   We use every opportunity to point people to the source of power, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  When we choose to be patient under the various challenges of daily living, people notice.  When we choose to be cheerful rather  than gloomy, we bear witness to a peace which the world cannot offer. Christ came to free us from the shackles of sins so that we can enjoy the freedom of the children of God.  Sin deprives us of the freedom to live the abundant life that Christ promises His disciples.

Let go and live

Luke 9:23-24

'Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."

"I let go of my desire for security." 
"I let go of my desire for affection ."
"I let go of my desire for control ."
"I let go of my desire to change the situation ."
"I let go of my desire for perfect health ."
"I let go of my desire for perfect family harmony ."
"I let go of my desire for the perfect job."

I let go and live!!

Take up your cross and follow me

"Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." (Luke 9: 23 - 24)

The Church teaches that the cross is the ladder to heaven. (CCC 618)  This is not an easy saying.  The cross comes to us through the ordinary pathways of life: Health, Family, Finances, Job, Tools/Property, Food and Future.  Each of these can be a blessing or a cross at anytime.  It is impossible to pick up one end of the stick without picking up the other.  The cross comes with the territory of life.

How do we pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus?  We read and accept the word of God on the inevitability of the cross in life.  Through prayer, we prepare for all the surprises of life.  When the cross appears, we use the tool of prayer to deal with the situation.  We ask God for help.

My grace is sufficient for you

"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."  (2 Corinthians 12: 9)

"The Lord has more need of our weakness than of our strength: our strength is often His rival; our weakness, His servant, drawing on His resources, and showing forth His glory. Man's extremity is God's opportunity; man's security is Satan's opportunity. God's way is not to take His children out of trial, but to give them strength to bear up against it "  (Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible"

Where is your treasure?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.
But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."  (Matthew 6: 19 - 21)

We seek not tainted riches but pearl of the greatest value.

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

We resolve to make the seeking of the pearl of the greatest value our top priority always and everywhere.  We understand that in doing so, we gain all riches at the same time.

"I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."  (Luke 6: 9)

Lord, never let our hearts be tempted by dishonest wealth.

What we sow and how we sow in the vineyard of the Lord

"Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
 Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work."  (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 8)

Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
What do we sow and how do we sow in the vineyard of the Lord?

• We sow time (symbol is clock and watch)
• We sow talent (symbol is our key instrument of livelihood. For me, it is computer and smartphone)
• We sow treasure (symbol is savings, checking and credit accounts)
• We sow tools (symbol is property, cars, homes)

We sow the above in full realization that all that we have come from God.  We sow knowing also that we can never outdo God in generosity.  Our sowing is a product of prayer and forethought and not an accident or spontaneous reaction.  We sow joyfully knowing that God loves a cheerful giver. We sow the maximum realizing that minimum sowing produces minimum fruit.

"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, alleluia."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

God is the Guardian of my rights

"Blessed the one whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD, his God,
The maker of heaven and earth,
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
who gives bread to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free;"  (Psalm 146: 5 - 7)

God secures justice for the oppressed.  He is the Guardian of my rights.  Therefore, no fear, no fury, no fight.

"LORD, guide me in your justice because of my foes;
make straight your way before me."  (Psalm 5: 9)

"The LORD does righteous deeds,
brings justice to all the oppressed."  (Psalm 103: 6)

Therefore I must trust the Lord when my rights are infringed upon.
Teach me O Lord to let go:

"I let go of my desire for security."
"I let go of my desire for affection ."
"I let go of my desire for control ."
"I let go of my desire to change the situation ."
"I let go of my desire for perfect health ."
"I let go of my desire for perfect family harmony ."
"I let go of my desire for the perfect job."

God does not delay in fulfilling His promises

"Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:
“In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."  (2 Corinthians 6: 1 - 2)

There is a time for prayer, a time for waiting and a time for answer.

"I am bringing on that victory, it is not far off,
my salvation shall not tarry;
I will put salvation within Zion,
give to Israel my glory."  (Isaiah 46: 13)

God promises that His answer or salvation shall not be late.  Once the fullness of time arrives, God moves fast.

"The least one shall become a clan,
the smallest, a mighty nation;
I, the LORD, will swiftly accomplish
these things when the time comes."  (Isaiah 60: 22)

"The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3: 9)

Why does the Lord appear to be slow in fulfilling His promises?  God is an excellent Father.  Delay in keeping His promises is to allow us maximum time for preparation to receive His gifts.

"Then the LORD answered me and said:
Write down the vision;
Make it plain upon tablets,
so that the one who reads it may run.
For the vision is a witness for the appointed time,
a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late."  (Habakkuk 2: 2 - 3)

Write down the promise of God and date it. Then save it in a place that you can easily retrieve it.  Wait for the fulfillment in prayer.  As you pray for its fulfillment, hope will be born in your heart and "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4: 7)

Then one day, you will taste the joy of fulfillment of this promise:
"I have left an open door before you, which no one can close."  (Revelation 3: 8)

Let go

"I let go of my desire for security."
"I let go of my desire for affection ."
"I let go of my desire for control ."
"I let go of my desire to change the situation ."
"I let go of my desire for perfect health ."
"I let go of my desire for perfect family harmony ."
"I let go of my desire for the perfect job."

The One Thing I ask for

"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."  (Psalm 27: 4)

The One thing you need:  The Holy Spirit.

"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said: Whatever you ask I shall give you."  (1 Kings 3: 5)

"So God said to him: Because you asked for this—you did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies—but you asked for discernment to know what is right—
I now do as you request. I give you a heart so wise and discerning that there has never been anyone like you until now, nor after you will there be anyone to equal you."  (1 Kings 3: 11-12)

"There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”  (Luke 10: 42)

If I have the privilege to ask God of Only One Thing  here and now, what will that One Thing
be?

I will not hesitate.  I will ask for the Holy Spirit and all His gifts.  I will continue to wait on the Lord and ask for this until He grants me my heart's desire.

A New Creation in Christ

"So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come."  (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

There are many words and concepts in the New Testament that can be verified to authenticate the claims of Christ and the Christ event.  2 Corinthians 5: 17 is one such scripture.

Any person who claims to have accepted Jesus as Lord must show evidence of being a new person.  New in thoughts and desires and therefore new in words and deeds.  The new desires, thoughts, words and deeds produce a new character.  The new character becomes evidence of a new destiny.  This metamorphosis is evident to everyone and the before the change and after the change can be verified.

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

Let your Holy Spirit fix me

"Do everything without grumbling or questioning,
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world,"  (Philippians 2: 14 - 15)

Your word O Lord is mirror of my soul.  I look at my soul in the light of your word above and I do not like what I see.  Lord, I do not know how to fix me.  I don't have the courage to fix me.  But I know your Holy Spirit is resident in me.  He inspires me to call God, Abba - my Father.  Lord, please ask your gentle comforting Spirit to fix me.  Help me to submit trustingly to His surgery.

"Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror.  He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like."  (James 1: 22-24)

God calls to the ministry

"Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged."  (2 Corinthians 4:1)

The very fact that the call to ministry comes from the Father of mercies and God of all consolations is a tremendous cause for confidence.  Knowing too that the call is not based on any personal merit adds to the confidence.

The call to ministry comes out of God's merciful heart and also out of His mysterious providential plan.

"I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry."  (1 Timothy 1: 12)

Jesus calls.  Jesus gives the strength to serve.

"Do not fear: I am with you;
do not be anxious: I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."  (Isaiah 41: 10)

Jesus gives assurance of His presence.  It is His presence that drives out fears,worries and doubts.

"It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed."  (Deuteronomy 31: )

Again, God's presence in the Journey/Ministry is guaranteed.  Why fear? Why worry? Why doubt?

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective. "  (1 Corinthians 15: 10)

Thank you Jesus.  Your grace to me will not be ineffective.

Don't Mess with the Ten Commandments

"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 19)

Today, there is a grave temptation to redefine and reinterpret the Ten Commandments.  Jesus instructs us in Matthew 5: 19:  Do not mess with the Commandments.

Lord Jesus,save me from the temptation of diluting your word in order to make it acceptable.  May your Holy Spirit lead me to the fullness of truth and maintain me there.
 

Barnabas saw the grace of God in action

"When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,"  (Acts 11:23)

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, scripture reported that he "saw the grace of God."  What exactly did Barnabas see?  He saw the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in action. The Church of Antioch was a Spirit-filled Church.  What are the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit?

"1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.

Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God . . . If children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ."  (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1831)

"1832 The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity."  (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1832)

Members of a Spirit-filled Church manifest the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit as a way of life.  This is what Barnabas experienced when he arrived in Antioch.

Father of Mercies and God of all Comforts

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our 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)

Our Father is the source of all mercies.  God our Father is Mercy Himself.
What do I do with all the mercies that the Father shows me everyday?
I thank God for His mercies.  I ask Him for a merciful heart so that I can show mercy to everybody I encounter this day.

The Lord Himself will build my house

"Unless the LORD build the house,
they labor in vain who build.
Unless the LORD guard the city,
in vain does the guard keep watch."  (Psalm 127: 1)

Lord, I trust in your word.  I thank you for this promise.  Yes, I look up to you to build my house.

"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."  (Acts 5 : 38 - 39)

This endeavor or this activity is not of human origin.  It is of God.

"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?"  (Psalm 27: 1)

Since the Lord is with me, I shall not fear.  His Presence drives out fear.  Thank you Jesus.

The Sign Language of God

"And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."  (Luke 2: 19)

What Mary kept in her heart and pondered deeply are all the words she heard in the course of her pregnancy and birth of Jesus Christ: Angelic salutation, Joseph's dream, Elizabeth's greeting,  Simeon and Anna's words and the testimony of the shepherds.  Together these words were profound signs from God to Mary to strengthen her faith in her unique mission.

We too receive our own signs.  Sometimes, they are little signs and occasionally they are big signs.  It is a good idea to form the habit of noting all signs that we receive from God and to reflect on them frequently.  All the signs together form a critical mass that point to our destiny.

From Christ alone comes riches

"I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest—oracle of the Lord GOD.
The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, and the sick I will heal; but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them in judgment."  (Ezekiel 34: 15 - 16)

From Christ alone comes my pasture, my rest, my healing and my strength.  No need to look elsewhere.

"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.
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)

Do I believe all the above to be true?  ABSOLUTELY!!!

Loving God above all things

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  (Mark 12: 30 - 31)

How can I love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and with all my strength?

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

When I put God first ahead of my health, family, finances, job, property and tools, food and future, I know that I love Him above all things.

Ignorance of Scripture

Mark 12:24
24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?

Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.  - St Jerome

Trust in the Presence of Jesus and do not fear

"He shall not fear an ill report;
his heart is steadfast, trusting the LORD.
His heart is tranquil, without fear,
till at last he looks down on his foes."  (Psalm 112: 7 - 8)

The man who is steadfast in trusting in the Lord with all his heart will not fear bad news from any quarters.  Whether the devil attacks him with ill tidings on family, health, finances, job, tools and property, food and future.  He will not be moved because his heart and mind are fixed on God for his security.

"God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken
and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
Though its waters rage and foam
and mountains totter at its surging."  (Psalm 46: 2 - 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: 4)

"Do not fear: I am with you;
do not be anxious: I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."  (Isaiah 41: 10)

"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)

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

Trust in the Lord and refuse steadfastly any fears, worries or doubts.  What makes us fearless is the absolute certainty of the presence of Jesus with us.

The stone rejected by the builders

"Have you not read this scripture passage:
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes’?”  (Mark 12: 10 - 11)

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.  God is Master of surprises.  Sometimes He springs His surprises through reversals of position.  The first becomes the last; the last becomes the first.  Some other interesting reversals in the Bible are shown below:

"He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
but lifted up the lowly.

The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty."  Luke 1: 52 and 53)

"The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry no longer have to toil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes."  (1 Samuel 2: 5)

"He raises the needy from the dust;
from the ash heap lifts up the poor,
To seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage.
“For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,
and he has set the world upon them."  (1 Samuel 2: 8)

"He guards the footsteps of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall perish in the darkness;
for not by strength does one prevail."  (1 Samuel 2: 9)

O Lord my God, how happy I am because my destiny is completely in your hands.  I will trust you to make me whatever you like.

"My destiny is in your hands;"  (Psalm 31: 16)

This is My Body. This is My Blood.

"Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me."  (John 6: 57)

Thank you Jesus for the gift of your Body and Blood. Thank you for the undeserved and great privilege of feeding on you constantly.  Thank you too for the easy and constant access to your Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.  You are the Ever-green Cypress Tree.  Because of you, I enjoy these incredible gifts.  Lord, since you have blessed me with these gifts without any merit of mine, bless me too with the fullness of your life as you promised.  Give me too a heart full of gratitude for your blessings.  Amen!

To know the Heart of Christ intimately

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified."  (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Lord Jesus, I pray that I may know your Heart intimately; that I may love you passionately and follow you everywhere.  Amen.

Mary, the Model of Faith

"Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1: 45)

The promises of God are trustworthy.  They shall all be fulfilled come what may.

"Then the LORD answered me and said:
Write down the vision;
Make it plain upon tablets,
so that the one who reads it may run.

For the vision is a witness for the appointed time,
a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late."  Habakkuk 2: 2 - 4)

Even if the fulfillment is delayed, wait for it with confidence.

"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."  (Isaiah 30: 15)

"Faith that is firm is also patient."  (Isaiah 28: 16)

Mary is the Midwife of Yes.  She believes deeply in the word of God.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray us that we also may believe in all the promises of your Son.

Lord, I want to see

"Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”  (Mark 10: 51)

Lord, I want to see myself as you see me.  I want to see my circumstances as you see them.  I want to see my purpose as you see it.  Lord, I believe and trust in you.  Help my unbelief.

I know what I am asking

"Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

Lord, I think I know what I am asking for.  I am asking for the promise of the Father of which you say that whoever asks for it must receive.  I am asking that you fill me with your Holy Spirit.  I am praying too that you grant me the grace to surrender completely to the Holy Spirit. I want your Holy Spirit to lead me, guide me and use me to dust.

Can I drink the cup that you drank or be baptized with the baptism that you were baptized?  With the help of your Holy Spirit I can.

I know too these two comforting truths:

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." (Jeremiah 29: 11)

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8: 28)

You are a faithful God who never forsakes anybody who trusts in you.

Compensation in Genuine Riches

Matthew 19:29
" And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life."

I share below part commentary of John Gills Exposition on the above :

" shall receive an hundred fold:
Mark adds, "now in this time"; and Luke likewise, "in this present time", in this world; which may be understood either in spiritual things, the love of God, the presence of Christ, the comforts of the Holy Ghost, the communion of saints, and the joys and pleasures felt in the enjoyment of these things, being an hundred times more and better to them, than all they have left or lost for Christ's sake; or in temporal things, so in Mark it seems to be explained, that such shall now receive an hundred fold"

The Lord has blessed me as He promised.  Thank you Jesus for your Holy Spirit that helps me to understand this.

All you need is Jesus

Mark 10:21

"21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

1 Chronicles 29:16

"16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own."

How sad it is to lose a great opportunity because the opportunity comes clothed as a problem?

"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, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." 

(James 1: 2 - 4)

"Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom  - that I may not be attached to the perishable things of this world - but aspire only after the things - that are eternal."  (Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:)

But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it."  (James 1: 5)

Faith gives us access to God's promises

Romans 5:1-5
Peace with God Through Faith

"5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Through Faith we have full access to God's promises of Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Presence, Provision and Protection.

James 1:2-4
Testing of Your Faith

"2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Given to the simple

Matthew 11:25
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;"

The wise and prudent spend money in costly books and libraries and learn little that helps their eternal destiny.
This knowledge is given by God to the simple and little children.

Isaiah 55:1-2

55:1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money,come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."

The best things in life are not things.
Everything is grace.

Luke 1:53
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty."

Gift of Friendship

" Faithful friends are beyond price, no amount can balance their worth. Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; those who fear God will find them. Those who fear the Lord enjoy stable friendship, for as they are, so will their neighbors be. (Sirach 6 :15 - 17)

Lord Jesus thank you for the friends you have given me. One thing is though very certain: You are my best Friend.

The word of God is compared to a mirror

"And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe."  (1 Thessalonians 2: 13)

How is the word of God at work in us who believe?  First, you hear or read the word through preaching, teaching or bible study.  James in his Letter compares the word of God to a mirror:
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like."  (James 1: 22 - 23)
A mirror is a necessary tool we use to ensure that all is well with our  appearance before we we head to the door. But if a mirror shows a smear on the cheek and you do nothing about it before going out, you have not helped yourself.

The word of God becomes effectual in us when we hear the word, understands it and adjusts our life in line with what the word reveals.

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."  ( John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

Secret of Profound Peace

"Lovers of your law have much peace;
for them there is no stumbling block"  (Psalm 119: 165)

I share a beautiful commentary on the above verse from Matthew Henry Complete Bible Commentary below:

"Verse 165 Here is an account of the happiness of good men, who are governed by a principle of love to the word of God, who make it their rule and are ruled by it. 2. They are easy, and have a holy serenity; none enjoy themselves more than they do: Great peace have those that love thy law, abundant satisfaction in doing their duty and pleasure in reflecting upon it. The work of righteousness is peace (Isa. 32:17 ), such peace as the world can neither give nor take away. They may be in great troubles without and yet enjoy great peace within, sat lucis intus—abundance of internal light. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer their expectation; those that love God’s word have great peace, for it outdoes their expectation, and in it they have sure footing. 2. They are safe, and have a holy security: Nothing shall offend them; nothing shall be a scandal, snare, or stumbling-block, to them, to entangle them either in guilt or grief. No event of providence shall be either an invincible temptation or an intolerable affliction to them, but their love to the word of God shall enable them both to hold fast their integrity and to preserve their tranquility. They will make the best of that which is, and not quarrel with any thing that God does. Nothing shall offend or hurt them, for every thing shall work for good to them, and therefore shall please them, and they shall reconcile themselves to it. Those in whom this holy love reigns will not be apt to perplex themselves with needless scruples, nor to take offence at their brethren, 1 Co. 13:6, 1 Co. 13:7 .

The missing ingredient

"Cast your care upon the LORD,
who will give you support.
He will never allow
the righteous to stumble."  (Psalm 55: 23)

This is Pentecost.  For 50 days of the Easter Season, I prepared for the feast with the Church with great expectation.  I know in my heart that things must be different for me from now going forward.  I have prayed.  I have listened to the word.  I have done everything I can think of in order to gain the Freedom that will launch my purpose.

All that remains is faith.  Do I have the faith to make this quantum leap?  Today,I heard these words from Jesus from the Gospel of the day:  "Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” I understood the one thing that I lack, the missing ingredient!  Miracle producing faith that will enable me to cross over. How do I get this faith?

Following an inspiration from the same Gospel, I cry out, "“I do believe, help my unbelief!”"  And then I cast all my care with confidence upon the Lord who will support me and will never allow me to stumble. (Psalm 55: 23 NABRE) 

• I believe in prayer
• I believe in the word of God
• I believe in miracle
• I leave the rest to God

All that I need now is to leave the rest to God, to cast all my care upon the Lord and wait.
If I live, I live.  If I die, I die.

Holy Spirit and Memory

"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)

The Holy Spirit also reminds me of the good things that God is doing in my life.  This remembrance keeps me constantly grateful to God.

My Only Good

"Keep me safe, O God;
in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD,
you are my Lord,
you are my only good."  (Psalm 16: 1 - 2)

I have nothing in this world apart from You, O Lord, my God.

Consecrate me in the truth

"Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth."  (John 17: 17)
Lord Jesus, consecrate me in the truth.  Your word is not only true but you are Truth itself.

You have a Mission in life

John Henry Newman (1801-1890) wrote: "God has created me to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission – I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for nothing. Therefore, I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I am. I cannot be thrown away."

Do you trust in God and in his call and purpose for your life?
(Don Schwager)

Publish the Good News

"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)

"I will bear 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)

You will receive power from the Holy Spirit

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

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

"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)

Trust completely in Jesus

Deuteronomy 31:6,  8

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Psalm 27:1-3

27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

Isaiah 41:10
10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 46:1-3
God Is Our Fortress
46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Habakkuk 3:17-19
17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,nor fruit be on the vines,the produce of the olive failand the fields yield no food,the flock be cut off from the foldand there be no herd in the stalls,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;I will take joy in the God of my salvation.19 God, the Lord, is my strength;he makes my feet like the deer's;he makes me tread on my high places.To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

" Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices."  (St Teresa of Avila)

He is trustworthy

"Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy."  (Hebrews 10: 23)

Jesus says to me, "I am the evergreen cypress tree.  Because of me you are faithful."  (Hosea 14: 9)  I say to Jesus, "Thank you my Lord.  I place my complete trust in you.  My hope for salvation is entirely on your goodness and mercy.  I have nothing of my own to rely upon.  Always protect me from the evil one.  I know for sure you are trustworthy."

No fear No worry No doubt

" Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices."  (St Teresa of Avila)

Whatever you ask the Father

"On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.
Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete."  (John 16: 23 - 24)

Lord for the past two weeks or so, I have heard you say through the daily Mass readings, "whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you."  I believe your promise.  One week before Pentecost, I am moved to ask you for a really very big gift.  I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit and His gifts.  I ask that you make me surrender completely to Him so that He will transform me into your image.  I want you to be from today the Lord of my life governing every aspect of it, viz: health, family, finances, job, property and tools, food and future.

Thank you Jesus!!

The Persistent Missionary

" One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.”  (Acts 18: 9 - 10)

"Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching."  (2 Timothy 4: 2)

"Every soul with Christ is a missionary; every soul without Christ is a mission field."  (Our Daily Bread)

Every missionary of Christ should possess the same skills and  intense motivation as an insurance sales man.  In business, persistence and ability to accept No often clinches the sale. Why should it be different with the missionary salesman?  

I am with you always

"And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28: 20)

Jesus promises to be with us always, everywhere in all circumstances.  What a great promise, O Lord my God.  Help me to believe it.  Teach me to mix this word with faith.  As I go about my affairs this day, I will try to remember and rejoice in this great word.  In challenging circumstances, I will use your precious name, JESUS to call this promise of your constant presence to  mind.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen!

Believe in the Lord Jesus

"Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.”  (Acts 16: 30 - 31)

What must I do to be saved from fears, worries and doubts?
“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.”   (Acts 16: 31)

What does it mean for me to believe in the Lord Jesus?  It means that just as Jesus is Lord of times and seasons, He is also Lord over my health, family, finances, job, property and tools, food and future.  It means that I believe too this oracle:  "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope."   The plans that Jesus has for me with regard to my health, family, finances, job, property and tools, food and future are good.

I walk by faith and not by sight or circumstances.  Thank you Jesus.  I will trust you today always and everywhere.

You too will bear witness

"And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning."  (John 15: 27)

Let us witness for you about your:
Person, doctrines, works, all you did and all you suffered.  May we never miss any opportunity to testify to you.

Christ is our Peace

"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)

Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace.  You are our peace.  I cannot grab  peace.  I cannot work for it.  Your peace comes to me from you as a gift.  Lord, flood my life with your peace.  Let me experience your deep peace in my health, family, finances, job, property and tools, food and future.

My soul, rejoice for Christ is your peace.
No fear, No worry, No doubt.

Blocked by the Holy Spirit

"And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia."  (Acts 16:6)

Where is the Holy Spirit blocking me? 

Jobs and finances.

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)

Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

O Holy Spirit, what will you have me do? 

Submit job and finances daily to the Holy Spirit.

What does a verbal act of submission do for me?  It does exactly the same as a verbal renunciation of the devil with all his works and promises does to a soul in the rite of Baptism.  

"But what does it say?

“The word is near you,

in your mouth and in your heart

(that is, the word of faith that we preach),

for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved."  (Romans 10: 8 - 10)

Knowing and Doing

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14: 6)

Jesus is the Way.  His life is the Example, the best Practice to get to the Father.  He is the truth that reveals who we are, our true purpose in life.  He is the life, the abundant life that we yearn for.  He is the top prize.

Knowing the above, what difference does it make to my daily life full of fears, worries and doubts?

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."  (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

Kicking against the goad

"And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’  (Acts 26:14)

"Here are just a few examples of ox-goads God uses in the lives of His people: sermons, suffering, doctrine, difficulty, adversity, affliction, godly counsel, holy confrontation, conviction of the Holy Spirit, financial reversal, business failure and academic probation.
You might like to take some time to identify other ox-goads you have kicked against in the past. What was the result of your rebellion? Did you find that your pain actually increased as you resisted? What would you do differently today? Remember, all Scripture, rightly understood, is an oxgoad – both to the sinner and the saint."
( http://goodnewsfl.org/kicking_against_the_goadsthe_meaning_and_message/)

Prosper the work of our hands

"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)

"God our Father, creator and ruler of the universe,
in every age you call man
to develop and use his gifts for the good of others.
With St. Joseph as our example and guide,
help us to do the work you have asked
and come to the rewards you have promised.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God forever and ever. Amen."
(Opening Prayer on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1st)

Divine Providence

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church :

321 Divine providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end.

322 Christ invites us to filial trust in the providence of our heavenly Father (cf.Mt 6:26-34), and St. Peter the apostle repeats: "Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you" (I Pt 5:7; cf. Ps55:23).

323 Divine providence works also through the actions of creatures. To human beings God grants the ability to cooperate freely with his plans.

324 The fact that God permits physical and even moral evil is a mystery that God illuminates by his Son Jesus Christ who died and rose to vanquish evil. Faith gives us the certainty that God would not permit an evil if he did not cause a good to come from that very evil, by ways that we shall fully know only in eternal life.

Certainty of Hope

They strengthened the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
(Acts 14:22)

"Father, you restored your people to eternal life by raising Christ your Son from death.  Make our faith strong and our hope sure.  May we never doubt that you will fulfill the promises you have made.  Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen!! "
(Tuesday 5th Week of Easter)

The Certainty of Answered Prayer

"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 this promise.  I love your Holy Spirit very much. I cannot imagine life without His presence and activities in me.  I like the fact that He is my Teacher.  I am profoundly grateful that He is inspiration and power that I need in everything.  He never fails me.  But the gift that keeps me ever joyful is His continual reminding me of the good things that God is doing for me.  This makes me a thankful person.

Lord, we are 20 days to Pentecost and the Church is praying for a new outpouring of your Holy Spirit.  I have surveyed my life up and down.   There is nothing I desire more at this moment than a big filling of your Holy Spirit and the gift to surrender ALL to Him.  Remember your great promise that prayer for the Holy Spirit is a sure prayer to be answered.  I rejoice in this certainty of answer and I wait with confident hope.  Thank you Jesus!!!!!

Too good to be true

"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)

Lord Jesus, grant me deep faith in this sweeping promise.  I know it is true but it sounds too good to be true

Adoration and Worship

Adoration Chapel's Blessed Sacrament Altar
Psalm 27:8

8 You have said, “Seek my face.”My heart says to you,“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Share the Gospel

"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."  (Mark 16:15)

"Every soul with Christ is a missionary ; every soul without Christ is a mission field."  -  (Our Daily Bread)

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

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

Do not conform

Romans 12:2
Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

The antidote or medicine for not being conformed to the world is the word of God. Daily and constant intake of the precious word renews our minds. As our mind is renewed, it is transformed and made strong to withstand the lies of the Father of lies.

The Enterprise Word

Acts 5:38-39
"For if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”

My sheep follow me

"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."  (John 10: 27)

I am one of the sheep of Jesus.  He says in John 10: 27 that He knows me.  I hear His voice and I follow Him.  Where do I hear the voice of Jesus?

I hear Jesus speaking to me in His word.  I hear Him at Mass and at the Blessed Sacrament.  I hear His voice when I pray.  I am surprised how often I hear Him when I blog.

Yes Jesus, I am beginning to recognize your voice.  I like what I hear all the time because I have come to trust you to lead and guide me to green pastures and protect me even when I stray into the valley of death.

Abundant life

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

What is this abundant life?  When we look at the life that Christ lived while on earth, it is clear that He does not mean the ordinary life we live here and now even when our material goods and possessions are multiplied.  Christ made a distinction between worldly or material riches and genuine riches.  We can infer  that abundant life means life that is filled with genuine riches.

Who provides abundant life?  Genuine riches or abundant life is provided by the One who is described as Lord and Giver of Life, the Holy Spirit.

When does the Holy Spirit provide  abundant life?  The Holy Spirit provides and builds on the abundant life through the Sacraments of Initiation.  The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.   When the Christian is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to live in him and fills the soul with sanctifying grace.  Sanctifying grace is the life of God in the soul.  It is the presence of the Most Holy Trinity in the soul.  This presence or life is enhanced through the Eucharist and strengthened through the Sacrament of Confirmation.  This is the abundant life that Christ speaks of in John 10: 10.

Missionary and Mission

"Every soul with Christ is a missionary ; every soul without Christ is a mission field."  -  Our Daily Bread

The Blood of the Lamb

"“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."  (Revelation 7: 14)

This scripture read in today’s second reading may prove a useful arsenal in  hospital and other outreach ministries.

"“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."  (Revelation 7: 14)

“Time of great distress” is also time of downtime through illness, financial challenges, family upheaval, loss of job and income, and more.  How do we react during these inevitable crisis of life?  Revelation 7: 14 gave the answer:  “they washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.”  They did not reject their cross.  Pope Benedict XVI taught that rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.  When you accept your cross, you get your crown.  When you embrace your thorns, you receive your triumphs.  The Church has never compromised on this teaching.  The TRUTH on this is indivisible and perennial.  There is no choice with the truth.  The choice is “hairesis” (Greek for choosing what you want to believe) and is a rejection of Jesus Christ and the Cross.

How can I thank HIM?

Psalm 116:12
12 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?

"Instead of being discouraged by having to confess the same sin, Patty accepted the graces of frequent Confession and received victory over a stronghold in her life."
(From the Presentation Ministries)

We thank HIM for the gifts of:

• Eucharist 
• Word of God 
• Penance 
• Prayer 
• Blessed Sacrament

Victory over Stronghold

Instead of being discouraged by having to confess the same sin, Patty accepted the graces of frequent Confession and received victory over a stronghold in her life. 
(From the Presentation Ministries)

Be filled with the Holy Spirit

"So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit.”  (Acts 9: 17)

Lord Jesus, lay your hands on me that I may regain my spiritual sight.  I want to see my circumstances as you see them.  I want to see my family, my health, my finances, job, tools, food and future as you see them.

Fill me with your Holy Spirit.  I want to be free to serve you as you deserve to be served.

I am the living Bread

"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)

No ambiguity here.  No symbolism.  No metaphor.  As it was stated and written, so did the Church of the Apostles understood John 6: 51.  So has this statement been understood ever since.  So shall it be understood by the Church of Jesus Christ forever.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your Holy Spirit for preserving this truth for your Church in the past, now and forever.

The true Bread

John 6:35
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Isaiah 55:1-2
The Compassion of the Lord

55:1 “Come, everyone who thirsts,come to the waters;and he who has no money,come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milkwithout money and without price.2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,and your labor for that which does not satisfy?Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,and delight yourselves in rich food.

Matthew 4:4
4 But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

God's powerful providence fulfills all our needs in a timely manner.

There is something greater than bread to live for : JESUS- Our Bread of life,  the Word of God.

John 6:27
27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Everyone who sees the Son

"For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him [on] the last day.”  (John 6: 40)

What does it mean to "see" the Son?  It means to:

• See His word
• See His works/signs
• See His Church
• See His Sacraments

In John 6: 40, seeing and believing are one and the same.  To see the word of God, the ongoing works and signs of Jesus, the Church as a manifestation of His presence in the world, the effective presence of Jesus in the Sacraments of the Church is to believe in these realities.

Jesus asks Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?"  "Lord, that I may see!"  
Lord, open our eyes that we may see you in your word, in your works and signs in the world today.  Help us to see you in your Church and in the seven Sacraments of your Church.  Amen!

Our Mother of Perpetual

Bread of life

"Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."  (John 6: 35)

Jesus gave us the Bread of life.  What in the world can He refuse us?  Nothing!!

God's loving providence satisfies all our needs

Matthew 4:4

 "But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

God's powerful providence fulfills all our needs in a timely manner.

There is something greater than bread to live for : JESUS- Our Bread of life,  the Word of God.

John 6:27
"Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

We must obey God rather than men

"But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men."  (Acts 5: 29)

A principle is laid down here very clearly.  When there is a conflict between divine and human jurisprudence, God's law takes precedence.  Those who are saved recognize this principle through the light of the indwelling Spirit and obey it come what may.

Lord, may we have always the light to see the truth and the fortitude to obey it.

Chosen, anointed and sent to bear rich fruit

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  (1 Peter 2: 9)

The Lord declares me chosen, called and anointed to be a royal priest, a holy man and one He has chosen and dedicated for Himself.  He rescued me out of darkness and placed in a wonderful light to go and bear fruit that will last.

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia."

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

The Enterprise is not of human origin

"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)

I received this word of God early in 0296.  I received it from PSSJ.  I remember the situation clearly as if it is yesterday.  Because I remember the when, the how and the why of this word of God to me, I know it is a revelation.

The Enterprise is built on this unfailing word.  If God is with me, the mission is accomplished.  Therefore,
"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: 13 - 14)

Also because "If God is for me, who can be against me?" (Romans 8: 31)

God does not ration the gift of the Spirit

" God does not ration the gift of the Spirit." (John 3 :34)

" The Lord hears the cry of the poor. " (Psalm 34:6)

Father, I am poor and needy.  Hear my cry and grant me the fullness of your Holy Spirit to lead me to the fullness of conversion and charity.

" And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28 :20)

If the Lord is with me, it is accomplished.

Planted in the House of the Lord

Psalm 92:13-16
The just shall flourish like the palm tree, shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bear fruit even in old age, always vigorous and sturdy, As they proclaim: "The Lord is just; our rock, in whom there is no wrong."

What a beautiful promise!!
This is how it feels when one is planted in the House of the Lord.
O Lord grant access!  O Lord grant success!!

Born of the Holy Spirit

"Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’
The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 7 - 8)

Lord, I yearn for the fullness of your Holy Spirit.  I want to feel His powerful impact in my life.

The Holy Spirit and fruitfulness

"And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God."  (Luke 1:35)

Lord Jesus Christ, set me on fire with the Holy Spirit so that the anointed ministry that will be born in me will glorify the Father.

Divine Mercy Sunday

ABC of Mercy A = Ask for mercy B = Be merciful C = Completely trust Jesus for mercy

Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday @ Houston, Texas

Courage to witness

Acts 4:19-20

19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

1691 "Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God." (Pope Leo XIII)  CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

JESUS! JESUS!! JESUS!!!

Acts 4:12

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

JESUS!  JESUS!!  JESUS!!!

Why are you troubled?

"Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?
 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” (Luke 24: 38 - 39)

How real are our fears, worries and doubts?  Jesus knows every one of them.  He knows how fanciful and vain they are.  Therefore, He tells us:
"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)

To dispel the fears and anxieties of His disciples, Jesus invites them to look at His hands and feet and touch Him.  I cannot look at the hands and feet of Jesus and neither can I touch Him physically.  What can I look at here and now that will convince me that Christ is risen indeed and is truly alive?  I can look at His Body, the Church.  The Church is the Body of Christ, of which He is the head.  His Body is very much alive and His members of which I am one are everywhere. Always and everywhere in the world, His members are gathered now in worship, prayer, corporate and spiritual works of mercy.  Wherever two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, Jesus is present there.  Wherever a cup of cold water is given to the thirsty today or bread is given to the hungry, it is Jesus Himself doing the giving through His members.

Lord Jesus, open my eyes today to see you in your members.

Ignorance of Scripture

"And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
( Luke 24:25-26)

There is a divine necessity that Christ must suffer "these things."
What are the "things" that I must suffer before the crown?
+Job security
+Financial security

"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of  Christ." - St Jerome
Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of my destiny.

Times and Seasons are Divine appointed way to glory.
No cross  no crown
No thorns no triumph
No suffering no salvation

"Afflictions of the saints are evidence of their son shipping. "

I have seen the Lord

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. (John 20 :18) In what sense can I say with Mary Magdalene that I have seen the Lord? I walk by faith and not by sight or feeling. Yes, I have seen the Lord in: +the Eucharist +the Blessed Sacrament +the Scriptures +Prayer What message has the Lord given me for His brethren? +++ He is truly alive!!!

Do not fear

"Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28: 10) Christ rose from the dead to silence our fears : *Fears of illness and death *Fears of scarcity and poverty *Fears of no jobs and no money *Fears of family conflicts *Fears of the future

Pope Francis Easter Sunday Catechesis

"To remember what God has done and continues to do for me, for us, to remember the road we have traveled; this is what opens our hearts to hope for the future," he said. "May we learn to remember everything that God has done in our lives."

Adoration Chapel

Found this on Google Goggles: http://www.google.com/goggles/a/moments/zZa_tgDo9L2Ox6UYKaJg_3w?ogi=05398590359465543302

Easter Sunday

God our Father, creator of all, today is the day of Easter joy. This is the morning on which the Lord appeared to men who had begun to lose their hope and opened their eyes to what the scriptures foretold: that first he must die, and then he would rise and ascend into his Father's glorious presence. May the risen Lord breathe on our minds and open our eyes that we may know him in the breaking of bread, and follow him in his risen life. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.