You too can become a hero of faith.

"I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets,  who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised."  (Hebrews 11: 32 -  33 NIV)

We see a sampling of some of the heroes of faith and some of what they accomplished through faith.  You may say:  "This is ancient history."  But how about Martin Luther King, Mother St Teresa of Kolkata, Mother Mary Angelica, founder of EWTN who died less than a year ago?   What God did in the past, He can repeat today.

"And my righteous ones will live by faith." (Hebrews 10: 38)

Lord, give us the faith of the heroes, then lead us, guide us and use us to the dust.

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Have mercy on us and the whole world, Jesus.

"Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy."  (Matthew 5: 7 NABRE)

Moses brought the law.  Experience shows that even for the best of us, it is impossible to observe the law totally.  Jesus Christ brought grace and mercy.  Grace is unmerited favor.  Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown to someone who expects or deserves punishment.  We have all sinned and fallen short of glory of God.  (Romans 3: 23)  We deserve severe punishment but God has chosen to show us great mercy.

How do we obtain and maintain mercy?   Remember the ABC OF MERCY?

ASK FOR MERCY
BE MERCIFUL
COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY

Each step of this formula is essential.

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Faith in God's promises is more solid than most of the things we believe in.

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.  Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith."  (Hebrews 11: 1 -  2  TLB)

Abraham understood the very essence of faith.  He faithed, that is to say, he obeyed as a consequence of his faith.  If a friend accepts your dinner invitation, you do not wait until he knocks on the door before you start preparing the meal.  Whether it is faith in your friends, the family doctor or a product or process, you believe because you consider the promise trustworthy.

Why then do you consider your friends, doctors, government more trustworthy than God?  God's promises are coded in the Bible which never changes.  Jesus asked his excited disciples after He calmed the turbulent sea, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"  (Mark 4: 40)

Lord Jesus increase our faith.

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Take delight in the LORD, He will grant you the desires of your heart.

"Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

Commit to the LORD your way; trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, and he approves his way.
Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate, for the hand of the LORD sustains him.

The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."
(Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40 RM)

The above Scripture needs no commentary.  It is the pure word of God.  A most consoling truth.   Believe it and do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense.  You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what He has promised.  (Hebrews 10: 37)

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Reject the spirit of fear, cowardice and indulgence.

"God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control."  (2 Timothy 1: 7 NABRE)

Do you watch the parades of the stars and  celebrities on television? Don't they all appear beautiful, content and very happy? What we do not see is the spirit of fear and cowardice that lurks in their hearts and minds.  St Paul reminds us that as Christians, Jesus Christ lives in our hearts and minds.  The spirit of Christ is opposed to the spirit of fear and cowardice which is the spirit of Satan.  We must be aware of this truth and reclaim fully our inheritance at all times.

Stir into flame constantly the gift of your sonship which you received when you became a member of the Household of God, Paul urged Timothy and us.
Reject the devil and all his lures and false promises.  Be ready at all times to bear your share of the the hardship for the new evangelization with the strength that comes from God.  (2 Timothy 1: 8)

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The Lord Jesus has designated something special for you to do.

"‘What shall I do, Lord?’"  (Acts 22: 10 NIV)

St Paul asked the Lord Jesus the above question in his dramatic encounter with Jesus on his road to Damascus to persecute Christians.  Some of us have asked the Lord the same question.  The Lord Jesus promised Paul that he would be told everything "appointed" for him to do.  Aren't you excited to know that there is something already appointed for you to do?  I am greatly excited.

Just as God designated a special mission for St Paul,  John Henry Cardinal Newman said that God has designated a special mission for you which no other person can do.

"I have chosen you to go and bear witness about Me in the world, says Jesus."  (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 and sisters."  (Psalm 17: 50 ; 21:23 RM)

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Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will.

“Behold, I come to do your will.”   (Hebrews 10: 9 NABRE)

"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  (Matthew 6 : 10)
"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."  (Luke 22: 42)
"Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."  (Mark 3: 35)

From the above Scriptures, we see that Jesus places God's will above everything else.   No wonder  the Father elevated Him so highly.  (Philippians 2: 5 - 11)

Which is more important to you?  God's will or your will?  Start by seeing and embracing God's will in every event in your life.

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If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

"But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.”  (Mark 3: 22 NLT)

Two days ago, we reflected on how the relatives of Jesus said, "He is out of his mind."   (Mark 3: 21)

Today, we see a more serious charge against Jesus.   What do you know about spiritual warfare?  Reality or fiction?  We battle against evil everywhere.   St Peter teaches authoritatively "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."  (1 Peter 5: 8 NLT)  Do not be the one that is devoured.

Leave no open doors for the evil spirits.  One enters and invites all his buddies.  In the battle for Jesus, do not fear the words of the godless.   Trust and surrender and obey.

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I shall experience the goodness of the LORD all the days of my life.

"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 NABRE)

This is the prayer and desire of David.   Can you make it yours?  How much do you love the house of the Lord?

"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 NABRE)

Do you pray and long to experience all the goodness the Lord plans for you here and now?  Then wait for it for the Lord is a faithful God.  (2 Thessalonians 3: 3)

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Did they truly believe Jesus was crazy?

"He is out of his mind."   (Mark 3: 21)

Who do you imagine is the subject of the above sentence?  Jesus Christ our Lord Himself!  How will you feel if you are doing your best to serve the poor and needy in your community and gossips spread like wild fire that you are crazy?  You will be furious with rage that your enemies will stop at nothing to destroy you.  As the Evangelist Mark reported, the relatives of Jesus hearing the rumors, sent strong men to seize Jesus.  Society does the same to somebody they consider mad.  Seize him and lock him up for the good of society.

Are you prepared to pay this price as the cost of discipleship?  Jesus was prepared to pay any price for our salvation.

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Only those whom He wanted were chosen, called and anointed.

"He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.    He  appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles]"  (Mark 3: 13 -  14 NABRE)

The list of those Jesus wanted and appointed as His Apostles reminds us of another list:  the Gynealogy of Jesus Christ.   Just like the list of the Apostles, a collection of imperfect men and women made the list of ancestors of Jesus Christ.   They are exactly what God wanted.  All through the ages to 2017, God chooses, calls and anoints those whom He wanted.  Who dare hold a grudge against the Most High?

"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: 9)

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Jesus Christ has unlimited power to deliver us always, everywhere without exception.

"Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them."  (Hebrews 7: 25 RM)

The above quotation is not commentary or exposition but the word of God.  Open your heart and mind and believe it.  Note the critical phrase:  "Always able to save."  This means always and everywhere with no exception.  The only condition is to approach the Father in the name of Jesus.

How does belief in Hebrews 7: 25 help us?  This word of God becomes a light in our mind when we need help with regard to health, family, money, job, tools and possessions, food and future.   You turn to Jesus in confident prayer asking Him to save you and reminding Him of Hebrews 7: 25.

Result:   You feel an immediate inward peace (Philippians 4: 6 - 7) as you wait for the Lord's definitive response to your prayer.

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still the Lord who heals us.

"Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people."  (Cf Matthew 4: 23 RM)

Have you ever wondered whether our Lord Jesus Christ is still in the business of healing?  Why do you allow such doubts to rise in your hearts?  (Luke 24: 38)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  (Hebrews 13: 8)
JEHOVAH RAPHA, the Lord our Healer is His ancient name.

Now know once and forever that every single healing has Jesus Christ as the First Cause.  Without Jesus, no doctor, no medicine, no hospital, no healing.

But sometimes, the Lord chooses to intervene personally and directly in order to excite our faith.

O Lord Jesus Christ, You are our Lord and Healer.

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The hope you place in God can never fail.

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  (Hebrews 6: 10 NIV)

Do you serve God with all your heart?  Do you love your brothers and sisters in the family of God?  Then be confident of your reward and hold fast to the hope that is sure and firm.  For hope never fails.  (Romans 5: 5)

"May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call."  (Cf  Ephesians 1: 17 -  18 RM)

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Jesus Christ did not glorify Himself in becoming High Priest.

"No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was."  (Hebrews 5: 4 NABRE)

A number of Scriptures the Holy Spirit gives the Church for today points to the mystery of the priesthood:

#1.  "It was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest."  (Hebrews 5: 5)
#2.  "The Lord has sworn and will not waver: “You are a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek.”  (Psalm 110: 4)
#3.  “You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek.”  (Hebrews 5 : 6)
#4. "You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst."  (Psalm 23: 5)

Finally, from the Prayer over the Offerings:  "Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that we may participate worthily in these mysteries, for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated the work of our redemption is accomplished.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen."

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I will bear witness to You in the world O Jesus.

"Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”  (John 1: 34 NABRE)

I have chosen you to go and bear witness about Me in the world, says Jesus.  (John 15: 16)
What is your response? Or what are your excuses? Can you bear witness to somebody you don't know? John the Baptizer says he can bear witness to Jesus because he knows Him.  (John 1: 34)

How do you come to know Jesus so that you can bear witness to Him?  Consider a few of these points:
#1.  Jesus listens to what you say when you pray.  Every word.
#2.  Now listen to Jesus when He speaks to you in His word.
#3.  Embrace Him warmly in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our life.
#4.  Don't forget to serve Him in the poor.  What you do to the least of His brothers and sisters, you do to Jesus.  (Matthew 25:  40)

What is an appropriate response to our Savior and Redeemer?
"I will bear witness to You in the world O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of Your name among my brothers and sisters.  (Psalm 17: 50 ; 21:23 RM)

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Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

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

The Lord says that the pathway to the peace, freedom and victory that we so desperately desire is easier and simpler than we think.  It is to pray confidently for grace and mercy.  You may call this THE ABC OF MERCY:

ASK FOR MERCY
BE MERCIFUL
COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY.

You may ask:  What are the grounds that Jesus will grant us grace and mercy?  He will.  First, because as our High Priest, He pleads our cause at the Father's throne of Mercy.   Secondly, He sympathizes deeply with us, because He has been tested in every way and in everything.  (Hebrews 4: 15) Thirdly,  He urges us to pray and promised to answer.

Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

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Strive to enter into His rest.

“They shall not enter into my rest.”  (Hebrews 4: 5 NABRE)

When I was in grade 2 and still in the early stages  of learning the English language,  one phrase we played with often was:  "There is no rest for the wicked."  How Hebrews 4: 5 validates this childish talk. "Out of the mouth of babes come wisdom."

What would you think if a father swears an oath that his son would never inherit his name or his property? You consider it a very severe indictment.  What if God swore such an oath vis-á-vis one of His children?  That would be a catastrophe except in the case of God that oath is conditional.  God gives us ample opportunity to change and bear fruit.

What type of sin could evoke such a wrath from God?  Disobedience!  Disobedience is a sin that covers a multitude of sins.  The Bible says that a person with a spirit of disobedience or rebellion is no different from a person with a spirit of witchcraft.

“Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
‘Harden not your hearts.’” (Hebrews 4: 7)

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Come, let us bow down in worship.

“Oh, that today you would hear his voice,
‘Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion in the day of testing in the desert, where your ancestors tested and tried me and saw my works for forty years."  (Hebrews 3: 8 -  10 NABRE)

Meribah was the Desert of testing, the combat zone between God and His people.  God tested the people to see if they had an obedient heart.   The people tested God by their obstinacy.  There ensued a battle of two strong wills.  Who won?  It took 40 years to subdue the people.

Lesson:  "Oh, that today you would hear his voice, ‘Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion."
Where is your Meribah?  Please yield to God.  Rebellion is worthless.

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Jesus teaches that Prayer is a vital necessity.

"Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed."  (Mark 1: 35 NABRE)

Jesus our Lord and Savior is not too busy to pray.  He offers to God early in the morning the sacrifice of His time in prayer.  Prayer is so critical in life that it should be the first habit a child forms.  This habit of prayer could sustain, make a difference in the quality of life any person.

Are you one of those that sigh for time to pray?  Do you have time when the ambulance arrives at your door?  Would you argue with the medicos if they decide to institutionalize you because they consider you a danger to yourself or society?

Twice in the Gospel, Jesus calls prayer a vital necessity.  On the night before He died, He prayed more intensely.   What would it take to convince you that prayer is free, powerful and vital?

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Have you experienced the Power of of the Source?

"The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes."  (Mark 1: 22 NABRE)

In the public ministry of Jesus, he was called most often Rabbi than any other title.   Even the professional rabbis recognized Jesus as a great teacher.  

What made the teaching of Jesus so stellar?  Mark the Evangelist describes it simply as not teaching "as the scribes."  The scribes show off their learning by quoting authorities.  Jesus speaks directly as the Source of Truth.   Jesus is Truth Himself and therefore the very Source of the content of His teaching.   You may call it the power of the Source.

As we draw nearer to Jesus, we become drawn to the Source of Truth and our thoughts and speech reflect the Master's.   Consider the teachings of these simple saints:  St Teresa of Avila and St Therese of Lisieux, both Doctors of the Church and none with formal education.  They experienced the Power of the Source.

Believe what you read.
Practice what you believe.
Teach what you practice.

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The Lord has called you for the victory of justice.

"I, the Lord, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations. " (Isaiah 42: 6 NABRE)

Today is the feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ and marks the end of the Christmas season.  It is a hard time for me emotionally as I wish Christmas to last for months.  I turn off the Christmas lights tomorrow but Christmas music will go on for a couple of weeks.

What do you think of the above Scripture (Isaiah 42 : 6)?  Can you too claim the promise?  Do you ever feel that God has called you too to the victory of justice?  Don't you notice injustice that surrounds you?

The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus after His Baptism.  The Holy Spirit is the key to the ministry of Jesus Christ.  He is also the key to our ministry.  No Holy Spirit, no ministry; no evangelization.    Activate the Holy Spirit within you.

Come O Holy Spirit.  Come and kindle in us the fire of Your love.

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We saw His star at its rising. We are here to do Him homage.

 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”  (Matthew 2: 2 NABRE)

The Church celebrates this Sunday the Solemnity of the Epiphany.  Epiphany means the manifestation of divine effect or power.  This is the day when the Divine Child Jesus was shown or revealed to Gentiles represented by the three Wise Men.

What lessons does the mystery of the Epiphany hold for us?   Consider these three :

#1.   Salvation is for all people, Jews and Gentiles.
#2.  The power and sovereignty of God is universal.  All people and all things obey Him. (Psalm 119:  91)
#3.  The three Wise Men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus.  Bring your sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Jesus in the Sunday Eucharist.

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Do whatever Jesus tells you.

"And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."  (1 John 5 : 14 NABRE)

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray: "Thy will be done."  Can you compare Abba Father in wisdom, power and love with your earthly father?  There is no way your dad will give you a poisonous snake when he knows you intended a fish.

When wine ran out at the Wedding at Cana, Mary's advice to the servants was simple and precise:  "Do whatever He tells you."  (John 2: 5)  Mary did not know what Jesus would do.  But her motherly instinct knew that Jesus would do the best thing under the circumstances.   She taught the disciples to open their hearts to Jesus in confident trust.

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Whoever possesses the Son has life.

"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."  (1 John 5: 5 NIV)

We can overcome this evil world.  But we do so only through our faith.  (1  John 5 : 4)  Faith is the greatest armor the Christian needs to live the victorious life. 

How do we acquire faith?  How do we nourish and grow in faith?  God gives us the free gift of faith when we are baptized and become member of His Family.  Thereafter, we nourish it through daily prayer and feeding on the word of God.   As we exercise our faith, it grows and start to manifest.

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."  (1 John 5 : 12)

When you possess the Son through faith, you possess also life of God which comes with peace, power, purpose, awareness of the presence of Jesus, protection and provision.

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First Friday in January 2017

First Friday in January 2017.

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

#11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.

How do you promote the Sacred Heart devotion?
#1.  Go to Mass every First Friday.  Soon your family and friends will notice.
#2.  Distribute the Sacred Heart Promises picture cards.
#3.  Hang an image of the Sacred Heart in your living room and office.  This is a powerful testimony.
#4.  Memorize the 12 Promises and focus on one every month.  As you are blessed, share your testimony with family and friends.

Remind the Lord often of these promises. Jesus loves to be reminded.  Not that He forgets.  It is important for you to know deeply that the Lord is faithful.

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Who is your security Manny? Lord Jesus, my destiny lies in Your Hands alone.

"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 NABRE)

If you can come in your heart to own the above Scripture, nothing can ever defeat you in life.   If God Himself has carved out your portion and Inheritance, who can take it from you?  Consider again this consoling truth:  "OUR DESTINY LIES IN THE HANDS OF GOD."  (Psalm 31: 5)

No enemy, no economic situation, no tyrant, no world event can snatch it from the Mighty Hands of God.
Can you say ALLELUIA to the Mighty Power of God?

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Behold the Lamb of God.

 “Behold, the Lamb of God.”  (John 1: 36 NABRE)

A number of key Beholds in the Gospel presages a big announcement.  "Behold the Man."   (John 19: 5), Pilate said while pointing to Jesus after he was bloodied by the cruel scourging.   "Behold, thy Mother."   With blood shut eyes on the cross, Jesus nodded to John as He looked at the Mother.   "Behold, the Lamb of God."   John the Baptist said as he pointed his disciples to Jesus.   The three Beholds and the three occasions are defining moments in our Salvation History.  At Exodus, we encounter the spotless lamb sacrificed to save a nation.  Jesus is the true Lamb of God.

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In the Name of Jesus

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2: 10 - 11 NABRE)

Today is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.   What is in a name?  Consider the following:
#1.  "Hallowed be Thy Name." (Matthew 6: 9)
#2.  "Thou shall not invoke the Name of the Lord thy God in vain." (Exodus 20: 7)
#3.  "At the Name of Jesus, every knee should bend.."  (Philippians 2: 10 - 11)

The Name of Jesus means a big deal.  Jesus is His Name.  That Name means Savior.  Jesus means what it signifies and signifies what it means.   According to St Bernard of Clairvaux, Father and Doctor of the Church, "The sweet name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, and nourishes pure affections.... This name is the cure for all diseases of the soul."

Jesus we trust in You.  Have mercy on us and the whole world.

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Remain in Jesus.

"Remain in Him."  (1 John 2 : 27 & 28)

One of the words the Spirit gives the Churches today is:  (1 John 2 : 22 - 28)  Several places in this Scripture, the Spirit urges us to "remain in Him."   (1 John 2 : 27,28)
That is to say: please, please do not forget Jesus.

How do we remain in Jesus?
#1.  We remain in Jesus when we remain in His word every day.  Jesus is in His word.
#2.  We remain in Jesus when we converse with Him in prayer.  When we pray, we talk to Jesus.  When we read the Word or a spiritual book, Jesus talks to us.
#3.  We remain in Jesus when we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist.  The Eucharist is the source, center and summit of the Christian life.
#4.  We remain in Jesus when we serve Him in the poor and needy.

"And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming."  (1 John 2: 28)

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Abba Father shine Your Face upon us and be merciful to us.

The LORD said to Moses:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites and I will bless them.”  (Numbers 6:  22 -  27 RM)

This is the word of God.  May the Lord shine His Face upon you and your family all through 2017.

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Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in your heart.

"But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one."  (1 John 2: 20  NABRE)

Can this be my word to live by for 2017?  I don't know about you.  At this point of the year,  I search for this word.   I like (1 John 2: 20) by because in truth, I am seeking desperately for this anointing that comes from the Holy One.

Let us see what this anointing is and what it can do:

#1.  The Anointing is the Holy Spirit Himself.
#2.   The Holy Spirit is the Source of inspiration and power.
#3.  The Holy Spirit is the power of Evangelization.  Without Him, no ministry.
#4.  He is the Spirit of love and holiness.
#5.  He is the Spirit of joy and consolation.
#6.  He is the Spirit of Jesus.  Where He is, there is Jesus.

"But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one."  (1 John 2: 20  NABRE)

Lord, is this my word for 2017?  What a beautiful word!  Thank You Abba Father.  I accept it with my whole heart.  Brothers and sisters,  grab your word for 2017.  Let this word of Christ dwell in you richly.  (Colossians 3: 16)  Please grab your word for 2017 and run with it.  Happy 2017!

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Imitate the Holy Family of Nazareth.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."  (Exodus 20: 8 NIV)

Today is the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Church puts this family up as a shining example for every family.  How do you rank your family?  Good, OK, Work-in-progress?  No matter the ranking, your family is a microcosm of God's grand Family, the Church.

Someone said to Jesus: "Lord, heal the brokenness in my family."  Jesus said to him: "My friend, don't you see that my Family is also broken? Together, we shall start healing the two." 

Remember:  Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of Joseph and Mary.  A family that prays together stays together.

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Abba Father thank You for Jesus.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3: 16 NIV)

We love You Jesus.  We trust in You.  Have mercy on us and the whole world.

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Broken was the snare, and we were freed.

"Had not the Lord been with us,
when people rose against us,
Then they would have swallowed us alive, for their fury blazed against us."  (Psalm 124:  2-3 NABRE)

Psalm 124 is attributed to David.  David's faith in God grew during the many years he was on the run for his life.   How do you invest your crisis?  Moaning, pity partying? Or stepping out to reap the rich harvest of faith which is the reason the Lord allowed the problem in the first place.

If God is with you, who can be against you?  The answer is simple.  Nobody!  Jesus Himself promises to be with us 7/24 always and everywhere.   If crisis is the only way this truth will penetrate your heart, Lord send us crisis.  Amen.

If the Lord is with you, then it is accomplished.

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The Foundation of our Faith is an Eyewitness Account

"What we have seen and heard
we proclaim now to you so that you too may have fellowship with us."  (1 John 1: 3 NABRE)

John the Evangelist whose feast is today saw Jesus, heard Him speak and touched Him several times.  He leaves us a compelling eyewitness account of the solid basis of our faith.  We can better appreciate what St Paul says to the Ephesians:

"[Our Household is] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."  (Ephesians 2: 20)

Brothers and sisters,  won't you rejoice in the truth that our faith is sound, safe and secure?

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Happy Birthday Jesus. We adore You and worship You our King.

"Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."  (John 1: 17 NABRE)

Law and order came through Moses.  And then more laws from the Pharisees.  Nobody could observe the laws.  They remained all the same.   Then Jesus Christ was born and He created a new path for our salvation.  This new path is grace and mercy.  The formula to obtain this grace and mercy is wonderfully very simple:

#1.  Ask for Mercy
#2.  Be Merciful
#3.  Completely trust Jesus for Mercy

We celebrate today the birth of Mercy.  Happy Birthday Jesus, Face of Mercy.  We love You Jesus.  We trust in You.  Have mercy on us and the whole world.

Happy Christmas to everyone.  Trust in His Mercy.

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Come O Son of David. Come and have mercy on us.

"Go and tell David my servant, Thus says the Lord:"  (2 Samuel 7: 5 NABRE)

Today is the last day of Advent and Christmas eve.  We hear so much of David in the Scriptures read in the Church this day.  Why is David such a pivotal figure in the history of salvation?  Consider the following verses from these Scriptures for today: (2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 and Psalm 89 and Luke 1: 67 -  79)

#1.  "I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to become ruler over my people Israel."  (2 Samuel 7: 8)
#2.  "I was with you wherever you went, and I cut down all your enemies before you."
#3.  "I will give you rest from all your enemies."  (2 Samuel 7: 11)
#4.  "Your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me; your throne shall be firmly established forever."  (2 Samuel 7: 16)

#5.  "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will make your dynasty stand forever and establish your throne through all ages.” (Psalm 89: 4-5)
#6.  He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father, my God, the Rock of my salvation!"  (Psalm 89: 27)

#7.  "He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant."  (Luke 1: 69)

Come O Son of David.  Come and have mercy on us.

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O Come O Come Emmanuel, King of Kings.

"Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John." (Luke 1:  13 NABRE)

"She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1 : 21)

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.”  (Matthew 1: 23)

What is in a name?  In the Scriptures, name and mission are always linked.  A special name is often a pointer to one's destiny.

John the Baptist and Jesus are among the seven people named before their birth in the Bible.  Each proved to be a person of destiny.

If you do not have the sense that the name given to you by your parents at birth was inspired by God, ask the Holy Spirit.  If you still don't feel sure, how about your Confirmation name?  You chose the name yourself.  Why did you choose that particular name?

Come O King of all nations and keystone of the Church.

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God's Name is holy.

"And holy is His Name."  (Luke 1: 49)

Mary in her Magnificat, proclaims God's Name as holy.  What is holy is sacred, consecrated and therefore set apart intentionally for sacred functions.  The Altar is sacred and cannot be used for ping-pong.  The Chalice is consecrated for sacred duty and therefore cannot be used to drink beer.

Consider the following Scriptures on the Name of God:

#1.   "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name."  (Matthew 6: 9)
#2.  "You shall not invoke the name of the Lord, your God,  in  vain.   For the Lord will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain."  (Exodus 20: 7)
#3.  "You have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word."  (Psalm 138: 2)

We learn from the above Scriptures, that God's Name is indeed holy, sacred and must be revered at all times.

Come O King of all nations and keystone of the Church.

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When you pray well, you live well.

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

Mary was richly blessed because she believed in the promise of God to her.  God has also made several promises to us.  How do we tap into the power of faith in order to appropriate what God has promised to us?

#1.  Prayer opens our heart and mind to God.  When we pray, we talk to God.
#2.  When we read the word of God or good spiritual books, God speaks to us.
#3.  As you repeat steps #1 and #2 every day,  you come to sense if the promise is truly yours or not.
#4. If God is asking you to wait for your answer, you add praying for patience to your daily prayer.

It took a long time before God answered Sarah and Elizabeth.  Nobody knows how long it will take for God to answer your prayers.

Come O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law.

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All things are possible for God.

"No word from God will ever fail.”  (Luke 1: 37 NIV)

Nothing will be impossible for God.  God Never Fails!  This truth is so rich that we can hang our life and hope on it.   The Incarnation is possible.  All things are created twice.  The first creation is from below, earthly.  The second creation is from above, the Holy Spirit.  How is this possible?  All things are possible for God.   Who can be saved?  How can we be saved?  Nothing will be impossible for God.

Think of all the prophecies.  The child will play with the cobra.  The wolf will entertain the lamb.  There will be universal peace and well-being.  All things are possible for God.

And your dreams and desires?  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding of things.  Know and believe that all things are possible for God.

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The Lord removes the curse of barrenness

"They had no child, because Elizabeth was barren."  (Luke 1: NABRE)

Barrenness is the theme the Holy Spirit gives the Church today to chew and digest in the final Week in Advent.  The scriptures come from Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25 and Luke 1: 5-25.  

When I read these scriptures exactly one year ago, I was downcast.  The word of God was describing my situation.  I cannot be barren in the sense of the wife of Manoah in Judges 13 or Elizabeth in Luke 1.  It seemed to me that I sensed the Lord asking me: "What fruits have you produced for my Kingdom?"  I looked miserable.

Are you also barren in an area that matters most in life?  What God did for Zechariah and Elizabeth and Manoah and his wife, God can do for you and for me.  Let us pray to God to open our hearts in faith.

Abba Father, in Your mercy, take away all barrenness and bitterness in our lives.

Come O Son of God and Son of Mary.

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The cure for barrenness

"They had no child, because Elizabeth was barren."  (Luke 1: NABRE)

Barrenness is the theme the Holy Spirit gives the Church today to chew and digest in the final Week in Advent.  The scriptures come from Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25 and Luke 1: 5-25.  

When I read these scriptures exactly one year ago, I was downcast.  The word of God was describing my situation.  I cannot be barren in the sense of the wife of Manoah in Judges 13 or Elizabeth in Luke 1.  It seemed to me that I sensed the Lord asking me: "What fruits have you produced for my Kingdom?"  I looked miserable.

Are you also barren in an area that matters most in life?  What God did for Zechariah and Elizabeth and Manoah and his wife, God can do for you and for me.  Let us pray to God to open our hearts in faith.

Abba Father, in Your mercy, take away all barrenness and bitterness in our lives.

Come O Son of God and Son of Mary.

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Experience Emmanuel this Christmas.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1: 23 NABRE)

But Jesus is also God in us and for us.  How do you experience Emmanuel?  Joseph had a sudden inspiration in a dream and realized the presence of God.  Jacob wrestled with God in a dream and woke up to realize that God was with him in that place.  (Genesis 32: 22 -  32)

At a moment of great crisis, I was inspired to read Exodus 14: 13-14.  I did and realized that God was with me.  God is the Unseen Actor.  He wanted me to be a spectator.

We can experience God when we read devout books.  When you pray, you speak to God.  When you read, God speaks to you.  (St Vincent de Paul)
You can experience Emmanuel when you receive the Eucharist and when you sit quietly before the Blessed Sacrament.

Come O Emmanuel, God with us.

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Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church.

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1: 1 NABRE)

In the final week of Advent, the Church throughout the world listens to the Genealogy of Jesus Christ according to Matthew.   (Matthew 1: 1 - 17)  What lessons does this contain?

#1.  The men and women that made up the ancestry of Jesus were not perfect.  There were murderers, adulterers, liars, etc.
#2.  God was faithful to His plan to form a family in spite of human weaknesses.
#3.  Jesus Christ is faithful to the New Family of God, the Church in spite of the foibles of the men and women that made up the Church.
#4. Jesus protected the integrity of the Church by an Oath:  THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST THE CHURCH.  (Matthew 16: 18)
#5. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide the Church always, Jesus Christ promises.
#6.  The Church therefore cannot fail.  If the Church fails, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit have failed.
#7.  Is there any good reason for the existence of over 60,000 churches?
See the Prayer of Jesus for Unity of His Family.  (John 17)

Come O Head of the Church.

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The Sunday Rest is a Rehearsal for Eternal Rest.

"Blessed are all those who are careful to do this.
Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest and keep themselves from doing wrong."  (Isaiah 56: 2 NLT)

What is your attitude to the third Commandment?  "Thou shall keep holy the Sabbath day."
Why is this Commandment loaded with so many blessings in Sacred Scripture?  The Sabbath day comes once a week and reminds us of creation and the Resurrection of Jesus in a weekly rhythm that forces us to pause our hectic addiction to activity.  The Sabbath Rest is a rehearsal for Eternal Rest.

He who keeps holy the Lord's Day is blessed in accordance with the promises.  He who fails to observe it has nobody to blame but himself.

Come O Lord of the Sabbath.

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I promise to be your strength in proportion to the trust you place on me.

"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  (Isaiah 54: 9 NIV)

Wow!  Wow!  Wow!  Lord God of Hosts.  You blow our mind with this tremendous promise.  We respond by saying:
"Sing praise to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and give thanks to His holy Name.  For His anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime His good will."

Come O Most Merciful Savior.

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Come O Son of the Eternal Father.

"I am the Lord, there is no other.
I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well being  and create woe; I, the Lord, do all these things."  (Isaiah 45:  6 -  8 NABRE)

The Bible is the Text Book of God who teaches us what is good for us.  (Isaiah 48: 17)

Many places in the Bible, Abba Father reveals Himself as in Isaiah 45: 8 above.    In Exodus 34: 6, He describes Himself thus: The Lord, the Lord, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding  in love and fidelity."  And in Psalm 145: 8,  "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy."  In Psalm 103: 8, "Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger, abounding in mercy."

The self-revelation of Abba Father goes on and on throughout Scripture.  Why?  He wants His children to know Him well and stop fearing Him.  God created us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him so that we can live with Him forever.

Come O Little One of Bethlehem.

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Come and set us free O Face of the Mercy of God.

"She hears no voice,
accepts no correction;
In the Lord she has not trusted,
to her God she has not drawn near."  (Zephaniah 3: 1-2 RM)

The Prophet Zephaniah castigates the rebellious and polluted city with woes.  The "city" is you and I.  Then the prophet painted her ugly character.  She is deaf to admonition and rejects every correction.  She trusts in princes and flatterers rather than the Lord.  As the Lord calls her, she runs further and further from Him.

Do you know anybody like this?   This is Advent.  A time of repentance and grace.  The Lord is waiting today in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.   O that today you will hear His voice, harden not your heart.  (Psalm 95:  8)

Come O Face of Divine Mercy.

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Let it be done to me according to Your promise.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”  (Luke 1: 38 NIV)

What will you do if God gives you a very big job or mission, so big that you consider yourself totally unqualified for it.  You would consider it reasonable to decline.  But God is not put off by your self deprecation.  He pursues you.  He piles up the arguments:  The Holy Spirit will help you.  (Luke 1: 35)  Nothing is impossible for God.  (Luke 1: 37)  The battle is not yours but the Lord's.  (2 Chronicles 20: 15)  At last you succumbed to the charm offensive of God.  And bowing your head you murmured "You have spoken Lord, now let it be done.  (Cf Luke 1: 38)

God spoke.  Mary believed.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, she predicted "All generations shall call me blessed."  True or false?

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Happy Feast Day, O Patroness of the Americas.

Come O rising Sun.

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