They forgot the God who had saved them.

“These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”  (Exodus 32: 8 NABRE)

Unbelievable!  Israel forgot the God who had saved them.  They adored molten image of grass-eating beast. How painful this must be to behold.  (Psalm 106: 19 - 23).  How do you feel when you hear from your son or daughter:  "My friend gave this to me."  You see your labor of love attributed to a buddy. 

Abba Father loved the world so much that He gave His Son Jesus to save this world.  (John 3:16).  Yet some people may believe:  "My country loved me so much that it offers me eternal life."

On Day 30 of 40 of Lent 2017, let the People of God remember that every good gift comes from the Father above. (Cf James 1: 17)

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Can a mother be without tenderness for the child of her womb?

“The Lord has forsaken me;
my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget, I will never forget you."  (Isaiah 49: 14 - 15 NABRE)

The Israelites, true to character moaned that at last the Lord has settled accounts with them by a clean and complete divorce.  The Lord told them:  that is impossible and never going to happen.

Money, money, money, all is money in a rich man's world. Years after the ABBA Group topped the charts with this song, I learned that all is also money in a poor man's world.  Money is one of the big items in life that tempt us to believe:  "The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”  (Isaiah 49: 14).  Jesus addressed this silly worry in Matthew Chapter 6.  The healing Scripture for me on money is below:

"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.”  (Hebrews 13: 5)

On Day 29 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God invites us to learn to trust God in everything.  Man does not live on money alone.

Praise and honor to You, LORD Jesus Christ!

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God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

“Do you want to be well?”  (John 5: 5 NABRE)

The Lord Jesus asked a man who had been ill for 38 years the above question.   A sure sign that Jesus wants to heal him.  Then He commanded him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.”  (John 5: 8).  After a brief interval, Jesus found the now healthy man inside the temple and said to him:  “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.”  (John 5 : 14).

In the world, there is abundant opportunity for our own type of sin:
"For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world."  (1 John 2: 16 NLT)

On Day 28 of 40 of Lent 2017, Jesus asks us:  "Do you want to be well?”  (John 5: 5).  Consider the 7 Deadly Sins and their opposites, the 7 Virtues:

1.  Pride   -   Humility
2.  Greed  -   Generosity
3.   Lust    -    Chastity
4.   Anger  -    Gentleness
5.   Gluttony - Temperance
6.    Envy      -   Brotherly love
7.    Sloth     -   Diligence

We cannot overcome our sins on our own.  With God all things are possible.  (Mark 10: 27).

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You may go, your distress has been removed.

"Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left."  (John 4: 50 NABRE)

Are you scratching your head trying to understand what faith really is? Above is the best definition of faith in action.  Act according to this model and nothing will be impossible to you.  On top of this, you will receive for asking, the gift of understanding that helps you to perceive what God is doing in your life should He choose to block your path in any project.

The subject of our key Scripture today is described as a "royal official."   His son was healed "and he and his whole household came to believe."  (John 4: 53).  This is amazing and a challenge to all of us.  You may think:  "If only the Lord would perform a great miracle like raising the dead, wiping out cancer and ISIS from the world, I will be believe."  No, you won't.   “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones."  (Luke 16: 10 NLT).  What does this mean?  God is working miracles in your life every single day.  If you do not notice them and give thanks, even if the Lord were to raise a thousand dead people before your eyes, wipe out cancer and ISIS from the world, you will walk away preoccupied by other things.  God's word is a spiritual law. It never fails.

On Day 27 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God encourages you to humble yourself and pray:  "Lord, increase our faith." (Luke 17: 5).

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Learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

"Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."  (Ephesians 5: 10 NABRE)

On Day 26 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God asks us to learn what is pleasing to God.  We know that many saints have ran this race and finished well. There are no better examples to teach us about what is pleasing to God than the saints.  Let us consider the example of one saint:

When the Angel Gabriel asked Mary the impossible:  to become the mother of the Son God in her virginhood, Mary replied, "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."  (Luke 1: 38).  Mary discerned that what is pleasing to God is to surrender to the will of God.

The shortest route to be a saint is to discern the will of God for your life every day and do it.

Awake, O sinner, and arise from your sleep, and Christ will give you light.  (Cf Ephesians 5: 14)

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Do not be afraid Mary.

"Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."  (Luke 1: 30 NABRE)

Everybody is familiar with the above scene in the Gospel.  Today the Church everywhere in the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. We have seen two Solemnities in the Season of Lent.  The Church following the custom of ancient Israel is full of festivities. It is the will of God and delightful to us.

What are we celebrating today? The beginning of the fulfilment of the promise made to us after Eve ate the forbidden fruit.  The Son of the woman would crush the head of the serpent.   (Genesis 3: 15)

What if any of us has the power to create his mother, what would you do? I will make my mother the most beautiful, the most virtuous, a queen of unparalleled dignity and power.  Jesus Christ has this power and He used it.  Mary was not an accident. She is not just any woman who can conceive and bear a son. She was especially chosen from time immemorial to be the Mother of the Redeemer.

How did the early Church and the same Church today discover the identity of Mary? The Holy Spirit taught the Church.  This knowledge is hidden in the hearts of all believers in every age. This is the Lord's doing. It is wonderful in our eyes. (Cf Psalm 118: 23)

On Day 25 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Church suspends Lent again to celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.  Happy Feast Day.

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Our God is an awesome God.

"Assyria will not save us, nor will we mount horses;
We will never again say, ‘Our god,’
to the work of our hands; for in you the orphan finds compassion.” (Hosea 14 : 4 NABRE)

I call this 3rd Friday in Lent "NO to IDOLS Friday".  Who is your Assyria? And horses?

"Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, for you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God."  (Psalm 86: 10 RM)

No god to compare with our God:
Not technology, not money, not science, not job or health.  Our God do wonderful things every day.

On Day 24 of 40 of Lent 2017, remember that Jesus was crucified on Friday.

Stations of the Cross.

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Jesus Christ is the Savior of all people.

"I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord.
Should they cry to me in any distress,
I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever."  (Entrance Antiphon Thursday, 3rd Week of Lent)

Jesus Christ is the Hope of Salvation. His name Jesus means Savior (Joshua). Salvation means deliverance, freedom from whatever distress we may have.  Jesus promises to save us if we cry out to Him.

On Day 23 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Liturgy reminds us that Easter is near.  Press forward soldiers of God to the Great Feast!

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."  (Psalm 95: 8)

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Believe the word. Teach the word. Practice the word.

"But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 19 NABRE)

Learn the word, ie commands, statutes, promises, law of God. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe to your children, friends and colleagues. Practice what you teach.

On Day 22 of 40 of Lent 2017,
we commit to persevere in learning the word of God and sharing the fruits of our study.

"However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but make them known to your children and to your children’s children."  (Deuteronomy 4: 9)

"Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life."   (John 6: 63)

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Struggling with Unforgiveness, pray for the person daily.

"At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’  (Matthew 18: 26 NABRE)

The servant in the above story owed the master a very large debt which he could not possibly repay.  He knew His master and knew what to do and what to say.   "Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan."  (Matthew 18: 27).  How much do you know the most merciful Heart of Jesus?

Why did this servant not follow up by forgiving his fellow servant who owed him a much less debt?  This is the question for our reflection on Day 21 of 40 of Lent 2017.  Do you notice we have done 50% of the Lent?  Congratulations and keep up the good work. Persevere!

Consider too Jesus' words to this unforgiving servant:
"You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.   Should  you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?"  (Matthew 18: 32 - 33).
Struggling with Unforgiveness?  Start by praying daily for the person.

Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God.

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Behold a faithful and prudent steward, whom the LORD set over His Household.

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her."  (Matthew 1: 20 NABRE)

On Day 20 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Church suspends Lent for today to honor St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   No fasting. No abstinence. We celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph with joy and Gloria is sang or said at Mass.  His feast is March 19. March 19, 2017 fell on Sunday.  The feast is celebrated today.

Why honor St Joseph?  St Joseph is a pivotal person in Salvation history.  He was a just man, full of courage, humble and chosen by God to protect Mary and her Son, Jesus.  He suffered patiently as a self-employed business man.  He showed great fortitude when he took his family into Egypt as refugees.  He is a powerful Intercessor.

St Joseph pray for us!

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If today you hear hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

“Is the Lord in our midst or not?”  (Exodus 17: 7 NABRE)

The children of Israel driven by severe thirst in the desert posed this point blank question to God at Massah and Meribah. This place became known as place of rebellion.

Have you ever been driven by extreme adversity to challenge God?  "O God, where are You?"  The psalmist again and again shout out:   "Answer me God. Don't be deaf to my prayers and my cries for help!"  (Cf Psalm 39: 12, 143: 7, 28:1, 35: 22, etc).  But why would God allow us to be driven to this level of desperation that we rebel?  I have been in many such situation in my life.  I have learned the following:

#1.  God is a Father and a Teacher who knows exactly what we need and is teaching us what is best for us.
#2. Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

God uses our adversities as teaching moment.  What son who is valued by his father does not train him for success and integrity?  (Cf Hebrews 12: 7)

On Day 19 of 40 of Lent 2017,
"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day of Massah in the desert."   (Psalm 95:  7 - 8)

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If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

“Is the Lord in our midst or not?”  (Exodus 17: 7 NABRE)

The children of Israel driven by severe thirst in the desert posed this point blank question to God at Massah and Meribah. This place became known as place of rebellion.

Have you ever been driven by extreme adversity to challenge God?  "O God, where are You?"  The psalmist again and again shout out:   "Answer me God. Don't be deaf to my prayers and my cries for help!"  (Cf Psalm 39: 12, 143: 7, 28:1, 35: 22, etc).  But why would God allow us to be driven to this level of desperation that we rebel?  I have been in many such situation in my life.  I have learned the following:

#1.  God is a Father and a Teacher who knows exactly what we need and is teaching us what is best for us.
#2. Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

God uses our adversities as teaching moment.  What son who is valued by his father does not train him for success and integrity?  (Cf Hebrews 12: 7)

On Day 19 of 40 of Lent 2017,
"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day of Massah in the desert."   (Psalm 95:  7 - 8)

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I will go and say to my Father. Father forgive me.

"The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures."  (Psalm 145: 8 - 9 RM)

On Day 18 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God gives us some Scriptures we need to memorize and repeat every day.  Memorizing and repeating Scriptures is a well attested means of transformation of the mind and heart.  "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."  (Psalm 119: 11)  Here are two more reasons to encourage you to repeat often the Scriptures that touch your heart:

#1.  You are becoming what you believe.
#2.  What transforms your mind and heart is not what you know but what you do everyday.  (Cf John 13 : 17)

"Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts.  Who pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills, Who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with mercy and compassion."  (Psalm 103: 1 - 4)

Glory to You, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ.

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The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

"Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him a long ornamented tunic.  When his brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his brothers, they hated him so much that they could not say a kind word to him."  (Genesis 37: 3 - 4 NABRE)

On Day 17 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God reminds us through the story of Joseph and his brothers the narrative of Cain and Abel which we saw in mid February.  "Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."  (Genesis 4: 8 NABRE)
The motives for the present crime are similar:

#1.  Jealousy, envy, anger, hatred
#2.  Spirit of disobedience
#3.  No fear of God or retribution
Etc, etc.

Consider the consequences:
Murder, fratricide, racism, war.

The brothers of Joseph sold him to traders en route to Egypt for 20 pieces of silver.  Both Abel and Joseph are types of Jesus.  As we approach the great feast of Easter, watch out for other types of Jesus.

"When the LORD called down a famine on the land and ruined the crop that sustained them,
He sent a man before them,
Joseph, sold as a slave.
They had weighed him down with fetters, and he was bound with chains, till his prediction came to pass and the word of the LORD proved him true."  (Psalm 105: 16 - 18 RM)

Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

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Do not put your trust in princes.

"Thus says the Lord:
Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord."  (Jeremiah 17: 5 NABRE)

Why such a severe curse on anyone who trusts in human being? To get our attention.  Some people trust in humans to provide them with  job, money and even life.  The Bible warns again and again, put no trust in man or in princes or in horses and chariots (tanks, fighter bombers, etc). (Cf Psalm 118: 8; 146: 3)

The fellow who trusts in humans or themselves is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season.  (Jeremiah 17: 6).  Just like the 4 Seasons in nature, are the seasons of a man's life.  Spring follows winter.

On Day 16 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God asks us: Who do you trust?

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; the Lord will be their trust. They are like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It does not fear heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit."  (Jeremiah 17: 7 - 8 NABRE)

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My destiny, my security is in Your hands, O Lord my God.

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

Are you delighted to know that your destiny, your total security is 100% in the hands of God?  God's most loving Providence watches over every moment of our life with utmost diligence. So diligent, that not a single hair falls from our head without His permission.  (Luke 12: 7, Luke 21: 18, Matthew 10: 30)

In order to appropriate this blessing, you must believe.  Faith is believing that what God says is true. God never fails, no matter what.  What we believe makes us what we are.  Correct belief is the key to correct action.

On Day 15 of 40 of Lent 2017, God invites us to trust wholeheartedly in His most loving and powerful providence:

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."  (Matthew 6: 33 - 34 NLT)

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Which is easier to do? To resist God or to enjoy the good things of the land?

"If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land."  (Isaiah 1: 19 NABRE)

How far will you go to resist God's will?  I will rather eat the good things of the land than continue in disobedience.

"Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome."  (1 John 5: 3 NLT)
Of course nobody can keep all the Commandments without the help of the Holy Spirit.  When you try and fail to keep the Commandments, the Lord whose mercy is unceasing has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation for this end.  On Day 14 of 40 of Lent 2017, think about this and thank the Lord Jesus for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

"To the upright I will show the saving power of God."  (Psalm 50: 23)

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Be merciful, as your Father is merciful.

"Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful."

 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.   Give and gifts will be given to you."  (Luke 6: 36 - 38 NABRE)

On Day 13 of 40 of Lent 2017, the teaching of Jesus above (Luke 6 : 36-38) needs no comments.  Just do it.

Glory to You, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ

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This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.

"Beloved:  bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God."  (2 Timothy 1: 8 RM)

On Day 12 of 40 of Lent 2017, St Paul urged the young Timothy and us in his 2nd Letter to Timothy to be ready at all times to accept our share of the sufferings of witnessing to Jesus and His Gospel.  Jesus had infinite power to resolve every problem on earth before He ascended into Heaven.  Why did He not do it? To give us opportunity to earn glorify.

Without Jesus we can do nothing. (John 15: 5). We need Jesus to live the Christian life.  We need Jesus to start these 40 Days of Lent. We need Jesus to finish the Journey.

Fix your gaze therefore on Jesus and you will finish the race set before you.  (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

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Pray for your enemies and those who persecute you.

"Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."  (Matthew 5: 44 RM)

How do you love those who persecute you? By praying for them. Every day. Prayer is the greatest gift one friend can give to another. 

Once upon a time, I got a subsidized loan from the company I worked for to build a home.  I had no experience with contractors. The contractor disappeared with the money I gave him to build the house.  What must I do? Find him and lock him up? Sue him? A tiny voice said to me:  "Pray for him. Forget him. I will help you."   I finished the house on time.

I experienced these blessings for obeying the spiritual law of praying for the contractor who caused me immense pain:
1.  Money flowed to me from unexpected sources.
2.  I got a better and more experienced contractor.
3.  I had peace and learned a great lesson which served me well in the future.

Three years after I finished the house, three senior managers colluded against me and got me fired.  When this happened, I had the home but was penniless because I invested every penny in the house.  Again temptation:  Sue the men, sue the company.  I remembered the lesson from the contractor.  I prayed for the men by name every day for five years before the pain went away. I added this lesson to the previous lesson.

On Day 11 of 40 of Lent 2017, the word of God says to us: "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5: 48)

Glory to You Lord Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God the Father.

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You shall live because of the virtues you have practiced.

"But if the wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die!"  (Ezekiel 18: 21 NABRE)

On Day 10 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Scripture for today calls for Conversion. At the beginning of Lent, we saw that Lent provides a unique opportunity for continuous Conversion because of the immense outpouring of grace and mercy that God promises in this Season.  We have now done 1/4th of the Journey. How do you assess your progress?

In verse 22 of the same chapter 18 of Ezekiel, God says that he who accepts the grace of Conversion "shall live because of the virtue he has practiced."

Some of these virtues are called Corporal Works of Mercy:
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead

Friday in the First Week of Lent:
Stations of the Cross.

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Everyone who asks receives.

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to  you.   For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  (Matthew 7: 7 - 8 NABRE)

On Day 9 of 40 of Lent 2017, it is all about Prayer. The Holy Spirit, Lord and Master of Prayer takes us through a powerful course on Prayer. The word from the Book of Esther  (Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23 - 25) gives us a great template on Prayer:  Posture for Prayer, Time for Prayer, Duration for radical and warrior- type Prayer, words for Prayer and so on.

In the Gospel, Matthew 7: 7 - 12, Jesus promises the certainty of answer to Prayers. This is a great encouragement for us in Lent where Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting form the three pillars of Lent and the Christian life.

The way to experience the pure joy of answered prayer is to ask and keep asking.  God who knows exactly what you need hears  every word of your prayer.  If your request is not in accordance with His superior plan for you, He will do the best thing for you.  Pray with persistence and never give up hope. (Cf Luke 18: 1)

"Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,  or a snake when he asks for a fish?  If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him."  (Matthew 7: 7 - 12 NABRE)

How perfect are you as a father or mother?  If you do not give your son a poisonous snake when he asks for a toy, what do you take God for? A wicked monster?

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

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The word of God came to Jonah a second time.

"When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out."  (Jonah 3: 10 NABRE)

In the Day 8 of 40 of Lent 2017, we see from the story of Jonah that our God is the God of a second chance. Actually, I am enjoying this second chance.  But the main lesson today is that God saw from their actions that they are ready to convert.

What type of actions is God seeking from us today?
Consider some Spiritual Works of Mercy:

1. Instruct the ignorant
2. Counsel the doubtful
3. Admonish sinners
4. Bear wrongs patiently
5. Forgive offences willingly
6. Comfort the afflicted
7. Pray for the living and the dead

"My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn."  (Psalm 51: 19)

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The word has its time for fulfilment.

"Thus says the LORD:
Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
"And do not return there till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
Giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth;
It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it."  (Isaiah 55: 10 - 11 RM)

On the 7th Day of Lent 2017, the Holy Spirit releases to the Church one of the great Scriptures on the power of the word of God.

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword."  (Hebrews 4: 12 NLT)

God's word accomplishes its purpose.  It succeeds utterly in its mission.  If you need to wait for it, wait with courage for its time of fulfilment is near.  19 years ago, God gave me the following word:
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."  (Matthew 6 : 33 NLT)
Although the second part of this Covenant is still work in progress, I am already seeing rich fruits from this word of prophecy.

Abba Father, may your word accomplish its effects in our lives.
Glory to You, LORD Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God the Father!

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Behold, now is a very acceptable time.

"The LORD said to Moses“  Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them" :
  
“You shall not steal.
You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another.
You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the the LORD."  (Leviticus 19: 1, 11- 12)

On Day 6th of Lent 2017, the word of God reminds us of His laws and gives us excellent reasons for obeying them.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul."  (Psalm 19: 8)

“You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart.
Though you may have to reprove him, do not incur sin because of him.
Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”  (Leviticus 19:16 - 17)

"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."  (Psalm 19: 9)

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Man does not and cannot live on bread alone.

“No! For the Scriptures tell us that bread won’t feed men’s souls: obedience to every word of God is what we need.”  (Matthew 4: 4 TLB)

Jesus answered the devil with the above quote from Deuteronomy 8 verse 3.

Since man is made up of body, soul and spirit, no amount of bread, money, homes, clothing, health, cars, etc would ever satisfy man.   Only God who knows exactly what man needs can satisfy him.

The Eucharist, the heavenly bread, nourishes our faith, increases our hope and strengthens our charity.   As we start our 5th Day of Lent 2017, learn to hunger for Jesus, the true and living Bread and strive to live by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

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The Lord will renew your strength and you shall be like a watered garden.

"Thus says the LORD:
If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted."  (Isaiah 58: 9 -  10 RM)

Yesterday, Day 3 of Lent 2017, the Lord showed us how to get right with Him through fasting.  Today the message is more pointed: Get rid of oppression in your family and your work place.  Gossiping, slander, every sin of the tongue, dirty talk are all hateful to Yahweh.

Today, there is a lot of consolation in the promises that go with the Covenant of grace and mercy:

"Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength,
and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails."  (Isaiah 58:  10 -  11)

There are a number of concrete promises above: health, prosperity, light and guidance.  They are all yours.

Almighty God, to serve You is to reign.  Transform our hearts and minds during these 40 days.  Amen.

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First Friday in March 2017

Today is the First Friday in March.

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

#3.  I will console them in all their troubles.

In Promise #3, Jesus does not promise a trouble free life.  "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  (John 16: 33 NLT)

Remind the Lord often of these promises.

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This is the fasting that I approve.

“Why do we fast, but you do not see it? afflict ourselves, but you take no note?”  (Isaiah 58: 3 NABRE)

The people queried God and He answered them thus:
"See, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers.
See, you fast only to quarrel and fight and to strike with a wicked fist!"  (Isaiah 58: 3 -  4)

Now the Lord states the type of fast He approves: 
"Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking off every yoke?
Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house;
Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?"  Isaiah 58: 6 -  7)

This is the type of fast that brings transformation of life and huge blessings especially during the Season of Lent.

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If anyone wishes to come after me, he must take up his cross daily and follow Me.

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”  (Luke 9: 22 NABRE)

At the beginning of Lent 2017, we hear Jesus speaking of the absolute necessity, the inevitability of His suffering.   Why is the Spirit giving us this Scripture now?  Consider these reasons:

#1.  Are you fully aware of the power of the cross and the necessity of your own suffering?
#2.  No following of Christ without suffering.  Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.  (Pope Benedict XVI).
#3.  The Son of Man must suffer before His glorification.  (Luke 24: 26).  What is a divine necessity for Jesus is true for us.

There are 35 Doctors of the Church,  great men and women who clarified our doctrine of faith and showed us by example how to live the Christian life.  They all suffered physical, emotional and spiritual pains.  But each one of them accomplished their destiny in spite of their terrible sufferings. 

Our suffering is blessing in disguise.  No cross, no crown. 
So at the beginning of Lent 2017,  the mystery and contradiction of the cross is set before us to grapple with.

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If you hear His voice today, harden not your heart.

"Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."  ( 2 Corinthians 6: 2 NABRE)

The Season of Lent which begins today is a great Season of favors and spiritual gifts.  First and foremost the gift of conversion.  Whether we are beginners or advanced in our Faith Journey,  continual conversion is all the Christian life is all about.

The word of God urges us not to postpone our conversion.  Do not say:  "I am young.  Let me enjoy some more fun."   ( Cf Sirach 5: 1 - 8).  God overlooks sins to bring us to repentance.  He spares us because of His Mighty Mercy.
"For gracious and merciful is the Lord, slow to anger,  rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment."  (Cf Joel 2: 2 - 18)

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."  (Cf Psalm 95: 8)

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Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed.

"Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The offering of the just enriches the altar: a sweet odor before the Most High."  (Sirach 35: 6 - 8 NABRE)

I cannot forget the first I heard about not appearing before the LORD empty-handed.  I had assumed it was alright to whine: I have no money.  I have no job and blame the Lord for my situation.  Today, I remember the widow's mite and try to behave accordingly.  (Mark 12: 41 -  44;  Luke 21: 1 -  4)

"With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, and do not spare your freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means."  (Sirach 35: 10 - 12)

"For he is a God who always repays
and will give back to you sevenfold."  (Sirach 35: 13)

"Trust in God at all times, O my people!  Pour out your hearts before him."  (Psalm 62: 9)

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The Lord brought me out to a place of freedom.

“You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”   (Mark 10: 21 NABRE)

Jesus looked with love at a rich young man who came to Him for advice and said the above.  What is the One Thing holding you back from fully embracing the call of Jesus?  Money, job, possessions, comfort?  Your pathway to the victory and freedom you yearn for is renouncing this One Thing and letting Jesus take control.

Once upon a time, my life was secretly controlled by alcohol.  One Saturday in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I received a green light from Jesus to ask for healing.  I went home from Church and emptied all the bottles of liquor in the toilet.  I regained my freedom.

"The Lord became my Protector.  He brought me out to a place of freedom;  He saved me because He delighted in me."  (Cf Psalm 18: 19-20 RM)

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Why are anxious about everything?

"But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”
Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget, I will never forget you."  (Isaiah 49: 14-15 NABRE)

"Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all."  (Psalm 62: 2 - 3)

"Trust in God at all times, O my people!  Pour out your hearts before him."  (Psalm 62: 9)

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The Almighty has done great things for Mary.

"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

The above verse is from the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise to God when she visited Elizabeth.

Jesus did not honor Mary during her earthly life and at times seemed even to ignore her.  Mary's life here below may be described as ordinary and even insignificant.  Mary was probably known to a handful of disciples and her relatives.  Then one day she died and then the cult of Mary burst on the world like  a nuclear force.  Consider a few of what happened after Mary died:

#1.   Basilicas, Cathedrals, Churches, Universities, Institutes sprout up all over the world in her name.
#2.  Prayers and intercessions began simultaneously everywhere in her name.
#3.  The Holy Rosary believed to be a gift from God to the Church began to be used as a popular devotion  around AD 1000 and rapidly spread everywhere.  Today probably some  20 Billion Hail Marys are said round the clock all over the world every day. 

#4.  The Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Christology) becomes illuminated when seen through the mystery of Mary.  New doctrines and dogmas were defined to honor Mary. 

Some people ask:  Don't you honor Mary too much?  Her children rush to answer without hesitation:  NOT ENOUGH for the Mother of our God and Savior.

Is our God a faithful God?  Remember:  the best is yet to come for you.  God has reserved the best wine to the last.  (Cf John 2: 9)
"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

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The Almighty has done great things for Mary.

"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

The above verse is from the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise to God when she visited Elizabeth.

Jesus did not honor Mary during her earthly life and at times seemed even to ignore her.  Mary's life here below may be described as ordinary and even insignificant.  Mary was probably known to a handful of disciples and her relatives.  Then one day she died and then the cult of Mary burst on the world as a nuclear force.  Consider a few of what happened after Mary died:

#1.   Basilicas, Cathedrals, Churches, Universities, Institutes sprout up all the world in her name.
#2.  Prayers and intercessions began simultaneously everywhere in her name.
#3.  The Holy Rosary believed to be a gift from God to the Church was launched around AD 1000 and rapidly spread all over the world.  Today probably around 20 Billion Hail Marys are said round the clock all over the world.
#4.  The Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Christology) becomes illuminated when seen through the mystery of Mary.  New doctrines and dogmas were defined to honor Mary. 

Some people ask:  Don't you honor Mary too much?  Her children rush to answer without hesitation:  NOT ENOUGH for the Mother of our God and Savior.

Is our God a faithful God?  Remember, the best is yet to come for you.  God has reserved the best wine to the last.  (Cf John 2: 9)
"He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name."   (Luke 1: 49 RM)

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A faithful friend is beyond price.

"A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings."

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."  (Sirach 6: 5, 15 - 17 RM)

This word of God touches me to the core.  I need desperately to learn the art of making and keeping friends.  Lord Jesus, You are my best Friend and constant Companion, help me to make human friends.

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2-24

"A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings."

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."  (Sirach 6: 5, 15 - 17 RM)

This word of God touches me to the core.  I need desperately to learn the art of making and keeping friends.  Lord Jesus, You are my best Friend and constant Companion, help me to make human friends.

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Delay not your conversion to the LORD.

"Say not: “I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?”
   for the Most High bides his time.
Of forgiveness be not overconfident,
   adding sin upon sin.
Say not: “Great is his mercy;
   my many sins he will forgive.”
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
   upon the wicked alights his wrath.

Delay not your conversion to the LORD,
   put it not off from day to day.
For suddenly his wrath flames forth;
   at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed."  (Sirach: 4 -  7 RM)

2 weeks to the great Season of Mercy: LENT 2017:  March 1, 2017.  Be Prepared!

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You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

"But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  (Luke 22: 32 NIV)

Is this a Scripture you can claim for yourself?  At the beginning of my conversion, I was naive and saw every promise in the Bible as mine.  I read the above promise thus:  "I have prayed for you, Emmanuel, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."  Though not as naive today as I was then, I decided to keep this formula.   After all, Jesus Christ is our able and eternal High Priest who is constantly interceding for us at God's Throne of Mercy.  (Hebrews 4: 14-16;  6: 20)

Praise our Chief Shepherd and Able and Eternal High Priest!

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In fire gold and silver are tested.

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD,
   stand in justice and fear,
   prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
   incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,
   undisturbed in time of adversity.
Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
   thus will you be wise in all your ways.
Accept whatever befalls you,
   when sorrowful, be steadfast,
   and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,
   and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and God will help you;
   trust in him, and he will direct your way;
   keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
   turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him,
   and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
   for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the LORD, love him,
   and your hearts will be enlightened.
Study the generations long past and understand;
   has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?
    has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;
   he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble
   and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth."  (Sirach 2: 1- 11 RM)

This is the word of God.
Thanks be to God.

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Faith may well be the secret and missing ingredient in your life.

“O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you?"  (Mark 9: 19 NABRE)

Jesus uses a tough language to describe people of His generation.  They have no faith.  They are riddled with unbelief and doubt.  He identified this as their core problem.

What are the symptoms of faithlessness, unbelief and doubt?
#1.  No Prayer
#2.  No Church
#3.  No Sunday Rest
#4.  Ignorance of the Scriptures
#5.  Dependence on money for security, etc, etc, etc.

Do you recognize our generation?  Pope Benedict XVI said that lack of faith is the fundamental problem of this generation.
Listen to what Jesus says about Faith:  "Everything is possible to one who has faith.”   (Mark 9: 23)

When the man who provoked the conversation heard the above, he cried out:  “I do believe, help my unbelief!”  (Mark 9: 24)  A great prayer for everyone.

Later on the same day, the disciples asked Jesus:  “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”
Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”  (Mark 9: 28 - 29 NLT)

We notice here the tight integration between faith and prayer.  One cannot exist without the other.  Prayer is a vital necessity for the life of faith.   (Cf Luke 18: 1) And Faith is the secret ingredient for all the great heroes of the Bible.  (Hebrews 11:13, 39)

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Be holy just as your heavenly Father is holy.

"The Lord said to Moses: Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy."  (Leviticus 19: 1 -  2 NABRE)

"So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5: 48)

Is holiness a scary subject to you?  Or perhaps you consider it a topic for nuns, priests and pastors?  To be holy, you must want to be holy.  Do you desire to be holy?

Holiness consists simply in loving your neighbor as yourself and accepting with serenity day after day the things you cannot change.  These are your crosses.

Of course you cannot do the above without a life of prayer and complete trust and dependence on the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of holiness dwells in you and makes you a temple of God.  (1 Corinthians 3: 16)

Desire holiness and make friends with the Holy Spirit and He will do the rest.

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His Name is the Word of God.

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  (Mark 9: 7 NABRE)

Peter, James and John accompanied Jesus to the Mountain of Transfiguration.  And here they heard Abba Father say to them:  “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  (Mark 9: 7)
In the whole of Sacred Scripture, we do not have many instances of Abba Father speaking to anyone.  This is a treasured moment and gift.  The speech is brief, just 8 words.  Clear and direct.  Father directs us to listen to His Son Jesus.  This is a counsel no Christian dare to take lightly.

We listen to Jesus in the Scriptures especially.  He is the word of God.  He is the word that is made flesh.  (John 1: 14)  His name is the word of God.  (Revelation 19: 13) The Book of Hebrews teaches us that in these last days, the Father has spoken to us through His Son Jesus.  (Hebrews 1: 1-2) Jesus is therefore the last word of the Father.

Whenever I hear the Father's word on the Mountain of Transfiguration, I remember another great counsel, this time by the Mother of Jesus.  "Do whatever He tells you."  (John 2:  5)  When you combine the two counsels,  you have a perfect spirituality.   You hear and you do.

Grace and Mercy be upon you.

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Your cross is tailor-made to fit your person.

“If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]."  (Mark 8: 34 AMP)

This sounds impossible and insane until you remember that there is a great cloud of witnesses that have done it.   (Hebrews 12: 1)  Jesus Himself is the Author and Finisher of our faith and would not ask us what He did not experience.  (Hebrews 12: 2)

Whatever your cross, you may not have chosen it.  Know with absolute certainty that it was tailor-made for you by One who knows you perfectly.   You have tried and found that you cannot come down from that cross.

I say this prayer every morning and it helps me to carry my daily crosses:

O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can.  And the wisdom to know the difference.

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Be my Protector, the Mighty Stronghold to save me.

“But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Messiah.”  (Mark 8: 29 NABRE)

Who is Jesus for you?

"Be my protector, O God,
a mighty stronghold to save me.
For you are my rock, my stronghold!
Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name."  (Cf Psalm 31:  3 -  4 RM)

Jesus is my Savior, my Protector, my Mighty Stronghold, my Rock.

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What can I offer the Lord for His mercies towards me.

What can I offer the Lord
for all he has done for me?"  (Psalm 116: 12 NLT)

When you experience a great favor from God and your heart is overflowing with gratitude, how do you thank God?

Let us see some of the ways this was done in the Scriptures:
#1.  "Noah built an altar to the Lord, and choosing from every clean animal and every clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar."   (Genesis 8: 20)
#2.  Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek.  (Genesis 14: 20; Hebrews 7: 2)
#3.  "Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High." (Psalm 50: 14)
"Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me."  (Psalm 50: 23)
#4.  Jesus offers the Eucharist at the Last Supper, a Sacrifice of His Body and Blood.  (Matthew 26: 17-30; Mark 14: 12 - 26; Luke 22: 7 - 23)

The Eucharist is a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving repeated daily in Memorial of Jesus' total self-sacrifice.  (Luke 22: 19; 1 Corinthians 11: 24)  This oblation which Jesus calls the New Covenant (Matthew 26: 23) cleanses and renews us and become for us the source of Eternal Life. 

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Do you not remember?

"The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat." (Mark 8: 14 NABRE)

We often ask the Lord for favors on health, family, money, job, etc.  The Lord is pleased to grant us the favor  to help grow our faith in Him.   Since no condition is permanent and the favor was meant to be renewed through fresh request, the next time we feel the need, we panic instead of asking again with confidence.

The Lord Jesus chides the disciples and us with these words:  "Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened?  Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember."  (Mark 8: 17 -  18)

Why do we forget so often details of God's past mercies?  I find personally that even when I write the favor in my journal, I still forget.  I do better when I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of the favors I have enjoyed from God. 

 “Do you still not understand?”  (Mark 8: 21)

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Am I my brother's keeper?

"Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."  (Genesis 4: 8 NABRE)

Thus we see the first murder in the Bible and Cain became the first murderer.  When I was a little child and heard this story, I was shocked and frightened.  In those days, murder was rare.  Let us consider the reasons for this crime and the consequences:

#1.  Jealousy, envy, anger, hatred
#2.  Spirit of disobedience
#3.  No fear of God or retribution
You can expand on the list.

Consider the consequences:
Murder, fratricide, war.

You may add as an example the chilly effect of the 911 attack on the American society.  It changed a society that was kindly and welcoming into one that is fearful and suspicious of strangers.  It gave birth to an insidious warmongering spirit.

All the above are attributable to the demonic spirit of Cain.  But the Scriptures bring us hope:

"For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another,  unlike Cain who belonged to the evil one and slaughtered his brother. Why did he slaughter him? Because his own works were evil, and those of his brother righteous."  (1 John 3: 11 -  12)

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