Jesus gave His life as an offering for sin.

“Are you the king of the Jews?”  (John 18: 33 NABRE)
"Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18: 36)

Today is Good Friday, April 14, 2017.  The Church celebrates the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world."  Think of it:  If the Kingdom of Jesus belongs to this world, no Christian will ever experience poverty or illness.  But we are affected by the conditions of this fallen world as much as others.

St Paul encourages his followers with these words:  "Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything."  (2 Corinthians 6: 10 NLT).  What does this mean? Christ Jesus died today on the Cross for a weightier goal than silver and gold, Mercedes and BMW, Palaces and Mansions, a 6-figure salary.

Jesus died that we may know the true nature of God, grow to love Him intensely, serve Him and at the end of our earthly life enjoy life everlasting with Him in Heaven.  Mary the Mother of Jesus understood this.  She was poor, humble and insignificant until her death. Look at her net worth and recognition today.  All the saints have similar understanding of the nature of the Kingdom Jesus died for.  They gave up ashes to possess forever genuine Gold.

Salvation, glory, and power to the Lord Jesus Christ!

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This is the Chalice of the New Covenant in My Blood.

"How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord."  (Psalm 116:  12 - 13 NABRE)

Today is Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Triduum, the three most holiest days in Church Calendar.  Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Institution of the Eucharist and the Sacred Priesthood by Jesus Christ, our Eternal High Priest.

“This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD, as a perpetual institution.”  (Exodus 12: 14 RM)

In gratitude for so great a gift, the People of God (us) responds:
"I will offer a sacrifice of praise
and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people."  (Psalm 116:  17 - 18)

Salvation, glory, and power to the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Hail O Cross, Our Only Hope!

"Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests  and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver."  (Matthew 26: 14 - 15)

On Wednesday of the Holy Week 2017, the word of God presents for our reflection: Sin, Betrayal and Repentance.
The word "Betrayal" is used in today's Gospel, Matthew 26: 14 - 25 six times.  You may call it:  Betrayal Wednesday in Holy Week.  So what do you think of the mystery of sin and betrayal?

Every single sin is a betrayal of Jesus.  What is your price? What is it that you love and prefer to Jesus? That is the price you ask for your sin or betrayal.

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

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Hail to You, our King, led to Your crucifixion like a gentle Lamb.

"Before birth the Lord called me, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name."  (Isaiah 49: 1 NABRE)

He shall be called Jesus. (Cf Matthew 1: 21; Luke 1: 31). Like Jesus, we too are called, chosen and anointed for good works.
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  (Ephesians 2: 10).

"Though I thought I had toiled in vain, for nothing and for naught spent my strength,
Yet my right is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God."  (Isaiah 49: 4)
Shake off any discouragement or sloth.  Jesus Christ our Lord and Captain, set His face as flint as He marched to Jerusalem to complete His assignment.  (Cf Luke 9: 51).  Think of the cloud of witnesses who had gone before us.  (Cf Hebrews 12: 1)

On Tuesday of Holy Week 2017, we hail our Captain Jesus Christ the Faithful Witness! (Cf Revelation 1: 5)

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You always have the poor with you.

"You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”  (John 12: 8 NABRE)

Judas reproaches Mary, sister of Martha for a very extravagant deathday gift to Jesus.  What type of birthday present do you consider fitting for Jesus? What if you are to give Jesus a perfect deathday present, what would it be?  Your gift reveals the depth of your love.

"Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."   (Mark 12: 17).   What is it that belongs to God?  The Lord our God must be #1 in everything.  Honor Him and reverence Him above everything.  (Cf Exodus 20: 3;  Deuteronomy 5: 7).
Genuine charity realizes that what honors God does not deprive the poor.  Where love is, there is God.

Today is Monday of Holy Week, April 10, 2017.  This week is the climax of the Season of Lent.   The love of Christ impels us to finish the race.  (Cf 2 Corinthians 5: 14)

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A Tale of Two Prisoners

“Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?"  (Matthew 27: 17 RM)

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.  Our word to live by is the above Scripture.  You may call it: A tale of two prisoners.
One is Jesus called Christ.  The other prisoner is Barabbas.
Jesus the Christ has during His public ministry healed the sick, raised the dead, fed multitudes.  Most of His public life was devoted to teaching the people.
Barabbas was a notorious criminal branded a "revolutionary."

“Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?"  (Matthew 27: 17 RM)
The crowd answered Pilate, "Barabbas."  
"Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Messiah?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”  (Matthew 27: 22).

This is the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world.  The sacrifice of Christ will vanquish it.

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I was dead but now I am alive forever.

 “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live."  (John 11: 25 NABRE)

Jesus claims here that in His Person, you see the fulfilment of the Promise of Resurrection and Eternal life for all God's children.  As if John 11: 25 is not clear enough, Jesus said:  "Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever."  (Revelation 1: 18 NABRE)

The question is:  Do you believe this or not?  Like so many things that affect the promises of God, belief is critical.  Do you find it difficult to believe the claims of Jesus in the Gospel? Are you a cafeteria Christian? Do you pick and choose what you believe? Faith in Christ is like a seamless robe. Either you believe everything or nothing.

On Saturday in the 5th Week of Lent 2017, Do not be afraid.  Open your heart and mind to Jesus.  "Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”  (Mark 9: 24)

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First Friday: April 07, 2017

April 07, 2017 First Friday

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

#4.  "They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death."

The above is #4 of 12 of The  Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary.

I consider Promise #4 a great Promise.  St Augustine says:  "If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well."  To die well therefore is what every human being must pray for.  It is already promised by the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass.

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Our weapon has divine power to demolish strongholds - 04/07/17

"All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.
“Perhaps he can be tricked; then we will prevail, and take our revenge on him.”  (Jeremiah 20: 10 NABRE)

Relentless spiritual warfare is the norm in Christian life.  If you want to serve God, prepare for trials.  (Cf Sirach 2: 1)

Your enemy the devil prowls like a lion seeking whom to devour.  (Cf 1 Peter 5: 8).  Therefore, be sober and alert. (Ibid)

Do not forget that He who is with us  is stronger than our enemy.  (Cf Matthew 12: 29)

"But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not prevail.
In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion."  (Jeremiah 20: 11)

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."   (2 Corinthians 10: 4).

"In my distress I called out: Lord!
I cried out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry to him reached his ears."  (Psalm 18: 7)

On Friday of the 5th Week of Lent 2017, be sober. Be alert.

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God who did not spare His own Son will refuse us nothing which is good for us.

"He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?"  (Romans 8 : 32 NABRE)

Remember the above Scripture when you stand before the Father to ask for anything for yourself, your family, friends or even for the world.
Remember also:

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

God bound Himself with a covenant oath to be our God forever.

To enjoy continually the Peace of Christ:
#1.  Accept all that has happened.
#2.  Accept everything that is happening.
#3.  Cooperate with everything except with what is sinful.
(Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ)

On Thursday  of the 5th Week of Lent 2017, the Father wants us to rejoice in our filial adoption.

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When you make My word your home, then.....

"Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   (John 8: 31 - 32)

Are you one of the Blessed Ones who believe in Jesus?  Are you enjoying all your privileges?  John 8: 31 - 32 is one of the greatest Scriptures in the New Testament.  There are three great promises laid out by Jesus the Teacher:

#1.  You abide and become the disciple of Jesus.  To serve God is to reign. Pure and simple.
#2.  You know the Truth. The Truth promised is Jesus Himself.  This Truth comes with the knowledge of the Way, Jesus.  See the Beatitudes. (Matthew 5: 3 - 12)
#3.  You enjoy unlimited freedom and victory in your life.  The freedom that is promised is  primarily freedom from sin which is the root cause of illness, divorce, poverty, ignorance, joblessness, aimlessness, etc.

The Secret of appropriating these treasures is:  REMAIN IN THE WORD. That is, make your home in the word of God.

"The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed."  (Isaiah 50: 4)

On Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent 2017, make the word your home.

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Thou shalt not condemn nor criticize the Lord our God or complain against Him.

"But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses,
“Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water?
We are disgusted with this wretched food!”  (Numbers 21 : 4-5 RM)

No matter your frustration or anger, restrain yourself and No Complain, No Criticize, No Condemn the Lord our God.

In punishment for sinning with their mouth against God, "the Lord sent among the people seraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of the Israelites died."  (Numbers 21:  6). The punishment worked.   “We have sinned in complaining against the Lord and you. Pray to the Lord to take the serpents from us.”  (Numbers 21 : 7).

The Lord instructed Moses:  "Make a seraph and mount it on a pole, and everyone who has been bitten will look at it and recover."  (Numbers 21: 8)

Now lessons for us:
"These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come."  (1 Corinthians 10: 11 NABRE)

"Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled."  (Romans 15: 4 NLT)

On Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent 2017, No Complain, No Criticize, No Condemn the Lord our God.

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The Story of 2 Women accused of Adultery.

“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery."  (John 8: 4 NABRE)

"A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her."  (Daniel 13: 37 NABRE)

Monday in the 5th Week of Lent, we hear the story of two women accused of adultery.
Susanna was accused by two elderly lustful judges but was innocent.  The other woman in the Gospel of John was accused by the Scribes and Pharisees and was guilty. The punishment for adultery according to the Law of Moses is death.

God's overflowing compassion and mercy intervened through the Prophet Daniel to save the life of Susanna.  Jesus Christ, the Merciful Savior intervened to save the other woman in John's Gospel.  Susanna trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly and the Lord heard her prayers.  (Daniel 13: 42 - 44).  The other woman after her reprieve became a disciple of Jesus.  Both stories ended well.

We must trust in the Mercy of God at all times, guilty or innocent.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me."  (Psalm 23:  4)

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I have promised, I will do it, says the Lord.

“This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  (John 11: 4 NABRE)

Our adversity is always an opportunity for God to be glorified.  Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead and the sisters sent word to Jesus about it.   Jesus said to Martha:  “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”   (John 11:  40).  And He said, “Lazarus, come out!”  (John 11: 43). And commanded:  “Untie him and let him go.” (John 11: 44).

Are you bound and "tied hand and feet" by Unbelief?  If God can raise Lazarus from the grave after four days, He certainly can restore your marriage, health, finances, job, etc.
Faith is saying YES to God so that He will do what He promises to do.

"I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD."  (Psalm 30: 5 - 6 RM)

On this 5th Sunday of Lent 2017, glorify God by trusting in Him. 

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O Lord, My God, in You I take refuge.

“Let us destroy the tree in its vigor; let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered.”  (Jeremiah 11:  19 NABRE)

You would be excused if you think the above Scripture refers to Jesus.  It actually refers to Jeremiah the Prophet.  Jeremiah is here a type of Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, the personality of Jesus is shown through the character and work of key Bible characters.  The struggles of Jeremiah with his enemies will parallel that of Jesus with Jewish leaders.

" I knew it because the Lord informed me: at that time you showed me their doings."  (Jeremiah 11: 18).  Just as Jesus knew all the plots of His adversaries, God revealed to Jeremiah the plots of his enemies.

In Gethsemane, Jesus might have prayed using these sentiments of Jeremiah:

"Lord my God, in you I trusted; save me; rescue me from all who pursue me, Lest someone maul me like a lion, tear my soul apart with no one to deliver."  (Psalm 7: 2 - 3)

In the case of Jesus, the Father did not rescue Jesus from those who seek to destroy Him.

On Day 32 of 40 of Lent 2017,
We pray with the Psalmist,
"Let the malice of the wicked end.
Uphold the just one, O just God, who tries hearts and minds."  Psalm 7: 10)

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His hour had not yet come.

"So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come."  (John 7: 30 NABRE)

At the fullness of time, Jesus willingly and deliberately gave up Himself to be tortured and crucified.

In God's providence and government, there is a time and season for everything. (Cf Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8).   There is a time for promises and a time for fulfilment of promises.

"So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come."  (John 7: 30)

On Day 31 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Scriptures today indicate that soon the Hour will come.  Good Friday is near.

Stations of the Cross.

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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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