The favors of the Lord I will sing forever.

"If you know these things, blessed and happy and to be envied are you if you practice them [if you act accordingly and really do them]."
(John 13:17 AMP)

It is not what we know that transforms us.  It is what we do every day.  Habits that lead to addiction is formed one day at a time.   In the middle of winter 2016, I discovered cocoa beverage in the grocery store and enjoyed it every afternoon of winter. Winter is gone and now I am struggling to break the habit.

"Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny."

Character is Destiny. Period!  Why don't you cultivate the 7 Habits of Saints:
1. Prayer
2. Word of God
3. Eucharist
4. Reconciliation
5. Examination of Conscience
6. Ministry / Sharing your gifts
7. Spiritual Reading

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

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The Holy Spirit chooses, calls and equips us for mission.

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”   (Acts 13: 2)

The Holy Spirit is Lord and Giver of life.  We see in the above Scripture that He is the Spirit who calls, prepares and sends out for evangelization.

What are the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit?
1.  Wisdom
2.  Understanding
3.  Counsel
4.  Fortitude
5.  Knowledge
6.  Piety
7.  Fear of God
(CCC #1831)

Through these gifts, the Holy Spirit equips us for mission.

O Holy Spirit of Light and Love, to You we consecrate our minds, hearts and will, for time and eternity.

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Jesus Christ is a true, noble, credible and faithful witness.

"The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me."  (John 10: 25)

Jesus Christ is the faithful and true witness.  (Cf Revelation 1:5; 3: 14)

A very important element of the act of witnessing or testifying to the truth is the character of the witness.  Is the witness a credible character or not?  Jesus Christ is a credible character.  He bore testimony to who He is by His words and works.  His words point to His works and His works clarify His words.

By this standard, is Martin Luther a true, faithful and credible witness?

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I will lay down my life for the sheep.

"I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.   A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away."  (John 10: 11 - 12 NABRE)

The above word from Jesus may be called the story of the Good Shepherd and the hired hands.  Think of all the politicians who promise to save us from everything.  How many of them are the true Moses?

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them  --  not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve."  (1 Peter 5: 2).

On the Cross, our Good Shepherd laid down His life for us.  He did not run away. When He was challenged to come down from the Cross, He did not.

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The Holy Spirit is the Abundant life, the fullness of life.

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."  (John 10: 10 AMP)

What is Abundant life?
Jesus revealed Himself as the Bread of life. (John 6: 35).  In Isaiah, He promised that we shall eat bread without money and drink choice wine without worrying how we pay for it.  (Isaiah 55: 1 - 3). This time is now.  Are you still dreaming and waiting for Abundant life?

Abundant life consists of:
Faith, Patience, Wisdom, Humility, Courage, Peace, Contentment.

How do you form the habit that leads to and maintains Abundant life?
Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Maintaining a clear conscience through daily examination of conscience, Ministry or sharing your gifts, Spiritual reading.
You may call this: The 7 Habits of a saint.

Where does this Abundant life apply in your life?
Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools and Possessions, Food and Peace over your Future.
You may call this:  The 7 War Zones, the areas where Satan wars against you to deprive you of Faith, Peace and Abundant life.

To capture an image of Abundant life, look no further than the life of Jesus and the saints.  They radiate pure joy, peace and contentment.

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."  (John 10: 10 AMP)

The Holy Spirit is the Abundant life, the fullness of life.

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What are the 7 Habits for Abundant life?

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."  (John 10: 10 AMP)

What is Abundant life?
Jesus revealed Himself as the Bread of life. (John 6: 35).  In Isaiah, He promised that we shall eat bread without money and drink choice wine without worrying how we pay for it.  (Isaiah 55: 1 - 3). This time is now.  Are you still dreaming and waiting for Abundant life?

Abundant life consists of:
Faith, Patience, Wisdom, Humility, Courage, Peace, Contentment.

How do you form the habit that leads to and maintains Abundant life?
Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Maintaining a clear conscience through daily examination of conscience, Ministry or sharing your gifts, Spiritual reading.
You may call this: The 7 Habits of a saint.

Where does this Abundant life apply in your life?
Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools and Possessions, Food and Peace over your Future.
You may call this:  The 7 War Zones, the areas where Satan wars against you to deprive you of Faith, Peace and Abundant life.

To capture an image of Abundant life, look no further than the life of Jesus and the saints.  They radiate pure joy, peace and contentment.

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The Church was at peace and walked in the fear of the Lord.

"The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers."  (Acts 9: 31 NABRE)

Jesus gave the Apostles a blueprint on the Church. He gave them the authority to build it up as they see fit.   He promised to approve their plan. (Matthew 28: 18 - 20).  Just like the awesome authority God gave to Adam and Eve:

"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  (Genesis 1: 28)

Imagine the incredible truth that Jesus entrusted His most important work to the weak and fallible Apostles.
The Church has been called by many names, all pointing to its divine and super human identity:
The Body of Christ
Temple of the Holy Spirit
People of God
The Universal Sacrament of Salvation
Mystical Body of Christ

The Church is a credible witness of the life and work and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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John, John, why are you persecuting Me?

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.    Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.”  (Acts 9: 4-6 NABRE)

I call the above scene in the life of St Paul and the life of the infant Church, a turning point. There are many lessons to be gleaned from this incident.  I want to focus on one:  Jesus Christ our Lord is not unaware of what is going on in the life of the Church or your personal life. He knows every detail.  He knows when you are honoring Him, working with Him for the salvation of the world or when you are persecuting Him.  Don't be deceived by His silence.

The full drama of the confrontation between the Risen Jesus and St Paul can be read in Acts 9: 1-20.

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May 5, 2017 - First Friday in May.

May 5, 2017:  First Friday in May.
How do you plan to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus today?

The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

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

5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

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

12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

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The Flesh and Blood of Jesus is the medicine of immortality.

 "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”  (John 6: 51 NABRE)

1.  What is this Bread?
This Bread is truly the Flesh and Blood of Jesus Christ.
2.  When was it given?
It was given on the night before He died with these words: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."  (Matthew 26: 26; Mark 14: 22; Luke 22: 19; 1 Corinthians 11: 24) And then, "Do this in memory of me."
3.  Why did Jesus give us this Bread?
Just as bread nourishes our body and sustain our lives, the Flesh of Christ nourishes our souls and sustains our lives.  St Ignatius of Antioch calls the Body and Blood of Jesus "the medicine of immortality."
4.  How is it available to us today?
The Body and Blood of Jesus is available to us today through the Eucharistic Feast, also known as the Holy Mass.
5.  Where can we find this Bread?
In the Eucharistic Feast or Holy Mass.
6.  Who can receive this Bread?
To receive Holy Communion one must be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church and be in the state of grace, that is, not conscious of any serious sin.
7.  Who is the Minister of this Sacrament?
A Bishop or a priest.

No Eucharist, no Church. No Church, no priesthood.

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The Greatest Sign and Work of Jesus is the Church.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.  And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the  Son.  If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."  (John 14: 12 - 14 NABRE).

Note that the condition to ask and receive is linked to "belief" and "works."   You believe in Jesus, the Only Son of the Father.  You become  active in working for God.  God sees your work for the Kingdom and God works for your interests. (Cf Matthew 6: 33 - 34).

St Maria Faustina, the mystic and the Apostle of Divine Mercy in her Diary records:  Jesus is sad because His children (us) do not ask for big gifts.  He wants us to come to Him and ask for the big items.  What are the big things? What does the Bible say?

"If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!”  (Luke 11: 13 AMP).

The Holy Spirit is the Mother of all gifts.

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Be my Rock of refuge, O Lord my God.

"As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep."  (Acts 7: 59 - 60 NABRE).

This is how the first Christian martyr, St Stephen died.  He died exactly as Jesus died, forgiving his persecutors while still in agony.  Jesus promises unlimited Mercy to all who call on Him in trust.  But this is contingent on our being merciful to others.  The ABC OF MERCY. Yes!
A: Ask for Mercy.
B: Be Merciful.
C: Completely Trust Jesus for Mercy.
Yes. All 3 steps are essential.

"Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
My trust is in the LORD;
I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy."  (Psalm 31: 6-8)

The more you trust Jesus for Mercy, the more you receive mercy.

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Do not labor for food that perishes.

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

What a great Scripture for today, feast of St Joseph the Worker.  St Joseph is the Patron saint of workers.  Today is public holiday in most of the world.  Workers celebrate human labor.  God Himself promises:

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord and walk in His ways! By the labor of your hands you shall eat;  blessed are you, and blessed will you be. "  (Psalm 128: 1-2 RM).

Let all the workers of the world raise up their hearts and minds to God in prayer and thanksgiving because He has promised to provide for us and to protect us:

" O God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race the law of work, graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage we may complete the works you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."  Amen.

St Joseph the Worker, Pray for us.

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Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem?

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

The Cross was a necessity for Christ for the salvation of the world.   What is a necessity for the Incarnate Jesus becomes a necessity for us.  Jesus is the Way we must walk.  He is the Truth we follow like a bright street light.  He is the life we live when we are transformed into a new creation.

Do not reject suffering in your life, brethren.   For rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.  (Pope Benedict XVI).  No cross, no crown. No thorns, no testimony. 

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11: 29 - 30)

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The word of God continues to grow.

"The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith."  (Acts 6: 7 NABRE)

Yesterday we reflected on the Gamaliel Principle:
“So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it — and you better not be found fighting against God!”  (Acts 5: 38 - 39 MSG).

Today we see the vindication of the wisdom of Gamaliel.  In spite of the opposition of the Jewish leaders, we see the growth of the Faith through the power of God.  Gamaliel Principle is true. As it was then, so it is now and forever.

Do not be afraid that God will forsake you or abandon you in your calling.

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God will finish what He started.

 "For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.   But  if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”  (Acts 5: 38 - 39 NABRE)

Many years ago, I was discerning a very important project.  After sometime, I decided to consult a spiritual director.  He acknowledged that the project was tough. The only support he offered was the above Scripture (Acts 5: 38 - 39). Years after the consultation, I started to call the Scripture the "Gamaliel Principle" after the main character, Rabbi Gamaliel.  The Scripture turned out to be one of my key Scriptures in spiritual discernment. I learned this life lesson:

1.  If God is with you, it is accomplished.  No matter the obstacles, delays,
disappointments or personal weaknesses.
2.  No fear. No worry. No doubt as long as the Lord is with you.
3.  God will finish what He started. (Exodus 14: 13-14; Isaiah 13: 15; 2 Chronicles 20: 15;  Philippians 1: 6)

"Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"  (Psalm 27: 14)

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If the Lord is with you, it is accomplished.

 "For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.   But  if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”  (Acts 5: 38 - 39 NABRE)

Many years ago, I was discerning a very important project.  After sometime, I decided to consult a spiritual director.  He acknowledged that the project was tough. The only support he offered was the above Scripture (Acts 5: 38 - 39). Years after the consultation, I started to call the Scripture the "Gamaliel Principle" after the main character, Rabbi Gamaliel.  The Scripture turned out to be one of my key Scriptures in spiritual discernment. I learned this life lesson:

1.  If God is with you, it is accomplished.  No matter the obstacles, delays,
disappointments or personal weaknesses.
2.  No fear. No worry. No doubt as long as the Lord is with you.

"Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"  (Psalm 27: 14)

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God offers His Holy Spirit without measure.

"We are witnesses of these things, as is the holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.”  (Acts 5: 32 NABRE)

The Holy Spirit living inside us witnesses to us the living Presence of Jesus in us.  We know the Holy Spirit is in us because we experience His inspiration and power working in us.  In common everyday experiences, we congratulate someone for an accomplishment and you hear:  "To God be the glory." Or some similar affirmation.  The Holy Spirit reminds us constantly what God is doing in our lives and thereby help us to live a joyful life. (Psalm 118: 23; John 14: 26).  This new way of living came about because Abba Father raised Jesus from the dead and "exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5: 31)

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

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I chose you.

I chose you.

"You did not choose me; I chose you. And I gave you this work: [appointed you] to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last [remain; abide]. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name."  (John 15: 16 EXB)

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16: 15).

"I will bear witness to You in the world O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of Your name among my brothers and sisters.  (Psalm 17: 50 ; 21:23 RM)

"The Church exists in order to evangelize."  (Pope Paul VI).
Are you ready to play your part?

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I chose and called you and I anointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.

"And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs."  (Mark 16: 20 NLT)

This is how St Mark the Evangelist ended his Gospel. 16 chapters.  Full of power.  In the past few days, we have heard three times from Jesus: 
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16: 15).  Today we witness the response and the results.  You may ask:  Where are the accompanying miracles today? The answer is simple:  Miracles are happening everywhere in the world as the Gospel is proclaimed with faith and power.  Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.  (Hebrews 13: 8).

Today is the feast of St Mark the Evangelist.

"O God, who raised up Saint Mark, your Evangelist, and endowed him with the grace to preach the Gospel,
grant, we pray, that we may so profit from his teaching as to follow faithfully in the footsteps of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."

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No one can do these things unless God is with him.

"They were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."  (Acts 4:  31 NABRE)

Two days ago, we got this command from Jesus:  "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16: 15).
Today, we see how this command can be fulfilled.   The Holy Spirit is not just Lord and Giver of life.  He is the Spirit of inspiration and power.  The dictionary defines inspiration as "the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative."  This is the domain of the Holy Spirit.  Power here means the ability or capacity to do something superior to your natural ability and gifts.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Evangelization.  It is the Spirit that enables us to undertake and fulfill the command to "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16: 15).
The Holy Spirit is a Gift waiting for you to be taken.  It is a Gift that keeps giving.  Ask for the Holy Spirit.  Ask for Him with passion at the beginning of your day.  Before long, you will begin to notice how He works in your life.

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Do you know the ABC OF MERCY?

“Peace be with you."  (John 20: 19, 21, 26 NABRE)

Peace, Shalom is the preeminent gift of Easter.  Have you noticed that in the Gospel of today (John 20: 19 - 31), Jesus pronounced the incomparable blessing of Shalom 3 times? Before you can enjoy this peace, you must be touched by the Mercy of God.

The universal Church celebrates today the Solemnity of Divine Mercy. (Always 2nd Sunday of Easter).  Jesus is the Face of Mercy of Abba Father.  Mercy is the name and essence of God the Father revealed to us through His Only Son, Jesus the Christ. The open Heart of Jesus is the symbol and seat of Mercy.  Mercy is promised to all. 

To prepare yourself to receive and retain Mercy, you must follow the ABC OF MERCY.  It is called  ABC because, it is an acronym that can be remembered easily and secondly it is as simple as ABC.

A:  Ask for Mercy.
B:  Be Merciful.
C:  Completely Trust Jesus for Mercy.

It is as easy and as simplistic as the Sacraments.  They are God’s mighty weapons, powerful enough to destroy Satanic strongholds.  (2 Corinthians 10: 4)

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Believe and share the Gospel.

 “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16: 15).

This is the command of Jesus to every Christian.  Since nobody can give that which he has not, to preach the Good News, you must have it.  After the Resurrection, the Apostles did not have the Gospel.  They did not believe Mary Magdalene who witnessed to them that Christ has risen indeed.  They did not believe the two disciples whom Jesus met on the road to Emmaus.  (Luke 24: 13 - 32)

Jesus "rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised."  (Mark 16:  14).  Faith comes through hearing.  Thomas, the Apostle wanted to see the Risen Jesus before he could believe the testimony of others.   Are you a Thomas? (John 20: 25).   "Do not be unbelieving, but believe,”  Jesus said to the Thomases. (John 20: 27).

"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”  (John 20: 29).   Belief and witnessing go hand in hand. If you believe the witnessing of others, people will believe your own witnessing.
Easter Season is the time to ask for faith to believe.

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Come and have breakfast.

"Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him,  “No.”   So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.”  (John 21: 5 - 6 NABRE).

We strive and struggle and strain to make a living or to get our hearts' desires.  Meanwhile Jesus who knows exactly what we need and when we need it is waiting for us.  “Come, have breakfast.” (John 21: 12).  The astonished disciples could not believe their eyes or ears.  Yet, this is not the first time in the Gospel that Jesus manifests such tenderness. 
"He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat."  (Mark 6: 31).  All the years I slaved for a corporate giant, I never got such an invitation from any of my bosses.

"Keep safe, O Lord, we pray,
those whom you have saved by your kindness that, redeemed by the Passion of your Son they may rejoice in his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever."

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Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

"He opened their minds to understand the scriptures."  (Luke 24: 45 NABRE)

After the Resurrection, Jesus opened the minds of His apostles to understand the Scriptures.  Unless the Lord Builds the House, they labor in vain who builds it. (Psalm 27: 1).  Unless the Lord opens your mind to understand the Scriptures you read and study the Scriptures in vain.  (Cf Luke 24: 45).  In vain you burn the midnight oil and buy expensive commentaries.
Ask the Lord repeatedly in prayer to open your mind to understand the Scriptures.

Remember:  The word of God is the sword of the Spirit.  (Cf Ephesians 6: 17).  Cultivate the friendship of the the Holy Spirit.  "For wisdom opened mouths that were mute and gave eloquence to the tongues of infants."  (Wisdom 10: 20 - 21 NABRE)

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In the Name of Jesus Christ, rise and walk.

“I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.”  (Acts 3: 6 NABRE)

The crippled man rose and walked.

The very Name of Jesus represents three spiritual realities:
#1.  It is the Person of Jesus.
#2.  It is the Power of Jesus.
#3.  It is the Presence of Jesus.
You may call it the 3 P's of the Name of Jesus: Person, Power, Presence.

The Name Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua.  It means God saves.  The Name Jesus causes what it signifies.  It brings about salvation:  Salvation from sin and sin induced disorders.  The Name of Jesus is a powerful weapon against evil spirits. 

Miracles happen when the Name of Jesus is invoked with faith.   Do you know that the Name of Jesus is a complete prayer?   "Jesus Son of David have mercy on me."  In emergency, you can simply pray: JESUS.  This invocation brings the Presence, Power and Person of Jesus to you.  It is not magic.  You must invoke it with faith.

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The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

"If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God;
mind the things that are above, alleluia."  (Colossians 3: 1-2 RM)

The above Scripture is one of the Easter Season constants.  Why? We have risen with Christ. We are new creation. We have received the Holy Spirit to help us live in a new way.  Are you ready for the adventure with the Risen Savior? Brace yourself for an exciting time with Jesus.  Discover Him in:

#1. Sacred Scripture
#2. Join small faith sharing group
#3.  Accept the gift of Daily Mass
#4.  Share your special gifts with your Church community

"This is the day (Season) the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it."  (Psalm 118: 24). Alleluia, Alleluia.

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The Lord has risen as He said.

“Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”  (Matthew 28: 10 NABRE)

Today is Monday in the Octave of Easter. After 40 Days of Lent, we enjoy 50 Days of celebration till the Solemnity of Pentecost.  It is a time to relax, enjoy and be happy because Jesus Christ is truly risen from the dead.  And you are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

How do you witness to the Resurrection of Jesus? How do you recognize the Risen Christ?
#1.  In the Scriptures
#2.  In the Eucharist
#3.  In the Poor and Needy

Start by growing your faith through deeper commitment to daily prayer, daily study of Holy Scriptures and more days with the Lord in the Eucharist.

"Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know."  (Acts 2: 22)

Jesus is yearning to do great wonders through you.  Will you allow Him?

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I have risen, and I am with you still.

"I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia." (Entrance Antiphon)

Today is the Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord, Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017.

Too wonderful for us this experience. The Lord is truly risen, alleluia. To Him be glory and power for all ages of eternity.  Alleluia!

Brethren, let us lift up our hearts to God:

"God our Father,
by raising Christ your Son
you conquered the power of death
and opened for us the way to eternal life.
Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

Abundant Peace and Joy of Easter to you all. 💒 🌹🌼💟

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The stone the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.

"The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia. 
To Him be glory and power for all the ages of eternity, Alleluia, Alleluia!"   (Luke 24: 34; Cf Revelation 1: 6 RM)

"Today is Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil - April 15, 2017. 

 raised Jesus from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.   He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen — by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead." 
(Acts 10:40-41 NIV)

"And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead."   (Acts 10:42 NLT)

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118: 1)

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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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