"Now there was a man full of leprosy* in one of the towns where he was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean. ”And the leprosy left him immediately." (Luke 5: 12 - 13)
In the Bible and Christian tradition, mortal sin is seen as leprosy of the soul. While leprosy is an external and horrible disease, mortal sin reproduces similar effects on the soul but is invisible to human eyes. The leper horribly disfigured by his disease is rejected by society. On his part, he tends to hide himself for shame of his condition. The person that goes about with a leprous soul may mingle in society and shows no outward sign of his interior disposition. But he enjoys no peace and is tormented by a relentlessly fighting conscience.
Jesus Christ says to the leper in the above scripture, “I do will it. Be made clean.” He then stretched out His hand, touched the man and he was healed instantly. In His public ministry, Jesus Christ has taught by word and example that the life of a soul is more important than flesh and blood. God in His mercy continues to use medical science to heal our bodies. But for our souls, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession/Penance to heal the soul burdened and leprous with mortal sin.
When the penitent hears this words after his Confession, "I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," It is Christ Himself who speaks in the person of the priest. The effect is the same as we see in Luke 5: 12 -13: ”And the leprosy left him immediately." (Luke 5: 12 - 13) This is the effect of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, one of the seven Sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and bequeathed to His Church by which He continues the work of salvation on earth. Through the power of Christ operating through the words of the priest in the Sacrament of Confession, souls are cleansed instantly and freed from the leprous pollution. Angels and saints rejoice in heaven. The Church welcomes back the sinner with sincere embrace and the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are magnified.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 09, 2014
We can overcome the world
"For whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith." (1 John 5: 4)
A big and bold claim: We can overcome the world! If the promise that we can overcome the world is not in the word of God, I would have dismissed the claim. But indeed, we can overcome the world because God says so. We cannot overcome the world by our own strength or from borrowed strength from the world, but through faith in the power that comes from God Himself.
Father, give us the faith that overcomes the world.
A big and bold claim: We can overcome the world! If the promise that we can overcome the world is not in the word of God, I would have dismissed the claim. But indeed, we can overcome the world because God says so. We cannot overcome the world by our own strength or from borrowed strength from the world, but through faith in the power that comes from God Himself.
Father, give us the faith that overcomes the world.
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
God has given us the Holy Spirit
"This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4: 13)
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love." (1 John 4: 18)
The Lord said to me: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” I rejoiced when I heard these words in my spirit O Lord. I will remember your indwelling Spirit as I go about my business today. I will not be afraid of anything because of your word. If I forget O Lord, whisper into my ears, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love." (1 John 4: 18)
The Lord said to me: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” I rejoiced when I heard these words in my spirit O Lord. I will remember your indwelling Spirit as I go about my business today. I will not be afraid of anything because of your word. If I forget O Lord, whisper into my ears, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Jesus knows their deepest needs
"When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things." (Mark 6: 24)
Jesus was moved with pity for the welfare of those who followed Him seeking to hear the word of God. When we seek Jesus, we shall find Him. When we knock on His door, He shall open for us.
The wise old man in gave this testimony worthy of notice:
"Neither in my youth, nor now in old age
have I seen the righteous one abandoned
or his offspring begging for bread." (Psalm 37: 25)
If you follow Jesus, trust Him for your welfare and all your provisions. Jesus knows your deepest needs.
Jesus was moved with pity for the welfare of those who followed Him seeking to hear the word of God. When we seek Jesus, we shall find Him. When we knock on His door, He shall open for us.
The wise old man in gave this testimony worthy of notice:
"Neither in my youth, nor now in old age
have I seen the righteous one abandoned
or his offspring begging for bread." (Psalm 37: 25)
If you follow Jesus, trust Him for your welfare and all your provisions. Jesus knows your deepest needs.
Monday, January 06, 2014
We receive from Him whatever we ask
"He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people."
We see here the exercise of two ministries of Jesus: healing every disease and teaching the people about the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still in the business of healing and teaching. To enjoy the fruits of the ministries of Jesus, faith is still a necessity as it was yesterday and today and forever.
Lord Jesus heal your people.
We see here the exercise of two ministries of Jesus: healing every disease and teaching the people about the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still in the business of healing and teaching. To enjoy the fruits of the ministries of Jesus, faith is still a necessity as it was yesterday and today and forever.
Lord Jesus heal your people.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
The Magi recognized Jesus by faith
"They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2: 10 - 11)
When the magi saw the Child Jesus and Mary, they prostrated themselves and did Him homage. They recognized Him as a Divine King. They were not ashamed or hesitated to adore and worship Him. The magi were kings in their own rights. God who moved their hearts to make the long and often treacherous journey to see His Son guided them through a star and gave them the faith to recognize Jesus even though disguised as a humble child of humble parents in a humble home.
The priestly class did not recognize Jesus when He was brought to the temple for presentation to God. But He was recognized by Simeon and Anna through faith.
While the leaders of the people stood close to the cross on Calvary to mock Jesus and gloat in His pains and weakness, the Good Thief suffering the same fate as Jesus recognized Him as the Son of God.
In this side of eternity, we can only recognize Jesus through faith. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5: 7)
and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2: 10 - 11)
When the magi saw the Child Jesus and Mary, they prostrated themselves and did Him homage. They recognized Him as a Divine King. They were not ashamed or hesitated to adore and worship Him. The magi were kings in their own rights. God who moved their hearts to make the long and often treacherous journey to see His Son guided them through a star and gave them the faith to recognize Jesus even though disguised as a humble child of humble parents in a humble home.
The priestly class did not recognize Jesus when He was brought to the temple for presentation to God. But He was recognized by Simeon and Anna through faith.
While the leaders of the people stood close to the cross on Calvary to mock Jesus and gloat in His pains and weakness, the Good Thief suffering the same fate as Jesus recognized Him as the Son of God.
In this side of eternity, we can only recognize Jesus through faith. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5: 7)
Saturday, January 04, 2014
The God who speaks
"In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe." (Hebrews 1: 1 - 2)
When God called Abraham to start His family with him, He spoke to Him. Then He spoke to Moses in the burning bush. But He had communicated to man through forces of nature. Hebrews 1: 1 - 2 describes God's manner of communication in the past as "in partial and various ways."
Today God speaks to us through one Word, Jesus. This Word contains the entire promise of salvation. Father, you have spoken to us through your Son Jesus. He is the Word of life, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Open our ears to hear His message.
When God called Abraham to start His family with him, He spoke to Him. Then He spoke to Moses in the burning bush. But He had communicated to man through forces of nature. Hebrews 1: 1 - 2 describes God's manner of communication in the past as "in partial and various ways."
Today God speaks to us through one Word, Jesus. This Word contains the entire promise of salvation. Father, you have spoken to us through your Son Jesus. He is the Word of life, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Open our ears to hear His message.
Friday, January 03, 2014
Jesus Savior of all mankind
"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29)
How do we see Jesus, know Him and love Him today? By Faith. Remember the Sign of the babe in the manger, the Sign of the Bread of life, the Sign of the dying Man on the cross. People were able to recognize Jesus disguised in these Signs. Today, just as John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God in His humble garb, people continue to recognize Jesus today in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament and in the Poor and Needy.
Lord Jesus, help us not to fail to recognize you in your various disguises.
"In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him." (1 John 4: 9)
How do we see Jesus, know Him and love Him today? By Faith. Remember the Sign of the babe in the manger, the Sign of the Bread of life, the Sign of the dying Man on the cross. People were able to recognize Jesus disguised in these Signs. Today, just as John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God in His humble garb, people continue to recognize Jesus today in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament and in the Poor and Needy.
Lord Jesus, help us not to fail to recognize you in your various disguises.
"In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him." (1 John 4: 9)
Jesus Savior of all mankind
"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29)
How do we see Jesus, know Him and love Him today? By Faith. Remember the Sign of the babe in the manger, the Sign of the Bread of life, the Sign of the dying Man on the cross. People were able to recognize Jesus disguised in these Signs. Today, just as John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God in His humble garb, people continue to recognize Jesus today in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament and in the Poor and Needy.
Lord Jesus, help us not to fail to recognize you in your various disguises.
"In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him." (1 John 4: 9)
How do we see Jesus, know Him and love Him today? By Faith. Remember the Sign of the babe in the manger, the Sign of the Bread of life, the Sign of the dying Man on the cross. People were able to recognize Jesus disguised in these Signs. Today, just as John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God in His humble garb, people continue to recognize Jesus today in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament and in the Poor and Needy.
Lord Jesus, help us not to fail to recognize you in your various disguises.
"In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him." (1 John 4: 9)
Thursday, January 02, 2014
What I heard in the beginning
"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father." (1 John 2: 24"
A voice I became familiar with later told me that all that I needed is the Holy Spirit. The timing was at the height of my Desert Experience. I was so deeply impressed by this message that I wondered how all that I needed could ever be the Holy Spirit. I needed health, job, money, food, car, computer, telephone, etc.
After wondering about the appropriateness of this message, I started immediately to research Who the Holy Spirit is. Providentially, I bought a big book on the Holy Spirit which I had not even opened. I took the well-written book from my bookcase and poured over the pages voraciously. It did not take many days before I discovered one curious fact.
For many years prior to this, I bought and read almost everything I could find on self-development. America excels in this motivational genre. I was familiar with all the major authors. I read biographies and autobiographies of the principal political and business leaders. I was seeking one formula: how to quickly get to the top in my company.
What I discovered from the book on the Holy Spirit was at every promise of gifts of mind, body, wealth and fame were gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was like traveling across the world to search for diamonds while there are acres of the precious metal in your very backyard.
"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father." (1 John 2: 24"
What did I hear from the beginning of my spiritual journey? "All that you need is the Holy Spirit." In Desert 2.0, the truth still remains. Abide in the Holy Spirit and you will abide in Jesus. When I am afraid in 2014, I will remember another truth. I am the adopted son of God. I will not forget the privileges and in any distress will cry out ABBA FATHER.
A voice I became familiar with later told me that all that I needed is the Holy Spirit. The timing was at the height of my Desert Experience. I was so deeply impressed by this message that I wondered how all that I needed could ever be the Holy Spirit. I needed health, job, money, food, car, computer, telephone, etc.
After wondering about the appropriateness of this message, I started immediately to research Who the Holy Spirit is. Providentially, I bought a big book on the Holy Spirit which I had not even opened. I took the well-written book from my bookcase and poured over the pages voraciously. It did not take many days before I discovered one curious fact.
For many years prior to this, I bought and read almost everything I could find on self-development. America excels in this motivational genre. I was familiar with all the major authors. I read biographies and autobiographies of the principal political and business leaders. I was seeking one formula: how to quickly get to the top in my company.
What I discovered from the book on the Holy Spirit was at every promise of gifts of mind, body, wealth and fame were gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was like traveling across the world to search for diamonds while there are acres of the precious metal in your very backyard.
"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father." (1 John 2: 24"
What did I hear from the beginning of my spiritual journey? "All that you need is the Holy Spirit." In Desert 2.0, the truth still remains. Abide in the Holy Spirit and you will abide in Jesus. When I am afraid in 2014, I will remember another truth. I am the adopted son of God. I will not forget the privileges and in any distress will cry out ABBA FATHER.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Abba Father!
"The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them." (Numbers 6: 24 - 27)
When I become afraid in 2014, I will cry out ABBA FATHER! O Father, when I cry out to you ABBA FATHER in my distress, hear and answer me speedily. Amen!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them." (Numbers 6: 24 - 27)
When I become afraid in 2014, I will cry out ABBA FATHER! O Father, when I cry out to you ABBA FATHER in my distress, hear and answer me speedily. Amen!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Jesus gives us power to become the children of God
"And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us."
"But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name." (John 1: 14, 12)
Lord Jesus, I want to enjoy the privileges of the children of God. I want to know the Father and do His will. Grant me faith that overcomes the world. Help me to accept you as you come to me everyday. Help me never to reject the cross you have designed for me.
and made his dwelling among us."
"But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name." (John 1: 14, 12)
Lord Jesus, I want to enjoy the privileges of the children of God. I want to know the Father and do His will. Grant me faith that overcomes the world. Help me to accept you as you come to me everyday. Help me never to reject the cross you have designed for me.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Do not love the things of the world
1 John 2:17
"And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
The enticements of the world:
Sensual lust
Enticement for the eyes
Pretentious life
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 29, 2013
The family can be a path to holiness
"The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16)
Eternal Father, we want to live as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in peace with you and one another.
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Baptism of James
Baptism of the infant James within the 9am Mass today Saturday the Octave of Christmas.
Father TJ the Pastor of St Thomas More Church is flanked by the delighted godparents.
St Thomas More Church is family of families on Hillcroft St in Houston, Texas.
Christ is the Light of the World
1 John 1:5
"This is the message we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
Walking in the light of the Gospel
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Friday, December 27, 2013
We have seen and we have heard the Mystery
"What we have seen and heard
we proclaim now to you,
so that you too may have fellowship with us;
for our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3)
The testimony of St. John the Evangelist is an eyewitness account. Every authentic proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must be what we have seen and heard. What have we seen and heard over the Advent season and Christmas? We have seen food distributed to the poor in our parishes. We have seen clothing and money given to the needy. We have heard about the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Son of Abraham and Son of David, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
In all that we have seen and heard over the past several weeks, we have the content for our own proclamation of Jesus, the Savior of all mankind. Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit and enable us to bear witness to you.
we proclaim now to you,
so that you too may have fellowship with us;
for our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3)
The testimony of St. John the Evangelist is an eyewitness account. Every authentic proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must be what we have seen and heard. What have we seen and heard over the Advent season and Christmas? We have seen food distributed to the poor in our parishes. We have seen clothing and money given to the needy. We have heard about the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Son of Abraham and Son of David, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
In all that we have seen and heard over the past several weeks, we have the content for our own proclamation of Jesus, the Savior of all mankind. Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit and enable us to bear witness to you.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
A Child is born for us
"And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth." (John 1: 14)
May the simple Joys and Peace of Christmas remain with you today and every day of 2014!
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth." (John 1: 14)
May the simple Joys and Peace of Christmas remain with you today and every day of 2014!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
O Radiant Dawn, sun of justice
"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has visited and brought redemption to his people." (Luke 1 : 68)
Thank you Father for the salvation you brought us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Father fill us with the joy and peace of His presence during this Christmas season.
for he has visited and brought redemption to his people." (Luke 1 : 68)
Thank you Father for the salvation you brought us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Father fill us with the joy and peace of His presence during this Christmas season.
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