Mass Readings for today: Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22, Psalm 19:8-11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Micah 2:12-13
12 I shall assemble you, nation of Jacob, and gather the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture. 13 They have a leader in their midst. See: their king goes before them, Yahweh is heading them!
Beloved, sometimes it is easy to become despondent and lose hope - the season of Advent revives and stirs alive the longing we have as we wait for You to come again. You hold all things together. You give meaning and purpose to our life on earth. Without You living in us, leading, guiding, loving and ruling us, life would lose all its savor.
Romans 10:9-18
Making a profession of faith with our lips of what our heart believes is the first step on the road to being saved. Unlike what many believers would have us believe, this is not a mere mantra but a pledge. It makes us belong to the family of God in the New Covenant and with this awareness of who we are comes the living out of our faith in every sphere of our life. Because of who God is and because He is generous to all who call on Him, does not mean that we take Him lightly or for granted. We are called to mission and indeed each has a grave and great responsibility in living it out as a light on a hill top. All our witness, our preaching, our life, must be rooted in the Word of Christ.
Matthew 4:18-22
Beloved, how often You walked by me and invited me to follow You and just as often, I pretended not to see You. Eventually love and grace won. I saw You, I heard You and I ran after You and I cannot even begin to imagine what life without You would be like. Following You Beloved, must be a daily decision of being more and more detached from things and people and to cleave to You ever more closely.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Luke 17:24, Isaiah 4:2-6, Matthew 8:5-11, Psalm 122:1-9
Mass Readings for the Day: Isaiah 4:2-6, Matthew 8:5-11, Psalm 122:1-9
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 17:24
Isaiah 4:2-6
Beloved, from You alone comes those who are called children of the Most High. You alone forgive our sins and help us overcome our wickedness by the power of Your sacrifice which has redeemed us. The Church is where You abide and through her we receive all that we need for our spiritual life. You abide in Your Church till the end of time. All who enter You through herarms find in You a loving refuge.
Matthew 8:5-11
Beloved, I have heard and read this passage of the Roman army captain and his servant so often and my eyes never focused on the servant. Only today I have read that the servant was paralyzed. My focus was on You and the captain not on the servant.
Do I have the same compassion for those I know and love but do not share my faith or have lost their faith through the circumstances that have occurred in their life? Do I feel their pain enough to do something about it? Do I implore You on their behalf for healing and restoration? Do You look at me and are You pleased that I have great faith and confidence in You or are You disappointed that I do not care enough for my neighbor to pray for his healing?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 17:24
24 As lightning flashes from one end of the sky to the other, so will it be with the Son of Man. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this people.
We will be in no doubt Beloved of who You are when You come again. In an instant, the whole world will look up and see You as you come to claim Your Bride, the Church. Alleluia!!Isaiah 4:2-6
Beloved, from You alone comes those who are called children of the Most High. You alone forgive our sins and help us overcome our wickedness by the power of Your sacrifice which has redeemed us. The Church is where You abide and through her we receive all that we need for our spiritual life. You abide in Your Church till the end of time. All who enter You through herarms find in You a loving refuge.
Matthew 8:5-11
Beloved, I have heard and read this passage of the Roman army captain and his servant so often and my eyes never focused on the servant. Only today I have read that the servant was paralyzed. My focus was on You and the captain not on the servant.
Do I have the same compassion for those I know and love but do not share my faith or have lost their faith through the circumstances that have occurred in their life? Do I feel their pain enough to do something about it? Do I implore You on their behalf for healing and restoration? Do You look at me and are You pleased that I have great faith and confidence in You or are You disappointed that I do not care enough for my neighbor to pray for his healing?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Psalm 9:11, Isaiah 2:1-2, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44, Psalm 122:1-9
Mass reading for today: Isaiah 2:1-2, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44, Psalm 122:1-9
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 9:11
Isaiah 2:1-2
The Church is the House of God and home to all His people. It is from here that the Light of Christ shines on a world that seems to grow increasingly dark. Those who look at her find hope. She draws to herself all men and women of goodwill. She sustains and nourishes them. Her teaching if free from error in all matters concerning faith and morals. She holds all with her safe from the malice of the enemy who prowls through the world seeking to devour and kill.
Romans 13:11-14
Beloved, it is so easy to get caught up in the spirit of the age we live in. In times when everything in the world seems to suck us up into its vortex - entertainment, the electronic gadgets whose main goal is to rival each other, all of it has the ability to draw us away from You. Today we receive a somber warning to wake up and to stay awake lest we be caught unawares and unprepared when you return.
Matthew 24:37-44
The times we live in now weaves a false sense of security. Years of our life just melt away in inaction. We are unaware and unprepared - people live as if You did not exist and the false gods of the day rule the lives of a vast majority. Help us Beloved to clothe ourselves with Your Spirit and live by the Gospel values or we might find ourselves lost eternally.
Psalm 122:1-9
The Psalm sums up all that the Church is and stands for. We have to take her teachings seriously. We have to live our faith not only in words but in action. The world would have us laugh, scorn and put down the Church because it feel threatened by her. It is up to us to ensure that we stand up and let the light of Christ shine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 9:11
11 Those who cherish your name, O Lord, can rely on you, for you have never forsaken those who look to you.
Beloved, I know from all my past experiences in my relationship with You, You can be trusted. You never forsake those who count themselves as Yours. You have never disappointed me because I know that everything that has happened to me has enable to draw me ever closer to You.Isaiah 2:1-2
The Church is the House of God and home to all His people. It is from here that the Light of Christ shines on a world that seems to grow increasingly dark. Those who look at her find hope. She draws to herself all men and women of goodwill. She sustains and nourishes them. Her teaching if free from error in all matters concerning faith and morals. She holds all with her safe from the malice of the enemy who prowls through the world seeking to devour and kill.
Romans 13:11-14
Beloved, it is so easy to get caught up in the spirit of the age we live in. In times when everything in the world seems to suck us up into its vortex - entertainment, the electronic gadgets whose main goal is to rival each other, all of it has the ability to draw us away from You. Today we receive a somber warning to wake up and to stay awake lest we be caught unawares and unprepared when you return.
Matthew 24:37-44
The times we live in now weaves a false sense of security. Years of our life just melt away in inaction. We are unaware and unprepared - people live as if You did not exist and the false gods of the day rule the lives of a vast majority. Help us Beloved to clothe ourselves with Your Spirit and live by the Gospel values or we might find ourselves lost eternally.
Psalm 122:1-9
The Psalm sums up all that the Church is and stands for. We have to take her teachings seriously. We have to live our faith not only in words but in action. The world would have us laugh, scorn and put down the Church because it feel threatened by her. It is up to us to ensure that we stand up and let the light of Christ shine.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Luke 17:10, Revelations 22:1-7, Luke 21:34-36, Psalm 95:1-7
Mass Readings for today: Revelations 22:1-7, Luke 21:34-36, Psalm 95:1-7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 17:10
10 So for you. When you have done all that you have been told to do, you must say: ‘We are no more than servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Beloved, when we obey and keep Your commandments, when we do all You ask of us, we must be aware that we do not deserve any special commendation for doing so as we have only done our duty.
Revelations 22:1-7
Beloved, let the river of life streaming from You and Your throne flow over me and in me. May its life giving waters heal me both spiritually and physically and hope produce fruit in every season; fruit that will last, fruit for Your Kingdom. Maranatha Lord Jesus we await Your coming.
Luke 21:36
36 But watch at all times and pray, that you may be able to escape all that is bound to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Help me Beloved, to always be aware that I belong to You and because I do, I must stand out as a light that draws those in need of You to me and receive through me, the comfort that comes from You. May You not be disappointed in me when You come but find me awake and alert.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 17:10
10 So for you. When you have done all that you have been told to do, you must say: ‘We are no more than servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Beloved, when we obey and keep Your commandments, when we do all You ask of us, we must be aware that we do not deserve any special commendation for doing so as we have only done our duty.
Revelations 22:1-7
Beloved, let the river of life streaming from You and Your throne flow over me and in me. May its life giving waters heal me both spiritually and physically and hope produce fruit in every season; fruit that will last, fruit for Your Kingdom. Maranatha Lord Jesus we await Your coming.
Luke 21:36
36 But watch at all times and pray, that you may be able to escape all that is bound to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Help me Beloved, to always be aware that I belong to You and because I do, I must stand out as a light that draws those in need of You to me and receive through me, the comfort that comes from You. May You not be disappointed in me when You come but find me awake and alert.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Psalm 84:2-3, Revelations 20:1-4, 11-21:2, Luke 21:29-33, Psalm 84:3-6, 8
Mass Reading for today: Revelations 20:1-4, 11-21:2, Luke 21:29-33, Psalm 84:3-6, 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 84:2-3 2 O Lord, our Lord, how great is your name throughout the earth! And your glory in the heavens above. 3 Even the mouths of children and infants exalt your glory in front of your foes and put to shame enemies and rebels.
To come to You, to remain with You, to look up any time and have my gaze meet Yours. To never be parted from You forever. This is happiness. This is joy beyond my wildest dreams. I want more of You every single day. To consume You and be consumed by You.
Revelations 21:2
2 I saw the new Jerusalem, the holy city coming down from God, out of heaven, adorned as a bride prepared for her husband.
We long for the day Beloved, when You will come for Your Bride, the Church, who will adorned with every grace, beauty and virtue and whom You will present to the Father without stain or wrinkle.
Luke 21:33
33 heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
This verse is indeed very comforting for those who trust Your Word and know it to be true. It is the coin by which we live by and gives meaning, hope and beauty to our lives. It is Your Word that sustains us and gives us the strength to go on despite the difficulties and hardships that we must face sometimes. If we did not put our faith in Your Word, life would be impossible to live.
Psalm 84:3-6 &
3 My soul yearns, pines, for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
4 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God!
5 Happy are those who live in your house,
continually singing your praise!
6 Happy the pilgrims whom you strengthen,
to make the ascent to you.
8 They go from strength to strength
till they appear before God in Zion.
My Beloved, I began this morning's praise with the opening verse of this psalm and the liturgy of the day continues to speak to me through the following verses. My home is in Your Church. The children in our family have grown before Your Presence. Your strength has enabled us go on and You have reached down time and time again to lift us up and help us on our way to Your Kingdom. Thank You, Beloved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 84:2-3 2 O Lord, our Lord, how great is your name throughout the earth! And your glory in the heavens above. 3 Even the mouths of children and infants exalt your glory in front of your foes and put to shame enemies and rebels.
To come to You, to remain with You, to look up any time and have my gaze meet Yours. To never be parted from You forever. This is happiness. This is joy beyond my wildest dreams. I want more of You every single day. To consume You and be consumed by You.
Revelations 21:2
2 I saw the new Jerusalem, the holy city coming down from God, out of heaven, adorned as a bride prepared for her husband.
We long for the day Beloved, when You will come for Your Bride, the Church, who will adorned with every grace, beauty and virtue and whom You will present to the Father without stain or wrinkle.
Luke 21:33
33 heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
This verse is indeed very comforting for those who trust Your Word and know it to be true. It is the coin by which we live by and gives meaning, hope and beauty to our lives. It is Your Word that sustains us and gives us the strength to go on despite the difficulties and hardships that we must face sometimes. If we did not put our faith in Your Word, life would be impossible to live.
Psalm 84:3-6 &
3 My soul yearns, pines, for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
4 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God!
5 Happy are those who live in your house,
continually singing your praise!
6 Happy the pilgrims whom you strengthen,
to make the ascent to you.
8 They go from strength to strength
till they appear before God in Zion.
My Beloved, I began this morning's praise with the opening verse of this psalm and the liturgy of the day continues to speak to me through the following verses. My home is in Your Church. The children in our family have grown before Your Presence. Your strength has enabled us go on and You have reached down time and time again to lift us up and help us on our way to Your Kingdom. Thank You, Beloved.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Song of Solomon 4:12, Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23:19:1-3, 9, Luke 21:20-28, Psalm 100:1-5
Mass Readings for today
Revelations 18:1-2, 21-23:19:1-3, 9
Luke 21:20-28
Psalm 100:1-5
____________________________________________________________
Song of Solomon 4:12
• 12 You are a garden enclosed,
my sister, my bride;
a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.
My Beloved I am all Yours now and forever. I belong to You and You alone eternally. You are my Brother, my Beloved, my Delight my Friend.
Revelation 19:9
9 Then the angel told me, “Write: Happy are those invited to the wedding of the Lamb.” And he went on, “These are true words of God.”
Thank You for Your invitation to the wedding feast. Thank You for the heavenly food You provide in the Holy Eucharist to nourish us with Your divine life. Thank You that I too am part of the Church, Your Bride.
Luke 21:28
28 Now, when you see the first events, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near.”
When the time comes for You to return Beloved, Your own will not be afraid. We await Your return with eyes strained to catch the first glimpse of You as You return to claim Your Bride, the Church, in triumph. In joyful acclamation, heaven and earth will sing and rejoice.
Psalm 100:1-5
1 All you lands, acclaim the Lord!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God; he created us and we are his people, the sheep of his fold.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his love lasts forever and his faithfulness through all generations.
This psalm says perfectly how those who long for You and await Your coming will rejoice.
Revelations 18:1-2, 21-23:19:1-3, 9
Luke 21:20-28
Psalm 100:1-5
____________________________________________________________
Song of Solomon 4:12
• 12 You are a garden enclosed,
my sister, my bride;
a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.
My Beloved I am all Yours now and forever. I belong to You and You alone eternally. You are my Brother, my Beloved, my Delight my Friend.
Revelation 19:9
9 Then the angel told me, “Write: Happy are those invited to the wedding of the Lamb.” And he went on, “These are true words of God.”
Thank You for Your invitation to the wedding feast. Thank You for the heavenly food You provide in the Holy Eucharist to nourish us with Your divine life. Thank You that I too am part of the Church, Your Bride.
Luke 21:28
28 Now, when you see the first events, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near.”
When the time comes for You to return Beloved, Your own will not be afraid. We await Your return with eyes strained to catch the first glimpse of You as You return to claim Your Bride, the Church, in triumph. In joyful acclamation, heaven and earth will sing and rejoice.
Psalm 100:1-5
1 All you lands, acclaim the Lord!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God; he created us and we are his people, the sheep of his fold.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his love lasts forever and his faithfulness through all generations.
This psalm says perfectly how those who long for You and await Your coming will rejoice.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Revelations 15:1-4, Luke 21:12-19, Psalm 98:2-3, 7-9
Today's Mass Readings: Revelations 15:1-4, Luke 21:12-19, Psalm 98:2-3, 7-9
Luke 21:12-19
12 Before all this happens, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the Jewish courts and put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
14 So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to answer, 15 for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.
16 You will be betrayed even by parents, and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17 But even though you are hated by all for my name’s sake, 18 not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Through perseverance you will possess your own selves.
How often You give us opportunities to witness to You. Grant that I may use them. May my words and actions witness to Your great love my Lord. Thank You for also reminding me not to worry. It is so easy to fall into a pattern of worrying everything to death rather than trusting You. Most importantly, help me never to put my trust in man but in You alone always.
Luke 21:12-19
12 Before all this happens, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the Jewish courts and put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
14 So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to answer, 15 for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.
16 You will be betrayed even by parents, and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17 But even though you are hated by all for my name’s sake, 18 not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Through perseverance you will possess your own selves.
How often You give us opportunities to witness to You. Grant that I may use them. May my words and actions witness to Your great love my Lord. Thank You for also reminding me not to worry. It is so easy to fall into a pattern of worrying everything to death rather than trusting You. Most importantly, help me never to put my trust in man but in You alone always.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Revelations 14:1-5, Luke 21:1-4, Psalm 24:4
Revelations 14:1-5
Luke 21:1-4
1 Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasure box; 2 he also saw a poor widow dropping in two small coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them. 4 For all gave an offering from their plenty, but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.”
M--- mine, these two things are necessary, one is contentment with what you have and the other is the ability to give. If you are not content you will constantly be wishing for soemthing else, something bigger, better, newer. Be content and you will not be restless or disturbed.
Giving releases you from the tyranny of being owned by things. If you have open hands and an open heart, grace flows freely into you and out from you touching everything with the fragrance of the divine.
The more you give, the more you can receive. The more you empty yourself, the more I I can fill you. Give freely, completely, wholeheartedly, joyfully of things yes but more importantly of yourself. If you judge yourself in comparison with others you may find either yourself or others wanting but if you judge yourself against the standard I set, then you will see how far short you fall from perfection and you will strive constantly with the help and grace I provide. Come to Me always. Seek Me constantly. Find in Me rest for your weary soul.
TRUE GIVING
When I’m called to be a giver,
Do I pause to count the cost?
Do I hesitate, procrastinate,
Until the moment’s lost?
When I’m called to be a giver,
Do I weigh the pros and cons,
Will I regret tomorrow,
Today’s benevolence?
When I’m called to be a giver,
Do I give of my excess?
Or like the poor widow,
Give all that I possess?
When I’m called to be a giver,
May I never count the cost
Of tender loving giving,
Just as the Master taught.
Myra D’souza/1.12.1998
Luke 21:1-4
1 Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasure box; 2 he also saw a poor widow dropping in two small coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them. 4 For all gave an offering from their plenty, but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.”
M--- mine, these two things are necessary, one is contentment with what you have and the other is the ability to give. If you are not content you will constantly be wishing for soemthing else, something bigger, better, newer. Be content and you will not be restless or disturbed. Giving releases you from the tyranny of being owned by things. If you have open hands and an open heart, grace flows freely into you and out from you touching everything with the fragrance of the divine.
The more you give, the more you can receive. The more you empty yourself, the more I I can fill you. Give freely, completely, wholeheartedly, joyfully of things yes but more importantly of yourself. If you judge yourself in comparison with others you may find either yourself or others wanting but if you judge yourself against the standard I set, then you will see how far short you fall from perfection and you will strive constantly with the help and grace I provide. Come to Me always. Seek Me constantly. Find in Me rest for your weary soul.
TRUE GIVING
When I’m called to be a giver,
Do I pause to count the cost?
Do I hesitate, procrastinate,
Until the moment’s lost?
When I’m called to be a giver,
Do I weigh the pros and cons,
Will I regret tomorrow,
Today’s benevolence?
When I’m called to be a giver,
Do I give of my excess?
Or like the poor widow,
Give all that I possess?
When I’m called to be a giver,
May I never count the cost
Of tender loving giving,
Just as the Master taught.
Myra D’souza/1.12.1998
Psalm 24:4
4 Those with clean hands and pure heart,
who desire not what is vain,
and never swear to a lie.
Help me my Beloved, not to desire that which will not help me in my journey to You and the Kingdom.
4 Those with clean hands and pure heart,
who desire not what is vain,
and never swear to a lie.
Help me my Beloved, not to desire that which will not help me in my journey to You and the Kingdom.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
2 Chronicles 6:18-21, Ezekiel 47 1-2, 8-9, 12, 1 Corinthians 9-11, 16-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 46:3-6, 8, 11
2Chronicles 6:18-21
18 Yet will God really live with men and women on the earth? Why, the heavens and their own heavens cannot contain you! How much less this house that I have built! 19 Listen to the prayer and grant the requests of your servant, Yahweh my God; listen to the cry and to the prayer your servant makes to you. 20 Day and night let your eyes watch over this house, where you have promised that your Name would be.
21 Hear the prayers of your servant and of Israel your people as they pray in this place. From heaven where your dwelling is, hear; and, as you hear, forgive.
Beloved, You have made my body the temple where Your Holy Spirit dwells. When I receive You in the Eucharist my heart closes around You and we are one. You whom the heavens cannot contain and for whom the earth is Your footstool descend upon me and unite me with Yourself. Hear my prayer my Lord, You and I know that I am a sinner, but I love You. Help me to overcome the flesh, the world and the devil with the power of your grace. Forgive me each time I fall and restore me in Your love always.
18 Yet will God really live with men and women on the earth? Why, the heavens and their own heavens cannot contain you! How much less this house that I have built! 19 Listen to the prayer and grant the requests of your servant, Yahweh my God; listen to the cry and to the prayer your servant makes to you. 20 Day and night let your eyes watch over this house, where you have promised that your Name would be.
21 Hear the prayers of your servant and of Israel your people as they pray in this place. From heaven where your dwelling is, hear; and, as you hear, forgive.
Beloved, You have made my body the temple where Your Holy Spirit dwells. When I receive You in the Eucharist my heart closes around You and we are one. You whom the heavens cannot contain and for whom the earth is Your footstool descend upon me and unite me with Yourself. Hear my prayer my Lord, You and I know that I am a sinner, but I love You. Help me to overcome the flesh, the world and the devil with the power of your grace. Forgive me each time I fall and restore me in Your love always.
Ezekiel 47 1-2, 8-9, 12
1 The man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple and I saw water coming out from the threshold of the Temple and flowing eastwards. The Temple faced the east and the water flowed from the south side of the Temple, from the south side of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing the east and there I saw the stream coming from the south side.
8 He said to me, “This water goes to the east, down to the Arabah, and when it flows into the sea of foul-smelling water, the water will become wholesome. 9 Wherever the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be plentiful and the sea water will become fresh. Wherever it flows, life will abound.
12 Near the river on both banks there will be all kinds of fruit trees with foliage that will not wither and fruit that will never fail; each month they will bear a fresh crop because the water comes from the Temple. The fruit will be good to eat and the leaves will be used for healing.
12 Near the river on both banks there will be all kinds of fruit trees with foliage that will not wither and fruit that will never fail; each month they will bear a fresh crop because the water comes from the Temple. The fruit will be good to eat and the leaves will be used for healing.
Where ever the waters of Baptism flows life abounds. When God dwells there is fruitfulness, abundance and wholesome goodness. The grace that flows from Your side Beloved, adorns, sanctifies and makes strong and beautiful Your Bride the Church.
1 Corinthians 9-11, 16-17
9 We are fellow-workers with God, but you are God’s field and building.
10 I, as a good architect, according to the capacity given to me, I laid the foundation, and another is to build upon it. Each one must be careful how to build upon it. 11 No one can lay a foundation other than the one which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit abides within you? 17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God’s temple is holy, and you are this temple.
16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit abides within you? 17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God’s temple is holy, and you are this temple.
I belong to God in Christ Jesus. My body is the temple of His Holy Spirit. I have been purchased. I no longer belong to myself and any one who harms me is answerable to God.
John 2:13-22
13 As the Passover of the Jews was at hand, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple court he found merchants selling oxen, sheep and doves, and money-changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the Temple court, together with the oxen and sheep. He knocked over the tables of the money-changers, scattering the coins, 16 and ordered the people selling doves, “Take all this away and stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
17 His disciples recalled the words of Scripture: Zeal for your House devours me as a fire.
18 The Jews then questioned Jesus, “Where are the miraculous signs which give you the right to do this?” 19 And Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then replied, “The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” 21 Actually, Jesus was referring to the temple of his body. 22 Only when he had risen from the dead did his disciples remember these words; then they believed both the Scripture and the words Jesus had spoken.
As long as we live in the flesh we will be attacked on every side by the culture, by the flesh and by the devil. We will be weak and fall prey to every temptation. But if we live a life dependant on the Holy Spirit, if we allow Him free reign over our entire being, if we permit the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives and direct our way and will, only then can we stop our bodies from serving as a market place for corruption. Jesus can get rid of every vice through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and He can once more take possession of the temple of our body where God alone is glorified.
Psalm 46:3-6, 8, 11
3 We will not fear, therefore,
though the earth be shaken
and the mountains plunge into the seas,
4 though its waters foam and roar,
though the mountains quake and totter.
For the Lord of hosts is with us,
the God of Jacob, our stronghold.
5 There is a river whose streams bring joy to the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
6 God is within, the city cannot quake,
for God’s help is upon it at the break of day.
8 For with us is the Lord of hosts,
11 Be still, know that I am God.
I am exalted among the nations,
exalted over the earth!
God of Jacob, our refuge.
11 Be still, know that I am God.
I am exalted among the nations,
exalted over the earth!
God of Jacob, our refuge.
As the Psalmist rightly says, if You are with us nothing that the world throws at us can shake us. With You as our cornerstone and the 12 apostles as the foundation,we are invincible. We may be attacked by the enemy from within and without but Your promise stands firm for all eternity.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Wisdom 16:26-28, 2Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14, 2 Thessalonians 2:16----3:5, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 17:5-6, 8, 15
Wisdom 16:26-28
26 Then the children you love learned that it is not crops of whatever kind which nourish humankind, but your word that sustains those who trust you.
27 That food which resisted fire, simply melted in the warmth of a fleeting sunbeam, 28 teaching us that we must rise before the sun to give thanks and pray to you at dawn. 29 The hope of the ungrateful will melt like winter frost and flow away like water that is not being used.
It is Your mighty Word that sustains all life. God spoke and everything that is came into being. The Breath of God is the breath of life and we are dependant on this breath. Take it away and we will perish. It is to You that we owe grateful thanks for it is You who uphold us, preserve us and give us all we need of things both spiritual and temporal. For all that You do each day for me and mine Beloved, I offer You a heart and a life filled with praise, love and gratitude.
2Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
1 It happened also that seven brothers were arrested with their mother. The king had them scourged and flogged to force them to eat the flesh of a pig which was prohibited by the Law.
2 One of them, speaking in behalf of all, said, “What do you want to find out from us? We are prepared to die right now rather than break the law of our ancestors.”
9 At the moment of his last breath, he said, “Murderer, you now dismiss us from life, but the King of the world will raise us up. He will give us eternal life since we die for his laws.”
10 After this, they punished the third. He stuck his tongue out when asked to, bravely stretched forth his hands, 11 and even had the courage to say: “I have received these limbs from God, but for love of his laws I now consider them as nothing. For I hope to recover them from God.” 12 The king and his court were touched by the courage of this young man, so unconcerned about his own sufferings.
13 When this one was dead, they subjected the fourth to the same torture. 14 At the point of death, he cried out, “I would rather die at the hands of mortals, and wait for the promises of God who will raise us up; you, however, shall have no part in the resurrection of life.”
Ever since this Scripture account of the seven brothers has been read, I am certain that many have reacted to it. Many who have been persecuted for their faith must have been encouraged by this account of faith and courage. The faith of the mother of these seven sons is truly impressive. In these days mothers molly coddle their children and give them a watered down version of the faith. They give their kids everything else but what is necessary for spiritual growth. Things which could destroy rather than give life. How proud this mother was when she saw each son die. Mama Mary too saw You die my Beloved, but she knew that it was necessary. We have to lose our life to gain it and yet we are such spiritual cowards. So aftraid to test our faith in case it fails us and yet we know that true faith is always triumphant.
Thessalonians 2:16----3:5
16 when they prevent us from speaking to the pagans and trying to save them. By doing so they are heaping up their sins, but now Judgment is coming upon them.
17 We are for a time deprived of your presence, but not in our heart, and we eagerly long to see you. 18 For we have wanted to visit you, and I, Paul, more than once; but Satan prevented us. 19 In fact, who but you are our hope and our joy? Who but you will be our glorious crown before Jesus, our Lord, when he returns? 20 Yes, indeed, you are our glory and our joy.
Paul’s concern
3 • 1 As I could no longer bear it, I decided to go alone to Athens, 2 and send you Timothy, our brother and co-worker of God in the Gospel of Christ. I wanted him to encourage you in the faith and strengthen you 3 so that none of you might turn back because of the trials you are now enduring. You know that such is our destiny. 4 I warned you of this when I was there: “We shall have to face persecution”; and so it was, as you have seen. 5 Therefore I could not stand it any longer and sent Timothy to appraise your faith and see if the Tempter had tempted you and made our work useless.
Beloved, St. Paul had a fire in his belly and it burned constantly. He could not rest because of this flaming desire to spread the Good News. His joy and satisfaction came from leading more and more people to knowledge of You. It was his food and drink and he was prepared to suffer any hardship as he travelled tirelessly to make You known and loved. What about me? Am I timid, wary, afraid, ready to to withdraw in the face of the slightest opposition? In the end will I stand all alone before You my God having kept my faith hidden, untested, untried because I was afraid to risk my life despite all Your promises?
Luke 20:27-38
27 Then some Sadducees arrived. These people claim that there is no resurrection 28 and they asked Jesus this question, “Master, in the Scripture Moses told us: ‘If anyone dies leaving a wife but no children, his brother must take the wife, and the child to be born will be regarded as the child of the deceased man.’ 29 Now, there were seven brothers; the first married a wife, but he died without children; 30 and the second 31 and the third took the wife; in fact all seven died leaving no children. 32 Last of all the woman died. 33 On the day of the resurrection, to which of them will the woman be wife? For the seven had her as wife.”
34 And Jesus replied, “Taking husband or wife is proper to people of this world, 35 but for those who are considered worthy of the world to come and of resurrection from the dead, there is no more marriage. 36 Besides, they cannot die for they are like the angels. They too are sons and daughters of God because they are born of the resurrection.
37 Yes, the dead will be raised, and even Moses implied it in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 For he is God of the living and not of the dead, and for him all are alive.”
What we shall be in the hereafter only God knows, what we do know is that You will share Your glory with us. Beloved, to be taken up into You as part of Your Body and sharing in Your inheritance, is the promise You make to us. You give us everything we need in this life to make it possible for us to live eternally with You in the life to come. Help me to use every oportunity and every grace You make available to me in the Sacraments to reach my goal.
Psalm 17:5-6, 8, 15
5 Hold firm my steps upon your path,
that my feet may not stumble.
6 I call on you, you will answer me, O God; incline your ear and hear my word.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
under the shadow of your wings hide me,
15 As for me, righteous in your sight,
I shall see your face and, awakening,
gaze my fill on your likeness.
Help me Lord, I need You to hold my hand every step of the way in my journey to You. Should You let go I will fall and be lost. Keep me as the apple of Your eye. Watch over me, strengthen me in times of temptation. Pour out Your graces on me as I feed on You in the Eucharist, nourish me as I read Your Word. May the light of Your Presence in me help me to light the way for those who walk with me. My goal Beloved is to spend eternity with You. When I close my eyes here on earth, grant that I will open them to gaze on the wonder and beauty of Your awesome Presence Amen.
26 Then the children you love learned that it is not crops of whatever kind which nourish humankind, but your word that sustains those who trust you.
27 That food which resisted fire, simply melted in the warmth of a fleeting sunbeam, 28 teaching us that we must rise before the sun to give thanks and pray to you at dawn. 29 The hope of the ungrateful will melt like winter frost and flow away like water that is not being used.
It is Your mighty Word that sustains all life. God spoke and everything that is came into being. The Breath of God is the breath of life and we are dependant on this breath. Take it away and we will perish. It is to You that we owe grateful thanks for it is You who uphold us, preserve us and give us all we need of things both spiritual and temporal. For all that You do each day for me and mine Beloved, I offer You a heart and a life filled with praise, love and gratitude.
2Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
1 It happened also that seven brothers were arrested with their mother. The king had them scourged and flogged to force them to eat the flesh of a pig which was prohibited by the Law.
2 One of them, speaking in behalf of all, said, “What do you want to find out from us? We are prepared to die right now rather than break the law of our ancestors.”
9 At the moment of his last breath, he said, “Murderer, you now dismiss us from life, but the King of the world will raise us up. He will give us eternal life since we die for his laws.”
10 After this, they punished the third. He stuck his tongue out when asked to, bravely stretched forth his hands, 11 and even had the courage to say: “I have received these limbs from God, but for love of his laws I now consider them as nothing. For I hope to recover them from God.” 12 The king and his court were touched by the courage of this young man, so unconcerned about his own sufferings.
13 When this one was dead, they subjected the fourth to the same torture. 14 At the point of death, he cried out, “I would rather die at the hands of mortals, and wait for the promises of God who will raise us up; you, however, shall have no part in the resurrection of life.”
Ever since this Scripture account of the seven brothers has been read, I am certain that many have reacted to it. Many who have been persecuted for their faith must have been encouraged by this account of faith and courage. The faith of the mother of these seven sons is truly impressive. In these days mothers molly coddle their children and give them a watered down version of the faith. They give their kids everything else but what is necessary for spiritual growth. Things which could destroy rather than give life. How proud this mother was when she saw each son die. Mama Mary too saw You die my Beloved, but she knew that it was necessary. We have to lose our life to gain it and yet we are such spiritual cowards. So aftraid to test our faith in case it fails us and yet we know that true faith is always triumphant.
Thessalonians 2:16----3:5
16 when they prevent us from speaking to the pagans and trying to save them. By doing so they are heaping up their sins, but now Judgment is coming upon them.
17 We are for a time deprived of your presence, but not in our heart, and we eagerly long to see you. 18 For we have wanted to visit you, and I, Paul, more than once; but Satan prevented us. 19 In fact, who but you are our hope and our joy? Who but you will be our glorious crown before Jesus, our Lord, when he returns? 20 Yes, indeed, you are our glory and our joy.
Paul’s concern
3 • 1 As I could no longer bear it, I decided to go alone to Athens, 2 and send you Timothy, our brother and co-worker of God in the Gospel of Christ. I wanted him to encourage you in the faith and strengthen you 3 so that none of you might turn back because of the trials you are now enduring. You know that such is our destiny. 4 I warned you of this when I was there: “We shall have to face persecution”; and so it was, as you have seen. 5 Therefore I could not stand it any longer and sent Timothy to appraise your faith and see if the Tempter had tempted you and made our work useless.
Beloved, St. Paul had a fire in his belly and it burned constantly. He could not rest because of this flaming desire to spread the Good News. His joy and satisfaction came from leading more and more people to knowledge of You. It was his food and drink and he was prepared to suffer any hardship as he travelled tirelessly to make You known and loved. What about me? Am I timid, wary, afraid, ready to to withdraw in the face of the slightest opposition? In the end will I stand all alone before You my God having kept my faith hidden, untested, untried because I was afraid to risk my life despite all Your promises?
Luke 20:27-38
27 Then some Sadducees arrived. These people claim that there is no resurrection 28 and they asked Jesus this question, “Master, in the Scripture Moses told us: ‘If anyone dies leaving a wife but no children, his brother must take the wife, and the child to be born will be regarded as the child of the deceased man.’ 29 Now, there were seven brothers; the first married a wife, but he died without children; 30 and the second 31 and the third took the wife; in fact all seven died leaving no children. 32 Last of all the woman died. 33 On the day of the resurrection, to which of them will the woman be wife? For the seven had her as wife.”
34 And Jesus replied, “Taking husband or wife is proper to people of this world, 35 but for those who are considered worthy of the world to come and of resurrection from the dead, there is no more marriage. 36 Besides, they cannot die for they are like the angels. They too are sons and daughters of God because they are born of the resurrection.
37 Yes, the dead will be raised, and even Moses implied it in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 For he is God of the living and not of the dead, and for him all are alive.”
What we shall be in the hereafter only God knows, what we do know is that You will share Your glory with us. Beloved, to be taken up into You as part of Your Body and sharing in Your inheritance, is the promise You make to us. You give us everything we need in this life to make it possible for us to live eternally with You in the life to come. Help me to use every oportunity and every grace You make available to me in the Sacraments to reach my goal.
Psalm 17:5-6, 8, 15
5 Hold firm my steps upon your path,
that my feet may not stumble.
6 I call on you, you will answer me, O God; incline your ear and hear my word.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
under the shadow of your wings hide me,
15 As for me, righteous in your sight,
I shall see your face and, awakening,
gaze my fill on your likeness.
Help me Lord, I need You to hold my hand every step of the way in my journey to You. Should You let go I will fall and be lost. Keep me as the apple of Your eye. Watch over me, strengthen me in times of temptation. Pour out Your graces on me as I feed on You in the Eucharist, nourish me as I read Your Word. May the light of Your Presence in me help me to light the way for those who walk with me. My goal Beloved is to spend eternity with You. When I close my eyes here on earth, grant that I will open them to gaze on the wonder and beauty of Your awesome Presence Amen.
Psalm 18:29-32, Titus 1:1-9, Luke 17:1-6
Psalm 18:29-32
29 Lord, you give light to my lamp.
O my God, you brighten my darkness.
30 Yes, with you I charge the armed bands,
and by my God I leap over the wall.
31 This God – his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord can stand fire.
He is a shield for those who seek refuge in him.
32 There is no other God but Yahweh.
There is no other rock but our God.
All I can give You is myself my Lord, You supply the oil and the light. You make my darkness bright. With You I can face any obstacle, no difficulty is insurmountable with You beside me. I love Your ways, truly they are perfect and delight soul. Yes, You are my shield and my stronghold and I take refuge in You. Ofcourse, there is no other God but You my Lord, my Triune God.
Titus 1:1-9
1 1 From Paul, servant of God, apostle of Christ Jesus, at the service of God’s chosen people, so that they may believe and reach the knowledge of truth and godliness.
2 The eternal life we are waiting for was promised from the very beginning by God who never lies, 3 and as the appointed time had come, he made it known through the message entrusted to me by a command of God, our Savior.
4 Greetings to you, Titus, my true son in the faith we share. May grace and peace be with you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
On the elders of the Church
• 5 I left you in Crete because I wanted you to put right what was defective and appoint elders in every town, following my instructions. 6 They must be blameless, married only once, whose children are believers and not open to the charge of being immoral and rebellious. 7 Since the overseer (or bishop) is the steward of God’s house, he must be beyond reproach: not proud, hot-headed, over-fond of wine, quarrelsome or greedy for gain.
8 On the contrary he must be hospitable, a lover of what is good, wise, upright, devout and self-controlled. 9 He must hold to the message of faith just as it was taught, so that, in his turn, he may teach sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
The Church has taught with one voice in her 2000 year history. She is unwavering in her teaching on faith and morals so there can be no confusion among her members. She teaches what You taught the Apostles and what the Apostles handed down to good and holy men, on whom they laid hands and thus passed on to them the authority given to them by Yourself. No Christian will go astray if he/she stays within the sheepfold of Holy Mother Church.
Luke 17:1-6
17 1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Scandals will necessarily come and cause people to fall; but woe to the one who has brought it about. 2 It would be better for that one to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around the neck. Truly this would be better for that person than to cause one of these little ones to fall.
3 Be careful. If your brother offends you, rebuke him and if he is sorry, forgive him. 4 And if he offends you seven times in a day but says to you seven times: ‘I’m sorry,’ forgive him.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” And the Lord said, 6 “If you have faith even the size of a mustard seed, you may say to this tree: ‘Be uprooted and plant yourself in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
There are 3 things I must remember by Lord.
I must not be the cause of scandal nor must I be responsible for anyone to be demoralised by the way I act.
I must be willing to forgive, if after having rebuked him for the wrong done he asks for pardon. This I must do any number of times if he sincerely asks for forgiveness.
If I have faith, small though it may be, but if I am willing to take a step in confidence acting on my mustard seed sized faith, I will not be disappointed. True faith in You Beloved, no matter how small can move mountains.
29 Lord, you give light to my lamp.
O my God, you brighten my darkness.
30 Yes, with you I charge the armed bands,
and by my God I leap over the wall.
31 This God – his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord can stand fire.
He is a shield for those who seek refuge in him.
32 There is no other God but Yahweh.
There is no other rock but our God.
All I can give You is myself my Lord, You supply the oil and the light. You make my darkness bright. With You I can face any obstacle, no difficulty is insurmountable with You beside me. I love Your ways, truly they are perfect and delight soul. Yes, You are my shield and my stronghold and I take refuge in You. Ofcourse, there is no other God but You my Lord, my Triune God.
Titus 1:1-9
1 1 From Paul, servant of God, apostle of Christ Jesus, at the service of God’s chosen people, so that they may believe and reach the knowledge of truth and godliness.
2 The eternal life we are waiting for was promised from the very beginning by God who never lies, 3 and as the appointed time had come, he made it known through the message entrusted to me by a command of God, our Savior.
4 Greetings to you, Titus, my true son in the faith we share. May grace and peace be with you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
On the elders of the Church
• 5 I left you in Crete because I wanted you to put right what was defective and appoint elders in every town, following my instructions. 6 They must be blameless, married only once, whose children are believers and not open to the charge of being immoral and rebellious. 7 Since the overseer (or bishop) is the steward of God’s house, he must be beyond reproach: not proud, hot-headed, over-fond of wine, quarrelsome or greedy for gain.
8 On the contrary he must be hospitable, a lover of what is good, wise, upright, devout and self-controlled. 9 He must hold to the message of faith just as it was taught, so that, in his turn, he may teach sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
The Church has taught with one voice in her 2000 year history. She is unwavering in her teaching on faith and morals so there can be no confusion among her members. She teaches what You taught the Apostles and what the Apostles handed down to good and holy men, on whom they laid hands and thus passed on to them the authority given to them by Yourself. No Christian will go astray if he/she stays within the sheepfold of Holy Mother Church.
Luke 17:1-6
17 1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Scandals will necessarily come and cause people to fall; but woe to the one who has brought it about. 2 It would be better for that one to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around the neck. Truly this would be better for that person than to cause one of these little ones to fall.
3 Be careful. If your brother offends you, rebuke him and if he is sorry, forgive him. 4 And if he offends you seven times in a day but says to you seven times: ‘I’m sorry,’ forgive him.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” And the Lord said, 6 “If you have faith even the size of a mustard seed, you may say to this tree: ‘Be uprooted and plant yourself in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
There are 3 things I must remember by Lord.
I must not be the cause of scandal nor must I be responsible for anyone to be demoralised by the way I act.
I must be willing to forgive, if after having rebuked him for the wrong done he asks for pardon. This I must do any number of times if he sincerely asks for forgiveness.
If I have faith, small though it may be, but if I am willing to take a step in confidence acting on my mustard seed sized faith, I will not be disappointed. True faith in You Beloved, no matter how small can move mountains.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sirach 11:1-3, 8-9, Philippian 4:10-19, Luke 16:9-15, Psalm 112:1-3, 5-9
Sirach 11:1-3, 8-9
11 1 The poor man who is wise carries his head high and sits among the great.
Do not praise a man because he is handsome and do not hold a man in contempt because of his appearance.
3 The bee is one of the smallest winged insects but she excels in the exquisite sweetness of her honey.
Do not reply before you have listened; do not interrupt the one who is speaking.
9 Do not interfere in what is not your business; do not meddle in the disputes of sinners.
Every one of these wise saying is excellent advice.
There are those among the poor whose life experiences have made them wise not bitter. They know You, love You and trust You. When they speak, one listens.
How often we find that the world judges by outward appearance and how false that judgement can prove to be.
Humility Lord, is one of the most pleasing of virtues before God and man. Like the honey bee, humility makes us sweet before You.
Yes, it is always good to wait until the other has finished speaking instead of jumping to the wrong conclusion midway, before hearing completely what the other has to say.
Another piece of excellent advice is not to to interfere or meddle in what is not our business. A lot of us would stay out of trouble if we heeded this invaluable piece of advice.
Philippian 4:10-19
10 I rejoice in the Lord because of your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I do not say this because of being in want; I have learned to manage with what I have. 12 I know what it is to be in want and what it is to have plenty. I am trained for both: to be hungry or satisfied, to have much or little. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
14 However you did right in sharing my trials. 15 You Philippians, remember that in the beginning, when we first preached the Gospel, after I left Macedonia you alone opened for me a debit and credit account, 16 and when I was in Thessalonica, twice you sent me what I needed.
17 It is not your gift that I value but rather the interest increasing in your own account. 18 Now I have enough and more than enough with everything Epaphroditus brought me on your behalf and which I received as “fragrant offerings pleasing to God.” 19 God himself will provide you with everything you need, according to his riches, and show you his generosity in Christ Jesus.
The world would be a happier place if like St Paul, we learned to manage with what we have instead of hankering after what we did not have. To be satisfied no matter what the circumstances of our life is indeed a blessing. Instead we allow the world to create needs which we then seek desperately to satisfy. All the good we do arises like fragrant incense before God.
Luke 16:9-15,
9 And so I tell you: use filthy money to make friends for yourselves, so that when it fails, these people may welcome you into the eternal homes.
10 Whoever can be trusted in little things can also be trusted in great ones; whoever is dishonest in slight matters will also be dishonest in greater ones. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling filthy money, who could entrust you with true wealth? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with things that are not really yours, who will give you the wealth which is your own?
• 13 No servant can serve two masters. Either he does not like the one and is fond of the other, or he regards one highly and the other with contempt. You cannot give yourself both to God and to Money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and sneered at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You do your best to be considered righteous by people. But God knows the heart, and what rises high among humans is loathed by God.
The things of the world are fleeting, the things of God are eternal. We will do well to remember this. God gives to each of us gifts which He expects us to use for the benefit of His Kingdom. If we are faithful, He will multiply these gifts. But if we are faithless, what we have will also be taken away from us. We are called to be scrupulously honest in worldly things as this is a reflection of how we are in spiritual matters. God commands us to love Him exclusively with an undivided heart for He knows that we cannot be loyal to two masters - God and the world. Thank You Lord that we can rest secure in the knowledge that You know our hearts and our motives and even though the world may misjudge us the fact that You are not deceived is extremely consoling.
Psalm 112:1-3, 5-91 Alleluia!
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commands.
2 His children will be powerful on earth;
the upright’s offspring will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are for his family,
there his integrity will remain.
5 It will be well with him who lends freely,
who leads a life of justice and honesty.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered and loved forever.
7 He has no fear of evil news,
for his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is confident, he needs not fear,
he shall prevail over his foes at the end.
9 He gives generously to the poor,
his merits will last forever
and his head will be raised in honor.
The verses in the Psalm sum up beautifully what the Epistle and the Gospel readings have said. Those who walk with You whether rich or poor will be blessed - those who live guided by Your Word can expect never to be dismayed because he is confident of Your steadfast, unwavering love. Nothing can shake the faith of one who has placed his trust in You, such a man will never be disappointed.
11 1 The poor man who is wise carries his head high and sits among the great.
Do not praise a man because he is handsome and do not hold a man in contempt because of his appearance.
3 The bee is one of the smallest winged insects but she excels in the exquisite sweetness of her honey.
Do not reply before you have listened; do not interrupt the one who is speaking.
9 Do not interfere in what is not your business; do not meddle in the disputes of sinners.
Every one of these wise saying is excellent advice.
There are those among the poor whose life experiences have made them wise not bitter. They know You, love You and trust You. When they speak, one listens.
How often we find that the world judges by outward appearance and how false that judgement can prove to be.
Humility Lord, is one of the most pleasing of virtues before God and man. Like the honey bee, humility makes us sweet before You.
Yes, it is always good to wait until the other has finished speaking instead of jumping to the wrong conclusion midway, before hearing completely what the other has to say.
Another piece of excellent advice is not to to interfere or meddle in what is not our business. A lot of us would stay out of trouble if we heeded this invaluable piece of advice.
Philippian 4:10-19
10 I rejoice in the Lord because of your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I do not say this because of being in want; I have learned to manage with what I have. 12 I know what it is to be in want and what it is to have plenty. I am trained for both: to be hungry or satisfied, to have much or little. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
14 However you did right in sharing my trials. 15 You Philippians, remember that in the beginning, when we first preached the Gospel, after I left Macedonia you alone opened for me a debit and credit account, 16 and when I was in Thessalonica, twice you sent me what I needed.
17 It is not your gift that I value but rather the interest increasing in your own account. 18 Now I have enough and more than enough with everything Epaphroditus brought me on your behalf and which I received as “fragrant offerings pleasing to God.” 19 God himself will provide you with everything you need, according to his riches, and show you his generosity in Christ Jesus.
The world would be a happier place if like St Paul, we learned to manage with what we have instead of hankering after what we did not have. To be satisfied no matter what the circumstances of our life is indeed a blessing. Instead we allow the world to create needs which we then seek desperately to satisfy. All the good we do arises like fragrant incense before God.
Luke 16:9-15,
9 And so I tell you: use filthy money to make friends for yourselves, so that when it fails, these people may welcome you into the eternal homes.
10 Whoever can be trusted in little things can also be trusted in great ones; whoever is dishonest in slight matters will also be dishonest in greater ones. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling filthy money, who could entrust you with true wealth? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with things that are not really yours, who will give you the wealth which is your own?
• 13 No servant can serve two masters. Either he does not like the one and is fond of the other, or he regards one highly and the other with contempt. You cannot give yourself both to God and to Money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and sneered at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You do your best to be considered righteous by people. But God knows the heart, and what rises high among humans is loathed by God.
The things of the world are fleeting, the things of God are eternal. We will do well to remember this. God gives to each of us gifts which He expects us to use for the benefit of His Kingdom. If we are faithful, He will multiply these gifts. But if we are faithless, what we have will also be taken away from us. We are called to be scrupulously honest in worldly things as this is a reflection of how we are in spiritual matters. God commands us to love Him exclusively with an undivided heart for He knows that we cannot be loyal to two masters - God and the world. Thank You Lord that we can rest secure in the knowledge that You know our hearts and our motives and even though the world may misjudge us the fact that You are not deceived is extremely consoling.
Psalm 112:1-3, 5-91 Alleluia!
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commands.
2 His children will be powerful on earth;
the upright’s offspring will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are for his family,
there his integrity will remain.
5 It will be well with him who lends freely,
who leads a life of justice and honesty.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered and loved forever.
7 He has no fear of evil news,
for his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is confident, he needs not fear,
he shall prevail over his foes at the end.
9 He gives generously to the poor,
his merits will last forever
and his head will be raised in honor.
The verses in the Psalm sum up beautifully what the Epistle and the Gospel readings have said. Those who walk with You whether rich or poor will be blessed - those who live guided by Your Word can expect never to be dismayed because he is confident of Your steadfast, unwavering love. Nothing can shake the faith of one who has placed his trust in You, such a man will never be disappointed.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Psalm 9:11, Philippians 3:17---4:1, Luke 16:1-8, Psalm 122:1-5
Psalm 9:11
11 Those who cherish your name, O Lord, can rely on you, for you have never forsaken those who look to you.
Beloved, the live long day I cherish Your Holy Name and look to You for help. You have always come to my rescue. May I keep You ever before me and may You rule me all the days of my life.
Beloved, the live long day I cherish Your Holy Name and look to You for help. You have always come to my rescue. May I keep You ever before me and may You rule me all the days of my life.
Philippians 3:17---4:1
17 Unite in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and look at those who walk in our way of life. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. I have said it to you many times, and now I repeat it with tears: 19 they are heading for ruin; their belly is their god and they feel proud of what should be their shame. They only think of earthly things.
20 For us, our citizenship is in heaven, from where we await the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord. 21 He will transfigure our lowly body, making it like his own body, radiant in Glory, through the power which is his to submit everything to himself.
4 • 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, you my glory and crown, be steadfast in the Lord.
Beloved, St. Paul can confidently exhort us to obey him because he was so perfectly conformed to You. This should be true of everyone who calls himself your follower. He reminds us that our home is not here but that we are citizens of heaven. What awaits those those who walk in Your footsteps and imitate You is beyond our imagination. St. Paul boldly tells us that You will make us like Yourself as You make us one in You. Who in their right mind would not do everything possible to attain such a glorious future. May I love as tenderly as St. Paul in imitation of You. Loving concern for those weaker than I must be foremost as I witness to them.
Luke 16:1-8
1 At another time Jesus told his disciples, “There was a rich man whose steward was reported to him for fraudulent service. 2 He summoned the steward and asked him: ‘What is this I hear about you? I want you to render an account of your service for it is about to be terminated.’3 The steward thought to himself: ‘What am I to do now? My master will surely dismiss me. I am not strong enough to do hard work, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I will do: I must make sure that when I am dismissed, there will be some people to welcome me into their house.’
5 So he called his master’s debtors one by one. He asked the first who came: ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 The reply was: ‘A hundred jars of oil.’ The steward said: ‘Here is your bill. Sit down quickly and write there fifty.’ 7 To the second he put the same question: ‘How much do you owe?’ The answer was: ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ Then he said: ‘Take your bill and write eight hundred.’
8 The master commended the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the people of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light.
How true Beloved, the people of the world can squeeze blood out of a stone but we who follow You sincerely are so poor in our knowledge of spiritual things. The Church has a rich heritage of memories in her 2000 year history and we know so very little, with the result that we are unable to stand our ground and hold our own against the worldly-wise.
We are duty bound to root ourselves firmly in Your Word, in Your Church and in Apostolic Tradition so that we can speak boldly, wisely and with clarity about what we believe in and why. We must be able to give a clear and reasoned account of our beliefs. We need to take the time necessary to educate ourselves. It will be time well spent as we come to understand the riches of our Catholic/Christian heritage.
Psalm 122:1-5
Psalm 122:1-5
1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2 And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem, just like a city,
where everything falls into place!
4 There the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, the assembly of Israel,
to give thanks to the Lord’s name,
5 There stand the courts of justice
the offices of the house of David.
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2 And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem, just like a city,
where everything falls into place!
4 There the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, the assembly of Israel,
to give thanks to the Lord’s name,
5 There stand the courts of justice
the offices of the house of David.
This is the Church You established - the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We who are cradle Catholics ought to fall on our knees in gratitude at this gift freely given to us. We were born in Catholic homes, of Catholic parents - that is why You warn us over and over again in Scripture, "From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Lk 12:48 And again, "Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.: Mt 13:12 if they make no attempt to foster growth.
Thank You my Beloved for the gift of being in a Catholic home and being raised in a Catholic environment.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Isaiah 65: 17-24 and Isaiah 66:2, Philippians 3:3-8, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 105:4
Isaiah 65: 17-24 and Isaiah 66:2
17 I now create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind again.
18 Be glad forever and rejoice in what I create; for I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people. The sound of distress and the voice of weeping will not be heard in it any more.
20 You will no longer know of dead children or of adults who do not live out a lifetime. One who reaches a hundred years will have died a mere youth, but one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.
21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant crops and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses for others to dwell in; no longer will they plant for others to eat the harvest.
For as the days of a tree will the days of my people be; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 Their labor will not be in vain, nor will they bear children destined for misfortune, for they will be a people blessed by Yahweh, and their descendants with them.
24 Before they call, I will have answered; while they are yet speaking, I will have heard.
66:2
2 My hands have made all this and it is all mine, but what I am looking for is the one who is meek and contrite of heart, who trembles at my word.
I tremble in awe at the majesty and wonder of Your sacred word.
Philippians 3:3-8
3 We are the true circumcised people since we serve according to the Spirit of God, and our confidence is in Christ Jesus rather than in our merits.4 I myself do not lack those human qualities in which people have confidence. If some of them seem to be accredited with such qualities, how much more am I! 5 I was circumcised when eight days old. I was born of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; I am a Hebrew, born of Hebrews. With regard to the Law, I am a Pharisee, 6 and such was my zeal for the Law that I persecuted the Church. As for being righteous according to the Law, I was blameless.7 But once I found Christ, all those things that I might have considered as profit, I reckoned as loss. 8 Still more, everything seems to me as nothing compared with the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I have let everything fall away and I now consider all as garbage, if instead I may gain Christ.
Verse 3 and verses 7-8 express beautifully what Christians experience once they fall in love with You. We are what we are only through the grace lavished upon us by Your Holy Spirit. Discovering You, everything else loses its savor. What was once considered important now has become meaningless. To know You better each day, to plumb deeper into the treasures of Your infinitely rich and powerful Word, this is joy and gladness beyond imagination.
Luke 15:1-10
15 1 Meanwhile tax collectors and sinners were seeking the company of Jesus, all of them eager to hear what he had to say. 2 But the Pharisees and the scribes frowned at this, muttering. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So Jesus told them this parable:
4 “Who among you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and seek out the lost one till he finds it? 5 And finding it, will he not joyfully carry it home on his shoulders? 6 Then he will call his friends and neighbors together and say: ‘Celebrate with me for I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you, just so, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine upright who do not need to repent.
8 What woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one, will not light a lamp and sweep the house in a thorough search till she finds the lost coin? 9 And finding it, she will call her friends and neighbors and say: ‘Celebrate with me for I have found the silver coin I lost!’ 10 I tell you, in the same way there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.”
Beloved, how comforting it is to the sinner to know that all they need to do is be sorry for their sins - that's all it takes and no matter how far that sinner has sunk in the miry depths, You hasten to free him from the misery of sin. It is quite right for heaven to rejoice because grace has finally penetrated into the heart of the sinner who would otherwise have been lost - because it is absolutely horrifying that any soul could be lost after the awesome price You paid to ransom our souls.
Psalm 105:2-7
2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
3 Glory in his holy name; let those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and be strong; seek his face always.
5 Remember his wonderful works, his miracles and his judgments,
6 you descendants of his servant Abraham, you sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
7 He is the Lord our God; his judgments reach the whole world.
This psalm tells me what my attitude ought to be. If I love You as I say I do, then I must sing Your praises, I must proclaim to all, the wonderful things You have done for me. I must glory in Your Holy Name. My constant and deeper discovery of Your beauty, power, splendor and majesty must be the reason for my rejoicing always, for You are my source of delight. My strength must emanate from You alone. Gazing at You I come to a fuller knowledge of who I am -and this knowledge must increase my love for You. You take the nothing that I am and You fill it with Your everything. What do I need my Beloved when I have You?
Beloved, all the verses from 17-24 of this chapter are full of the most beautiful promises and I claim each one of them. You have heard me even before I make my needs known to You. You have answered me while I was still speaking. Lord, God, Creator of all that is seen and unseen I want to be the one who is meek and contrite of heart.
17 I now create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind again.
18 Be glad forever and rejoice in what I create; for I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people. The sound of distress and the voice of weeping will not be heard in it any more.
20 You will no longer know of dead children or of adults who do not live out a lifetime. One who reaches a hundred years will have died a mere youth, but one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.
21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant crops and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses for others to dwell in; no longer will they plant for others to eat the harvest.
For as the days of a tree will the days of my people be; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 Their labor will not be in vain, nor will they bear children destined for misfortune, for they will be a people blessed by Yahweh, and their descendants with them.
24 Before they call, I will have answered; while they are yet speaking, I will have heard.
66:2
2 My hands have made all this and it is all mine, but what I am looking for is the one who is meek and contrite of heart, who trembles at my word.
I tremble in awe at the majesty and wonder of Your sacred word.
Philippians 3:3-8
3 We are the true circumcised people since we serve according to the Spirit of God, and our confidence is in Christ Jesus rather than in our merits.4 I myself do not lack those human qualities in which people have confidence. If some of them seem to be accredited with such qualities, how much more am I! 5 I was circumcised when eight days old. I was born of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; I am a Hebrew, born of Hebrews. With regard to the Law, I am a Pharisee, 6 and such was my zeal for the Law that I persecuted the Church. As for being righteous according to the Law, I was blameless.7 But once I found Christ, all those things that I might have considered as profit, I reckoned as loss. 8 Still more, everything seems to me as nothing compared with the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I have let everything fall away and I now consider all as garbage, if instead I may gain Christ.
Verse 3 and verses 7-8 express beautifully what Christians experience once they fall in love with You. We are what we are only through the grace lavished upon us by Your Holy Spirit. Discovering You, everything else loses its savor. What was once considered important now has become meaningless. To know You better each day, to plumb deeper into the treasures of Your infinitely rich and powerful Word, this is joy and gladness beyond imagination.
Luke 15:1-10
15 1 Meanwhile tax collectors and sinners were seeking the company of Jesus, all of them eager to hear what he had to say. 2 But the Pharisees and the scribes frowned at this, muttering. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So Jesus told them this parable:
4 “Who among you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and seek out the lost one till he finds it? 5 And finding it, will he not joyfully carry it home on his shoulders? 6 Then he will call his friends and neighbors together and say: ‘Celebrate with me for I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you, just so, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine upright who do not need to repent.
8 What woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one, will not light a lamp and sweep the house in a thorough search till she finds the lost coin? 9 And finding it, she will call her friends and neighbors and say: ‘Celebrate with me for I have found the silver coin I lost!’ 10 I tell you, in the same way there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.”
Beloved, how comforting it is to the sinner to know that all they need to do is be sorry for their sins - that's all it takes and no matter how far that sinner has sunk in the miry depths, You hasten to free him from the misery of sin. It is quite right for heaven to rejoice because grace has finally penetrated into the heart of the sinner who would otherwise have been lost - because it is absolutely horrifying that any soul could be lost after the awesome price You paid to ransom our souls.
Psalm 105:2-7
2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
3 Glory in his holy name; let those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and be strong; seek his face always.
5 Remember his wonderful works, his miracles and his judgments,
6 you descendants of his servant Abraham, you sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
7 He is the Lord our God; his judgments reach the whole world.
This psalm tells me what my attitude ought to be. If I love You as I say I do, then I must sing Your praises, I must proclaim to all, the wonderful things You have done for me. I must glory in Your Holy Name. My constant and deeper discovery of Your beauty, power, splendor and majesty must be the reason for my rejoicing always, for You are my source of delight. My strength must emanate from You alone. Gazing at You I come to a fuller knowledge of who I am -and this knowledge must increase my love for You. You take the nothing that I am and You fill it with Your everything. What do I need my Beloved when I have You?
Beloved, all the verses from 17-24 of this chapter are full of the most beautiful promises and I claim each one of them. You have heard me even before I make my needs known to You. You have answered me while I was still speaking. Lord, God, Creator of all that is seen and unseen I want to be the one who is meek and contrite of heart.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Psalm 103:13-14, Psalm 104:28-30, Philipians 2:12-18, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 27:1 & 4
Psalm 103:13-14
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him.
14 For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 104:28-30
28 You give it to them,
and they gather it up;
you open your hand,
they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face they vanish,
you take away their breath, they expire
and return to dust.
30 When you send forth your spirit,
they are created,
and the face of the earth is renewed.
In both PsalmsYou remind me who I am. You love as a Father, You have a Father's compassionate heart for me. You know that I am dust and yet You redeemed and ransomed me. You sustain me, Lord and giver of life. You open Your hands and You spill over all good things into my life, my heart and my spirit. You give me Your own Holy Spirit who renews my soul every morning and holds me up every moment of the day. Keep me close to You my God this day and I will be glad.
Philipians 2:12-18
12 Therefore, my dearest friends, as you always obeyed me while I was with you, even more now that I am far from you, continue working out your salvation “with fear and trembling.” 13 It is God who makes you not only wish but also carry out what pleases him. 14 Do everything without grumbling, 15 so that without fault or blame, you will be children of God without reproach among a crooked and perverse generation. You are a light among them, like stars in the universe, 16 holding to the Word of life. I shall feel proud of you on the day of Christ on seeing that my effort and labor have not been in vain. 17 And if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I rejoice and continue to share your joy; 18 and you likewise should rejoice and share my joy.
Beloved, if we followed the exhortation of St. Paul and we all took our faith seriously, Your Kingdom would already be here on earth. We are called to work at our salvation with fear and trembling, yet how few take salvation seriously. People live their lives as they please and every now and then they nod in Your direction, acknowledging Your Presnece. We are called to be witnesses. We ought not to grumble, find fault, blame, and we should put an end to all the petty bickering that takes up so much of our time. We are called to shine like stars in the universe. And like St. Paul we should be willing to pour ourselves out in love and service for one another.
Luke 14:25-33
25 One day, when large crowds were walking along with Jesus, he turned and said to them, 26 “If you come to me, without being ready to give up your love for your father and mother, your spouse and children, your brothers and sisters, and indeed yourself, you cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not follow me carrying his own cross cannot be my disciple.28 Do you build a house without first sitting down to count the cost to see whether you have enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, if you have laid the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone will make fun of you: 30 Whoever does not follow me carrying his own cross cannot be my disciple.28 Do you build a house without first sitting down to count the cost to see whether you have enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, if you have laid the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone will make fun of you: 30 ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’31 And when a king wages war against another king, does he go to fight without first sitting down to consider whether his ten thousand can stand against the twenty thousand of his opponent? 32 And if not, while the other is still a long way off he sends messengers for peace talks. 33 In the same way, none of you may become my disciple if he doesn’t give up everything he has.
Beloved, You tell us plainly in the Gospel the cost of discipleship. All that I have and am is what You have given me or done for me. Nothing is mine and I cannot cling to anything no matter who or what it may be. No creature or thing should come between us. I have to put You above all and before all. Nothing can have prior clain on me but You alone. I must first understand what following You will cost before I consent to do so - only when I realise that I must be prepared to give up everything, including my life, only then must I decide or I will give up half way. Give me a generous heart and an understanding spirit. Amen.
Psalm 27:1 & 4
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the rampart of my life;
I will not be afraid.
4 One thing I ask of the Lord, one thing I seek –
that I may dwell in his house all the days of my life,
to gaze at his jewel and to visit his sanctuary.
What a beautiful Psalm. How beautifully it describes what You are and mean to me. You are my light and my salvation. You are my strong defence - I fear nothing and no one.
I will spend eternity gazing at You Beloved, the precious Jewel of God as well as my Priceless Jewel. I have already begun eternity when I kneel before You each morning before the Blessed Sacrament and gaze at You. You are my sure hope. You give me the strength and courage I need to live each day secure in the knowledge of Your love and concern for me. Thank You.
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him.
14 For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 104:28-30
28 You give it to them,
and they gather it up;
you open your hand,
they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face they vanish,
you take away their breath, they expire
and return to dust.
30 When you send forth your spirit,
they are created,
and the face of the earth is renewed.
In both PsalmsYou remind me who I am. You love as a Father, You have a Father's compassionate heart for me. You know that I am dust and yet You redeemed and ransomed me. You sustain me, Lord and giver of life. You open Your hands and You spill over all good things into my life, my heart and my spirit. You give me Your own Holy Spirit who renews my soul every morning and holds me up every moment of the day. Keep me close to You my God this day and I will be glad.
Philipians 2:12-18
12 Therefore, my dearest friends, as you always obeyed me while I was with you, even more now that I am far from you, continue working out your salvation “with fear and trembling.” 13 It is God who makes you not only wish but also carry out what pleases him. 14 Do everything without grumbling, 15 so that without fault or blame, you will be children of God without reproach among a crooked and perverse generation. You are a light among them, like stars in the universe, 16 holding to the Word of life. I shall feel proud of you on the day of Christ on seeing that my effort and labor have not been in vain. 17 And if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I rejoice and continue to share your joy; 18 and you likewise should rejoice and share my joy.
Beloved, if we followed the exhortation of St. Paul and we all took our faith seriously, Your Kingdom would already be here on earth. We are called to work at our salvation with fear and trembling, yet how few take salvation seriously. People live their lives as they please and every now and then they nod in Your direction, acknowledging Your Presnece. We are called to be witnesses. We ought not to grumble, find fault, blame, and we should put an end to all the petty bickering that takes up so much of our time. We are called to shine like stars in the universe. And like St. Paul we should be willing to pour ourselves out in love and service for one another.
Luke 14:25-33
25 One day, when large crowds were walking along with Jesus, he turned and said to them, 26 “If you come to me, without being ready to give up your love for your father and mother, your spouse and children, your brothers and sisters, and indeed yourself, you cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not follow me carrying his own cross cannot be my disciple.28 Do you build a house without first sitting down to count the cost to see whether you have enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, if you have laid the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone will make fun of you: 30 Whoever does not follow me carrying his own cross cannot be my disciple.28 Do you build a house without first sitting down to count the cost to see whether you have enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, if you have laid the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone will make fun of you: 30 ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’31 And when a king wages war against another king, does he go to fight without first sitting down to consider whether his ten thousand can stand against the twenty thousand of his opponent? 32 And if not, while the other is still a long way off he sends messengers for peace talks. 33 In the same way, none of you may become my disciple if he doesn’t give up everything he has.
Beloved, You tell us plainly in the Gospel the cost of discipleship. All that I have and am is what You have given me or done for me. Nothing is mine and I cannot cling to anything no matter who or what it may be. No creature or thing should come between us. I have to put You above all and before all. Nothing can have prior clain on me but You alone. I must first understand what following You will cost before I consent to do so - only when I realise that I must be prepared to give up everything, including my life, only then must I decide or I will give up half way. Give me a generous heart and an understanding spirit. Amen.
Psalm 27:1 & 4
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the rampart of my life;
I will not be afraid.
4 One thing I ask of the Lord, one thing I seek –
that I may dwell in his house all the days of my life,
to gaze at his jewel and to visit his sanctuary.
What a beautiful Psalm. How beautifully it describes what You are and mean to me. You are my light and my salvation. You are my strong defence - I fear nothing and no one.
I will spend eternity gazing at You Beloved, the precious Jewel of God as well as my Priceless Jewel. I have already begun eternity when I kneel before You each morning before the Blessed Sacrament and gaze at You. You are my sure hope. You give me the strength and courage I need to live each day secure in the knowledge of Your love and concern for me. Thank You.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Jeremiah 20:9, Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11, Luke 23;44-46, 50-53, 24:1-6, Psalm 23:1-6
You may find that these readings are different from those who heard at Mass today. This is the selection that has been chosen in my Bible Dairy
Jeremiah 20:99
So I decided to forget about him
and speak no more in his name.
But his word in my heart becomes like a fire
burning deep within my bones.
I try so hard to hold it in,
but I cannot do it.
Let this verse be true about me O Living Word that gives life and sustains all created things. May Your Word enclosed in my heart, become a blazing fire. May its force be so fierce and powerful that it penetrates deep into my bones, marrow, muscles and cells. Should I try to hold It back may it burst forth like an explosion. May it be impossible for me not to speak Your holy and mighty word - first, foremost and above all, by the daily witness of my life in all the ordinary ways of daily living, laughing, smiling, working. May Your Presence, active in my life, spill over into every little thing I say and do. Amen.
Wisdom 3:1-9
1 The souls of the just are in the hands of God and no torment shall touch them.
2 In the eyes of the unwise they appear to be dead. Their going is held as a disaster; 3 it seems that they lose everything by departing from us, but they are in peace.
4 Though seemingly they have been punished, immortality was the soul of their hope. 5 After slight affliction will come great blessings, for God has tried them and found them worthy to be with him; 6 after testing them as gold in the furnace, he has accepted them as a holocaust.
7 At the time of his coming they will shine like sparks that run in the stubble. 8 They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king forever.
9 Those who trust in him will penetrate the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love, for his grace and mercy are for his chosen ones.
My own true God, my Beloved and my King, how wonderfully consoling are these verses not only for all the souls who are now in purgatory, but also for our own loved ones who after a slight affliction, will be with You eternally. We do know that nothing unclean can enter Your Holy Presence and so we need to be thrust into the fiery furnace of Your love and be purified like gold, before we can enter Your glorious Presence and sing Your praises eternally.
Romans 5:5-11
5 and hope does not disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God.
6 Consider, moreover, the time that Christ died for us: when we were still helpless and unable to do anything. 7 Few would accept to die for an upright person; although, for a very good person, perhaps someone would dare to die. 8 But see how God manifested his love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us 9 and we have become just through his blood. With much more reason now he will save us from any condemnation. 10 Once enemies, we have been reconciled with God through the death of his Son; with much more reason now we may be saved through his life. 11 Not only that; we even boast in God because of Christ Jesus, our Lord, through whom we have been reconciled.
Luke 23;44-46, 50-53, 24:1-6
44 It was now about noon. 45 The sun was hidden and darkness came over the whole land until mid-afternoon; and at that time the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus gave a loud cry, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” And saying that, he gave up his spirit.
50 Then intervened a member of the Jewish supreme council, a good and righteous man named Joseph 51 from the Judean town of Arimathea. He had not agreed with the decision and action of his fellow members, for he lived uprightly in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 He then took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid it in a yet unused tomb cut out of a rock.
• 1 On the sabbath the women rested according to the commandment, but the first day of the week, at dawn, they went to the tomb with the perfumes and ointments they had prepared. 2 Seeing the stone rolled away from the opening of the tomb, 3 they entered and were puzzled to find that the body of the Lord Jesus was not there.
4 Two men in dazzling garments appeared beside them. 5 In fright the women bowed to the ground. But the men said, “Why look for the living among the dead? 6 (You won’t find him here. He is risen.)
Beloved, how beautifully the verses in today's passage speak about the time of Your death and Resurrection. Man killed God and the world was plunged in darkness when You gave up Your Spirit. The sun hid itself in shame at what man, who had no shame, had done. There will always be a few good men and women who will do what needs to be done like Joseph of Arimathea and the women who came to the tomb with perfumes and ointment. The verses that give us the glorious account of the empty tomb gives every believer reason for hope. Thank You!!!
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me through the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil,
for you are beside me:
your rod and your staff comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me
in the presence of my foes.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup is overflowing.
6 Goodness and kindness will follow me
all the days of my life,
I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.
Beloved, this is the most comforting of psalms. It has given me hope in times when I needed it most. I have repeated the first two lines of this psalm over and over again in difficult times and I have drawn consolation and strength from its truth. I believe that You Lord are my Shepherd, having You, there is absolutely nothing I shall ever want. Every soul who believes, hopes and trusts in You can have the same joy of knowing that this perfect trust in You will lead them safely to their eternal home with You.Psalm 23:1-6
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)