Proverbs 24:26, 1 John 2:21

Proverbs 24:26

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Beloved, I wondered what You were trying to say to me through this proverb.  On further quiet reflection I think I understand.  I  have been deceiving myself on the 'why" of events that have occurred in my life. If I am honest and truthful, I will acknowledge the greater good and the Higher Power at work through everything and I will be able to say with conviction that it was all for the best. 

1John 2 :18-21

verse 21 Lies have nothing in common with the truth.

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips because lies have nothing in common with the truth.

2 Kings 20:5

2 Kings 20:5

"I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears."

"M--- mine, I will do all You have asked of Me but You must believe my Word is true - ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will open.  The initiative - the first act is yours, the response is Mine."

"Help me to remember O Lord, that all things pass You alone remain unchanging and eternal.  My hope, my joy, and my peace all rest in You.  Help me Beloved to give You all that is due to You,  glory, honor, thanks, love, respect, praise, adoration, worship and love."

Proverbs 3:27-28, 1 John 2:3, Psalm 96:6

Proverbs 3:27-28

27 Do not hold back from those who ask your help, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away! Come another time; tomorrow I will give it to you!” when you can help him now.

Beloved, help me Lord to be a cheerful giver for we are told in Scripture that You love who gives cheerfully.

Thank You for coming to my rescue and lifting my spirits.  I called on You these days and You have answered me.  Help me to use my time more profitably my Lord.

The very first verse of today's Scripture reading is one that gives pause for thought.  It says,

"3 How can we know that we know him? If we fulfill his commands."

How do I know You,know You in the sense of intimate knowledge?  The proof of such knowledge is through my love of You and my love of my neighbor.  it is as simple as that.  Love of neighbor without qualification.

Psalm 96:6

6 Splendor and majesty go before him;

power and glory fill his sanctuary.

Mother Mary tabernacled Jesus first in her womb and when she took Him as a Baby  to the temple during the Presentation, this verse was true although human eyes could not see the glory, the power and the majesty that went before them.  The temple was filled with His power and glory visible only to God and His angels and perceived only very dimly by Simeon and Anna.

Isaiah 54:5-8

Isaiah 54:5-8

5 For your Maker is to marry you: Yahweh Sabaoth is his name. Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel: He is called God of all the earth.

6 For Yahweh has called you back as one forsaken and grieved in spirit. Who could abandon his first beloved? says your God.

7 For a brief moment I have abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will gather my people. 8 For a moment, in an outburst of anger, I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I have had mercy on you, says Yahweh, your Redeemer.

Beloved, I have felt alone, bereft, abandoned and said, "I do  not know why."  Physically I have been ill and spiritually I have felt at my lowest ebb.  Thank You for Your wonderful words of encouragement.  

Lord, if I should lose You, I would lose everything.

Jeremiah 31:13

Jeremiah 31:13

I will turn their mourning to gladness, I will give them comfort and joy for sorrow.

Haggai 2:4-5

Haggai 2:4-5 

I say to you, : do not be discouraged. Begin to work, for I am with you, says Yahweh. 5 Do not be afraid, for my spirit is in your midst.

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"Unless you step out in faith, you will not know the power of my assurances."

"Beloved, I have no experience at all.  I  have a heart that is willing and ready but I do not know how."

"You will never know what abilities you have unless you go out and do what is required of you."

"Help me Lord!!!"

"As long as there is breath in your body I will be with you.  Believe that.  Close your eyes and experience My power in you.  Study, prepare, do the hard work  then step out in faith and my Spirit will take control.  Trust Me.  Believe.  Say, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.  You can hide in the shadows or step out and claim My promises."

Romans 8:3, Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Luke 1:57-66, Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14

Mass Readings for Today:  Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Luke 1:57-66, Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14

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Romans 8:3

3 The Law was without effect because flesh was not responding. Then God, planning to destroy sin, sent his own Son, in the likeness of those subject to the sinful human condition; by doing this, he condemned the sin in this human condition.

God, planning to destroy sin, sent His Own Son, in the likeness of those subject to the sinful human condition.  By doing this He destroyed both sin and death.  Beloved, every Christmas we ponder afresh that You became one like us to save us.  You defeated sin and death in order to make us victorious through the merits You  have obtained for us.

This Christmas I want to say, thank You Beloved.

Malachi 3:1

Suddenly the Lord for whom you long will enter the sanctuary.

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14

4 Teach me your ways, O Lord; make known to me your paths.

5 Guide me in your truth and instruct me, for you are my God, my savior; I hope in you all day long.

8 Good and upright, the Lord teaches sinners his way.

9 He teaches the humble of heart and guides them in what is right.

10 The ways of the Lord are love and faithfulness for those who keep his cov­enant and precepts.

Beloved, I make the prayer of the Psalmist my own today. 

I need You to teach me, to guide me, to walk by my side, to keep my hand firmly in Your Own lest I go astray in the dark.  Give me a hunger and thirst for Your Holy Word so it can light my way and sustain me.  

Give me a humble heart - the proud can be taught nothing.  Help me to be faithful to You no matter how difficult it may be.  Stay with me always Lord.

Song of Songs 8:6-7, 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Luke 1:46-56, 1 Samuel 2::1, 4-8

Mass Readings for Today: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Luke 1:46-56, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8

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Song of Songs 8:6-7

6 Set me as a seal on your heart,

set me as a seal on your arm.

For love is strong as death;

its jealousy lasting as the power of death,

it burns like a blazing fire,

it blazes like a mighty flame.

7 No flood can extinguish love

nor river submerge it.

If a man were to buy love

with all the wealth of his house,

contempt is all he would purchase.

Beloved, if I could only love You as You ought to be loved.  I am a little nothing and what can nothing offer Everything?  I ask You to place me in Your heart in order that I may become one with You and make Your love my own - then I can love You in return with Your own love.  

Grant me my Beloved not only the desire and the will to love You, but grace as well so that I can do so with all the fervor of my entire being.  Whatever You want Beloved, grant me the generosity of heart to give it - for all I have is what You have given me.

1 Samuel 1:24-28,

Luke 1:56

56 Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.

Beloved,Your Mama stayed three months with Elizabeth in her home.  In those three months You were there blessing them. John himself was filled with Your Holy Spirit while you were both each in your mother's womb.   Bless me Beloved when I receive You in the Eucharist and fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may be glad the whole day and a blessing to all I encounter

Isaiah 53:12, Song of Songs 2:8-14, Luke 1:39-45, Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

Mass Readings for Today:   Song of Songs 2:8-14, Luke 1:39-45, Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

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Isaiah 53:12

...He surrendered Himself to death and was even counted among the wicked, bearing the sins of the multitude and interceding for sinners.

Beloved, You took upon Yourself our iniquity and our guilt.  You identified completely with us.  You became sin for our sake in order that You could justify us before Your Father.  Tempted as You were to have the cup taken from You, You surrendered to the Father's will.  Forgive me for all the times I have been self-centered and lacking generosity.  I have been selfish.  Thank You for bringing me back to my senses.  "Bloom where you are planted," is sound advice.

Song of Songs 2:8-14

She

8 The voice of my lover! Behold he comes, springing across the mountains, jumping over the hills, 9 like a gazelle or a young stag. Now he stands behind our wall, looking through the windows, peering through the lattice. 10 My lover speaks to me, 

He 

“Arise, my love, my beautiful one! 11 Come, the winter is gone, the rains are over. 12 Flowers have appeared on earth; the season of singing has come; the cooing of doves is heard. 13 The fig tree forms its early fruit, the vines in blossom are fragrant. Arise, my beautiful one, come with me, my love, come. 14 O my dove in the rocky cleft, in the secret places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice. Your face – how lovely! Your voice – how sweet!”

You came looking for me Beloved, and You found me.  Thank You for every word of encouragement.  The storm that I was going through has passed.  Thank You for family who listened to me patiently.  You are my help, my strength and my song.

Just as God came seeking Mama Mary at the Annunciation, You came looking for me.  You will endow me with all I need for service in Your honor and for Your glory.

Luke 1:42

“You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!"

Mama dearest, among all women, you are most blessed and I am grateful that the Mother of My Lord always comes to me and intercedes for me.  Because of you Mama, we too have been blessed - for you brought forth our Savior and Redeemer.

Jeremiah 23:1, Isaiah 7:10-14, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 24:1-6

Mass readings for today:   Isaiah 7:10-14, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 24:1-6

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Jeremiah 23:1

"Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the sheep of my pasture."

I have been acting like a rat recently my Lord.   A self-centered, egotistical rat.  Forgive me my Lord!!!!  I may not have been misleading anyone but I wanted to abandon ship.

2 Kings 20:5, Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24, Psalm 24: 1-6

Mass Reading for Today:   Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24, Psalm 24:1-6

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 2 Kings 20:5

"I have heard your prayers and I have seen your tears."

Thank You, my Beloved, for speaking so directly to me.  I am speechless.  Thank You for Your assurance that You h ave heard the pray of this poor sinful but contrite heart.

 Isaiah 7:11, 14

11 “Ask for a sign from Yahweh your God, let it come either from the deepest depths or from the heights of heaven.”

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The Virgin is with child and bears a son and calls his name Immanuel.

Father God, You h ave given us  such wonderful proof of You love by giving us Jesus, Emmanuel, who is God with us - to walk with us, live in us and in Whom we  have our very being.  He provides nourishment for our soul.  Thank You, Father, for so great a Redeemer.

Romans 1:1-7

1 From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,

an apostle called and set apart for God’s Good News,

2 the very promises he foretold through his prophets in the sacred Scriptures,

3 regarding his Son, who was born in the flesh a descendant of David,

4 and has been recognized as the Son of God endowed with Power,

upon rising from the dead through the Holy Spirit.

Through him, Jesus Christ, our Lord, 5 and for the sake of his Name,

we received grace and mission in all the nations, for them to accept the faith.

6 All of you, the elected of Christ, are part of them,

you, the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy:

7 May God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, give you grace and peace.

To be a servant of the Servant of servants is the highest calling indeed.  In a world where everyone wants to rule and dominate, the secret of true joy is to serve You Beloved in everyone we encounter.  You Yourself said in Matthew 20:28 "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."All of us who are baptized into Your Body have received this mission to go out and spread the Good News, it is a mandate that is given to us by You Yourself.  We are Your elected, we are the beloved of God, we are called to holiness.  We are invited to the highest calling possible - to be Your servants in Your vineyard. 

Grant us O Father, grace and peace, for the sake of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 1:18-24

•18 This is how Jesus Christ was born. Mary his mother had been given to Joseph in marriage but before they lived together, she was found to be preg­nant through the Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph, her husband, made plans to divorce her in all secrecy. He was an upright man, and in no way did he want to discredit her.

20 While he was pondering over this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She has conceived by the Holy Spirit, 21 and now she will bear a son. You shall call him ‘Jesus’ for he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and he will be called Emmanuel which means: God-with-us. 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do and he took his wife to his home.

The most beautiful story ever told and which gets more beautiful in the telling through the centuries, is the story of the nativity.  A story of how God so loved the world that He fashioned a woman free from every blemish, in order that she might, through her immaculate body, give a Human Body to His Son.  Her encounter with the angel, her beautiful responses to God's revelation of His plan, her fiat which was imperative so that God's promise could be fulfilled and become a reality.  God walks among men as a Man and pours  Himself out to the last  drop of His blood and water so that we who are beloved of God, may live in eternal union with Him.  This is our destiny.

Psalm 24:3-4
3 Who will ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who will stand in his holy place?
4 Those with clean hands and pure heart,
who desire not what is vain,
and never swear to a lie.

MAMA MARY - THE CHOSEN ONE.

Proverbs 16:1, 3, 7, 9Jeremiah 23:5-8, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19

Mass Readings for Today:    Jeremiah 23:5-8, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
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Proverbs 16:1, 3, 7, 9
1 Man’s heart makes plans but it is Yahweh who answers.
3 Entrust all you do to Yahweh and your plans will be realized.
7 When Yahweh is pleased with a man’s conduct, he reconciles even his enemies with him.
9 Man’s heart seeks the right way but it is Yahweh who makes his footsteps sure.

Yes, Lord, I was busy making plans but You brought each one of them tumbling down.  I would rather be obedient and follow Your way than to allow pride to dictate the way I wish to go.  I entrust all my plans to You, bless each one.  Make us one Lord, this group that has a large heart and a willing spirit.  Yes, we wish to do what is right and good and You make sure we do it.  You will strengthen our will and give us grace to accomplish it.

Daniel 32:23, Genesis 49:2, 8-10, Matthew 1:1-17, Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17

Mass Reading for Today:   Genesis 49:2, 8-10, Matthew 1:1-17, Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17
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Daniel 13:23

23 "I would rather be persecuted than sin in the eyes of God."

Genesis 49:9-10, 

9 Judah, a young lion!

10 The scepter shall not be taken from   Judah,

nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,

until he comes to whom it belongs,

and who has the obedience of the nations.

My Beloved Lion of Judah - although we cannot see it, You truly are reconciling all things to Yourself. All nations shall  bow down before You and all will proclaim that You are Lord to the glory of the Father.

Proverbs 16:24, Isaiah 54:1:10, Luke 7:24-30, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

Mass Readings for Today:  Isaiah 54:1:10, Luke 7:24-30, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

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Proverbs 16:24

24 Kind words are like a honeycomb: sweet to the spirit and healthy to the body.

To speak kindly always despite all provocation requires grace my Beloved.  When agitated by circumstances, turbulence rages within that disturbs the even tenor of life.  But it is part of living and to allow the Spirit to prevail is a sign of true maturity.  HELP ME LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isaiah 54:1:10

1 Rejoice, O barren woman who has not given birth; sing and shout for joy, you who never had children, for more are the children of the rejected woman than the children of the married wife, says Yahweh.

2 Enlarge the space for your tent, stretch out your hangings, lengthen your ropes and strengthen your stakes, 3 for you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will take possession of the nations and inhabit cities that have been abandoned.

4 Do not be afraid for you will not be deceived, do not be ashamed for you will not be disgraced. You will forget the shame of your youth; no longer will you remember the disgrace of your widowhood.

5 For your Maker is to marry you: Yahweh Sabaoth is his name. Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel: He is called God of all the earth.

6 For Yahweh has called you back as one forsaken and grieved in spirit. Who could abandon his first beloved? says your God.

7 For a brief moment I have abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will gather my people. 8 For a moment, in an outburst of anger, I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I have had mercy on you, says Yahweh, your Redeemer.

9 This is for me like Noah’s waters, when I swore that they would no more flood the earth; so now I swear not to be angry with you and never again to rebuke you. 10 The mountains may depart and the hills be moved, but never will my love depart from you nor my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh whose compassion is for you.

Beloved, every verse in this reading from the Prophet Isaiah is filled with light, compassion and wonderful promises.  I claim each one for myself.  Your Word is truly a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  You are kind and generous God and I take refuge and shelter in Your loving embrace.  I know I can trust You.  Teach me Lord to obey in total humility and give You complete authority over my will.

Luke 7:28
"The least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Beloved, You certainly  became the least in the Kingdom of God.  Never has there been greater humility that that God the almighty, the eternal, the ever living, clothed Himself in flesh and became a tiny little, helpless Baby, made even more helpless by being wrapped tightly in swaddling clothes.  Teach me true humility - in being born, in living and  in dying as You did. 

Psalm 30:6, 12, 13

6 For his anger lasts but a little while, and his kindness all through life.

12 But now, you have turned my mourn­ing into rejoicing; you have taken off my sackcloth and wrap­ped me in the garments of gladness.

13 And so my soul, no longer silent, now sings praise without ceasing. O Lord my God, forever will I give you thanks.

Thank You, Beloved for drying my tears and for the hope You have kindled in my heart.  You are a loving and faithful God and I rejoice in You.

Isaiah 27:2-3, Isaiah 45:6-8, 21-25, Luke 7:18-23, Psalm 85:9-14

Mass Reading for Today:   Isaiah 45:6-8, 21-25, Luke 7:18-23, Psalm 85:9-14

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Isaiah 27:2-3
2 On that day, he will say, “Praise my fruitful vineyard! 3 I, Yahweh, am its keeper; I water it every moment. So that no one will harm it, day and night I guard it.”

Thank You my Beloved for Your comforting and loving assurance that You are always watching over Your own.

Isaiah 45:6, 23-24

6 so that, from the rising
to the setting of the sun,
all may know
that there is no one besides me;
I am Yahweh, and there is no other.

Before me every knee will bend,

by me every tongue will swear, 24 saying,

“In Yahweh alone are righteousness and strength.”

Over and over again You remind us that we are saved through You alone and none other.  All will acknowledge this truth and bow down and worship You.

Luke 7:18-20, 22-23

Are you the one we are to expect, or should we wait for another?”

 “Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the poor are given good news. Now, listen: 23 Fortunate are those who encounter me, but not for their downfall.”

Today too, to anyone who asks this question the Church should be able to give the same answer that You gave to John's messengers.  The same vibrancy of Your life in the Church, the power, the faith, the miracles should be present in Your Church for this is what You  have promised.  Sadly, we have allowed our faith to become weak.

Romans 8:11, Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13, Matthew 21:28:32, Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23

 Mass Readings for Today:  Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13, Matthew 21:28:32, Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23

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Romans 8:11

11And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is within you, He who raised Jesus Christ from among the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies. Yes, he will do it through his Spirit who dwells within you.

Beloved, pour out Your Holy Spirit on me in order that I may be filled with Your abundant life.  I tend to get discouraged sometimes my Lord, animate me and raise me up to life in You through the life giving power of Your own Holy Spirit.

Zephaniah 3:9

9 At that time I will give truthful lips to the pagan nations that all of them may call on the name of Yahweh and serve him with the same zeal.

Your are Truth and when we speak the truth we reflect You.  We who were once pagans have accepted You and call on You for we love You. 

Matthew 21:32

31 Which of the two did what the father wanted?” They answered, “The first.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you: the publicans and the prostitutes are ahead of you on the way to the kingdom of heaven.

The fact that I am a sinner and fall short all the time is often the cause of my shame but You have taken away my guilt and You have clothed me with the garments of Your righteousness.  When You walks with us Lord, we walk in Your might and Your strength.  Thank You for the hope You give sinners.  A contrite and humble heart You will not spurn.  No matter how miserably I fail and how many times I fall in the day, all I need is to cry to You for help and You rush to my aid.

Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 23

2 I will bless the Lord all my days;

his praise will be ever on my lips.

3 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

let the lowly hear and rejoice.

6 They who look to him are radiant with joy,

their faces never clouded with shame.

7 When the poor cry out, the Lord hears

and saves them from distress.

23 But the Lord will redeem the life of his servants;

none of those who trust in him will be doomed.

I praise You and Your goodness always.  You h ave rescued me and You h ave raised me up in Your life of grace.  Because You live in me, I am radiant and joyful always.  My strength and peace are drawn from You.  Every time I cried out to You You hastened to my side.  You wiped away my tears and consoled me,.  Thank You for the wonderful assurance of verse 23.

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Matthew 21:23-27, Psalm 25:4-9

Mass Reading for Today:   Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Matthew 21:23-27, Psalm 25:4-9

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"M--- mine, be kind for My sake, because you've always known Me to be loving, gentle, merciful, compassionate, tender and kind to you - be the same in turn for My sake to others.  Will you do that for me?  Hard as you find it - do it for Me, your Friend, your Brother, your Beloved, your Spouse."

"For Your sake I will try my Lord - for Your sake I will try."

"Ask for the grace and help you need and I will supply it.  Remember you are never alone.  My grace is sufficient for You."

"Help me, Beloved.  Thank You."

Numbers 24:3-4, 16-17

the one who hears the words of God,

4 and beholds the vision of the Almighty,

in ecstasy, with eyes unveiled.

the seer,

16 the one who hears the words of God,

who has knowledge from the Most High,

and sees the vision of the Almighty,

in ecstasy, with eyes unveiled.

17 I see a figure, but not really.

I behold him but not near.

A star shall come forth from Jacob,

he rises with a staff in his hand;

he shatters the forehead of Moab

and tears down all the sons of Sheth.

The whole of the Old Testament is pregnant with references to You.  Hidden but growing clearer all the time as the prophets speak of You and Your coming until the time You break through the barrier of time and reveal Yourself as Son of God and Son of Man.

Matthew 21:25-27

25 They reasoned out among themselves, “If we reply that it was a work of God, he will say: Why, then, did you not believe him? 26 And if we say: The bap­tism of John was merely something human, beware of the people: since all hold John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”

And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what right I do these things.”

How often, like the Pharisees we say we do not know, when we know quite well what You require of us.  Pretending ignorance, we think we can run away from our duty of loving service and common humanity.

Psalm 25:4-9

4 Teach me your ways, O Lord; make known to me your paths.

5 Guide me in your truth and instruct me, for you are my God, my savior; I hope in you all day long.

6 Remember your compassion, O Lord, your unfailing love from of old.

7Remember not the sins of my youth, but in your love remember me.

8 Good and upright, the Lord teaches sinners his way.

9 He teaches the humble of heart and guides them in what is right.

Beloved, please accept the pray of the Psalmist as my own today.  As I lean against You, comfort me and give me Your peace and strength.

2 Maccabees 1:3, Isaiah 35:1-6,10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11, Psalms 46:6-10

Mass Readings for today: Isaiah 35:1-6,10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11, Psalms 46:6-10

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2 Maccabees 1:3

3 May he give you all a heart to worship him and to ful­fill his will with generosity and a well-­disposed spirit.

This is my prayer to You today my Beloved.  A prayer I pray from the depths of my heart.  Grant it O Lord so that I may be always pleasing to You.  Thank You.

Isaiah 35:6
6 Then will the lame leap as a hart
and the tongue of the dumb sing and shout.
For water will break out in the wilderness
and streams gush forth from the desert.

 
The Prophet Isaiah reveals all the wonders that will take place when God walks among men as a Man.  You strengthen us, all weariness flees.  You give us courage in place of our fear.  We receive a new vision, our ears hear the sweetness of Your voice.  You quency our thirst.  You paid the price for our freedom in order that we may offer worship and love that is due to You, our God. 
 

James 5:7-10

7 Be patient then, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. See how the sower waits for the precious fruits of the earth, looking forward patiently to the autumn and spring rains. 8 You also be patient and do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming is near.

9 Beloved, do not fight among yourselves and you will not be judged. See, the judge is already at the door. 10 Take for yourselves, as an example of patience, the suffering of the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name. 11 See how those who were patient are called blessed. You have heard of the patience of Job and know how the Lord dealt with him in the end. For the Lord is merciful and shows compassion.

 
Thank You for reminding us to be patient.  You work with us gently, tenderly, quietly and give us all we need through the Sacraments so that we can yield a plentiful harvest for Your glory.  Let me too wait in patience Lord, knowing that every promise is fulfilled in You - all I need to do is rest in Your love in complete surrender.

Matthew 11:4-5

4 Jesus answered them, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life and good news is reaching the poor. 6 And how fortunate is the one who does not take offense at me.” 

11 I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has come forward among the sons of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

Beloved, You continue to work marvels in the lives of men and women today - the same miracles continue to take place but so few care to know and in fact You say in vs 6 "Fortunate is the one who does not take offense at You."  There are whole countries where governments take offense at You for they see You as a threat to their tyranny.  You came to set us free.  Thank You for reminding us of the power of humility. You have the power to set us free from vice and the tyranny of sin.  You help us win the victory over any situation that has burdened and bent us double.  The helpless find a loving and powerful protector in You.

Isaiah 42:2-3, Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17:9-13, Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Mass Reading for Today:  Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17:9-13, Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

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Isaiah 42:2-3

2 He does not shout or raise his voice
proclamations are not heard in the streets.
3 A broken reed he will not crush,
nor will he snuff out the light
of the wavering wick.
He will make justice appear in truth.

In a world of noise it soothes the spirit to know that Your voice is sweet, low and gentle.  You are merciful.  You do not accuse.  You know why we are the way we are.  You know all the circumstances of our life.  While others may judge us and often wrongly, You judge on the basis of truth, the truth that sets us free.

Matthew 17:12

"They will also make the Son of Man suffer." 

The Father knew that we would You suffer, Yet You said yes to Your Father and became incarnate of the Virgin Mary.  You became a Man among men and we made You suffer to the point of death.  You continue to suffer mysteriously as long as Your Church as well as the poor, the outcast, the sinner, the helpless, the sick are ignored, persecuted and treated cruelly. Help me to make amends in my own small way my Beloved, to console You by doing my share in offering a helping hand or just understanding and comforting.

Sirach 48:11, Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19, Psalm 1:1-4, 6

Mass Reading for today:  Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19, Psalm 1:1-4, 6

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Sirach 48:11
11 Happy are those who will see you and those who die in love, for we too shall live.

Happy are those who die in love for we too shall live.  Thank You Beloved for this sweet reminder.  Our Sandy died in Your love and we have Your assurance that she lives.  Thanks for this timely word of comfort when I need it.


Isaiah 48:17

17 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, Yahweh, your God, teach you what is best for you; I lead you in the way that you must go.

18 Had you paid attention to my commandments, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

19 Your descendants would have been like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, their names never cut off nor blotted out from my presence.

Help me to be always docile under Your hand, ready to do all You desire then I can hope for eternal joy for me and my descendants

Matthew 11:16-19

16 Now, to what can I compare the people of this day? They are like children sitting in the marketplace, about whom their companions complain: 17 ‘We played the flute for you but you would not dance. We sang a funeral-song but you would not cry!’

18 For John came fasting and peo­ple said: ‘He is possessed.’ 19 Then the Son of Man came, he ate and drank, and people said: ‘Look at this man! A glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet the outcome will prove Wisdom to be right.”

How easy it is to make wrong judgments by viewing what is on the outside.  Without understanding we miss the entire message.  Only on entering fully into into and living the Gospel life shall I have a clear idea of which it means to be fully alive in You.