Friday 29th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
...you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Mk. 12:29-31
OBSERVATION
Jesus answers the scribes question about which is the greatest commandment with such authority that He is questioned no more until His trail. And then they are not interested in His answers. This was Jesus' last public teaching and in the three verses He addressed the the deepest question in all of us - why am I here? Answer - to love God and love others.
APPLICATION
Loving God and loving others is one thing I definitely know I can practice here on earth that I know I will be doing in heaven. How well am I practicing? Love God, Love others will be my mantra for today.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, let the power of Your love flow through me today that Jesus may be glorified.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
There are none so blind...
Thursday 28th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
But some of them said, ‘It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils’. Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven;
LK. 11:15
OBSERVATION
Jesus has just delivered a mute who then spoke to the amazement of the crowd. But even when faced with this indisputable evidence before them some people questioned and doubted. What would it take to convince them? Jesus knows nothing will convince them and so refuses to perform tricks.
APPLICATION
There are none so blind as those who will not see. I know this saying to be true as a work with such people. When their minds are made up even a miracle will not change them. So what do I do? Give up on them? Jesus plainly states "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters". There is an inference there that once the Truth has been plainly and clearly proclaimed and people still refuse to believe, then it's time to move on. The real question is have I yet plainly and clearly proclaimed the Truth?
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, please give me the courage to be a strong witness to my work colleagues.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
But some of them said, ‘It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils’. Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven;
LK. 11:15
OBSERVATION
Jesus has just delivered a mute who then spoke to the amazement of the crowd. But even when faced with this indisputable evidence before them some people questioned and doubted. What would it take to convince them? Jesus knows nothing will convince them and so refuses to perform tricks.
APPLICATION
There are none so blind as those who will not see. I know this saying to be true as a work with such people. When their minds are made up even a miracle will not change them. So what do I do? Give up on them? Jesus plainly states "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters". There is an inference there that once the Truth has been plainly and clearly proclaimed and people still refuse to believe, then it's time to move on. The real question is have I yet plainly and clearly proclaimed the Truth?
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, please give me the courage to be a strong witness to my work colleagues.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Teach Your Children Well
Wednesday 27th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
"...but the man who keeps (the Law and Prophets) and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven".
Mt. 5:19
OBSERVATION
Jesus is starting His great Sermon on the Mount by establishing the foundation on which He is to place His teaching; that foundation being the Law and the Prophets. He has come not to abolish them but fulfill them. To underscore the importance of the Law and the Prophets Jesus promises greatness to those who keep and teach them.
APPLICATION
I love leading Liturgy of the Word for Children in our parish Sunday Mass. When I try explaining this to my friends I see them shrink in horror at the thought. Today's first reading from Deuteronomy exhorts us to teach God's Law and Customs "to your children and your children's children". There is an obligation here that cannot be ducked. How well am I teaching my children? Will I be considered great in the Kingdom of Heaven?
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, give me a renewed zeal for your inspired Word, that I may teach my children to know and love You in it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
"...but the man who keeps (the Law and Prophets) and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven".
Mt. 5:19
OBSERVATION
Jesus is starting His great Sermon on the Mount by establishing the foundation on which He is to place His teaching; that foundation being the Law and the Prophets. He has come not to abolish them but fulfill them. To underscore the importance of the Law and the Prophets Jesus promises greatness to those who keep and teach them.
APPLICATION
I love leading Liturgy of the Word for Children in our parish Sunday Mass. When I try explaining this to my friends I see them shrink in horror at the thought. Today's first reading from Deuteronomy exhorts us to teach God's Law and Customs "to your children and your children's children". There is an obligation here that cannot be ducked. How well am I teaching my children? Will I be considered great in the Kingdom of Heaven?
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, give me a renewed zeal for your inspired Word, that I may teach my children to know and love You in it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
How Many Times?
Tuesday 26th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?
Mt. 18:33
OBSERVATION
Peter has just asked how many times he must forgive, prompting Jesus to speak on one of His most persistent of topics - unforgiveness. It's the thing that most threatens man's eternal salvation; most threatens my eternal salvation.
APPLICATION
The unforgiving servant in this parable is so clearly me. I quickly allow the little lawyer in me to place me in the right and others in the wrong. But this parable cuts through to the real point... I have been forgiven so much, how can I not forgive others. It's good for me to remember the pig pen that I have come from and the mercy shown me. Suddenly its easier to forgive my fellow servants. Now, who was the last person I couldn't forgive? Oh yes, on the weekend; that lady in the hire center who failed to deliver what we ordered...
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you know how I struggle to forgive. Help me let go of resentment so that forgiveness may flow out and healing of my wound flow in.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?
Mt. 18:33
OBSERVATION
Peter has just asked how many times he must forgive, prompting Jesus to speak on one of His most persistent of topics - unforgiveness. It's the thing that most threatens man's eternal salvation; most threatens my eternal salvation.
APPLICATION
The unforgiving servant in this parable is so clearly me. I quickly allow the little lawyer in me to place me in the right and others in the wrong. But this parable cuts through to the real point... I have been forgiven so much, how can I not forgive others. It's good for me to remember the pig pen that I have come from and the mercy shown me. Suddenly its easier to forgive my fellow servants. Now, who was the last person I couldn't forgive? Oh yes, on the weekend; that lady in the hire center who failed to deliver what we ordered...
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you know how I struggle to forgive. Help me let go of resentment so that forgiveness may flow out and healing of my wound flow in.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Submit
Monday 25th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Naaman, army commander to the king of Aram, was a man who enjoyed his master’s respect and favour, since through him the Lord had granted victory to the Aramaeans. But the man was a leper.
2 Kings 5:1
OBSERVATION
That final short sentence undercuts everything else said about Naaman. Naaman was a great man, but he was a leper... Leprosy was a respecter of no one, young or old, rich or poor, great or least, it struck where it willed; as cancer does today. The antidote to Naaman's leprosy was to humbly submit to God; seven times in fact in the Jordan River.
APPLICATION
Like Naaman, there are things in my life I would not choose and are out of my control, growing middle aged and loosing my hair for example. This Saturday just passed I worked a sixteen hour day, supporting my beloved in her catering enterprise. By 11:00 PM with a stack of dishes so huge it was spilling over the floor, I was feeling decidedly middle aged. I hurt! My aging body was starting to remind me of the fact, which in turn reminded me of my own mortality. I'm no longer the invincible young buck I've always pictured myself.
The lesson in Naaman's story is the antidote ...humbly submit to God, seven times if necessary.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, my times are in your hand. What a relief.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
Naaman, army commander to the king of Aram, was a man who enjoyed his master’s respect and favour, since through him the Lord had granted victory to the Aramaeans. But the man was a leper.
2 Kings 5:1
OBSERVATION
That final short sentence undercuts everything else said about Naaman. Naaman was a great man, but he was a leper... Leprosy was a respecter of no one, young or old, rich or poor, great or least, it struck where it willed; as cancer does today. The antidote to Naaman's leprosy was to humbly submit to God; seven times in fact in the Jordan River.
APPLICATION
Like Naaman, there are things in my life I would not choose and are out of my control, growing middle aged and loosing my hair for example. This Saturday just passed I worked a sixteen hour day, supporting my beloved in her catering enterprise. By 11:00 PM with a stack of dishes so huge it was spilling over the floor, I was feeling decidedly middle aged. I hurt! My aging body was starting to remind me of the fact, which in turn reminded me of my own mortality. I'm no longer the invincible young buck I've always pictured myself.
The lesson in Naaman's story is the antidote ...humbly submit to God, seven times if necessary.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, my times are in your hand. What a relief.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
He Ran to Me
Saturday 23rd February 2008
SCRIPTURE
He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly.
Lk 15:20
OBSERVATION
All three readings today highlight the mercy and love of God the Father. Psalm 103 is the greatest self-portrait of God. The Gospel is the beautiful parable of the prodigal son, told by Jesus in response to criticism of him welcoming sinners. Jesus goes to great lengths in this long parable to portray the love and mercy, the spontaneous forgiveness of God the Father.
APPLICATION
What a relief this portrayal of God always gives me each time I read it. I'm reminded of my own conversion story where I had gone to the pig pen before I "came to my senses". God embraces filth and stench and corruption once the heart has repented, once my heart has repented...
PRAYER
Father in Heaven, thank you that you run to me, clasp me in your arms and call me son.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly.
Lk 15:20
OBSERVATION
All three readings today highlight the mercy and love of God the Father. Psalm 103 is the greatest self-portrait of God. The Gospel is the beautiful parable of the prodigal son, told by Jesus in response to criticism of him welcoming sinners. Jesus goes to great lengths in this long parable to portray the love and mercy, the spontaneous forgiveness of God the Father.
APPLICATION
What a relief this portrayal of God always gives me each time I read it. I'm reminded of my own conversion story where I had gone to the pig pen before I "came to my senses". God embraces filth and stench and corruption once the heart has repented, once my heart has repented...
PRAYER
Father in Heaven, thank you that you run to me, clasp me in your arms and call me son.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Who do you say I am?
Friday 22nd February 2008
Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle
SCRIPTURE
"But you," he said, "who do you say I am?"
OBSERVATION
Today is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle. I acknowledge with gratitude the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, as handed down from Saint Peter.
Jesus asks the question to His disciples and He asks the question to me, "But you, who do you say that I am?" My answer reveals the state of my relationship with Him. Peter's answer names Jesus' divinity, "Son of the Living God". This is the place where believers and non-believers separate. Every attack and ridicule thrown at the Church has an attack on the divinity of Jesus behind it. Jesus? ...a nice bloke, but God?!
APPLICATION
So, who do I say Jesus is when asked? My answer is determined by my relationship with Him. He is my God who healed me, my brother who walks beside me, my friend who never leaves me. How I live out today will say who Jesus is to those around me. Who will I say Jesus is...
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us Your Church. Bless and protect Pope Benedict XVI. Thank you for being my friend, my brother, my God.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle
SCRIPTURE
"But you," he said, "who do you say I am?"
OBSERVATION
Today is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle. I acknowledge with gratitude the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, as handed down from Saint Peter.
Jesus asks the question to His disciples and He asks the question to me, "But you, who do you say that I am?" My answer reveals the state of my relationship with Him. Peter's answer names Jesus' divinity, "Son of the Living God". This is the place where believers and non-believers separate. Every attack and ridicule thrown at the Church has an attack on the divinity of Jesus behind it. Jesus? ...a nice bloke, but God?!
APPLICATION
So, who do I say Jesus is when asked? My answer is determined by my relationship with Him. He is my God who healed me, my brother who walks beside me, my friend who never leaves me. How I live out today will say who Jesus is to those around me. Who will I say Jesus is...
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us Your Church. Bless and protect Pope Benedict XVI. Thank you for being my friend, my brother, my God.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Walk Stand Sit
Thursday 21st February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Happy indeed is the man who follows not he way of the wicked, nor lingers in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of scorners, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and ponders it day and night.
Ps.1:1,2
OBSERVATION
Psalm 1 highlights the source of happiness, the Word of God. But it also shows what the path to separation from God looks like. It entails following, lingering, sitting. Other versions say walk, stand, sit. And isn't this just the way sin entices and ensnares me? I first walk along side it, I stand with it and then sit down with it.
APPLICATION
The Antidote? Don't even start walking along side of sin. Don't tempt my temptation, it will always win. Today I choose to walk away from the temptations that will surely come my way.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, alert me when temptation calls me over to walk with it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
Happy indeed is the man who follows not he way of the wicked, nor lingers in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of scorners, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and ponders it day and night.
Ps.1:1,2
OBSERVATION
Psalm 1 highlights the source of happiness, the Word of God. But it also shows what the path to separation from God looks like. It entails following, lingering, sitting. Other versions say walk, stand, sit. And isn't this just the way sin entices and ensnares me? I first walk along side it, I stand with it and then sit down with it.
APPLICATION
The Antidote? Don't even start walking along side of sin. Don't tempt my temptation, it will always win. Today I choose to walk away from the temptations that will surely come my way.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, alert me when temptation calls me over to walk with it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Servant King
Wednesday 20th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
...just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the ransom of many.
Mt. 20:28
OBSERVATION
Jesus has just foretold clearly what is about to happen in His Passion and death. Still the disciples don't get it. It's too unthinkable. They continue to think the kingdom Jesus is about to usher in is going to be one of power and dominance over their oppressors. James and John claim what they think are going to be the best seats. But Jesus doesn't work like that. With Him the great will be servants, the first will be slaves.
APPLICATION
There are times when I'm like James and John. I want the Lord to call down fire on those who appose Him. I want Him to snap his fingers and heal every sick and dieing child on the planet. But He doesn't. He has another deeper way of saving the world, from the inside out not outside in. His army is a secret army. It's the wheat among the weeds, the microscopic yeast in the dough, the tiny mustard seed. Its power is not from outside force but from internal conversion of the heart.
Today I choose to be a servant to those around me to remind me I'm a soldier in the secret army of Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, help me shift my focus off me and onto others today. Give me the virtue of generousity.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
...just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the ransom of many.
Mt. 20:28
OBSERVATION
Jesus has just foretold clearly what is about to happen in His Passion and death. Still the disciples don't get it. It's too unthinkable. They continue to think the kingdom Jesus is about to usher in is going to be one of power and dominance over their oppressors. James and John claim what they think are going to be the best seats. But Jesus doesn't work like that. With Him the great will be servants, the first will be slaves.
APPLICATION
There are times when I'm like James and John. I want the Lord to call down fire on those who appose Him. I want Him to snap his fingers and heal every sick and dieing child on the planet. But He doesn't. He has another deeper way of saving the world, from the inside out not outside in. His army is a secret army. It's the wheat among the weeds, the microscopic yeast in the dough, the tiny mustard seed. Its power is not from outside force but from internal conversion of the heart.
Today I choose to be a servant to those around me to remind me I'm a soldier in the secret army of Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, help me shift my focus off me and onto others today. Give me the virtue of generousity.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Less is More
Tuesday 19th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
Mt. 23:12
OBSERVATION
Jesus is teaching the people and His disciples about hypocrisy and vanity, pointing to the scribes and the Pharisees as poor examples of these virtues. He then goes to the root of everyones problem, the root of my problem, by giving the Inverse Law - the greatest must be the least.
APPLICATION
I've always said that a Catholic retreat is just an excuse to go Reconciliation. I've just returned from a Catholic Family Weekend and yes, there was Reconciliation offered on Saturday night. Our dear priest softened us up by talking about what he called the least confessed of sins... Jealousy. As he was talking I felt a flush of embarrassment as I remembered just the day before being very jealous of a fiend who I judged as being more successful than me ...it was the red two-door BMW convertible that started it. It was embarrassing for me to confess this as it seems such a childish thing to have. But there it was and it was liberating to kill it in that wonderful sacrament of Reconciliation. In humbling myself I was exalted.
Perhaps more humbling of myself during this Lent will do much to lift me up. Thank you Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, convict me of my pride each time it rises up to steal your Glory.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
Mt. 23:12
OBSERVATION
Jesus is teaching the people and His disciples about hypocrisy and vanity, pointing to the scribes and the Pharisees as poor examples of these virtues. He then goes to the root of everyones problem, the root of my problem, by giving the Inverse Law - the greatest must be the least.
APPLICATION
I've always said that a Catholic retreat is just an excuse to go Reconciliation. I've just returned from a Catholic Family Weekend and yes, there was Reconciliation offered on Saturday night. Our dear priest softened us up by talking about what he called the least confessed of sins... Jealousy. As he was talking I felt a flush of embarrassment as I remembered just the day before being very jealous of a fiend who I judged as being more successful than me ...it was the red two-door BMW convertible that started it. It was embarrassing for me to confess this as it seems such a childish thing to have. But there it was and it was liberating to kill it in that wonderful sacrament of Reconciliation. In humbling myself I was exalted.
Perhaps more humbling of myself during this Lent will do much to lift me up. Thank you Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, convict me of my pride each time it rises up to steal your Glory.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Prayer Request
Friday 15th February 2008
Hello Brothers. I went to 6:30 AM Mass this morning for my daily devotional time, so no Scripture Journal entry today. Sorry.
There won't be any entries until next Tuesday as I am away at a Catholic Family Weekend in Hamilton. Please pray that the weekend is a source of encouragement to invite Jesus more deeply into our families.
Bless you all and your loved ones.
The Stumbling Follower.
Hello Brothers. I went to 6:30 AM Mass this morning for my daily devotional time, so no Scripture Journal entry today. Sorry.
There won't be any entries until next Tuesday as I am away at a Catholic Family Weekend in Hamilton. Please pray that the weekend is a source of encouragement to invite Jesus more deeply into our families.
Bless you all and your loved ones.
The Stumbling Follower.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Ask, Seek, Knock.
Thursday 14th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Ask, and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.
SCRIPTURE
Ask, and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.
Mt. 7:7
OBSERVATION
Jesus is drawing to a close His Sermon on the Mount and is encouraging His listeners into a more active relationship with God. Our God is no distant, unfeeling deity dishing out commandments and judgments. No, He is a brother walking along side, encouraging two-way dialog between Himself and me. Ask, Seek, Knock... He is encouraging me into an active relationship with Him.
APPLICATION
What a wonderful invitation into intimacy with God.
The next five days are going to be busy ones for me. When I look ahead it's like looking at a mountain that needs climbing over. It's daunting. But with Jesus beside me, helping me, encouraging me, opening doors for me I know I can make it.
PRAYER
Thank you Jesus that I am never alone, that You are here beside me and will never leave me alone. I can do all things because of the strength You give me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Jesus is drawing to a close His Sermon on the Mount and is encouraging His listeners into a more active relationship with God. Our God is no distant, unfeeling deity dishing out commandments and judgments. No, He is a brother walking along side, encouraging two-way dialog between Himself and me. Ask, Seek, Knock... He is encouraging me into an active relationship with Him.
APPLICATION
What a wonderful invitation into intimacy with God.
The next five days are going to be busy ones for me. When I look ahead it's like looking at a mountain that needs climbing over. It's daunting. But with Jesus beside me, helping me, encouraging me, opening doors for me I know I can make it.
PRAYER
Thank you Jesus that I am never alone, that You are here beside me and will never leave me alone. I can do all things because of the strength You give me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Power of Humility
Wednesday 13th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
The crowds got even bigger and Jesus addressed them, "This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign".
SCRIPTURE
The crowds got even bigger and Jesus addressed them, "This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign".
LK. 11:29
OBSERVATION
As the crowds got bigger their mood changes. Other gospels record them demanding signs from Jesus to prove His authority. Jesus is no performing monkey and He tells them so.
APPLICATION
This reminds me of the early days of my conversion. I demanded signs before I would accept Jesus as Lord, echoing Satan's taunt in the desert, "If you are the Son of God...".
Jesus revealed Himself to me and my conversion came once I admitted my brokenness and great need of His mercy and forgiveness. The demand for signs came from pride, the cry for forgiveness came from humility and this caused God's hand to move in my life. Jesus always responds to the humble, it's in His nature.
How's my humility these days? How worn are my knees from supplication?
PRAYER
My sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humbled contrite spirit you will not spurn.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
As the crowds got bigger their mood changes. Other gospels record them demanding signs from Jesus to prove His authority. Jesus is no performing monkey and He tells them so.
APPLICATION
This reminds me of the early days of my conversion. I demanded signs before I would accept Jesus as Lord, echoing Satan's taunt in the desert, "If you are the Son of God...".
Jesus revealed Himself to me and my conversion came once I admitted my brokenness and great need of His mercy and forgiveness. The demand for signs came from pride, the cry for forgiveness came from humility and this caused God's hand to move in my life. Jesus always responds to the humble, it's in His nature.
How's my humility these days? How worn are my knees from supplication?
PRAYER
My sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humbled contrite spirit you will not spurn.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Cancer of Unforgiveness
Tuesday 12th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Yes, if your forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours.
SCRIPTURE
Yes, if your forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours.
Mt. 6:14
OBSERVATION
Jesus is teaching the crowds in His Sermon on the Mount and has just taught the Lord's Prayer as an example of how to pray. He focuses in on the forgiveness verse of the Lord's Prayer, underscoring its importance. Jesus knew that the biggest battle ground for His followers, for me, was unforgiveness.
APPLICATION
Looking in my Bible I see that I underlined this verse on 18th June 1992. Sixteen years ago I recognised unforgiveness as an impediment to my faith journey. As I look back over those years I see times of major victory in this area and times of dismal failure. Forgiving others as I have been forgiven continues to be a struggle. It just doesn't come naturally.
Over this past weekend I've been let down by someone and have indulged in some "stinking thinking" as a result. Maybe today is the day to let go of my hurt and anger, with Jesus' help forgive this person and move on.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I look at the enormity of my sins that you have cast away as far as the east is from the west; and in gratitude forgive my brother who offended me. Thank you Lord for the freedom from bitterness this gives me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Jesus is teaching the crowds in His Sermon on the Mount and has just taught the Lord's Prayer as an example of how to pray. He focuses in on the forgiveness verse of the Lord's Prayer, underscoring its importance. Jesus knew that the biggest battle ground for His followers, for me, was unforgiveness.
APPLICATION
Looking in my Bible I see that I underlined this verse on 18th June 1992. Sixteen years ago I recognised unforgiveness as an impediment to my faith journey. As I look back over those years I see times of major victory in this area and times of dismal failure. Forgiving others as I have been forgiven continues to be a struggle. It just doesn't come naturally.
Over this past weekend I've been let down by someone and have indulged in some "stinking thinking" as a result. Maybe today is the day to let go of my hurt and anger, with Jesus' help forgive this person and move on.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I look at the enormity of my sins that you have cast away as far as the east is from the west; and in gratitude forgive my brother who offended me. Thank you Lord for the freedom from bitterness this gives me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Battle is Won.
Sunday 10th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
If you are the Son of God...
SCRIPTURE
If you are the Son of God...
Mt. 4:1-11
OBSERVATION
Today's Gospel records the Titanic battle between Jesus and Satan. Interestingly, this doesn't happen until after Jesus received the Spirit of God in his baptism. It is the Holy Spirit that leads Him out into the wilderness and into this battle. The thrust of the devil's attack is in his questioning taunt, "If you are the Son of God...".
In winning this battle Jesus was then able to move on and complete God's plan of redemption, ending in His Passion, Death and Resurrection. None of this would have happened had Jesus not beaten Satan in this crucial duel. Thank God He did.
APPLICATION
This question over Jesus' divinity is the great divide of Christianity. Other faiths recognise Jesus as a good man, a great prophet even, but the Son of God? And it's the great divide between sin and holiness in my life. Each time I sin I deny Christ. It sounds terrible as I say this but that is the cold hard truth of the matter. I hold on fast to the promise of Saint Paul in the Second Reading; "now after many falls comes grace with its verdict of acquittal".
PRAYER
Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Today's Gospel records the Titanic battle between Jesus and Satan. Interestingly, this doesn't happen until after Jesus received the Spirit of God in his baptism. It is the Holy Spirit that leads Him out into the wilderness and into this battle. The thrust of the devil's attack is in his questioning taunt, "If you are the Son of God...".
In winning this battle Jesus was then able to move on and complete God's plan of redemption, ending in His Passion, Death and Resurrection. None of this would have happened had Jesus not beaten Satan in this crucial duel. Thank God He did.
APPLICATION
This question over Jesus' divinity is the great divide of Christianity. Other faiths recognise Jesus as a good man, a great prophet even, but the Son of God? And it's the great divide between sin and holiness in my life. Each time I sin I deny Christ. It sounds terrible as I say this but that is the cold hard truth of the matter. I hold on fast to the promise of Saint Paul in the Second Reading; "now after many falls comes grace with its verdict of acquittal".
PRAYER
Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Spring of Fresh Water
Saturday 9th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
He will give you strength to your bones and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never run dry.
SCRIPTURE
He will give you strength to your bones and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never run dry.
Is. 58:11
OBSERVATION
Isaiah continues his great exhortation for acts of justice. It's always "If... Then...). But the wonderful promises contained in the "Then" make the "If" a good choice.
APPLICATION
Lately I've been saying yes too often and it's starting to crowd in on me. There are a lot of balls in the air and I'm danger of dropping them. The promise of strength to my bones and waters that never run dry catches my attention. One "If" this promise hangs on is to do away with the wicked word. When I'm stressed my mouth runs away with me. The main victims tend to be my loved ones at home. Today my mouth can be a spring of fresh water rather than a sewer. And then... strength to my bones, waters that never run dry. Thank you Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, place a guard on my thoughts and a sentry at my lips.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Isaiah continues his great exhortation for acts of justice. It's always "If... Then...). But the wonderful promises contained in the "Then" make the "If" a good choice.
APPLICATION
Lately I've been saying yes too often and it's starting to crowd in on me. There are a lot of balls in the air and I'm danger of dropping them. The promise of strength to my bones and waters that never run dry catches my attention. One "If" this promise hangs on is to do away with the wicked word. When I'm stressed my mouth runs away with me. The main victims tend to be my loved ones at home. Today my mouth can be a spring of fresh water rather than a sewer. And then... strength to my bones, waters that never run dry. Thank you Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, place a guard on my thoughts and a sentry at my lips.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Less of Me
Friday 8th of February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me ...to break unjust fetters ...set the oppressed free ...share your bread ...shelter the homeless ...cloth the the naked.
SCRIPTURE
Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me ...to break unjust fetters ...set the oppressed free ...share your bread ...shelter the homeless ...cloth the the naked.
Is. 58:6-8
OBSERVATION
The great prophet Isaiah is speaking to the Israelites about fasting, and speaking to me. It seems that God is more interested in what I do rather than what I don't do. And the doing has very much to do with justice towards others.
APPLICATION
Everything that Isaiah lists in this reading could come under the heading "Love Your Neighbour". What stops me from loving my neighbour? ...busyness, self centeredness, greed. It's time for a Copernicus Revolution in my life, a 180 degree shift of focus off me and onto my neighbours. A tough call, but I can try one day at a time, starting today.
PRAYER
Jesus my brother, walk beside me today so I may see and love my neighbours as you see and love.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
The great prophet Isaiah is speaking to the Israelites about fasting, and speaking to me. It seems that God is more interested in what I do rather than what I don't do. And the doing has very much to do with justice towards others.
APPLICATION
Everything that Isaiah lists in this reading could come under the heading "Love Your Neighbour". What stops me from loving my neighbour? ...busyness, self centeredness, greed. It's time for a Copernicus Revolution in my life, a 180 degree shift of focus off me and onto my neighbours. A tough call, but I can try one day at a time, starting today.
PRAYER
Jesus my brother, walk beside me today so I may see and love my neighbours as you see and love.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The Two Ways
7th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life...
SCRIPTURE
I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life...
Dt 30:19
OBSERVATION
When a man knows his days on earth are drawing to a close he doesn't waste his words. His instructions to those he loves are concise and to the point. Such is the case in the last discourse of Moses to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land. Only a fool would not take heed of a prophet's last words.
APPLICATION
God, though Moses, is sharpening my focus on what life is essentially about; life or death, blessing or curse. These two contrary ways are constantly before me. Just because I chose life yesterday doesn't mean it will automatically follow today. It's a daily, hourly, minute by minute choice in the back ground of every decision I make, large or small.
Choosing life is often sacrificial, but as Jesus says, "What gain then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?" Today, I choose life.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, help me choose life and blessing today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
When a man knows his days on earth are drawing to a close he doesn't waste his words. His instructions to those he loves are concise and to the point. Such is the case in the last discourse of Moses to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land. Only a fool would not take heed of a prophet's last words.
APPLICATION
God, though Moses, is sharpening my focus on what life is essentially about; life or death, blessing or curse. These two contrary ways are constantly before me. Just because I chose life yesterday doesn't mean it will automatically follow today. It's a daily, hourly, minute by minute choice in the back ground of every decision I make, large or small.
Choosing life is often sacrificial, but as Jesus says, "What gain then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?" Today, I choose life.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, help me choose life and blessing today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Do it Small, Do it Regular, Do it in Secret.
6th February 2008 - Ash Wednesday
SCRIPTURE
So when you pray... And when you give alms... When you fast.
SCRIPTURE
So when you pray... And when you give alms... When you fast.
Mt. 6:1-18
OBSERVATION
Jesus is continuing His great Sermon on the Mount and is getting to the heart of things. Concerning alms giving, prayer and fasting it was never "if" but "when". So it is no surprise that the Church has taken up these three great pillars of faith and made them central to the wonderful season of Lent.
APPLICATION
Now, the prayer I don't mind... OK, OK, I confess; I struggle with alms giving and fasting! These two disciplines strike at the heart of natural self centeredness. My faith journey is littered with past broken good intentions for alms giving and fasting. But my God is a God of new beginnings. This Lent WILL be different! My plan... do it small, do it regular and do it in secret. My Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward me. I have His word on it.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, walk beside this Lent I pray.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Jesus is continuing His great Sermon on the Mount and is getting to the heart of things. Concerning alms giving, prayer and fasting it was never "if" but "when". So it is no surprise that the Church has taken up these three great pillars of faith and made them central to the wonderful season of Lent.
APPLICATION
Now, the prayer I don't mind... OK, OK, I confess; I struggle with alms giving and fasting! These two disciplines strike at the heart of natural self centeredness. My faith journey is littered with past broken good intentions for alms giving and fasting. But my God is a God of new beginnings. This Lent WILL be different! My plan... do it small, do it regular and do it in secret. My Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward me. I have His word on it.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, walk beside this Lent I pray.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Fear or Faith
5th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
Do not be afraid; only have faith.
SCRIPTURE
Do not be afraid; only have faith.
Mk. 5:36
OBSERVATION
Jesus has responded to the plea of Jairus to come and heal his sick daughter. On His way news arrives that the young girl has died. Jesus immediately encourages Jairus not to give in to fear but to hold on to hope, through faith.
APPLICATION
Fear or Faith; this is the choice before me when facing each crisis that life brings. Fear or Faith seems synonymous with Death or Life.
Last night I had a stand up shouting match argument with my son. In the cool light of this morning I'm feeling more than a little foolish over my behavior. Fear or Faith; Death or Life. I think in faith I will say something life-giving when I see him, maybe as life-giving as an apology.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, give me your courage to take a risk and say sorry.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Monday, February 4, 2008
A Time to Tell
4th February 2008
SCRIPTURE
So the man went off and proceeded to spread throughout Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him.
OBSERVATION
The demoniac of Decapolis has just been delivered of his legion of demons who went into a herd of pigs and drowned. The fully recovered man begs to be allowed to stay with Jesus. Jesus, remarkably, instructs him to stay with his people and "tell them all that the Lord in His mercy has done for you".
APPLICATION
This story is extraordinary because of the unusual instruction given by Jesus. Instead of commanding the delivered man not to tell anyone what has happened, as He usually did, Jesus encourages him to tell everyone of his miracle deliverance. It seems there is a time to tell of what God has done in my life...and He has done much. My testimony can achieve much for God's Kingdom when told in season.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, remind me of all that God has done in my life and then prompt me when to tell it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
So the man went off and proceeded to spread throughout Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him.
Mk 5:20
OBSERVATION
The demoniac of Decapolis has just been delivered of his legion of demons who went into a herd of pigs and drowned. The fully recovered man begs to be allowed to stay with Jesus. Jesus, remarkably, instructs him to stay with his people and "tell them all that the Lord in His mercy has done for you".
APPLICATION
This story is extraordinary because of the unusual instruction given by Jesus. Instead of commanding the delivered man not to tell anyone what has happened, as He usually did, Jesus encourages him to tell everyone of his miracle deliverance. It seems there is a time to tell of what God has done in my life...and He has done much. My testimony can achieve much for God's Kingdom when told in season.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, remind me of all that God has done in my life and then prompt me when to tell it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
He has been tempted.
2nd February 2008
SCRIPTURE
That is, because He has Himself been through temptation He is able to help others who are tempted.
Heb. 2:18
OBSERVATION
The writer of Hebrews is emphasising the humaness of our God. He says Jesus too shared eqully in the same flesh and blood of us. This is a unique qulity of our God that can be said of no other god . God became man, the creator entered His fallen creation and experienced the same temptations to evil that I experience.
APPLICATION
what a relief this quality of Jesus is. He knows how I feel because He's been here! He is the ultimate empathetic listener because He's been in my shoes. And because He knows what it is like to be me He knows how to help me , how to heal me of my wound. What a relief!
PRAYER
Jesus, my friend, my brother; help me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
SCRIPTURE
That is, because He has Himself been through temptation He is able to help others who are tempted.
Heb. 2:18
OBSERVATION
The writer of Hebrews is emphasising the humaness of our God. He says Jesus too shared eqully in the same flesh and blood of us. This is a unique qulity of our God that can be said of no other god . God became man, the creator entered His fallen creation and experienced the same temptations to evil that I experience.
APPLICATION
what a relief this quality of Jesus is. He knows how I feel because He's been here! He is the ultimate empathetic listener because He's been in my shoes. And because He knows what it is like to be me He knows how to help me , how to heal me of my wound. What a relief!
PRAYER
Jesus, my friend, my brother; help me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Healing Light
31st January 2008
SCRIPTURE
Surely you will put (the lamp) on the lamp stand.
SCRIPTURE
Surely you will put (the lamp) on the lamp stand.
Mk. 4:21
OBSERVATION
Jesus' parable of the lamp is focusing on the things hidden and kept secret, things that need to be disclosed and brought out into the light. Dark secrets maitain their power and influence until they are brought out into the open. The light of exposure seems to cause them to shrivel up and die within me.
APPLICATION
I have my dark secrets that need to be exposed to the light and love of Jesus. He is the only one I can trust with them. So, where do I start? Maybe the light-giving sacrament of reconciliation would be a good place to begin. There I am gauranteed to find the light and love of Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, please give me the courage to step out of the darkness into His glorious light.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Jesus' parable of the lamp is focusing on the things hidden and kept secret, things that need to be disclosed and brought out into the light. Dark secrets maitain their power and influence until they are brought out into the open. The light of exposure seems to cause them to shrivel up and die within me.
APPLICATION
I have my dark secrets that need to be exposed to the light and love of Jesus. He is the only one I can trust with them. So, where do I start? Maybe the light-giving sacrament of reconciliation would be a good place to begin. There I am gauranteed to find the light and love of Jesus.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, please give me the courage to step out of the darkness into His glorious light.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)