Know Jesus Know God

No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Jn.1:18

John starts his gospel describing the divinity and the humanity of Jesus. He makes the great Christian claim that God can only be known through his son Jesus Christ.

This is the great Christian theme that sets us apart from all other religions. God can only be known through Jesus Christ. Jesus said this himself. "If you really know me, you will know my Father as well." Jn.14:7

This is what motivates me to spend time with Jesus, what motivates me to tell others about Jesus. Know Jesus, know God, know peace, know joy.

Today is the last of 2019. Tomorrow a new year starts, a year to get to know Jesus better, a year to tell more about him.

Jesus, I only see you dimly. Help me know you better so I may tell others about you with more zeal. 
Little Flower, please pray for me.

See the Good, Be the Good.

the world, with all it craves for, is coming to an end; but anyone who does the will of God remains for ever.
1Jn.2:17

John is encouraging a detachment from the sensual world as this leads to cravings, insatiable appetites that end in nothing. Living for God however, results in living for ever.

Here it is again, the tension from living in the world but not being of the world. The risk is becoming so heavenly minded I'm no earthly good. The key for me is to see God in the good.

There are good things in the world, it must be so as the world was created by God. There are bad things in the world. This must be so as Satan entered the world and brought in evil, sickness, disease and death. Today I choose to focus on the good.

Jesus, you have redeemed the world that we may live in it with peace and joy. Help me see you in the good before me today. Help me be the good where goodness is absent.

The Escape Clause

I am writing this, my children, to stop you sinning; but if anyone should sin, we have our advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who is just; he is the sacrifice that takes our sins away, and not only ours, but the whole world’s.1Jn.2:1,2

John writes to the early Church to encourage believers to live in the light of truth. He also states all is not lost if we should fail because of Jesus acting as our advocate.

"But if anyone should sin...". This is a great escape clause. Who among us doesn't sin. As John writes, anyone who says he has no sin is deceiving himself. John sets a high standard. We are to live in the light. But, should we sin we can turn to Jesus for a remedy.

This describes the human condition, my condition.  There is a tension between how I want to live and how I do live. The only solution is Jesus. Then light and life, joy and peace are mine again, today.

Thank you Jesus for being my escape clause. You are the source of my joy and peace. Your blood purifies me today. Alleluia!

Little Flower, please pray for me.

Hearts of the Fathers

With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children.
Lk1:17

Zechariah has a visitation from the Angel Gabriel who tells him he and his barren wife Elizabeth are to have a son. The son is to bring him great joy and be a prophet bringing many back to God.

John the Baptist's mission prophesied by the Angle Gabriel included turning the hearts of fathers back to their children. This echoes the prophesy of Malachi (Mal.4:6). It seems the turning of people back to God has among its first fruits fathers turning back to their children.

If there is a common denominator to the social ills of today it is the turning away of fathers from their children. Absent or abusive fathers are a common story for those in prison. Oh how we need the spirit and power of Elijah in our own time.

The fulfillment of all prophesy is Jesus. Where ever I can bring Jesus into the lives of people a first fruit will be fathers hearts turned back to their children. I think of Alpha and see with sharpened vision the need for this outreach and my role in it.

Jesus, help our parish Alpha Course gain traction. Send the leaders to help me lord that more may come to know you and your love.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Prepare the Way

Gospel AcclamationAlleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia! Luke 3:4,6 

Luke describes John the Baptist as another Elijah, a voice crying in the wilderness for all to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.

This great Advent call of preparing the way is counter the great call of the world to spend up large. John the Baptist is calling for a deep conversion from the inside out. The world smothers us with tinsel and trinkets from the outside in, trying to convince that this is the source of Joy and happiness.

Today is close to the middle of Advent. Tomorrow is Gaudate Sunday, Joyful Sunday, and we light the rose candle on the wreath. I focus again on Mary carrying Jesus within her, on the donkey being led by Joseph. This is a slow, relentless journey to God's moment of incarnation. Now there's the true source of my joy...

Jesus, help me remember the true reason for this season of joy, you in the womb of Mary, coming to call me home.
Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me.

Hold the Hand

I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, ‘Do not be afraid, I will help you.
Is.41:13

Isaiah writes of the helper of Israel. He describes a loving father holding the hand of a child, leading and protecting him.

Among all the stern images of an avenging God Isaiah slips in these tender images of a loving father, patient and slow to anger.  Who among us has never desired such a father as presented here.

I recently was holding the hand of an eighteen month old granddaughter as we explored a large rain puddle. She pulled her hand out of mine and tried to run. With the water up to her knees she soon fell over. I pulled her up and she held on more tightly onto my hand.

I've done this with God, pulling my hand away and then falling. His hand is always outstretched for me to take hold of again. Advent is a good time to reach out again for that loving and guiding hand.

Thank you Father that you promise to help me. I reach out again to you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Other Sheep

And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd.
Jn.10:16

Jesus has called himself the Good Shepherd. He adds that there are others as well who listen to his voice, essentially making one flock and one shepherd.

An unbelieving world looks at the disunity among Christian denominations and finds it unbelievable. To our shame, the Church's disunity would be one of the greatest causes of atheism in the world today.

Jesus always had his eye on the "other sheep", those on the outside of Judaism. The only qualifier he gives is that they "listen to my voice". There are lots of people outside of my denomination who obviously listen to Jesus' voice. One such friend is currently in Thailand, taking over a ministry his church runs there. Impressive obedience to the voice of Jesus.

I love being Catholic, probably as much as Jesus loved being a Jew. But like Jesus, I need to keep an eye on those outside my pen. There's much goodness there and much I can learn from them.

Jesus, you are the one shepherd of the flock. Help me reach out to others who listen to your voice.
Saint Ambrose, please pray for me.

When I'm weak I am Strong

The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink?Ps.26:1

David writes how God is the source of his help and courage.

When I struggle with sin, especially recurring sin, areas where I am weak, I can be overwhelmed with the futility of the struggle. I see the devil winning and I become despondent, fearful. Then I read a psalm like this, written by a man who had his own spiritual battles, and I am encouraged.

Jesus seems more powerful in the lives of those who know they are imperfect, who know they need help. As Paul writes, "It is in my weakness that I am strong". 2Cor.12:10

My brokenness doesn't necessarily distance me from Jesus. When acknowledged it actually draws him near. Then he becomes the stronghold of my life, warts and all, and before whom then will I shrink.

Thank you Jesus for your steadfast love, even when I'm unlovely. Be my light, my stronghold today.
Saint Augustine, please pray for me.

Keep it Simple

Filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, Jesus said: ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do.Lk.10:21

The seventy-two have returned from their first mission trip rejoicing that even demons submitted to the name of Jesus. Jesus in turn is filled with joy and gives thanks to God the father for the work he has done through common, simple people.

The work of simple, faith-filled people gives Jesus joy. Having a pure, childlike motive is empowering. I tend to overthink things, complicate matters. Acting on simple trust can result in demons submitting to the name of Jesus.

The faith of the seventy-two came from spending time with Jesus, hanging out with him and getting to know him personally. Advent is a good time to hang out with Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for your faith in me. Help me keep it simple. Help me step out in childlike faith.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Be Sent

But they will not ask his help unless they believe in him, and they will not believe in him unless they have heard of him, and they will not hear of him unless they get a preacher, and they will never have a preacher unless one is sent.
Rms.10:14,15

Paul writes to the Church in Rome that salvation is for everyone who hears the word of God but for salvation to be accepted it must be heard and to be heard it must be preached.

I can't help thinking of the Alpha Course when reading this scripture. Alpha is very effective at preaching the word. Alpha is also an easy way "to be sent".

I need five more people to join the Alpha host team in our parish. Then we can be sent....

Lord Jesus, if it be your will for an Alpha Course to happen in our parish, send the workers. 
Saint Andrew, pray for us.

Stand Up and Lift Your Head

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.Lk.21:27,28

Jesus tells his disciples what the true signs of the end of time will look like. When nations are struck with fear at these signs Jesus tells believers to stand with confidence to receive their liberation.

The new year of the Church starts with the first day of Advent on Sunday. At the closing of this year the Church's focus is firmly on end times. Like gravity, the end of time is something we are all going to face, alive or dead. How I face it is up to me.

This morning is a beautiful spring morning in my part of the world. As stunning as the view out my window is, it is a poor shadow of the glory yet to come for those among whom I count myself... for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

My natural stance in life is to keep end times always in view. Today I can stand up and lift my head for my redemption draws near...

Lord Jesus, my Redeemer, you give us the signs but we know not the hour or the day when you shall return. I stand up and look for you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Let Joy be My Answer

...those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels, and being children of the resurrection they are sons of God.

L20:35,36

Jesus answers the question about the resurrection the Sadducees have asked, trying to trap him. Jesus' answer describes clearly the promise of a resurrected life for those judged worthy.

Wow! Being the same as angels and a son of God. What a promise. Why would anyone refuse this? Yet, people do refuse it. "Nice for you but no thanks". We can't be representing the promise clearly enough.

One way I can witness to the promise of a resurrected life is through joy. Joy is attractive and begs the question, "Why are you so joyful?" Today let joy be my hallmark and let me be ready with the reason why.

Thank you Jesus for the sure hope of a resurrected life with you. Let me be a joyful witness for you today.
Saint Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, pray for me.

Stay Awake

Feast of Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr

“Lord, Lord,” they said “open the door for us.” But he replied, “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.” So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.’Mt.25:13

Jesus tells the parable of the five wise and five foolish bridesmaids. The wise are allowed entry into the banquet while the foolish are late from needing to first replenish oil for their lamps and are denied entry.

Is there any more tragic scene than bridesmaids standing outside of the banquet they are meant to be attending crying "Lord, Lord...". The foolish bridesmaids had everything required of them in the end but their tardiness resulted in being left outside as though they had nothing. Jesus underscores the point of this story with the words, "So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour."

The day and hour for me could be today. God alone knows. This morning prayer time helps keep my lamp full.

Jesus, one day I am going to meet you face to face. Send me your Spirit that my lamp may always be full in readiness for your arrival.
Saint Cecilia, please pray for me.

Come down out of your Tree

When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully.Lk.19:5,6

Zacchaeus the tax collector climbs a tree to see over the crowd and observe Jesus. Jesus singles Zacchaeus out and invites himself into his home. Zacchaeus ignores the indignation of the crowd and joyfully receives Jesus into his home.

There's something very human about this event that attracts me. Zacchaeus' short comings, literal and otherwise, are not glossed over. He doesn't deny anything the crowd accuses him of. All he does is joyfully receive Jesus and then has a powerful conversion. That's how grace works.

I'm a bit of a "tree climber". I try and reach Jesus by my own efforts. "Hey Mike!" says Jesus. "Come down out of your tree. I'm staying with you today". I'm picked out from the crowd. I don't have to strive, just be real... with all my shortcomings. That's how grace works. Amazing!

Jesus, I welcome you into my day. Thank you for accepting me just as I am, warts and all. You are my hope and my joy.
Zacchaeus, pray for me.

Oxygen

‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned...Lk.18:41-43

A blind man persistently shouts out to Jesus, despite bystanders telling him to be quite. Jesus stops and asks the man what he wants. The blind man states the obvious and is healed of his blindness.

Jesus' question to the blind man always strikes me as strange. The blind man's need is patently obvious yet Jesus still asks. The blind man knew his need and knew where his need could be met. It seems Jesus wanted the man to exercise his faith.

"Sir, let me see again". These five words revealed faith and wherever there is faith Jesus can perform miracles. Faith is like oxygen to him. My faith, when exercised expectantly like the blind man, can open the door to miracles.

Jesus, all things are possible for you. Increase my faith that my prayer may open the door to miracles, for your glory.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Death, where is your sting?

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.Mal.3:20

The prophet Malachi foretells the end of time when judgement will come, the wicked being burnt up and the righteous gaining eternal life.

Today I attend the funeral of a friend who has died of cancer. We prayed for his healing. His passing seems a disaster. He had faith in Jesus and the hope of glory. Today's reading from Malachi promises that healing has come for my friend, just not in the order we were asking for.

The hole in the ground is not the end of my friend's story. In fact it is just the beginning, his life to this point only being the title page.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise of eternal life for those who fear your name. Lord, I pray for this assurance to be a source of peace for the family grieving today.

Clean Heart Clean Hands

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things.Ps.23:3,4

David defines the man who seeks God and may approach him. A man with clean hands and a pure heart receives reward from God,

Hands can inflict harm, can get dirty. The heart is where the desire for dirt is birthed. King David was a man who knew what it was like to have unclean hands and an impure heart. An adulterer and murderer, David had been as far away from God as it is possible to go. Yet he is described as one after God's own heart.

David's repentance must be a key to this. Repentance cleaned his hands and purified his heart. What dirt is on my hands? What dirt in my heart has led to this? Lust, greed, pride... it's all there. Time for a spring cleaning of my heart. Clean hands will follow...

Forgive me Lord. I am a sinful man.
All you saints in heaven, please pray for me.

Gracious

‘The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.’Lk.16:8

Jesus is telling a parable about the dishonest steward to his disciples. The craftiness of the steward in winning friends while he could is held as an example of how we can do the same before meeting judgement in eternity.

I think today's Gospel stops one verse too soon and leaves us puzzling. Verse 9 has Jesus saying, " I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings". There is the key to understanding the parable.

When I look at the steward's behavior, it was gracious. He gave relief from debt when it was undeserved and unexpected. This is the point of the parable I believe and why it is held up as a role model for me by Jesus. When I act with such grace towards people now it will be held in my favour in heaven.

Jesus, grace is easy to say but hard to do. It seems so unfair. But Lord, you have been so gracious to me. Help me remember this when I am being called to be gracious to others.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Love Made Visible

For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Rms.8:38,39

Saint Paul teaches how believers are more than conquerors, that the all sufficient love of God is with us no matter where we find ourselves, because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.

I sung this scripture over my atheist and terminally ill mother. She then opened her eyes and told me she believed. The power of the love of God broke through all her years of unbelief. She died a baptised believer not long afterwards.

Praise be to the love of God made visible through Jesus Christ our Lord. Here is reason enough to enter this day with great joy.

Thank you Jesus for making manifest for me the love of God. I will be a barer of this love and joy today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

The Narrow Door

‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.Lk.13:23,2 

Jesus is asked if many will be saved at the end of time. Jesus answers by saying many will be lost.

A popular gospel is one that says the door to heaven is wide open and everyone is going to enter. Jesus disagrees. He says the gate to heaven is narrow and many will not pass through it. This heightens the need to evangelise, starting with myself and my family.

Try your best, Jesus says. The inference is that passively drifting into heaven is not the way to get there. I need to make an effort daily, hourly, right at this moment to enter the narrow door. The alternative is not pretty, weeping and grinding of teeth... forever.

Jesus, sometimes I’m asleep at the wheel, just drifting. Holy Spirit, remind me today that the door to paradise is narrow and requires my best efforts to pass through it.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Remember I'm Human

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body doomed to death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Rms.7:25

Saint Paul declares the weakness of his humanity. His spirit is willing but his flesh is weak.

A recent scandal in the local Church resulted in a Bishop resigning because of a sexual relationship being made public.  It is said church leaders fall through sexual sin not because they forget they are Christian but because they forget they are human.

All men, including the great Apostle Saint Paul by his own admission, are susceptible to weakness of the flesh in all its permutations. Saint Paul points to the antidote. Remember we are human. The accountability group of men I meet with fortnightly is a big part of my remembering. I must thank them for this today....

Lord Jesus, thank you for my maleness. Help me keep my humanity before me and my sexual integrity beside it.
Saint Augustine, please pray for me.

Division

‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three;
Lk12:51,52

Jesus is telling his disciples there is a cost to following him, that cost being the hatred of the world that can even be experienced within a family.

Jesus warned that the world would hate Christians not that Christians would hate the world. There are places where this warning is obvious, where choosing Christ can cost your life. Even within my own family my Christian faith puts me at arms length from some.

What's my response to this division? Love and prayer. Love of the hater of Christ and prayer for unity.

Jesus, you experienced  hatred to the point of death. Give me compassion to be an agent of unity, especially within my own family.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

A Free Slave

You were once slaves of sin, but thank God you submitted without reservation to the creed you were taught. You may have been freed from the slavery of sin, but only to become ‘slaves’ of righteousness.
Rms.6:17,18

The Church of Rome is exhorted to die to the sins of the flesh and and become the slave of righteous living.

I've been on both sides of this divide, a slave to sin and a slave of righteousness. This battle within still continues. When sin rules I'm chained in shackles and it feels that way. But strangely, when I'm a slave to righteousness I actually feel free. That's because I have been set free. I'm a free slave.

Today I choose the slavery of righteousness and freedom will be mine.

Thank you Jesus for your death on the cross that lets me die to sin and rise to freedom. I place my trust in you.
Saint Augustine, please pray for me.

I've come to do your will.

Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready.
Lk.12:37,38

Great crowds are gathering to hear Jesus. Jesus gives both warning and encouragement to stay awake and be ready for his return.

It's said that the opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference. Living life "asleep at the wheel" is being indifferent to God, the giver of life in the first place.

It's so easy to be asleep to the presence, to the grace of God in my day. An antidote is to have a servant's heart. This makes me take my focus off myself and onto others. They're made in God's image and are a reminder of who it is I'm serving. When Jesus returns let him find me serving, even today.

Here I am Lord. I've come to do your will.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Gift of Faith

That is why what fulfills the promise depends on faith, so that it may be a free gift and be available to all of Abraham’s descendants, not only those who belong to the Law but also those who belong to the faith of Abraham who is the father of all of us.
Rms.4:16

Paul writes to the Church in Rome, explaining that the promise of God is for all peoples who have faith enough to receive it. Faith is the only essential requirement.

My conversion was delayed for years because I was trying to understand everything about Christianity before making a commitment. Coercion from loving friends to "Just jump!" finally had me do just that... jump. To my amazement, it was after jumping that I finally understood.

A mystery stops being mysterious when it is completely understood and so much of God is mystery, thank goodness. If God could fit inside my puny brain what a small god he would be. This gift of faith is truly that, a wonderful, priceless gift. Today I am grateful for my beautiful gift of faith.

Thank you Jesus for your patience all those years as you held out to me the gift of faith, waiting for me to finally receive it. I treasure this gift from you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Lord of the Harvest

He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.
Lk.10:2 

Jesus is commissioning the seventy-two for their mission trip. His practical instruction includes an appeal to pray for more labourers, more missionaries to join them.

I would have thought seventy-two was a respectable number for a missionary team. Jesus obviously didn't think so. I'm hoping to start another Alpha Course in our parish. For this to happen the host team needs to be at least eight. At the moment I've got the commitment of one.

The harvest in my home city is rich. I'm looking at this harvest with a team of one and I have every hope. Why? Because the Lord of the harvest is waiting for me to simply ask and he will send labourers.

Jesus. In your name I ask God our Father to send me people excited about avangelisation and convinced of the power of Alpha lead people to you.
Saint Luke, please pray for us.

Belong Called Receive

You are one of these nations, and by his call belong to Jesus Christ. To you all, then, who are God’s beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace. 

Rms.1:6,7

Paul starts his epistle to the Church in Rome by establishing that they are chosen, called and recipients of grace and peace.

Sometimes I have days where I'm wondering, "Now, who am I? Remind me again why I'm here? What is it again that I'm meant to be doing?" Well, here's the answer. I belong to Jesus and I'm beloved. I am called to be a saint and I receive grace and peace. I belong, I'm called and I receive.

Thank you Jesus for choosing me, loving me, believing in me, blessing me. I give my day to you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Rest

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.  

Mt.11:28

Jesus is telling how the Father is revealed through the Son when he adds this invitation. Come to me and you will find rest for your souls.

This is such a compelling invitation. In a period of history where life is meant to be the most easy, we are more exhausted than our forebears. People labour and are overburdened. Jesus says this is not meant to be our condition. In fact it is the product of slavery, slavery to the demands of the world.

What causes me to labour and be overburdened? Certainly not working for Jesus, for example running Alpha at the moment. That is so easy and life giving, not life taking. Worries can burden me. Worries about family, worries about finances, worries about what other people think.

That's a few things to place on Jesus' shoulders. Now to take on his yoke which is easy and light...

Jesus, thank you for taking my burdens. I release them all to you as you have invited me. 
Saint Francis, please pray for me.

Like a Child

I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Mt.18:3

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor

Jesus is asked who is the greatest in God's Kingdom. His reply surprises the disciples. The lowest, the most humble, the most powerless, little children are great in God's Kingdom.

Jesus goes a step further and challenges me to change, to step down from my self aggrandisement. I look for ways to appear great before man. Jesus says stop, turn away from my puffed up self and look to others as greater than myself.

Today is the memorial of Saint Therese of Lisieux. She made herself small and in so doing became a saint and doctor of the Church. I have much to learn from her...

Jesus, you know how I crave man's adulation. Help me become like a child that I may enter your Kingdom.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Way Truth Life

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me. Alleluia! 

Acclamation (Jn.14:6)

Jesus is revealing who he is to his uncomprehending disciples. Here he gets specific, saying he is the only way to God the Father.

No other religion has its founder saying this. This is the stumbling block for many. Jesus is either mad, bad or who he says he is. Evidence says clearly that he was not mad and not bad. That leaves only the last option. He is who he says he is, the Son of God and the only way to the Father.

This clarifies my thinking in a world clamoring to place a smoke screen. I recommit myself to The Way again today, my truth and my wonderful life.

Jesus, you are my way, my truth and my life. I place my trust in you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Sorry Thank You Please

So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere.

Lk.9:6

Jesus has just commissioned the twelve disciples for their very first mission trip. They carry nothing but the message of Good News in their hearts and a burning desire to share it. Healing follows the proclamation of the Good News.

So, what is this life changing Good News? Today's acclamation gives a hint. "The kingdom of God is near: repent and believe...". I am helping lead an Alpha Away Day this Saturday. There will a time for those who want to to make a commitment to following Jesus. That prayer is very simple... Sorry, Thank you, Please. The starting point is "Sorry". Repentance is the crucial turning point, admitting I've tried doing it my way, I now want to do it your way. Emotional, spiritual and physical healing can then follow.

This not such a bad prayer for me to say each day... Sorry, Thank you, Please.

Lord Jesus, I'm sorry for the times, the many times, I have chosen my way over your way. Thank you Jesus for your death on the Cross that has taken the burden of my sins off my shoulders. Please come into my life today. I take my hands off the steering wheel and hand control over to you. Amen.

Little flower, please pray for me.

Family

He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’ 

Lk.8:20,21

Jesus' family come looking for him but the crowds are so thick they can't reach him. Jesus uses the situation to teach on what it means to be a member of his family, that is hear God's word and do it.

Even to be a friend of God is a lofty ambition. Here Jesus is showing how I can be even more, how I can be a member of his family, how I can be his brother.

So, how does this come about? First I must hear God's word. Sacred Scripture is an obvious place to start, not only directly from the Bible but from Daily Mass readings, even from Christian songs on the radio, most of which are based directly on God's word. Prayer is another place I can hear God's word. My morning prayer time has proven this time and again. God can even speak to me through others he places in my life. My wife is often his prophet without realising it.

The next step is the hard step, practicing God's word. I guess this means facing that I have a choice on how I act in any given situation. I then make a decision to act either God's way or my way. There's a challenge to take into my day...

Jesus, thank you for your word which is life to me. Help me practice what I hear from you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Win Friends

And so I tell you this: use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents of eternity.

Lk.16:9

Jesus has just told the parable of the dishonest steward. In the parable, the steward is lifted up as an example of astuteness. Jesus does the same, saying that even money wisely spent can help with entrance into heaven.

On first appearance this parable is puzzling. But what if the steward's reducing of debts is seen as acts of mercy. Even though it was self serving, his mercy would have won him friends when he needed them most. He knew he had been a poor steward and that his master's judgement was deserved.

I'm a sinner. By any definition I have been a poor steward of the blessings given me... wealth, health, life itself have all been squandered by me. Jesus is advising me to shorten my account of indebtedness by being generous in acts of mercy. Then, on judgement day when the book of my life is opened, I will have friends who will speak up for me to receive mercy.

Lord Jesus, help me be generous in dispensing mercy so I in turn may receive mercy.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Liberation

I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love. 

Lk.7:47

At a feast hosted by Simon the Pharisee Jesus is lavished with loving attention from a woman of "bad name". This offends Simon but Jesus challenges him, saying that this great demonstration of love shows the woman has been forgiven much. Jesus then turns attention back on Simon by adding, "It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love".

Demonstrated love shows outwardly the inner condition of the soul. A forgiven soul, knowing only too clearly its own brokenness, radiates great joy and love. It seems I can only be forgiven by first acknowledging my need of forgiveness. I need to be broken in order to be put back together rightly. Then my spontaneous reaction to received forgiveness will be joy and love.

Self righteousness places a barrier to this wonderful healing Jesus offers me. The Pharisee in me is very quick to compare myself superior to the broken people around me. Meanwhile, the broken people who are honest about their condition focus on Jesus, are liberated and express great joy and love.

I want to be a joyous, loving person. I want the Pharisee in me to die. It's time for me to acknowledge my own great need of forgiveness.

Jesus, forgive me my sins, my many sins, that I can be liberated to show great love.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Love Bursts Forth

When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry’ he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up.’ And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Lk.7:13,14

Jesus felt compassion for the widow burying her only son. Her grief touched him and prompted the great miracle of raising the dead man back to life.

This spontaneous act of mercy and love reveals the face of God. The woman did nothing to directly appeal to Jesus but her grief was more eloquent than any spoken prayer. In her pain she would have been blind to his presence yet Jesus stepped into her world and changed everything.

Prayer is good. It can move the hand of God and bring great blessing. Yet here we learn that it is not always necessary. Jesus can act where and when he wants. I can be blessed by God at any time without needing to earn it. Maybe even today...

Thank you Jesus that you are on my case, that your love can burst forth in a moment and change everything. 
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Mercy Triumphs over Judgement

The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found".

Lk.15:31,32

The Pharisees and the scribes complain about Jesus showing mercy to tax collectors and sinners, so Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son to highlight the obligation of mercy.

I have heard this parable called the most miss-named parable in the Bible, that it is really a story about the resentful brother. It is not so much a story about reckless spending as it is about miserly mercy.

The younger brother still holds on to his son-ship when he calls out to his father. The older son calls himself a slave and so distances himself from his brother and, more tragically, from his father. Resentment does that. It builds a fence out of all the rules and regulations, isolating itself from everyone.

Mercy jumps over the fence and rushes out into the street, uncaring about its loss of dignity. It embraces, lavishing undeserved love upon the sinner. Oh how I have been all three of these characters at some stage of my life. The repentant, undeserving son. The resentful, judgmental brother. Even the grace-filled merciful father which is surely who I am called by God to be.

Jesus, source of all mercy, help me tear down the fence of judgement I build around myself and make me a generous dispenser of mercy.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

The Cross

Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.
Jn.3:16,17

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 

Jesus is teaching Nicodemus, explaining the all-sufficiency of who he is and what his death and the cross is about to gain... the coming home to heaven of all the world.

The most well known verse of the Bible is well known for a reason. It says it all. When I loose the point of my faith I come back to these two verses. Here is the why and the wherewithal of who Jesus is (the Son of God), what he did (died for me) and what that means (me back home with God).

I'm looking up at the crucifix in our lounge as I write. This is why I am thankful for the cross and why the cross is the source of my greatest joy.

Jesus, you handed out the nails and climbed on the cross for me. What can I say but thank you... thank you Lord.
Saint Mary of the Cross, pray for me.

Where to point the Finger

Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned.

Lk.6:37

Jesus is giving his great teaching in his Sermon on the Mount. Here he explains how we are to relate with other imperfect human beings. He's very clear... do not judge, do not condemn, forgive.

These are very easy to agree to when reading but they're hard to practice. People are just so in need of my judgement, condemnation and unforgiveness.... yeah right!

I fell into this trap just yesterday when I met with a church worker who I judged was not only doing a poor job but actually doing damage. What do you do with that? I guess a starting place is to not judge. Yes, things are being done poorly but maybe I could help or offer encouragement? Also, a dose of compassion would go a long way as well. I don't know what else is going on in that person's life, what crosses she is carrying.

So today is to be a day of no finger pointing or if there is, point the finger at me.

Dear Jesus, forgive me for my finger pointing propensity. Help me start with compassion and then offer constructive help and encouragement instead.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Look Up

Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, .Col.3:9,10

Paul writes to the Colossian Church to encourage them in the new life they have inherited since becoming believers. Old self-centered habits are listed for throwing away and thoughts are directed to heavenly things.

This describes the tension in my life, the battle between my old self and the new, between the world's seductions and the call of heaven. Lust and greed, malice and bad language are all things that won't go away. I have to be vigilant to stop them creeping back into my life.

There's good news here as well. There is the promise of progress, that my new self will grow more like God the more I do battle. And this has been my experience, especially when I pray more, read scripture more, embrace the sacraments more. These good habits do the stripping off, the killing my old self.

Thank you Jesus that you have given the Church to help me in my stripping away process. Help me have my gaze lifted up and not down today.

Encourage to Strengthen

God never meant us to experience the Retribution, but to win salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that, alive or dead, we should still live united to him. So give encouragement to each other, and keep strengthening one another, as you do already. 

1Thes.5:9-11

Paul is on his missionary journey with Silas and Timothy when he writes to the Church of the Thessalonians. It is a letter of encouragement, reminding them of what Jesus has won for them. Paul asks that they encourage one another with such thoughts as these.

Encouragement among believers. It's such a beautiful thing. We all need it and we all should be giving it. I occasionally write to our Catholic newspaper. I only write when I have something positive to say. I'm dismayed by the number of negative and carping letters the editor receives.

Paul tells me to encourage in order to strengthen. Today I am visiting a friend who is sick with cancer and in hospital. My task is simple. Encourage to strengthen.

Jesus, help me be an encourager today to strengthen the flickering flame, to steady the quavering legs.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Living and Loving

You have learnt from God yourselves to love one another, and in fact this is what you are doing... However, we do urge you, brothers, to go on making even greater progress and to make a point of living quietly, attending to your own business and earning your living, just as we told you to.
1 Thes.4:9-11

Paul writes to the Church in Thesalonica, encouraging them to continue loving one another and living a quite life.

It seems loving and living a quiet life are positive witness to an authentic Christian life. The world wants me to be noisy, showy, noticed. I'm called to a quiet life going about my business, earning my living and always loving.

Now, the quiet life, minding my own business, earning my living is easy. Loving others can be the hard part.

Jesus, you lived and loved so naturally. Help me by a live lover in my day today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Stay Awake

The other bridesmaids arrived later. “Lord, Lord,” they said “open the door for us.” But he replied, “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.” So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.’
Mt.25:11,13

Jesus is telling the parable of the Ten Virgins, five wise and five foolish. The wise were prepared for the arrival for the groom, the foolish were not and were bared from entry to the banquet. Jesus says "Stay awake".

I found it hard getting up this morning. It was one of those times where the warmth of my bed was seductive. I'm now glad I overcame it. For me, staying awake, being ready, involves my morning prayer time.

Reading the daily Mass readings keeps me in stride with the Church. I may not know the hour of Jesus' return but the Church knows how best to prepare me. At the end of these morning times I'm always more clearly focused on what I need to be doing in the coming day. Loving God and loving others.

Thank you Jesus for always being awake for me, always ready to engage with me when I turn to you. Help me "stay awake" today and see you in those I meet.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Come and See

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, the one about whom the prophets wrote: he is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ ‘From Nazareth?’ said Nathanael ‘Can anything good come from that place?’ ‘Come and see’ replied Philip.

Jn.1:45,46

Jesus is starting his public ministry by calling his first disciples. He has just invited Philip to follow him. Philip inturn invites a sceptical Nathanael to "Come and see".

I love this part of the New Testament story. It's evangelisation 101. Jesus invites Andrew to "Come and see". Andrew invites Peter. Jesus invites Philip to "Follow me". Philip invites Nathanael to "Come and see". There's a relational energy flowing that is irresistible, even to a sceptic like Nathanael and a clod of a fisherman like Peter.

This is very much the dynamic of the Alpha course I am involved in at the moment. Friends inviting friends to come and see. Bring your scepticism, your questions, your cherished beliefs whatever they are. Come and see. People don't have to be perfect before they are invited to meet Jesus. In fact the opposite is true. The more I admit my brokeness the more Jesus welcomes me.

The beauty and power of this invitation is that it allows for transformation from the inside out. Being accepted, no matter where I am from or what my belief, stops me from being defensive. This in turn makes me receptive. Receptive to what? To the amazing, life transforming knowledge that I am infinitely loveable and infinitely loved by God.

I can be part of this invitation to "Come and see" today.

Jesus, you invited me to "come and see" through people in my life who were excited about you. Help me pass on that excitement to those you place before me today. 
Little Flower, please pray for me.

See Rightly

Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself.

Mt.22:37-39

The Pharisees are trying to disconcert Jesus with trick questions. Jesus simply uses their questions to teach. Here he responds to the question "What is the greatest commandment?" by giving the Golden Rule... Love God and love others.

Jesus distills all law and prophesy. Loving God and loving others embraces every facet of my day, no matter what happens or who I meet. Treating others how I would want to be treated is a universal maxim.

Loving God and loving others are one and the same. Why do I find this so hard to do? I guess because I forget that God is in every other living soul meet. The good, the bad and the downright ugly are made in God's image. It's just that God's image can be obscured.

Today I want to see people as God sees them, infinitely lovable.

Lord, loving others is sometimes hard. Remind me to call on your vision to see difficult people as you see them, people in need of love.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Give and Laugh

Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you.
2Cor.9:7,8

Paul encourages the Corinthian Church to be a community of generosity, not only to give abundantly but also give cheerfully. God promises to not be outdone in generosity.

During our recent trip through Italy and France we encountered many beggars. Some were smoking fags and fiddling on their phones but others looked desperate. Outside one church I noticed one such beggar sitting on the steps with the inevitable paper cup. We were planning to attend Mass and I had cash in my pocket to put in the collection.

It turned out that Mass was cancelled and I commented to my wife that I might give some of my intended collection money to the beggar. She flippantly replied "Give all of it you cheapskate". I laughed at her challenge but did as she suggested. The beggars eyes stood out on stalks as his takings obviously grew beyond expectation.

If I were to describe the whole transaction with one word I'd say "cheerful". A cheerful challenge from my wife, cheerful giving from me and cheerful receiving from the beggar. It would be the most satisfying act of spontaneous charity I've ever done.  God loves a cheerful giver.

Thinking back over our eight weeks away, I observe we never had money worries. There always seemed to be enough to do what we wanted to do. We didn't not do anything for lack of finance. Yes we had a budget but we seemed to be blessed with an abundance, to the point where there was money left over when we returned home.

It's good for me to remember this time of blessing. When I stop clinging to things, especially to money, I receive a joyful blessing in return. The best way for me to stop clinging is to open my hand and give... and laugh while I'm doing it.

Thank you Jesus for the blessing of our European trip. Help me Lord to be a generous and cheerful giver. 
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Lose it to Find It

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
Mt.16:24,25

After predicting his own death, Jesus describes the cost of following him, dieing to self... He also states the benefit... finding life.

This cross Jesus talks about isn't something forced on me from the outside, like a sickness or a calamity of some sort. It's something I "take up", something I choose. The cross is an instrument of death, so taking it up means choosing to die to something, choosing to die to sin, die to self.

This is the hard part of following Jesus. Self wants to be alive and first, not dead and last. But then there is Jesus' promise... lose your life and you will find life. OK... here goes. Today I choose to put "me" to death. What does that leave? Others and Jesus.

Jesus, you have set the narrow path, the selfless path before me this morning. I reach out for your hand to help me along the way.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Don't Worry be Happy

So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Mt.6:34

Jesus is giving his great sermon on the mount. He addresses anxiety, identifying it as something that focuses on material things, robbing us of peace, and so is something to avoid.

I've read in the lives of saints about them having scruples, that is concerns about their own piety and spiritual well being. My sources of worry are more earthly, being focussed more on the "what should I eat, what shall I wear" variety that Jesus condemns.

Jesus is specific here. Do not worry about anything in the future. Why? Because it robs me of the present. It is in the present where I meet him, not in the future, not in the past. It's times when I'm totally present that I encounter God.

Today I deliberately choose to let tomorrow take care of itself and embrace more fully this day the Lord has made.

Thank you Jesus for the blessing of today. I place my trust in you.
Saint Mary of the Cross, please pray for me.

Persistence releases Compassion

She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.

Mt.15:27-28

The Canaanite woman pleads and argues with Jesus to heal her daughter. Not taking no for an answer, she persists until Jesus, seeing her great faith, grants her wish.

This is a remarkable story in that Jesus appears uncaring to her pleading. Knowing that Jesus is never uncaring and always compassionate, I have to ask what was he up to?

Jesus says he is primarily after the "lost sheep of Israel" yet he ends healing the daughter of a woman well outside the Jewish penfold. This is good news for me. Two things are revealed. Firstly, persistence in prayer attains its goal. Secondly, Jesus shows his compassion has no boundaries. The woman's persistence released Jesus' compassion.

Lord Jesus, you know my daily prayer list contains many that remain unanswered for years. Lord I persist with theses prayers trusting this will release your compassion.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Scarcity into Plenty

Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said.

Mt.14:16-18

Huge crowds follow Jesus to a lonely place where, out of pity for them, he heals their sick. The unplanned assembly has no food so the disciples turn to Jesus to solve the problem. The miracle feeding of the five thousand results.

Today's first reading has the complaining people mob Moses while crying out for meat.  Moses intercedes to God who then supplies quail to satisfy their hunger. The same course of action is followed in the Gospel... complaint, intercession, supply.

In both instances God uses what is available to meet the needs of the people, quail for the Hebrews in the desert, five loaves and two fish for the crowds following Jesus. What was required both times before a miracle happened was prayer. It seems God waits for the prayer before moving his hand.

Two things are revealed here. First, God wants to supply my needs. Second, he wants me to ask him. When I run out of options God is there waiting. "Ask and you shall receive", he says. It's only after I ask that miracles can happen.

Jesus, you are still in the business of turning scarcity into plenty. Our parish Alpha course starts this evening. Lord, I hand over our "five loaves and two fish" and ask you do a miraculous work.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Be a Joseph

‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely?'
Mt.13:54,55

Jesus is teaching in his hometown but is rejected by the people. Knowing where he was from blinded them to the miracles that were happening before them.

This could be the last reference to Joseph in the scriptures and it's an oblique and derogatory one at that. "How could such wisdom and power come from one who's father is just a carpenter". And yet there Jesus is with wisdom and power while his foster father was Joseph the carpenter.

The man is revealed in the boy he raised. Yes, Jesus is divine but he is fully human also. Joseph would have modeled for Jesus his humanity, what a man of faith looks like. Isn't this the role of every father for his sons and daughters?

My children are now adults, most with their own children. Yet my role remains, to model what a man of faith looks like for them and their children, to be a Joseph.

Jesus, you learnt from the knee of Joseph what true manliness looked like. Help me be an authentic witness of manliness to my children and grandchildren.
Saint Joseph, please pray for me.

Heart Surgery

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Acts16:14

Today's Gospel Acclamation is taken from Acts 16 verse 14. There it's recorded how Lydia, who was listening to Paul preach, had her heart opened and she believed. As a result she and her household were baptised.

This sort of divine heart surgery is very different from the physical kind. It's lifesaving in an eternal sense. It changes everything in a person's life. God becomes the central point of reference. The moment it happened for me I will never forget. My landscape changed forever.

Our parish is about to start an Alpha Course. While there is no pressure and no expectations on guests attending Alpha, there's every hope that divine heart surgery will take place. I'm looking forward to the course also for my own benefit. My own heart needs softening up to pay attention to what God is saying.

Lord God, my heart can harden so easily. Open my heart so can pay attention to what you are saying to me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Fear and Love

He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him.
Ps.102:10,11

The psalmist reveals the mighty mercy and love God has for those who fear him.

The heavens are measurelessly high above the earth yet this is how God describes his love for me despite my sins. What's the qualifier? Fearing God.

Fear has a negative connotation yet scripture constantly holds up the fear of God as a great virtue. The fear of God is the start of all wisdom. Hearing someone is God-fearing actually makes us trust that person more. If they fear God, they are more likely to keep their word and treat others with kindness. It's as though they have one eye on God while relating to people.

The fear of God is more than just holding God in awe and wonder. It's making him my constant reference point, his mercy and love the mark against which I measure how I relate to people. This is both difficult and easy. Difficult because the smoke screen of the world works to obscure my view of God. Easy because God is constantly leaning down to reveal himself to me. I just need to look for him.

Jesus, you are God-with-us. I want you clearly in sight today so I may fear you as I love others.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Death, Where is Your Sting

‘I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she said ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.’ 

Jn.11:25-27

Feast of Saint Martha 

Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus and is met by Martha who remonstrates that had he not tarried Lazarus would be alive. Jesus answers with a clear revelation of who he is and challenges Martha to state her belief in him. Martha gives the right answer and in that atmosphere of pure faith Jesus performs his great miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.

Martha is coxed by Jesus to give her magnificent statement of faith... "you are the Christ, the Son of God". It seems Jesus uses her faith to fuel the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. Here he reveals that even death, the big bogey for all of us, is conquered by his love.

My mother, on her deathbed, accepted Jesus as the resurrection and the life after a lifetime of atheism. I saw the transforming peace this gave her, even commented on by my non-believing sister.

My proclamation of faith in Jesus means death has lost its sting and the door is opened for life, peace and joy to flood in.

Jesus, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Wheat Among the Weeds

Let them both grow till the harvest; and at harvest time I shall say to the reapers: First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt, then gather the wheat into my barn. 

Mt.13:30

Jesus tells the parable of the wheat among the weeds to explain the Kingdom of Heaven.

This another time where Jesus tells the unpopular truth that not everyone is going to heaven. Some come into the the Father's house while others are gathered and burnt. Sorry, there it is. According to Jesus, Hell exists and it's unpleasantly hot.

This puts a sharper focus on evangelisation, especially on ensuring my family are wheat and not weeds. It's not just a nice thing to do. It's a matter of eternal life or death.

And then there's the matter of my own salvation. What assurances do I have there? Only the assurances of Jesus. "Come to me... I am the way".

Yes, weeds exist. They are life-choking. Wheat is life-giving. Today I am to be the seed on fertile ground, the wheat among the weeds to nourish those around me.

Jesus, sometimes the weeds, the cares and worries of the world, choke me. I flick those cares off my shoulders and lift my face up to you. I want to be life-giving in you today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Just Breath

Their descendants stand by the covenants and, thanks to them, so do their children’s children. Their offspring will last forever, their glory will not fade. Their bodies have been buried in peace, and their name lives on for all generations.

Eccl.44:12-14

Today is the memorial of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus. Sirach writes a hymn in honour of all faithfull ancestors.

I attended grandparents day at our grandchildren's Catholic primary school yesterday and had the joy of attending Mass with my six year old grandson sitting on my knee. I was reminded of how faith is caught, not taught. Teaching has to happen but the gift of faith is something that is breathed in. And to be breathed in it has to be in the atmosphere being breathed.

My faith was caught but not in the usual way. My children evangelised me, their non-believer father. They caught their faith from their mother, my wife, who in turn caught it from her parents. So God can give the gift of faith in many ways but it always involves relationships, usually within families. It's in a family where faith is practiced that faith is breathed in, that faith is caught.

As a mighty Kauri generates oxygen through photosynthesis, I still have a role to play in my children's and grandchildren's lives. I can generate a faith-laden atmosphere so it can be breathed in by those around me.

Lord Jesus, thank you for my gift of faith. Help me add faith to the atmosphere in my home so it can be breathed in by those close to me.
Saint's Anne and Joachim, please pray for me.

Family of God

‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.’
Mt.12:50

The crowd listening to Jesus is so large his anxious family can't reach him. Jesus uses the situation to explain that all who do the will of God are family to him.

This elevates the relationship with God that we are invited into. Jesus says we aren't just servants, we're not simply followers, we are family. Families live together, eat together, laugh, cry, squabble together. We are real with each other. Mostly, we love each other.

Our essential humanness, our strengths and failings, are revealed in our families. Families are messy but Jesus is saying that is OK. Why? Because the glue that holds our families together, holds my family together, is love. Today, when I love my family, I am doing the will of God the Father in heaven, I am part of the family of God.

Lord Jesus, your family thought you were crazy, misunderstood you. Family can be hard. Yet my family are my first church, the very ones I am to love first. Help me do God's will and be a father, brother, husband today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

More Oxygen - Increase the Heat

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. 

Jn.20:18

Mary Magdalene stays weeping at the entrance of Jesus' empty tomb after Peter and John leave as "They still did not understand...". She was the very first to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News that Jesus is alive!

Mary Magdalene's name is mentioned more often in the Gospels than most of the Apostles. She was at the epicenter of all that happened in Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection. Her great love of Jesus is held up today, her feast day, for us to model.

True to form, Jesus continues to use the weakest to first reveal himself. He could have used Peter and John but he didn't. They left the tomb still scratching their heads. It was to Mary, lost in her grief, paying the price of her magnificent love, that he first showed his resurrected self.

It seems that love is the key, like the love of Mary Magdalene. If I want to proclaim the Good News I need to love the Good News. Love will make me run down a hill and burst into a room shouting "Jesus is alive!" That sort of enthusiasm can change lives, can change the course of history, starting today...

Jesus, sometimes my love of you wanes. The cares of the world smother me. Help me push aside the less important so my love for you gets more oxygen and can blaze with heat again.
Saint Mary Magdalene, please pray for me.

Burn the Rule Book

'And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’
Mt.12:7,8

Jesus' disciple are condemned by the Pharisees for picking and eating corn on the Sabbath. Jesus defends his disciples by pointing out the hierarchy of true religion. Mercy is greater than sacrifice.

The history of the Church is littered with times when a genuine move of the Holy Spirit has had a picket fence built around it and membership tickets, with associated rule books, handed out. At such times the Holy Spirit quietly steps over the picket fence and moves on, leaving the membership tickets and rule books behind.

The Pharisees were still inside the empty fenced area with their rule books. Sacrifice had become an idol at the expense of mercy. Jesus set the record straight.

There's a little lawyer inside of me that loves rule books. They are so neat and tidy, so black and white. Mercy can be messy, painful even. Yet this is what Jesus calls me to be, not an agent of rules but an agent of mercy.

Jesus, help me be merciful with the people I meet today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Rest for my Soul

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Mt.11:28-30

Jesus is teaching and preaching in the towns of Galilee. People are starting to notice Jesus and he encourages them to come to him and receive rest for their souls.

Oh what a sweet and ageless message. Jesus promises rest for my soul, an easy yoke, a light burden.  In an era where technology is meant to relieve us of burdens, tiredness is a common complaint. This shows that the burdens we carry are spiritual in nature, not physical.

When my spirit is exhausted little things can crush me. When my spirit is rested and refreshed I have extra stamina both emotionally and physically. I roll with the punches. I can go the extra mile.

How do I receive this life giving rest? Simply put, I come to Jesus. I spend time with him, daily.

Thank you Jesus for the rest you give me. I shoulder your yoke and learn from you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Mercy

Now Pharaoh’s daughter went down to bathe in the river, and the girls attending her were walking along by the riverside. Among the reeds she noticed the basket, and she sent her maid to fetch it. She opened it and looked, and saw a baby boy, crying; and she was sorry for him.Ex.2:5,6

While Pharaoh is slaughtering all Hebrew baby boys Moses is hidden in a basket in the reeds of the Nile. Pharaoh's daughter discovers the baby and is moved by pity to rescue and raise him.

While Pharaoh is bent on destroying the Hebrew race his own daughter is instrumental in ensuring that God's plan of salvation succeeds. The pivotal point where a decision either way could alter mankind's destiny is when Pharaoh's daughter opens the basket lid. At that moment pity and mercy change the course of history.

Mercy is often seen as weakness. This is never true. It takes courage to be merciful, to withhold judgement. It is one of the great virtues of Christian life and where it is exercised it reveals great strength of character.  It is the mercy of God that gives me hope every time I enter the confessional, gives me hope when I face final judgement.

Mercy reveals the face of God and can be exercised by anyone, great or small. Mercy can be exercised by me today.

Lord Jesus, let your mercy triumph over judgement. Help me be an agent of mercy today as you have been merciful to me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Lord at my Side

‘If the Lord had not been on our side,’ this is Israel’s song. ‘If the Lord had not been on our side when men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive when their anger was kindled.Ps.124:1-3

The psalmist writes while recalling the Hebrew's escape from the yoke of slavery in Egypt. Even in the darkest of times the Lord was on their side.

The weather is cold and wet outside. The stark contrast with the European summer I have just left is palpable. I haven't had the advantage of the gradual acclimatisation of autumn. New Zealand winter is entrenched and oppressive.  It's easy to forget there is blue sky above the rain clouds, that spring always follows winter.

Today's psalm reminds me God is always at my side, in hard times and easy, in cold sleet and balmy sunshine. Always at my side. This keeps my head looking up, stops the oppressive here and now from obscuring my vision, clouding my purpose.

So, with the Lord at my side today the joy of the Lord continues to be my strength, in rain or sunshine, easy times or hard. Alleluia!

Thank you Jesus for your faithful friendship, for your constant presence, for always being at my side.
Saint Bonaventure, please pray for me.

Rejoice!

Be proud of his holy name, let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.Ps.104:4

The psalmist recounts the wonders God has done for his people and exhorts believers to be bold and rejoice in their faith.

Having just returned from over seven weeks in Europe I'm meditating on what on I have observed and experienced in that time. One thing stands out. The last two thousand years of western history has been inexorably entwined with Christianity.

Wherever we were, simply seeking out where to go to Mass each day led to a greater discovery about the history of a place. It was like peeling back the skin of an orange and discovering not only does the fruit look interesting but it tastes sublime as well.

I've returned with an increased pride in my Catholic faith and a joy in being a seeker of the Lord. We have been given much. There is so much more to look forward to.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your Church. Thank you for my gift of faith. Give me more of your spirit to fire me into a bold and joyful witness for you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Every Moment

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. Jn.21:25

 Saint John finishes his unfinishable account of Jesus’ time walking the earth in Palestine. He admits Jesus did much more than he could possibly record. Much of Jesus’ life is unrecorded, yet he would have lived those moments with no lesser mission, passion, love and joy. His life wasn’t a performance to be written in a play. He was authentically alive every moment of every day, whether people were watching or not

 Sometimes I catch myself looking sideways at my reflection in a window. I did this the other day, checking to see how I looked in my new hat. Honestly, nobody cares how I look. However, Jesus does care how I act, whether others are looking or not. He is watching me today, cheering me on to be authentically alive.

Jesus, I confess my vanity to you. Send me your Spirit to help me be alive for you every moment today. Saint Ambrose, please pray for me.

Witness of Joy

For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins. Ps.102:11,12 

 The supreme love and enfolding forgiveness of God for those who seek him is laid out plainly for all to see.

 Psalm 102 is a beautiful self portrait of God. He is revealed as a God who forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, renews and loves. This is the God who our world denies. Why? Why run from such love, hope and peace? Maybe I don’t witness for him clearly enough for the world to see.

Yesterday, outside the Firenze Duomo of all places, a loud group of Harikrishnas danced and sang through the crowd of tourists. They had euphoric smiles over their faces as they approached to hand out their literature. As I declined and explained I was Christian, I felt the joy of what that actually means well up inside and broke out in laughter. It stopped him in his tracks. We both said namaste to each other and he moved on.

 The best confrontation of counterfeit joy is authentic Christian joy. Let this be my hallmark today.

 Jesus, you are the source of my hope, my peace, my love and my joy. Let me be your witness today. Saint Ambrose, pray for me.

Leap!

Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.    Lk.1:41 

Mary visits Elizabeth and as soon as she approaches her Elizabeth’s child leaps in her womb and bang, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit.

Now here’s a fresh thought, for me anyway. Mary can be a way of being filled with the Holy Spirit. I’m currently in Assisi and grottos with statues of Mary are everywhere. These have been occupying my “Catholic Shelf” for a while. Hmmm…….

Mary Mother of God, pray for me that I may receive a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit of God like Elizabeth, that your son may be glorified in me. Saint Elizabeth, pray for me.

God is Close

Since the God who made the world and everything in it is himself Lord of heaven and earth, he does not make his home in shrines made by human hands. Nor is he dependent on anything that human hands can do for him.    Acts 17:24,25 

 Saint Paul is speaking to the Greeks of Athens, starting his preaching by acknowledging the Greek’s worship of “the Unknown God”. Paul expounds that this God they already worship is in fact the God of the Universe who made everything and is not found in idols but in all that he created.

 The past week has seen me in some very holy places, in front of staggeringly beautiful art, even in front of the bones of Saint Peter. Yet Saint Paul reminds me these are not the home of God, as beautiful and sacred as they are. He goes on to say, “he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.”

 Today I am ascending Montecassino, another “thin place”, a place where the barrier between God and me is very thin. Yet, it is not the home of God. His home is in all his creation, including me.

 Lord Jesus, help me see you in the least as well as the great. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. Little Flower, please pray for me.

The Way

Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’
Jn.14:5,6

Jesus has just washed the disciples feet at the Last Supper and now continues his final teaching to his disciples. He has told them he is going to prepare a place for them, that they know the way to this place. He is the way.

This is the inconvenient truth. No one can come to the Father except through Jesus. Other faiths and religions have elements of truth but only Christianity unequivocally states this. Jesus said it. I believe it.

Jesus describing the Father's house with many room prepared is read at many funerals. For good reason. Jesus said it to comfort his disciples prior to his Passion. He says it today to comfort me and to encourage me to follow "The Way".

Lord Jesus, you are my way, my truth, my life. I place my trust in you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Love Joy Love Joy Love

I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.Jn.15:11,12

The Last Supper has finished. Jesus is giving his very final teaching to the Apostles. His last command to them is to love.

When a man knows he is about to die he chooses his words carefully. The last message will always be be the most import message. For Jesus this was "Love one another, then your joy will be complete".

The message for me is clear. Do I want joy? Then love others. A great focus for me today.

Lord Jesus, my desire is for your joy in me to be complete. Show me people to love today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Food for the Journey

‘Sir,’ they said ‘give us that bread always.’ Jesus answered: ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst.’
Jn.6:34,35

News of the feeding of the five thousand has spread. People are clamouring after Jesus for more miracles but knowing their hearts are in the wrong place he simply gives them the Good News. 'I am the bread of life'.

Jesus is about to give his powerful discourse on his body and blood, the teaching too hard for many then and too hard for many now. But the truth remains. Am I hungry? Is there a gnawing dissatisfaction in my life making me constantly search for the next big thing? Am I always thirsty, never completely sated? Jesus says 'Come and eat. Come and drink'.

Jesus, you are my bread of life. Thank you Lord for your body and blood freely given, my food for the journey.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Boldness and Courage

The members of the Sanhedrin all looked intently at Stephen, and his face appeared to them like the face of an angel.    

Acts.6:15

Stephen has been working great miracles in Jesus' name, gaining the attention of the Sanhedrin.  He is arrested with false charges and made to appear before the court. Rather than being fearful, Stephen appears radiant.

This man is facing death and yet he appears to have the face of an angel. The Holy Spirit is in him, prompting him as to what to say. Like Peter, the Holy Spirit gives Stephan boldness and courage.

Boldness and courage. These are among the first fruits of the Holy Spirit, especially when proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Our first Alpha leaders team meeting is tonight. Many of the team are uncertain and fearful of what may be asked of them. Come Holy Spirit!

Come Holy Spirit of God, give boldness and courage to the Alpha team tonight, starting with me, that Jesus may be lifted up and all men drawn to him.
Saint Stephen, pray for us.

Good News!

I taught you what I had been taught myself, namely that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; and that he was raised to life on the third day.    1Cor.15:3,4

Paul is writing to the Church in Corinth reminding them of what he taught regarding the basis of their faith, what was the essential Good News of the message.

What is the "Good News" of the gospel? Here we have it. Christ died for our sins, was buried, then rose again on the third day. We say this every time we go to Mass. It is the mystery of faith acclamation said in the liturgy of the eucharist. Chris has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. It is the Paschal mystery, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, central to our Catholic faith.

This is so familiar that its significance can be lost to me. This is good news indeed! Easter is a great time to recall this good news and celebrate the joy of it. This is the source of my Easter joy today, a joy that I can share.

Alleluia! Christ died for my sins, was buried and rose again on the third day. Alleluia!
Saints Philip and James, please pray for me.

Come Holy Spirit

'We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ This so infuriated them that they wanted to put them to death.    Acts 5:33

The Apostles are brought before the Jewish high court and are accused of ignoring their orders and continuing to spread the news about Jesus' resurrection.  Peter boldly denies none of this and proceeds to proclaim the Good News to their very faces. He says the Apostles and the Holy Spirit of God are witnesses to the truth of Jesus' resurrection.

Peter has turned from a sand pile into a rock. The crucial ingredient to Peter's transformation is the Holy Spirit. From the moment Peter was anointed by the Holy Spirit in the upper room he become a fearless proclaimer of Jesus as the risen Messiah.

This is a good reminder for me to invite the Holy Spirit further into my life. Starting now...

Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me. Fill me with your power, satisfy my need. Only you can make me whole, give me strength and make me grow. Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.
Saint Peter, please pray for me.

Lift Jesus Up

'The Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.'    Jn.3:15

Jesus is talking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who is intrigued with Jesus and trying to understand what it is that Jesus is saying. Jesus uses the metaphor of Moses' bronze serpent, raised to give life to all who were bitten by serpents in the desert. This Nicodemus would have understood.

Jesus being lifted up so that people may believe is on my mind a lot lately. This is exactly what the Alpha course aims to do. How can people believe if they are not told?

We have a tentative team of nervous Nellies who are not sure if they're up to the task. Jesus will use anyone who is willing. I'm praying the team will be transformed into bold proclaimers as Peter was and as Nicodemus was. They key for both men was the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit...

Come Holy Spirit. Embolden us so that we can lift Jesus up and people will believe.
Saint Nicodemus, please pray for us.

Heart Surgery

Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.    Lk.24:35

Two disciples are dejectedly walking away from Jerusalem, their dreams of all they thought Jesus could be smashed. They meet Jesus unrecognised on the road who reignites their hearts. Their encounter with the risen Lord is confirmed in the breaking of the bread.

What impresses me with this well known story is how Jesus doesn't try to turn them around on the road. He actually walks along with them, away from Jerusalem where they should be with the other disciples. Jesus meets them where they are at, lost in their grief, then changes their hearts so that they turn and run back to Jerusalem from their own volition.

Heart surgery. That's how Jesus worked with me. Rather than forcing change from the outside in, he worked on my heart, changing me from the inside out. That change is far more effective, far more permanent.

That's how I see Alpha working, from the inside out. Meet people where they are at, no matter how far away that is from where they should be. Walk alongside them, change their hearts and then watch them run back to where they should be. What could be more exciting!

Jesus, thank you for accepting me with all my misconceptions and brokenness. Help me have the same compassion for others who have had their dreams broken and who are lost.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Called by Name

‘Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.’ Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ She knew him then and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbuni!’ – which means Master.    Jn.20:15-16

Mary of Magdala has arrived at Jesus' tomb to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. She is distraught and doesn't recognise the risen Jesus until he calls her name. She then becomes the very first person to receive and tell the Good News... Jesus is alive!

Mary of Magdala is known as the apostle to the apostles. She was the first to tell them that Jesus had risen. Peter and John run to the tomb and the rest is history. Mary is mentioned twelve times in the gospels, more than most of the other apostles. She was one of the women who financially supported Jesus' ministry. She witnessed Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

The woman from whom Jesus drove seven demons was at the epicenter of early Christian life yet she didn't recognise Jesus until he called her by name. It was her personal relationship with Jesus that finally made her recognise him.

That's how Jesus works with people. That's how Jesus works with me, on a first name basis. My faith is in a personal savior who gives me personal relief. And he is alive and with me today. Alleluia!

Thank you Jesus for calling me by name. I am yours and you are mine.
Saint Mary Magdala, please pray for me.

This is What I Recieved

This is what I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you: that on the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread...      1Cor.11:23

Saint Paul is writing to the Church in Corinth, instructing them on how Jesus instituted the Mass at the Last Supper. It's a gift he received and is now passing on to others.

Holy Week reminds me why I love being Catholic. The very core of our faith is spotlighted by the Church. Today, Maundy Thursday, the focus is on the institution of the Mass and the washing of feet. The Mass feeds me and gives me life, to do what? To go out and wash feet.

This beautiful faith has been gifted to me and I pass it on to my children and grandchildren. That's how it worked two thousand years ago and it's how it works today. I'm hoping to extend my foot washing by starting an Alpha course in our parish, passing on faith in Jesus to people as yet unchurched. What a privilege...

Lord Jesus, thank you for my precious gift of faith. Help me pass it on to others.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

One Step at a Time

Peter said to him, ‘Why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ ‘Lay down your life for me?’ answered Jesus. ‘I tell you most solemnly, before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.’    Jn.13:36-38

Judas has just left to betray Jesus. Jesus foretells his Passion. Peter, typically not comprehending, blusters his pledge of allegiance. Jesus clinically tells Peter what his "allegiance" will shortly do.

This is leading to Peter's low-point, his denial of Christ. To underscore the betrayal, Jesus openly predicts Peter's cowardice in front of the others. It was recorded for all time. It seems the depth of Peter's betrayal laid the foundation for the height of his profound courage and loyalty that grew from that point on.

Have I denied Christ? Yes, many times. Each time I've chosen sin for a start. Does this mean I'm a hopeless case? No. Just as Peter rose from the ashes of his failures, so can I. Holy week is a time not to deny Jesus but to accompany him, stand by him through his Passion and death. My advantage over Peter is that I know what follows on the third day....

Jesus, forgive me for the many times I have denied you. I'm wary of making bold pledges. My spirit is willing but my flesh is so weak. But I can be reasonably sure of my next step alongside you. And then maybe the next... and the next...
Little Flower, please pray for me.