Merry Christmas!

Alleluia, alleluia! 

A holy day has dawned upon us. 

Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. 

Today a great light has come down upon the earth. 

Alleluia! 

Today's Gospel Acclamation sums up the joy of Christmas. The light of Christ still shines throughout the world.

Today is the sixth day of the Octave of Christmas. While the world has moved on to celebrating the New Year, Mother Church is still thrilling in the joy of the birth of Jesus. Christmas is so great the Church says the one day is eight days long, so full is its wonder and joy. 

Even Christian radio stations have stopped playing Christmas carols. Not me. I'm still in Christmas. Why move on?  Peace on earth and good will to all men! Unto us a child is given. Alleluia!

Jesus, the wonder of your incarnation continues to reverberate in me. Today I am a Christmas person, a true Christian.

Saint Joseph, please pray for me.

 

A Man of Character

When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

Mt.1:24

Joseph has determined to divorce Mary, be it informally, when he is spoken to in a dream to the do the opposite, to take her as his wife. He awakes and unquestioningly does what the angel has told him to do.

The beginning of Matthew's Gospel tells us much of what we know about Joseph. He was a man of honour, a man who recognised God's word and a man who was obedient. There was enough character in Joseph for God to entrust the care of his son to him when the son was most vulnerable, a new-born baby.

For me, Joseph is a great role model of manhood. If the few verses written about Joseph could be written about me I would be mightily pleased. Today I can focus on being a man of honour, a man who hears God's word and tends to it.

Jesus, help me become a man whose character is pleasing to you. 

Saint Joseph, please pray for me.

Be Alert

If only you had been alert to my commandments, your happiness would have been like a river, your integrity like the waves of the sea.

Is.48:18

God laments the apostasy of his chosen people. They have turned their backs on happiness and integrity. What does this leave? Sadness and unfaithfulness.

Sadness and unfaithfulness are common maladies. The antidote is alertness to God's commandments, to his Word. These are not dusty and outdated rules. They are the key to happiness and faithfulness, things the world craves. 

Stay awake! Be ready! The cry of Advent calls for alertness to God's commandments. When I am alert, happiness and faithfulness are mine... today.

Lord, help me be alert to your word, your voice, today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Hope in the Lord

I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!
Ps.26.13,14

The psalmist sings of his hope and expectation of the coming of the Lord.

This is the anthem of Advent. Hope in Him, Take heart. Hope in the Lord. People hope in so many things, other people, circumstance, plans and dreams. But for me to take heart, to be strong and courageous in faith, my hope is in the Lord.

I take this Advent hope into my day.

Oh come Lord Jesus come. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Peace on Earth

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.

Ps.22:1-3.

David's great psalm portrays the destination of our Advent gaze, green pastures, still waters.

I'm looking out over the green spring pasture of a school sports field as I write. The morning sun is sparkling in the dew. Green pastures, still waters. There is a promise of peace and rest. This promise is mine to take into my day.

Jesus, you give me peace this morning. Help me be an agent of peace to all I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

 

Maranatha!

The wolf lives with the lamb, the panther lies down with the kid, calf and lion feed together, with a little boy to lead them.

Is.11:6

Isaiah prophesies the glorious arrival of the "Root of Jesse" and the change of world order from aggression and destruction to joy and peace.

This wonderful season of Advent is a time of preparing the way, of expectancy, of straining forward to something glorious just over the horizon. Isaiah describes who and what it is I am preparing, expecting, straining. Jesus' return.

Christmas celebrates Jesus' first coming. Advent anticipates his second. This is the source of my optimism and joy. 

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

New Heaven New Earth

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.

Apoc.21:1,2

Saint John sees the book of life being read for every soul that ever lived for the final judgement. The old world is then cast into the fiery lake and a new heaven and new earth, a new creation, comes from heaven for those judged worthy.

This vision is truly apocalyptical, depicting total destruction of the world. Yet it finishes with a great promise of eternal glory. This reminds me of the final book in the Narnian Chronicals, The Last Battle. C.S. Lewis describes the children entering a new world that is strangely familiar. They finally realise it is the old Narnia but so much more beautiful and clear and perfect, made of colors yet unseen, fruit with flavors yet untasted. More importantly they recognise Aslan who has turned into someone who is the perfection of his former lion-self.  

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!
Saint Philip Neri, pray for me.

Satnd 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 is preparing his disciples for the end of time. While unbelievers faint with fear, we the Church are to stand up and lift our heads. Why? For our Savior draws near.

This is the great message of hope from Jesus. The time where every tear will be replaced with shouts of joy is a promise from him. And Jesus keeps his word. This is a foundation stone for my joy today. No matter what happens, Jesus will return and I can stand and lift my head.

Thank you Jesus for your promise of liberation. I stand on your promise today and claim the joy it brings into my world.

Saint Philip Neri, patron saint of Joy, please pray for me.

 

Cry Out with Joy

Let the land and all it bears rejoice, all the trees of the wood shout for joy at the presence of the Lord for he comes, he comes to rule the earth. 

Ps.95:13

The psalmist sings of God's return at the end of time to rule and judge all the world.

Nearing the end of the calendar year the Church has us again focusing on the end of time. Here we learn there will be a great cry from everything and everyone when Jesus returns. For some it will be a cry of horror, for others a cry of joy. The surety and finality of end times judgement will not escape anyone.

What can I do to ensure my cry will be one of joy? Again I am reminded of Jesus' parable of the sower where he describes the rich soil as "people with a noble and generous heart who hear the Word and tend to it". The fruit of a noble and generous heart is to hear God's Word and act on it. 

So, to be found acting on God's Word is a good place to be when Jesus returns. He may return today...

Lord Jesus, I want my cry to you when you return to be a cry of joy. Give me courage and strength to act on your word, to tend to it today.

Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions, please pray for me.

 

Use or Lose

I tell you, to everyone who has will be given more; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Lk.19:26

Jesus is telling the parable of the ten gold coins. The man who was fearful and hid his coins rather than investing them was rebuked by his lord and stripped of the little he did have.

We all have been given something of value from God to invest for him, even if it is just the breath we draw, life itself. What is my gift of value, apart from life? 

I think I am able to teach and to lead. Alpha has been a place I can exercise these talents, perhaps explaining why I resonate so much in that ministry. 

Today's reading reminds me of the principal, "Use it or lose it" and the using is to be for God's glory, not my own. 

Jesus, you have given me much. Help me be not fearful but bold in using what I have been given, for your glory.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Love

I am writing now, dear lady, not to give you any new commandment, but the one which we were given at the beginning, and to plead: let us love one another.
2Jn.5

Saint John writes of the supreme commandment given since God first established his covenant. Love one another.

There are many ways I relate to others. Only one has been given any credence by God. I am to love. Here lies the key to happiness and fulfillment in my life. Today's psalm says, "Happy are those who follow God's Law". What is that law? According to Jesus it is to love God and love others. Here is my marching orders for today...

Jesus, you are perfect love. Fill me with your love that I can love others I meet in my day.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Family

I know you have been deprived of Onesimus for a time, but it was only so that you could have him back for ever, not as a slave any more, but something much better than a slave, a dear brother; especially dear to me, but how much more to you, as a blood-brother as well as a brother in the Lord.

Phil.15,16

Paul writes to Philemon, a wealthy man and slave owner, asking him to accept a former slave now as a brother.

What can a prisoner, a wealthy man and a slave have in common? In this story it is Jesus. Here we have a wonderful example of what the family of God looks like. Very different individuals bound together in a familial relationship through Jesus. 

This was the unique characteristic of the early Church and continues to be the unique characteristic of the Church today. The Alpha Course we've just finished is an example. Different people in every way yet we discovered a common bond, each of us is loved by God as sons and daughters. This immediately makes us brothers and sisters, makes us family.

Thank you Jesus for calling us together into one body, into family. Help me see all I meet today as sons and daughters, loved by God and so my brothers and sisters.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

 

Heaven is Home

For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the Savior we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ph.3:20

Saint Paul reminds the Philippian Church that heaven is their home and home is where they to be facing while waiting for the return of Jesus.

The world about me screeches that here is my home. When I listen to this I become grasping, trying to grab and hold more of the world. Jesus says this is just shadowlands, that even the best of days is just a glimmer of what is to come. Today I am in the world but not of it. Heaven is my home.

Thank you Jesus for calling me further up and further in. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

Welcome and Eat with Me

The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

Lk.15:1,2

Jesus is accused of breaking the Law by welcoming sinners. Jesus not only doesn't deny this but affirms the welcoming of sinners as true religion.

Grace is what makes Christianity unique among all religions. The outrageous welcoming of sinners, just as they are, gives Christianity its standout appeal. Firstly, this is Good News for me. I am a sinner yet Jesus loves to hang out with me. Secondly, this clearly spells out my obligation to other sinners. Don't judge them, welcome them. 

Jesus says, "Is there no one here to condemn you? Then neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more".  It is by first accepting the person just as they are that inner conversion can then take place. That was my experience. Today is the day for me to welcome sinners and eat with them.

Jesus, thank you for welcoming me and eating with me. Help me welcome and eat with others.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Joyful Zealot

Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful.

Rms.12:11 

Saint Charles Borromeo

Saint Paul writes to the Church in Rome, encouraging the communal life they should lead, loving one another and working for the Lord, in other words be love in action.

Working with zeal brings its own satisfaction. Hope always brings with it joy. Joyful zealots. What a great witness such people are. 

Jesus, you were a joyful zealot. Help me follow your example and be a worthy witness for you.

Saint Charles Borromeo, please pray for me.

 

 

Deadly Distractions

Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.

Lk.14:21

Jesus tells the Parable of the Great Banquet to prophesy what will happen at the Great Banquet of God's Kingdom. All are are invited but only the weak, the poor, the lame, those at the bottom of the heap with no worldly attachments accept the invitation. 

Worldly attachments can be a tool to bring people into the Kingdom or deadly distraction. The latter is more often the case. The antidote is to seek first the Kingdom of God. This means investing my first, my best for Jesus. The other stuff is then seen in right perspective, reconstituted dust. 

Jesus, you know my attachment to things. Help me place you and your love for others in first place.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

People Overjoyed

When he said this, all his adversaries were covered with confusion, and all the people were overjoyed at all the wonders he worked.

Lk.13:17

Jesus has performed a miracle on the Sabbath, healing a woman of an eighteen year infirmity of body and spirit. A synagogue official accuses Jesus of breaking the Sabbath to which Jesus replies the Sabbath is the right day to release people from bondage. This causes confusion among his enemies but great joy among the people. 

Jesus' work in the lives of people brings great joy. This is as true today as it was two thousand years ago. The hallmark of a genuine work of God is joy. This is hardly surprising as people are being set free. I've seen this demonstrated through Alpha Courses we have run, convincing me it is a work of God.

We have an Alpha Course meeting tonight. I'm looking forward to the joy...

Thank you Jesus for breaking my chains of bondage, for bringing joy into my life. Help me set prisoners free by your power that joy may reign. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Spontaneous Forgiveness

Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us.

Lk.11:3

The disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus gives them, and us, the Lord's Prayer.

The Lord's Prayer is a favourite of Christendom and the best known by non-believers. It remains my favourite after hearing my ashiest mother make this her committal prayer to Jesus on her deathbed. At the prayer's heart is the request for forgiveness and the commitment to being a forgiver.  

Jesus knew forgiveness is an obstacle when withheld and a key when offered. It's the crucial element to an authentic Christian life. An unforgiving Christian is an oxymoron. 

It's harder to forgive when the person in need of it doesn't even ask for it. That's the situation I find myself in today. 

Jesus, you extended forgiveness to those crucifying you even though they never asked for it. Help me be a spontaneous forgiver like you and be set free. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Right Order

‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

Lk.10:42

Jesus is in the home of two sisters. Martha works. Mary listens. Martha complains to Jesus about Mary not helping her but Jesus corrects Martha and defends Mary.

I remember a children's song about this event. A child asks did Martha do wrong. The answer was no, she did the right thing but at the wrong time. Serving and cleaning is to be done as if we are serving Jesus but not at the expense of sitting and listening to Jesus. This morning, to reach my prayer place, I had to walk past a full dishwasher with more dishes waiting to be loaded. The dishes will still be there when I finish. This prayer time will be gone for ever. 

When I find myself "worrying and fretting" it is time to sit and listen.

Thank you Jesus for perspective, for helping me see things in correct order. Help me today not to worry and fret.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Love My Neighbour

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him.

Lk.10:33

Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan in response to the question, "Who is my neighbour that I must love as myself?" The answer is simple. Any human being you encounter who has need.

Compassion is the key. Jesus is often recorded as being moved by compassion before performing a miracle. Here the Samaritan, a foreigner, recognises a fellow human being in distress and is moved by compassion for him. His compassion leads to action. His action is a sign of his love. 

Yesterday, while with grandchildren at our local shopping center, we passed a beggar sitting on the footpath, a hand scrawled note on a bit of cardboard asking for money or food. The beggar looked overweight and I labelled her a bludger. Irrespective of her circumstance, I think I missed an opportunity to love my neighbour and teach my grandchildren. 

Forgive me Lord for my natural tendency to judge and label. This is a barrier to love. Help me be a great lover like you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

 

Little is Great

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

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

Mt.18:3

Jesus is answering the disciple's question, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Calling a child he says people like this are great in the kingdom.

This statement of Jesus sets the pattern for the Church's structure... the upside down pyramid. The disciples view of greatness was that of the World. The powerful were on top. Jesus said they had to change not only their thinking but their behavior. They had to become like little children.

I have to change. I have twelve grandchildren role modelling to me what I am to become. Not childish but childlike. 

Thank you Jesus that you call me to a childlike joyfulness and simplicity. I embrace this greatness today.
Saint Therese, you mastered the lifestyle of smallness and simplicity. Please pray for me.

Angels

Feast of Archangels Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.

Jn.1:51

Jesus is starting his ministry and has met Nathanael who he is about to call. Nathanael is impressed that Jesus knew of him before they met. Jesus reveals Nathanael will see much more, indeed he will see heaven and all its angels.

Today is the feast of the Archangels, including my name-sake Saint Michael. Angels have always been part of God's revealed kingdom even from ancient times. Jesus says that every child has a guardian angel. I believe this heavenly body guard continues to watch over me.

I remember a priest encouraging us to ask for the name of our guardian angel. Mine is named Joseph. I still ask for the guardian angels of my children and grandchildren to be vigilant. There is great solace in knowing that I have heavenly allies I can call on, today.

Thank you Jesus for giving us angels as friends and guardians to help us. 
Angel Joseph and Archangel Saint Michael, please watch over and guard me today.

Perspective

Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Ps.89:12

The psalmist is looking at the temporary nature of even a long life and what a folly it is to count life on earth as the ultimate source of happiness.

Perspective gives wisdom. This verse is a prayer asking for perspective on life. It is easy to be seduced by the here-and-now of life and loose sight of what I am really here for... to love God. When I see today's joys and trials in light of God's love for me, I ask how can I love God in return in the midst of my life now? The answer varies depending on the circumstance but it gives perspective.

Today is looking busy with work to help prepare a shop for opening, Alpha Away Day plans to settle and a wedding to attend. All important but in need to God's perspective on how I enter them.

Jesus, thank you for giving me the long view as I enter today. Help me enter fully into life today as a gift.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

God my Friend

‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’

Lk.9:20

Jesus places this question to his disciples. The disciples come up with various opinions from others but Peter supplies his own answer, "The Christ of God."

This is the Big Question of life to which everyone needs their own answer. Who is Jesus? Answers I've heard range from "A Martian." through to "The Holy Son of God" and everything in between. But who do I say Jesus is? I guess I would sum that up with,  "God who is my friend."

God my friend is who I take out into this day.

What a friend I've found 

 Closer than a brother 

 I have felt Your touch 

 More intimate than lovers 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus 

Friend forever

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Opportunities

Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Ps.89:12

This psalm echoes the first reading from Ecclesiastes where Solomon calls everything on earth a useless vanity. However the psalmist shows a way out of this futile existence. Admit our temporary earthly life and gain wisdom of heart.

Knowing the shortness of my life puts everything in perspective. What is so urgent and important pales when compared to the briefness of my time on this planet. I gain this perspective when I have an eschatological world view, that is, keep one eye firmly fixed on the end of time.  My final destination is not here. This is not my home. My destiny is Judgement Day where I'm counting on Jesus to be my judge and also my advocate.

With this end-of-time perspective, suddenly everything I do today is not a useless vanity. It's an opportunity to build up my case for entry into heaven. This is wisdom of heart I take out into my day.

Thank you Jesus that you give reason and purpose to my day. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Purify My Heart

A man’s conduct may strike him as upright, the Lord, however, weighs the heart.

Prv.21:2

The book of Proverbs is focusing on wickedness and virtue. This verse differentiates between outward appearance and interior state of the heart.

 I have a mask that I put on in public but God sees who I truly am. That is what he is concerned about. He's not interested in my outward appearance but in the condition of my soul. This means I don't have to pretend with God, I can be real with him. What a relief!

Jesus, you know my struggles and petty vanities. Thank you for loving me anyway. Help me be as concerned about the state of my heart, the state of my soul as you are.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Generosity

Why be envious because I am generous?

Mt.20:16

Jesus is telling the parable of the workers in the vineyard to reveal what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. The last workers are paid as much as the first, the generosity of the owner being an example of the generosity of God.

I have seen this principle at work. My mother, an atheist for ninety-two years, made a literal deathbed confession of faith. The peace she gained and the assurance I was given were a testimony to God being a God of the eleventh hour. I praise him for his generosity.

The expectation here is that I in turn be generous. As Jesus said yesterday in the parable of the sower, fertile soil is found in people with a noble and generous heart.

Jesus, I thank you Lord for your generosity given to me. Help me be generous with the people I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Noble and Generous

This is people with a noble and generous heart who have heard the word and take it to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance.

Lk.8:15

Jesus is explaining to his disciples the meaning of the parable of the sower. He says the rich soil where the seed falls is a people with noble and generous hearts who give a hundred-fold harvest.

I have met people with noble and generous hearts. They tend to be people I feel safe with, encouragers, generous with their time as well as their resources. They are fully present, not distracted with ulterior motives. They are authentic what-you-see-is-what-you-get people. In my circle they are often people of faith.

Jesus says such generous and noble of heart people are those who hear God's word and act on it. I choose to have a noble and generous heart with those I meet today.

Jesus, you have the most noble and generous heart. Help me be such a person so I may bear a rich harvest for you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Jesus is Alive!

If our hope in Christ has been for this life only, we are the most unfortunate of all people. But Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep.

1Cor.15:19,20

Paul corrects those in the church of Corinth who say that Christ has not risen from the dead. He emphasises that the resurrection of Jesus is an incontestable fact and indeed the cornerstone of Christian faith. 

A woman on our Alpha Course admitted to finding the resurrection of Jesus unbelievable. This is the stumbling block to her faith. Without this missing piece her faith journey is stuck. She has to meet with Jesus somehow, either through other believers or though looking at the evidence or through direct personal encounter.

For me it was a combination of all three; through believers, through the evidence and through personal encounter. What a gift! I enter into today knowing the Living Jesus is with me and for me in all that I do. Thank you Jesus!

Jesus, you died, you rose, you will come again. Thank you Lord . You are the source of my hope and joy.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Great Forgiveness - Great Love

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

While at a Pharisees house a woman of bad name lavished Jesus with love. The Pharisee is critical of her but Jesus defends her, holding her up as an example of one whose great love shows evidence of one who has received great forgiveness.

As one who has received great forgiveness, I love this story. It shows that a person's position in the world is irrelevant when compared to their disposition. The woman had gratitude and love, the Pharisee had criticism and judgement. Both received their own type of reward. 

Today I choose to have the attitude of gratitude and love.

I thank you Jesus that you have forgiven my many sins. This is the day that you have made and I rejoice and are glad in it.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Lift Him Up

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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.3:14,15

Nicodemus' sincerity in seeking the truth prompts Jesus to to reveal the truth, that is, reveal himself and his purpose that all who believe in him will have eternal life.

Tonight on our Alpha Course we are on night three where the question is asked, "Why did Jesus Die?". The answer is, because he loved us. When I remember what Jesus has done for me out of love, when I look at a crucifix, the assurance of eternal life gives me joy no matter what is happening in my life.

Jesus nails this truth home in the following famous verse;

"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."

This is the message for tonight's Alpha Course and indeed for the whole unbelieving world.

Jesus, you are my way home. Thank you for dieing so that I may live.

Saint John of the Cross, please pray for me.

Focus on their Eyes

I made myself all things to all men in order to save some at any cost; and I still do this, for the sake of the gospel, to have a share in its blessings.

1Cor.9:19

Saint Paul writes to encourage the Church of Corinth to give their best for the sake of the good news about Jesus. His model to the Church is to be "all things to all men" in order to gain their trust so they may hear the Gospel.

 To be all things to all men means being present to people as individuals. My wife has a practice when engaging with our grandchildren; "Just focus on their eyes" she says. Lots can be going on around when a grandchild is trying for attention. When I focus on their eyes they know they have me at that moment. 

In our Alpha Course it is tempting to be the organiser, the one speaking from the front. I need to fight this and engage with people individually. I need to be present and focus on their eyes.

Jesus, you were always totally present and met individuals where they were at. You meet me where I am at right now. Thank you Lord. Help me be present to those in my day that I may gain their trust and share your Good News.
Saint Philip Neri, pray for me.

Grateful

What do you have that was not given to you? And if it was given, how can you boast as though it were not?

1Cor.4:7

Paul is correcting the Church of Corinth, stopping them from taking up factions, one against the other. All have been given the same Good News, there has been no special revelations from man. Paul is saying if everything I have has been given to me, how can I boast as if it were my own work. 

With something like thirty thousand Christian denominations today, it's fair to say this entreaty from Paul has been forgotten. The unbelieving world looks on and shakes its head. 

The antidote to this prideful delusion is thankfulness. When I am grateful there is no room in me for pride. All that I have has been given to me, even the very breath I draw and beat of my heart is gift. Today my attitude is one of gratitude.

It's a beautiful day and the world is bright 

'cause you took me away from the longest night 

What can I do but give all I have to you

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Accept

 

There must be no passing of premature judgement. Leave that until the Lord comes.

1Cor.4:5

Paul writes to the Church of Corinth, describing true apostleship. One characteristic is lack of judgement. Discernment yes, judgement no.

Our Alpha Course has a wide range of guests, old and young, rich and poor, local and foreign, male and female. Yet, we treat them all the same. They are simply seeking souls. The genius of Alpha is it makes no judgement, it accepts people where they are at. You think Jesus was a martian? Fine, what does the rest of the group think?

When people feel not judged but accepted, they are in a better place for that inside out conversion. This is the only conversion that stays. This is true Church. I must be vigilant against my tendency to judge. Any judgement is premature. God hasn't finished with us yet.

Jesus, you didn't judge me. You accepted me. Help me accept all that I meet today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Less of Me More of Him

 For it is not ourselves that we are preaching, but Christ Jesus as the Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

2Cor.4:5

Paul encourages the Corinthian Church by modeling servant-hood for the sake of Jesus. Powerful preaching is all about Jesus and nothing about the preacher.

Our parish Alpha Course has just started. It needed organisation and leadership to happen. The twenty guests have come to learn about Jesus not about the hosting team. We become wallpaper so that all attention is given to Jesus.

There's a little boy inside of me who wants some of the attention. I choose to put him back in his rightful place, setting up the chairs or washing the dishes. It's all about Jesus.

Lord Jesus, help me be less that you may become more.
Saint John the Baptist, Saint Gregory the Great, please pray for me.

Be Real

Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!

Mt.23:27

Jesus continues to rebuke the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, saying they appear on the outside like good honest men but are on the inside full of lawlessness and corruption. 

"Hypocrisy," or a form of that word, is used 40 times in the Bible with Jesus having the most to say on this sin. Obviously it is a common evil that Jesus considered deserved condemnation. In recent Alpha Course training I attended much emphasis was placed on being real to guests on the Alpha Course. It is the antithesis of hypocrisy. This is an attractive characteristic, a virtue that lends authenticity to everything else we say and do.

The authentic me is much more attractive than any image I try to project. Today I choose to be real with people I meet. 

Jesus, you were the real deal with people you encountered while walking on earth and people flocked to be with you. Help me today be real, be authentic like you with those I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Clean the Inside

Blind Pharisee! Clean the inside of cup and dish first so that the outside may become clean as well.

Mt.23:26

Jesus is exposing the hypocrisy the Scribes and Pharisees. They are accused of straining out gnats while swallowing camels, of scrupulous nit picking over details of law while ignoring the overarching call to love and generosity, of shining the outside of the cup while ignoring the putrescence inside. 

All this hypocrisy can be found in me. What's the antidote? Clean the inside of my cup. Clean up my own thoughts and impure actions. Set my own house in order. Strive for the higher virtues of mercy, love, forgiveness. Then the outside of my being will better reflect Christ and shine like the sun. 

Jesus, forgive me for my hypocrisy. Clean my interior that my exterior better reflects you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Be Happy

 

‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.'

Mt.16:17

Jesus has just asked the disciples who they say he is. Simon Peter replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus then defines what this revelation makes Peter. A happy man.

Who doesn't want to be happy. Here it is, the key to happiness. Acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the living God. I'm heading off to Mass this morning. There I will be reciting the Creed starting with, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,"  Once again happiness will be mine.

Jesus, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Thank you for the gift of happiness you give me today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Mercy Comes Running

 

Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?

Mt.18:33

Jesus is replying to Peter's question on how often he should forgive someone. He tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. 

Mercy is outrageous. We howl for justice while forgetting the mercy shown to ourselves. My many sins are enough to condemn me. Jesus overlooks them and extends mercy.

There's a bit of Peter in me that wishes the law was enough. It's so clean, black and white, simple. Jesus says, no, I have been forgiven much so am I not duty bound to be merciful also. Imagine a world where mercy was always the first response. I can be part of that today.

Jesus, you extended mercy even from the cross. It's not an easy option for me. Help me be an agent of mercy today.

Saint Peter, please pray for me.

May We Be One

For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.

Mt.18:20

Jesus is instructing the disciples on how to go about fraternal correction when a brother does something wrong. He then adds a reason why unity among Christians is so important. Where two or more are gathered in his name, he is with them.

This is a wonderful promise from Jesus who lives up to his name Emanuel, God with us. If I want intimacy with Jesus all I need do is gather with one more other Christians and wham! ...there he is. He promised it. I believe it.

"May they be one" was Jesus' prayer just before his death on the Cross.This is another reason for Church. Jesus knows we need each other for encouragement, for prayer, for community. We are not meant to be lone ranger Christians. We are meant to be Church and have been for two thousand years. 

Jesus, thank you for your wonderful promise to be with us. Thank you for Church. Help us be One so that you will be with us.

Saint John Paul II, please for us.

All for Him

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.

Mt.16:24

Jesus is explaining the cost of being a disciple... total renunciation. But he follows this with a promise of what authentic discipleship gains... eternal life. The reward is worth the cost.

To take up your cross is often interpreted as to stoically put up with sickness, pain, job loss, dysfunctional relationships, to carry a burden and trudge on. Early Christians would not have seen it that way. For them the cross was an instrument of painful, humiliating death that prisoners had to carry to their place of execution. To take up your cross means being willing to die to follow Jesus. It's total commitment. 

Discipleship demands sacrifice and Jesus never hid that cost. But the reward... oh the reward makes it worth it.

Jesus, following you can be scary; giving up my hopes, dreams, possessions, even my very life. With your help Lord, with your help...

Saint Peter, please pray for me.

Shine

Feast of Saint Alphonsus de' Liguori

Your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.

Mt.5:16

Jesus instructs his disciples, telling them they are salt and light, that they are to make a difference in the world around them to the glory of God the Father.

The inference from Jesus is good works create the salt and generate the light. What are my good works today that can add flavour and generate light? 

I'm attending a funeral today for the mother of an old friend. He's not Christian and I'm not expecting a Christian funeral. Yet I attend as a believer. Maybe there will be opportunities to add flavour, to cast some light. If my faith has anything to say it has something to say about death.

Jesus, prompt me when to be silent and when to speak, for the glory of God the Father.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori, please pray for me.

Never Die

‘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.'

 Jn.11:25,26

Jesus has arrived at the tomb of Lazarus and Martha meets him, lamenting that if he had been earlier Lazarus would still be alive. Jesus then reveals his greatest victory over the devil, victory over death.

I spoke to a friend last night whose mother has just died. He is an atheist and his only solace was to drink a bottle of wine. For him he had lost his mother for ever. It struck me what a dark, hopeless and lonely place he was in.

Alleluia that the truth of Jesus is so very different. The death of my mother-in-law a few months ago was so very different for those of us who believe, as she did, that Jesus has conquered death. Yes there were tears but underneath a great joy that heaven was now her home and we have every hope of seeing her again.

Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life. Help me present this truth to my friend and to all who don't yet know of your greatest victory.
Saint Martha, please pray for me.

What I want is Mercy

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 is answering the Pharisees who have accused his followers of breaking the Law by picking and eating corn on the Sabbath. The Spirit of  Mercy confronts the Spirit of the Law.

This battle between Law and Mercy continues to this day, both outside and inside the Church, inside of me. The Law is black and white, neat and tidy, doesn't require much effort, focuses on the sin, dispenses objective justice. In other words it appeals to my flesh.

Mercy is deliberately grey, demands walking a mile in another's moccasins, requires effort, is messy, calls for investment, ignores the demands of justice, focuses on the sinner, is contrary to the flesh. In other words it is outrageous.

 Without mercy I am a lost cause without hope. With mercy every morning new mercies I see. I have a life of hope and joy. Thank God that mercy triumphs over judgement.

Thank you Jesus for your championship for mercy. Help me be your agent of mercy today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Light and Easy

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.Mt.11:28

Jesus extends his offer of peace and rest to all people who are overburdened and tired.

This is indeed Good News for who among us has not a need for rest and peace. The world places burdens on my shoulders I should not be carrying alone. Just to earn to have food on my family's table and a roof over our heads requires constant effort.

Jesus reminds me that much of the burden I pick up and carry is of my own making. Some of it is my lot to carry as a husband, a father. But Jesus says here these burdens should be light. Allowing him to lift off the heavy burdens sets me free, lightens my step, gives me energy to do the work I'm meant to do.

Thank you Jesus for offering to carry my burdens. Lord, I exchange them now for your light and easy yoke.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Faith Love Joy

Out of his infinite glory, may he give you the power through his Spirit for your hidden self to grow strong, so that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.Eph.3:16,17

Saint Paul prays for the Ephesian Church, and for me, that a strong faith will lead to an enduring knowledge of the love of Christ.

Before my conversion I recall being drawn to Christians who had that special something about them, a sense of peace and joy. It wasn't until I stepped out in faith that came to realise it was the knowledge they had that they were loved by God.

Faith is a gift so hard to receive for the adult non-believer. It can be perceived as weakness, a crutch. Well, what does a crutch do? It gives you strength, it helps you walk, it gives you a fuller life. But faith is so much more. It is the wellspring of a joyful life of the beloved. It is mine today....

Jesus, thank you for loving me. Help me help others into a knowledge of the utter fullness of your love.
Saint Bonaventure, please pray for me.

Bow Down to be Lifted Up

Jesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent. ‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida!

Mt.11:20,21

Jesus rebukes the unrepentant towns where he has performed miracles. Their refusal to admit their sinfulness closes the door of mercy.

Even undeniable miracles performed by Jesus doesn't turn some hearts from darkness. In order to be built up and healed I first have to admit I'm broken and sick. It was with repentant sinners that Jesus did his great restorations.

Zacchaeus the tax collector comes to mind. After admitting his brokenness Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Only when I admit I am lost can I then be found. Then there is great rejoicing, in heaven and in my heart.

Jesus, have mercy on me a sinful man. 
Saint Augustine, please pray for me.

Happy the Humble

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy the poor in spirit: the kingdom of heaven is theirs! Alleluia! 

Gospel Acclamation Mt.5:3

Today is the feast Day for Saint Benedict, the founder of monastic orders and some would say the founder of modern western civilisation.

The Gospel Acclamation is the first of the Beatitudes Jesus gave when starting his Sermon on the Mount. It's important but can be puzzling. Billy Graham said replace the word "poor" with "humble" and you will begin to understand.

Humility was an founding principle in Saint Benedict's Rule and continues to be foundational in Christian life. Truly, there cannot be a proud Christian. Pride is the root vice of all other sins.

Jesus promises an inconceivable treasure when I practice a poorness of spirit, the kingdom of heaven. Pride robs me of my royal inheritance. Humility guarantees me it.

Jesus, you know my struggle with pride. Even when working for you it rises up and steals glory that is rightfully yours. I surrender again my vain-glory and embrace poorness of spirit and the joy it brings.
Saint Benedict, please pray for me.

Encounter Him and Believe

Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’Jn.20:28,29

Saint Thomas, Apostle 

Thomas a week earlier had declared he refused to believe. Now he encounters the risen Jesus and makes the greatest faith declaration of who Jesus is... Lord and God.

Encountering Jesus is the key to overcoming unbelief. It was true for me and I've seen it happen to others. This encourages me as our parish prepares for hosting an Alpha Course. At its core Alpha is about creating space where people can encounter Jesus, experience his love. What was previously so hard to believe becomes simply a natural, irresistible response. "My Lord and my God!" Then as Jesus says, happiness follows.

Jesus, my Lord and my God. You are the source of my peace and my joy. Help me draw others into your love that joy may be theirs as well.
Saint Thomas, please pray for me.

A Short Account.

Then some people appeared, bringing him a paralytic stretched out on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, my child, your sins are forgiven.’Mt.9:2

Jesus is approached by some people carrying a paralytic. The faith of the paralytic's friends prompts Jesus to first forgive his sins and then heal his paralysis.

The order in which this event unfolded says something. First the paralytic's sins were forgiven. It appears Jesus was happy to leave it at that before healing the paralytic's paralysis to demonstrate his authority to forgive sins. The man's sinfulness was of more concern to Jesus than his paralysis.

Sinfulness is an eternal paralysis. I need to have Jesus' order of priority in my life. Work on removing the sin before spending time on my physical disabilities. Keep a short account with God on the sin ledger. Thank God for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Come Holy Spirit, convict me of my sinfulness, heal me of my affliction.

Little Flower, please pray for me.

Relevant and Reliable

‘Save us, Lord, we are going down!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened, you men of little faith?’ And with that he stood up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and all was calm again.
Mt.8:25,26

The disciples and Jesus are in a boat when a storm suddenly strikes. The fearful disciples wake Jesus who had been asleep. Jesus rebukes the disciples then rebukes the storm and all is calm.

This story reveals both the humanity and the divinity of Jesus. His humanity is shown in his tiredness and need of sleep. His divinity is shown in his authority over the storm. His humanity makes him approachable, his divinity makes him reliable. This is the one I follow, both man and God.

Jesus, you are relevant in your humanity and reliable in your divinity. In the storms of my life I place my trust in you. 

Little Flower, please pray for me.

Faith and Love

And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go back, then; you have believed, so let this be done for you.’ And the servant was cured at that moment.Mt.8:13

Jesus has been astounded at the faith of the Centurion who had come pleading on behalf of his sick servant. The Centurion's faith in Jesus' authority allowed that authority to work and his servant to be miraculously healed.

The Centurion's faith in Jesus and compassion for his servant stand out. Jesus would have noted both. Faith and love. These are the keys to intercession for healing. The world is full of people needing healing, physically and emotionally. In fact, this is the need of all of us. The answer? Love for the suffering and faith in Jesus to heal them.

Jesus, I bring before you my beloved family, each carrying a cross of sorts, each needing your healing. Lord, only say the word and they shall be healed.
Little Flower, please pray for us.

Easy Yoke

‘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.11:29,30


Enough said...

Thank you Jesus for carrying my burden.

Give up my Rights

‘Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.’Mt.6:14,15

Jesus has just given the Lord's Prayer as an example of how to pray. He then highlights a verse.... forgive others.

The virtue of forgiveness is a common theme throughout the Bible. It seems this closest reveals God's nature. Jesus certainly emphasises forgiveness, it being one of his last actions on the Cross.

Forgiveness and Mercy are counter cultural in a world that is all about revenge. My nature demands my rights. Jesus demands that I give up my rights, that I let mercy triumph over judgement. Indeed this is my only hope when I meet him face to face... mercy, forgiveness.

Jesus, thank you for your great mercy and forgiveness extended to me. That I don't deserve this makes the gift more precious. Help me give up my rights in favour of others that I may glorify you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

An Agent of Light

‘You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well.Mt.5:38,39

Jesus is giving his great Sermon on the Mount, the blueprint for Christian living. Here he emphasises his new law of repayment. Pay good for evil.

Paying good for evil, working in the opposite spirit, robs evil of its power. Jesus not only said it, he lived it, ultimately climbing on the cross and handing his persecutors the nails. The result was his victory over evil and death.

I read a quote from Martin Luther-King, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." In this he was radiating his Christian world-view with its roots directly from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

It takes strength of character to do this and it always has a cost. But, good news! It always wins.

Jesus, evil in me wants revenge. Give me courage to give up my rights and be an agent of light.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Ambassador for Joy

‘What can bring us happiness?’ many say. Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord. You have put into my heart a greater joy than they have from abundance of corn and new wine.Ps.4:6,7

David writes a psalm in answer to the skeptics who seek happiness from the work of their hands. The greater, indelible joy comes from God alone.

I have lived on both sides of this divide. As I unbeliever, I remember being convinced that happiness came about only from what I seized for myself.  After discovering the joy that comes from loving others I saw how deluded I was in my tiny, self-centered world.

When joy comes from knowledge rather than possessions it can never be taken away. This joy is contagious as it is what all people seek. I can be be an ambassador of joy today.

O Lord, You have put into my heart a greater joy. Help me share this gift with others today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Three Persons One God

Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: to God who is, who was, and who is to come. Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation

Trinity Sunday

Today's Gospel Acclamation affirms the three persons of God... Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God the Father created me out of love. God the Son died for me out of love. The Holy Spirit empowers me to love.

I am so blessed today, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Minded doing Earthly Good

You should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt in the heat. What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home.2Pt.3:11-13

Peter is writing to the Church to warn against false prophets. Here he outlines the correct attitude of believers as they wait for the return of Jesus.

We are always looking up, not down. Up is where Jesus is going to return. We are heavenly minded while doing earthly good. This gives me a positiveness when entering my day. Something good is always going to happen.

Maranatha, come Lord Jesus come.
Saint Philip Neri, pray for me

God's Love for the World

I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them.
Jn.17:26

Jesus is continuing his final prayer at the Last Supper, now praying for all believers. He identifies the ultimate goal of his mission, to bring mankind the love of God.

I have been thinking about where God is calling me as we slowly come out of pandemic lock-down. A common theme I'm hearing from other believers is that they don't want to go back to the "same old same old". 

Whatever the new me is, it will involve bringing God's love to the lives of others so that Jesus may be in them. Bringing God's love... even today.

Jesus, you are love incarnate. Help me be a conduit of your love today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Love from Love

The Father himself loves you for loving me and believing that I came from God.Jn.16.:27

Jesus continues his last discourse to his disciples before going to his Passion and death. He assures them that their love of him has earned the love of God the Father.

Belief in and loving Jesus results in receiving the love of the Father. Love begets love. Isn't the true of all relationships. I've watched my wife love our grandchildren and I see in them a blossoming of love for her in return.

Love begets love. What a glorious exchange. What a wonderful way to enter into this day the Lord has made and rejoice in it.

I love you Lord
and I lift my voice
to worship you.
Take joy my King.
in what you hear
May it be a sweet sweet sound 
in your ear.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Aha!

Everything the Father has is mine; that is why I said: All he (the Holy Spirit) tells you will be taken from what is mine.Jn.16:15

Jesus continues his final discourse to his disciples following the Last Supper. He is promising the Holy Spirit will come upon the disciples after he has left to reveal everything of the Father's plan for salvation.

This is one of those "Aha!" moments when the Blessed Trinity is revealed. It reminds me of the last paragraph in CS Lewis' final book in the Narnia Chronicles entitled "The Last Battle". The eyes of the children are opened to at last see who Aslan really is. Aha! Suddenly not only does everything make sense but everything... the fear, the pain, the shame... is made alright.

I need these Aha! moments. This morning, everything is placed in perspective, everything is alright.

Thank you Father for sending me your Son. Thank you Jesus for loving me so much that you came. Thank you Holy Spirit for your comfort.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Suffer for Right

And if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.
1Pt.3:17

Peter is encouraging the Church in the way they should live, reminding them that suffering for doing right can be the will of God.

In a sense I am currently "suffering" for doing what I consider is right. I've made a decision that has caused a reaction in my family that surprises me. I've gone over my decision and the reasons behind it and can not see why it has caused such an extreme response. I'm standing by my decision and having to take the heat.

This verse from Peter reminds me that suffering can be at times God's will and that I am to bear it patiently and with love.

Jesus, Saint Peter says that you, innocent though you were, suffered and died for us. Give me your patience and your love today.
Saint Peter, please pray for me.

I am Hated I am Loved

If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice withdrew you from the world, therefore the world hates you.
Jn.15:19

In his final encouragement to the disciples Jesus warns that to follow him makes one an enemy of the world.

You don't become a Christian to gain popularity. It's a deeper calling that makes you not worry about the worldly consequences. In my western country, to be Christian is to be at the least ignored and marginalised or, at worst, mocked and scorned.

What is my response to this? Sometimes it is to stay quiet about my faith when the conversation turns to controversial things like abortion. Sometimes, when prompted by the Spirit I guess, I let it be known that I am Christian and that this gives me a particular world view.

The fact remains that, while the world hates me, Jesus loves me. There is no competition in my mind.

 Thank you Jesus for loving me. Help me be a courageous lover today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Obey the Command

This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.Jn.15:12

Jesus continues his final encouragement to the disciples before his passion and death. He gives a command. Love one another.

This is the one area Jesus doesn't leave the choice up to us. He commands us to love. No options here. If I am to be a follower of Jesus, I must love. To not love is to disenfranchise myself from his Church.

It's that easy-to-say-but-hard-to-do catch. Some people aren't very lovely. I guess Jesus acknowledges that but would add no one is unlovable. In fact it can be love that transforms. That has certainly been my experience.

As a soldier in the Church Militant I obey this command from our supreme commander.  Today I will love others.

Jesus, thank you for loving me when I'm not very lovely. Help me in turn love others today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Joy Complete

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

Jesus continues his last great discourse to his disciples at the Last Supper. He leaves a command, love one another that his and their joy may be complete.

This great command is obviously for all believers, including me. For my joy to be complete I am to love. This calls for a radical change in how I relate to people, the good, the bad and the ugly. My first response to them all is to love.

Here is the key to my joy being complete today. Love.

Jesus, you are the perfect example of love. Help me be a great lover today that your and my joy may be complete.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

The Priceless Gift

‘Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.Jn.14:27

Jesus continues to comfort his disciples following the Last Supper. He gives a priceless gift to all who believe in him. Peace.

I think this is the only time Jesus is recorded saying the word gift. What is that gift? A peace the world cannot give. This is a desire placed in every human heart and it can only be found in Jesus. The world promises peace but it never permanently delivers.

When my heart is at peace, no matter my circumstances, joy is the first fruit. When I exhibit peace and joy I think I present the most authentic witness for Jesus. I then become a gift.

Jesus, you have given me the priceless gift of peace. Let me pass on that gift to others today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Keep the Message Sweet

It made the pagans very happy to hear this and they thanked the Lord for his message; all who were destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread through the whole countryside. 

Acts13:48,49

Paul and Barnabas are preaching powerfully in the synagogue causing leading Jews to become jealous and lead a revolt against them. Paul and Barnabas then declare they will take the Good News to the pagans causing great joy among those people.

The same message caused different responses from different people. The same is true today. What did Paul and Barnabas do? They kept the message intact and moved on to people who were receptive.

There a temptation to sweeten the message for some listeners. All that does is sour it. The "repent and believe" is essential for us to gain the wonderful promises of God. Yes, we deliver the message in a relevant and loving way but the message stays the same. "Through Jesus everyone who believes is set free from every sin."

Jesus, help me be true to your Good News with those I meet today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

The Way Truth and Life

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. He has predicted Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial and now he comforts his disciples. "Do not let your hearts be troubled... I will come back for you... you know the way." Thomas voices the question on all minds, "how can we know the way?" Jesus clearly answers, "I am the only way..."

Last night we had an online parish conference focusing on why and how we need to evangelise. One woman spent a long time venting her frustrations about what she saw as archaic Church traditions suppressing women. It struck me how any un-churched person listening to that would shrug their shoulders and move on. It had nothing to do with introducing people to discovering Jesus.

The "no one can come to the Father except through me" part of Jesus answer crystalises our parish mission, my mission. Introduce people to Jesus.

Jesus, your Church is made up of many cracked pots, including me. Meld us together Lord as you melded the rough twelve so we can go make disciples of all the nations.
Saint Matthew, please pray for us.

Happy Servant

I tell you most solemnly, no servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the man who sent him. Now that you know this, happiness will be yours if you behave accordingly.Jn.13:16,17

Jesus has just washed the disciples feet. He underscores his action by saying service is the path to happiness.

God's Kingdom is contrary to the world. The world says fight to be on top of the heap. Jesus says submit to being on the bottom. The world says happiness is only found on the top of the heap. Jesus says it is only found on the bottom.

My flesh wants to be "king of the castle" as the children's rhyme goes. My spirit knows it is an empty promise.  Today I choose to be a happy servant.

Jesus, you are the Servant King. Help me follow your example of service so true happiness shall be mine.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Don't Stay in the Dark

Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me, sees the one who sent me. I, the light, have come into the world, so that whoever believes in me need not stay in the dark any more.Jn.12:44-46

Jesus is declaring publicly who he is and what his mission is... to dispel darkness with light.

Outside my window a glorious sunrise is unfolding. Most crime happens at night. Dark attracts dark deeds. To combat crime we install security lighting. Light dispels darkness.

Spiritual security lighting in my life dispels spiritual darkness. Reading the Bible, prayer, receiving the sacraments all bring the light of Christ into my life. Darkness from the evil one is dispelled. This morning prayer time is a huge floodlight into my life. I need not stay in the dark any more.

Thank you Jesus for the call you place on me each morning. Help me be as faithful to you so I may receive your light and be a light for others.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Joyful Seed Caster

I have told you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness; but you do not believe because you are no sheep of mine.

Jn.10:25,26

Jesus is in the temple and the Jews goad him to say plainly who he is. Jesus knows no amount of  words or works will convince them.

The same is true today. There are those who are open and those who are closed. All deserve to be told the Good News but don't keep hammering at the closed. They are a brick wall. Move on with the open.

Alpha is like this. The seed is cast into all hearts. Some hearts are rocky, others fertile ground. My role, I guess, is just to be a joyful seed-caster.

Jesus, you know what it is to be rejected. Help me not be dejected when rejected but always full of hope and joy.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Life to the Full

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.Jn.10:10

Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees who are investigating him over the healing of a blind man on the Sabbath. He describes himself as the only gate to the sheepfold. He states following any other leads to death where he has come to bring fullness of life.

Jn.10:10 is a favourite verse. It states clearly the mission of Satan and the mission of Jesus. It's a no-brainer. I choose Jesus.

Thank you Jesus for the fullness of life you bring me. Help me know your voice so I may always follow only you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Further Up and Further In

The churches throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria were now left in peace, building themselves up, living in the fear of the Lord, and filled with the consolation of the Holy Spirit.Acts.9:31

Following Saint Paul's conversion there was a time of peace for the fledgling Church. This was not a time of inactivity. The Church built itself up preached the Good News and worked powerful signs and miracles.

The contemporary Church, although marginalised ridiculed and scandalised, is in relative peace. In our country at least, we aren't being dragged off to prison or stoned. But are we building ourselves up, living in the fear of the Lord, being filled with the Holy Spirit while performing miracles? Peace can be soporific, lulling me into inertia.

This time of pandemic has been a wake up for me. On the other side I don't want to fall back asleep. What do I want to take from this unique time of spiritual awakening? I've had increased time with God and ironically, increased time with others through phone calls and social media. This can be a starting point for a new "building up" of my faith life.

Jesus, I know there is more for me. Lead me further up and further in.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Right Place Right Heart

Then Ananias went. He entered the house, and at once laid his hands on Saul...Acts 9:17

Saul has been led blind into Damascus after encountering Jesus on the road. Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, is commissioned by Jesus to lay hands on Saul to heal and baptise him. Reluctantly, Ananias goes and Saul is healed of his blindness and baptised in the Holy Spirit.

I love a good testimony and this is a good testimony. It has the before, during and after ingredients. I wonder at Ananias the reluctant evangelist. Imagine being one who has led Saint Paul to Jesus. We hear nothing further about Ananias and yet he was pivotal in the spreading of the message to the pagans by Saint Paul. He was at the right place with the right heart.

Being at the right place with the right heart is something I can aspire to. Who knows what can come from doing my "bit" when prompted? I may lead a future saint to Jesus.

Lord Jesus, like Ananias I am often reluctant to your promptings. Like Ananias, help me be trusting and go anyway.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Life of the World

I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.Jn.6:51

The crowds have clamored after Jesus looking for another miracle of loaves. Jesus resists their demands and relentlessly proclaims who he is, bread from heaven, and what he came for, to be food for the life of the world.

The world. That's a big mission but that's who Jesus came to give life to. Like Philip in today's first reading from Acts, I'm to be led by the Spirit to people who are looking for an explanation of this fundamental of Jesus' proclamations. "Eat my flesh, drink my blood."

Jesus, many turned away from you, finding this teaching too hard. Help me be a witness to the good news that you are the life of the world.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Faith Hope Joy

Through him you now have faith in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory for that very reason – so that you would have faith and hope in God.1Pt.1:21

The Holy Spirit has just filled Peter and the others in the upper room. A crowd gathers because of the noise and Peter addresses them with boldness about the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Peter essentially outlines the paschal mystery, Christ has died, Christ risen, Christ will come again. This is at the very core of my Catholic faith. As Peter declares, this is the reason for my hope in God. The natural result of of such hope is joy. Today I continue live as an Easter person, one of faith, hope and joy.

Jesus, fill me with Easter joy this day that I may be a witness to you and your resurrection.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

God of the Mountain and God of the Valley

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save. Many are the trials of the just man but from them all the Lord will rescue him.Ps.33:19,20

David writes at a low point in his life, where he has nowhere to turn but to God. When he stops looking around and looks up, God draws him above his circumstances.

King David was so defeated he had to feign madness so King Abimelech would disregard him with scorn. His spirit was certainly crushed to sink so low. Yet he knew God well enough to look up and beyond, enabling him to move forward.

Yesterday I met a man in a cemetery, weeping. We talked about things of God and departed thanking each other for encouragement we had each received. That's how God works. He is close to the broken hearted. Those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Thank you Jesus that you are God of the mountain and God of the valley. There is nowhere your consolation cannot reach.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

As the song says - Jesus is the Answer

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.3:14,15

Jesus is speaking of himself to Nicodemus who is meeting secretly with him. Nicodemus is making the quantum shift from Pharisee to Follower and keeps asking questions. "How can this be? How... how...how?" Jesus presents himself as the answer to all of Nicodemus' questions. The Son of Man, lifted up.

I was a Nicodemus, asking questions. "How can this be? How... how...how?" Like Nicodemus, I just kept circling around and around, too scared to accept the obvious answer. Jesus. Once I said sorry and surrendered, then I understood, then I lifted Jesus up and then I knew I had the promise of eternal life. This gift has a spectacular sparkle in this Easter season.

Thank you Jesus for your patience with me as I fluffed about trying to avoid you but always being drawn back to you. Help me lift you up so others may be drawn to you and saved for eternal life.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Rejoice and be Glad!

Gospel Acclamation 

Alleluia, alleluia! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!

Ps117:24 

The cry of Easter joy continues to reverberate throughout the Universal Church. Rejoice and be glad! Christ is Risen!

Here we are at day seven of the Easter Octave and the Church continues to be bedazzled by the resurrection. The one great day is celebrated over eight with the Gospel Acclamation being repeated again and again and again. Rejoice and be glad!

We are Easter people and this anthem of joy is ours to cry out not just over the Easter season but every day from now until we meet him face to face.

Alleluia Alleluia, Christ is Risen.
He has risen indeed, Alleluia!

Saint Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, pray for us.

What's in a Name

Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ She knew him then...
Jn.20:16

Mary Magdalene is weeping outside the tomb of Jesus when the resurrected Jesus appears. Thinking he is a gardener, Mary asks where he has taken Jesus so she may claim him. Jesus calls Mary by her name and instantly she recognises him.

Mary's name is second only to Peter in the number of times it appears in the Gospels. Her great love for Jesus is recorded in detail. Here, her name is key to her recognising the one whom she loves. Jesus speaks her name and she sees him.

This tells me of Jesus' desire for intimacy. He wants me and him to be on first name terms. This naturally comes about through spending time, hanging out together, aye Jesus...

Jesus, you are faithful, waiting for me each morning to open the door and let you in. Come Lord Jesus, welcome into my day.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Rejoice!

Alleluia, alleluia! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia! 

Ps.119:24

The Gospel Acclamation rings with Easter joy. Everything has changed to a brighter, more joyful colour. Why? Because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

The Paschal Mystery is placed firmly before us in this Easter season. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! We are Easter people, we are joyful people because of the resurrection of Jesus.

I am an Easter person today. Joy is my hallmark.

All praise and glory to you our risen Lord Jesus Christ. You are the source of my joy today. Alleluia!
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Active Love

‘Do you understand’ he said ‘what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.’
Jn.13:12-15

The Last Supper is in progress and Judas has left to commit his betrayal when Jesus unexpectedly gets up and washes the disciples feet. Peter protests but Jesus insists so he can give a example of Servant Kingship.

When a man knows he is about to die, his last words are what he wants to be remembered by. Jesus chose something more powerful than words, he chose action. His washing the disciples feet has been the foundational tenet of the Church ever since.

The image Jesus presents is love in action, which is the only kind of love worth having.

Jesus, help me be an active lover today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Not I Lord, Surely?

‘I tell you solemnly, one of you is about to betray me.’ They were greatly distressed and started asking him in turn, ‘Not I, Lord, surely?’Mt.26:21,22

Jesus and the disciples are in the upper room starting what was to become the last supper. Jesus declares that one of them is about to betray him. All, including Judas, protest and declare, "Not I, surely?"

Judas was to betray Jesus fatally, all the remaining disciples were to betray him physically. God the Father was to abandon him spiritually. For the first time Jesus was to become totally alone. I have contributed to his abandonment and betrayal each time I have sinned... and I have sinned much.

Not I, surely? Denial comes naturally, yet the fact remains. What do I do with this? Declare, "Lord with your help I will try not to sin again" and then reach out my hand to his and allow him to help me back up. I may get knocked down but with his help I get back up again.

Lord Jesus I am a sinful man. I have helped drive the nails into your hands and feet. I can't even pretend I didn't know what I was doing. Forgive me Lord.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Forgiveness and Mercy

Peter said, 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.13:38 

Judas has just  left the Last Supper to betray Jesus. Jesus tells the remaining disciples where is he is going they cannot come, yet. Peter hotly protests that he follow Jesus where ever he goes. Jesus foretells Peter's impending denial.

Each Holy Week I am amazed at how much detail the Gospels record of Jesus' passion and death. It proves their authenticity, that what the world judges as an abject failure the Gospel writers are at pains to detail.

Peter's frail humanity is exposed over the next few days. The boasting hothead becomes a trembling coward, afraid even of a servant girl's accusations. This why I can identify so easily with him. If I was in this scene, I would be Peter.

The good news is that Peter the sand pile becomes Peter the Rock. The pivotal point that causes this transformation is even before Pentecost. It's when the resurrected Jesus meets Peter on the beach and Peter experiences Jesus' forgiveness and mercy.

I need to again and again experience Jesus' forgiveness and mercy.

Jesus, your forgiveness of my broken sinfulness is so wonderful it's hard for me to fully appreciate. Help me to be forgiving and merciful to the people I encounter today, for your glory.
Little Flower, pray for me.

Mourning to Dancing

Then the young girls will rejoice and dance, the men, young and old, will be glad. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console them, give gladness for grief.Jer.31:13

Jeremiah focuses much of his prophesy on the impending destruction of Jerusalem and Judah. However, here he looks even further into the future and prophesies the mercy and love of God drawing the scattered people back as one nation. Mourning is turned into dancing, grief into gladness.

God acts like a lovesick father. No matter how wayward I act he just can't help loving me and calling me back home. This "outrageous grace" offends many. They would rather see justice applied. I for one am glad of God's mercy as it is my only hope. I guess this makes me beholden to extend mercy to others.

And what happens when mercy is given and received? Mourning is turned into dancing, grief into gladness.

Jesus, you extended mercy even on the cross, asking your Father to forgive your killers. Help me not judge others but be merciful to them as much as I need mercy from you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Never Die

Jesus said to the Jews: ‘I tell you most solemnly, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’Jn.6:51

Jesus is speaking to the Jews who are arguing with him. He tells them the greatest reason for believing in him, victory over death, and they continue to argue.

This foreshadows what happened after Jesus' resurrection, still the Jewish Elders would not believe. Unbelief in Jesus continues to this day. Maybe in these days of pandemic Jesus' message will get another look.

If our faith has anything to say about anything, it has something to say about death. Death is not the worst thing that can happen to a Christian. It's been defeated, lost its sting. Yes, one day my mortal body will die but that will only be the doorway into eternal life with God. This lets me stand up and lift my head.

Thank you Jesus that you have promised eternal life to those who keep your word. Help me be a "Word Keeper" today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Loyal

They would have arrested him then, but because his time had not yet come no one laid a hand on him.

Jn.7:30

Jesus is in the Temple and openly proclaiming he is from God. The Jewish elders had already decided to kill him, they were just waiting for the moment.

Today's readings set the scene for Holy week. There is plotting from the killers in the First Reading, protection promised by God in the Psalm and Jesus the victim placing himself in their sights in the Gospel.

It seems Jesus had to experience the ultimate betrayal before being lead to his passion. The kiss of Judas. To have one of his inner circle of friends betray him in such a way would have been the deepest of cuts. It is said civil wars are the bloodiest.

The opposite of treachery is loyalty. This virtue is something I can practice in all my relationships, with my friends, neighbours, at work or at home. Especially at home...

Jesus, you experienced treacherous betrayal and yet returned it with loyalty and love. Help me be a loyal friend, a loyal Dad and Grandad, a loyal husband.
Saint Thomas Moore, please pray for me.

Hearing God

‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.
Lk.1:38

The angel Gabriel has just announced God's plan to Mary, for her to be the Mother of the Son of God. Mary gives her fiat, her yes, and instantly God is made flesh.

It struck me while reading this passage how this event affirms that life begins at conception. Jesus became one with mankind the moment Mary said yes. He wasn't a zygote or a "product of conception". He was God made flesh at that very moment. 

A lot can happen from a yes, especially when that yes is to an offer from God. Mary heard clearly what the angel was saying. There was no, "Could you run that past me again please?" She got it. I don't always hear God that clearly. This morning prayer time is the one time I'm quiet enough to listen. I must guard this time jealously.

Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness in being with me each morning I pray. Speak Lord, your servant is listening...
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me.

The River of Life

Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live.Ez.47:9

The prophet Ezekiel is given a vision of a river whose source is the Temple. Fish teem within it and life-giving medicinal plants flourish on its banks.  It is the river of life.

This scripture is such an encouragement to all who place their hope in what the temple contains, the living God. In these times of uncertainty from the COVID-19 virus pandemic it is good to remember that our God is the source of healing and of life.

Thank you Lord for your word of encouragement. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for Italy and pray for us.

Joy comes in the Morning

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him, give thanks to his holy name. His anger lasts a moment; his favour all through life. At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.
Ps.29:5

David writes this psalm, stating yes there will be tears but joy always follows.

A pessimistic Christian is an oxymoron. We always have hope no matter how uncertain the future as with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Joy always comes in the morning. These times are an opportunity to witness to the hope we have in Jesus and that witness can start with a friendly, kind, patient and yes, joyful countenance, today.

Lord Jesus, help me be a face of hope and joy to the people I meet today.
Saint Philip Neri, pray for me.

Friend Forever

What I want is love, not sacrifice; knowledge of God, not holocausts. 

Hs.6:6

The prophet Hosea gives a call from God for his fickle people to return to him. He shows how they are to return, not with holocausts and sacrifice but with love and knowledge.

To know God is to love him. How can I know an infinitely magnificent God, a God who if I saw him face to face I would fall faint? The incarnation is the key. Get to know Jesus. Jesus who is one of us. Jesus who comes running after me not waiting for me to crawl to him. Jesus who is beside me. I just need to turn and call... today, now.

What a friend I've found 
Closer than a brother 
I have felt your touch 
More intimate than lovers 

Jesus, 
Jesus 
Jesus, friend forever