My God My Friend

In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him.

Jn.1:1-3

John's gospel starts with the proclamation of Jesus' divine role as co-creator of everything. Jesus is lord of everything, including time.

Jesus being creator and not a creation is important to know. It places everything under his domain which gives me surety that there can be no surprises.  It allows a Christian to make the bold claim that my best friend is creator of the universe. 

Today is New Year's Eve 2021. With Jesus I have no regrets for the past, no worries for the future. All is subject to him who is my best friend and who loves me. What sublime comfort I have today.

Jesus my God and my friend. Walk beside me today.

Perspective

Nothing the world has to offer – the sensual body, the lustful eye, pride in possessions – could ever come from the Father but only from the world; and the world, with all it craves for, is coming to an end; but anyone who does the will of God remains forever.

1Jn.2:16,17

John warns on being seduced by the allurements of the world which are temporary. Eternal life is only found in doing the will of God. 

Here is the nub of my problem. I don't only exist in the spirit, I also exist in the flesh. And the part of the world I exist in is beautiful and I count myself blessed in living here. Yet, I am called not to love the world. 

I guess I am being instructed to give my higher affection to the Creator, not to creation. I am to keep things in perspective, to make any sacrifices to God and God alone. Yes, there are good things in the world and I can enjoy them but they are not to become idols. They to be subjected to God's will for them in my life. 

Jesus, I sit here on my deck looking out over the unfolding of a beautiful summer morning. I see your fingerprints in the world before me and I worship you with a thankful heart.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Lifted

Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

Lk.2:34,35

Baby Jesus is presented at the temple by Mary and Joseph in fulfillment of Jewish law. Simeon is moved by the Spirit to prophesy over Jesus, saying that God the Father will use Jesus powerfully to reveal people's true thoughts and motivations.

Jesus still does that. When faced with his light of pure love we either turn away and remain in darkness or fall on our knees to confess and repent. There's no hiding, everything is laid bare. There is either falling or rising.

When I stop hiding from Jesus and let his light in, I am lifted up and start to shine. I see this in others as well. People of the light are great to be around. They shine and help show me the way. I choose to be lifted light for those I meet today.

Jesus, lift me up so your light may shine in me today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Walk in the Light

But if we live our lives in the light, as he is in the light, we are in union with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1Jn.1:7

John is explaining the message the apostles were given; that God is light and in Jesus the darkness is taken from our lives by the forgiveness of our sins. 

Here's my problem and its solution. I am a sinful man and darkness tries to make its home in me. The solution is Jesus who is faithful and just in forgiving my sins and purifying everything that is wrong in me. 

Walking in the light is walking in joyful company with other believers who encourage and cheer me on. Thanks be to God for these light bearers in my life.

Thank you Jesus for the light you bring into my life. Help me be a light bearer to others I meet today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Joy to the World

What we have seen and heard we are telling you so that you too may be in union with us, as we are in union with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing this to you to make our own joy complete.
1Jn.1:3,4

John the Apostle starts his first epistle acclaiming the incarnation of God through Jesus. He does this to make the joy of all believers complete.

Saint John claims he is part of a company who have heard, seen and touched Jesus, the very Word of Life. He writes this as a prisoner for his belief and after watching fellow believers become martyrs. He had every reason to deny or, at the very least, remain silent. But he didn't. He couldn't. The truth had to be proclaimed. Why? So my joy could be complete. 

The joy of Christmas is so huge the Church has created eight days to try and contain it. This Octave of Christmas is a season of immeasurable joy. Bring on the Christmas carols I say. 

Alleluia! Unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. The greatest gift of all.
Saint John the Apostle, please pray for us.

Oh Glorious Day

Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received – yes, grace in return for grace, since, though the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.
Jn.1:16,17

John's Gospel starts by shouting out the glorious news that God has come and dwelt among us. We have received further grace in place of grace already given through Jesus Christ.

The most powerful became the most weak and humble, God became a defenceless baby, born of a nobody Jewish girl in a nothing village in the backblocks of a defeated nation. Yet, he has changed the very course of history for all mankind. More wonderful yet, he has became my savior, my healer, my friend. 

Oh glorious day!

Thank you Jesus. You have rescued me, given me renewed hope, peace and joy.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

 

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus

And you, little child
you shall be called Prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare the way for him,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins;
this by the tender mercy of our God.
Lk.1:76-78

Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and sings a prophecy over his baby son John. John is to prepare the way for the coming Messiah by calling people to repentance.

To receive forgiveness is a wonderful experience. To receive forgiveness from God is sublime. There is no better way to prepare for Jesus than to kneel before him in repentance. The tender mercy of God is priceless. 

I went to Confession the other night. Pardon and peace were given to me. I am ready to receive him. Oh happy day.

Alleluia, alleluia!
Come,
Radiant Dawn,
splendour of eternal light, sun of justice:
shine on those lost in the darkness of death!
Alleluia!

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Turn my Heart

Know that I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before my day comes, that great and terrible day. He shall turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the hearts of children towards their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a curse.
Mal.4:5,6

The last book of the Old Testament finishes with the prophesy of the return of Elijah to herald the coming of the Messiah. The work of Elijah is to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and children's hearts towards their fathers.

The worst division must be division between a father and his children. It is a curse over a household. Conversely, the greatest blessing over a household is unity of hearts between a father and his children. The father is key in bringing a curse or a blessing over his household. 

My role is to turn my heart towards my children, to love them. This now includes my grandchildren, all fourteen of them. I wondered what I would be doing in my retirement. Loving my children, my grandchildren holds back a curse from our land. What a mighty responsibility.

Jesus, help me to love, lest our land be struck with a curse.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us. 

Company of Princes

He lifts up the lowly from the dust,
from the dung heap he raises the poor
to set him in the company of princes
to give him a glorious throne.
1 Sam.2:8

After consecrating her son Samuel to God, Hannah exalts God for answering her prayer and giving her a son. Her exaltation is echoed in Mary's magnificat. Both women were lowly yet mightily blessed by God.

God is in the business of lifting people up out of dung heaps. This has been and continues to be my experience. Not only am I lifted up out of my sinfulness but I'm then placed in the company of princes. They are great company to be in.

I have just returned from a fortnightly prayer meeting with a group of men to whom I'm accountable. They are generous and noble men.  Truly, they are the company of princes. 

Thank you Jesus for the brotherhood I have my friends. Help me be a prince for them. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

I am Loved

My Beloved lifts up his voice,
he says to me,
"Come then, my love,
my lovely one, come.
For see, winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth.
The season of glad songs has come."

Song of Songs 2:10-12

Solomon writes of the love of God in all its spontaneity, beauty, power, and exclusiveness. God is calling me out into a new season of joy.

As impossible as it sounds, I am God's beloved. He is calling me out of the winter of my past. The rains have gone, the fragrant flowers are blooming, the season of gladness, my gladness, has come. Oh happy day!

Thank you Lord for calling me further up and further in to your love. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

Joy

Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.
Lk.1:43-45

Elizabeth is visited by Mary pregnant with Jesus. On first greeting Mary, both Elizabeth and the baby in her womb are filled with the Holy Spirit and exhibit the Spirit's first-fruit... joy.

Here is the very first recorded encounter with Jesus by someone other than Mary and Joseph. What has happened? Elizabeth and her baby are both filled with the Holy Spirit and burst forth with spontaneous joy. 

Joy is the hallmark of an encounter with Jesus. I have witnessed it, I have have experienced it, I have it and carry Joy with me into my day.

Come Holy Spirit, renew my joy that today I may be an authentic witness to the coming of Jesus into the world.
Saint Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, please pray for me.

Discern and Obey

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 just been told in a dream of God's complete plan of salvation for the world through the baby in his betrothed's womb, a baby that was not his. He awakes and unquestioningly does what is requested of him, leaving his plans for divorce and taking Mary as his wife.

Little is said of Joseph in the gospels but what is said speaks volumes. Here we see the spiritual wisdom and obedience side of his character. He correctly discerns his dream is not the result of a bad goat stew but is a message from God Almighty. He then immediately acts on the message. 

Discernment and obedience, two virtues I could do with more of today.

Jesus, give me discernment to hear you and obedience to obey you today.
Saint Joseph, please pray for me. 

Gold from Clay

A genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:
Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers...
Mt.1:1,2

Matthew's Gospel starts with the family line of Jesus to establish his credentials. Jesus' credentials are that he was a Jew whose family included the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Jesus came from a line that included all the types we still find in humanity; murders, prostitutes, noble and courageous. He comes from us, including all our messy bits. He is no Greek god that resulted from the union of other gods. Yes he is God but he is fully man, fully human. This makes him fully approachable. 

My piety is inconsistent at best. Yet no matter where I am on the scale of holiness Jesus says, "Come, I know, it's alright, I still love you". Oh what a man. Oh what a God. Truly I can say I am a friend of God.

Jesus, you came from miry clay just like me. Help me become pure gold, just like you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Repent

All the people who heard him, and the tax collectors too, acknowledged God’s plan by accepting baptism from John; but by refusing baptism from him the Pharisees and the lawyers had thwarted what God had in mind for them.
Lk.7:29,30

Jesus expands on who John the Baptist is and what is his purpose... to call people to a baptism of repentance. The call from John could be accepted or refused. That choice had eternal consequences.

Jesus had been baptised by John at Jesus' insistence. This call to repentance, to turn from sin and turn to God, is placed before every generation, cradle Catholic, convert, believer or unchurched. The choice, as always, is ours. Repentance is still the most powerful way to prepare the way this Advent.

Lord Jesus, I have sinned in thought and action, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do. Have mercy on me. Let you love love triumph over judgement.
Saint Philip Neri, great confessor, pray for me.

Haven of Healing and Hope

‘Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the Good News is proclaimed to the poor and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’
Lk.22,23

John the Baptist sends messengers to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. In reply, Jesus gives his Messianic credentials: The blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and Good News is proclaimed. This is crowned with the promise of happiness to those with faith.

Jesus' reply gives credentials not only for him but for his Church, his body. As Pope Francis says, the Church is “field hospital after the battle”, where “the wounded are to be treated, helped to heal”. My local parish should be a haven of healing and hope and I should be one of its physicians. 

Lord Jesus, I want to be a dispenser of healing and hope to the sick and wounded, in your mighty name.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for the Church.

The Door is Open

Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.'
Mt.21:31

Jesus has told the parable of the obedient and disobedient sons to the Pharisees. The son who changed his mind and did what the father requested is the one who receives the father's favour, despite his earlier disobedience. 

Jesus highlights that it's not their past that defines people, it's their present actions. Past disobedience is forgotten in the joy of present righteous actions. Sinners become saints, clay is turned into gold. 

This is good news for me. I means despite my previous disobedience to God, the door is open for me to return. The Father is waiting for the return of the prodigal. Now is the day of salvation.

Thank you Father that your mercy triumphs over judgement. Jesus, take my hand and lead me home. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Rejoice in the Lord Always

I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord; I repeat, what I want is your happiness. Let your tolerance be evident to everyone: the Lord is very near.
Ph.4:4,5

Paul writes to the Philippian Church declaring his desire for them to be happy with the knowledge that Jesus is very near.

This is the message of Gaudate Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent. Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say rejoice! This is the message I carry in my heart into my day, whatever it may bring. 

Jesus, I know you are near. You are the source of my hope and joy. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus come.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

A Soft Heart

'I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.’ The disciples understood then that he had been speaking of John the Baptist.
Mt.17:12,13

Peter, James and John have just witnessed Jesus' transfiguration. Coming down the mountain they ask Jesus about the return of Elijah who they had just seen with him. Jesus confirms that Elijah has already returned, in the form of John the Baptist.

John the Baptist's message has just been elevated by Jesus. So what did John say? Today's Gospel Acclamation echos part of it. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." 

There is always work to do when getting ready for Jesus' return. What preparedness can I work on today? This sort of work takes place in my heart. I can be softer of heart I think, more gentle, less judging of others. 

Thank you Lord for constantly calling me further up and further in. Help me have a soft heart for others today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

What a Friend I've Found

‘For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.’
Mt.11:18,19

Jesus accuses the crowds of unappeasable fickleness, always criticising and never satisfied. Yet, who he is is proven by his actions.

The crowd's criticism actually proclaims what Jesus came to do, be a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Thank you crowd! You have proclaimed what I constantly need to hear. Jesus is my friend, I am a friend of God. 

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 us.

What a Friend I've Found

Alleluia, alleluia!
Let the clouds rain down a Just One,
and let the earth bring forth a Saviour.
Alleluia!

Today's Gospel Acclamation quotes Isaiah prophesying where our Saviour comes from. He is from  heaven and from earth. He is God and man.

Central to our Christian faith is the truth that Jesus is both God and man. He humanises God. God is not some distant deity, he is Emmanuel, God with us.

Jesus knows me, knows my struggles, knows my joys because he has experienced them. This helps me accept him as a friend, be intimate with him. He is a friend I want to introduce to others. He is a friend walking beside me into today. As Isaiah says in today's first reading, he is holding my right hand, I have no need to be afraid.

Jesus, I offer you my hand. Walk beside me today. With you I am no longer afraid.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Nothing is Impossible

For nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ 
Lk.1:37:38

The angel Gabriel reveals to Mary her part in God's plan to save the world. Despite not completely understanding, despite her fear, Mary says do it Lord I trust you. 

Mary reveals her great strength, her total trust in God. When things looked wild, even unbelievable, she yields to God's plans. Her humility in weakness allows God to fill her with his fathomless power. Truly, in her weakness she became strong.

Mary, an insignificant girl eight months pregnant, riding a lowly donkey over a rough track to Bethlehem, carries within her the salvation of all mankind, the salvation of me. 

Hail Mary, full of grace
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are thou among women
and Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Joyful Messenger

Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion.
Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem.
Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah,
‘Here is your God.’
Is.40:9

Isaiah prophesies the joyful return of God to his people. The time of atonement is over. Grief is replaced by everlasting joy.

Oh boy! Is this an Advent message or what. Mary and Joseph are still just a poor, insignificant Palestinian couple struggling on a rocky, dangerous track towards Bethlehem and yet all creation is welling up in joy at what is about to take place through them... God becoming man who will bring peace, hope and joy as he leads us home. 

This is a message deserving to be shouted out aloud. And who is that joyful messenger? It's every believer, it's me. 

Jesus, you are the Good News I carry today. May I shout aloud to all I meet today the reason for my joy.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Grab Hold of the Broom

A voice cries in the wilderness:
Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Lk.3:4

John the Baptist is preparing the way for Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah by being a "voice in the wilderness" preparing the way for the Lord. This preparedness starts with repentance. 

I don't have to go out into a desert to experience a wild place, to experience wilderness. It's just out in my street, just around the corner. In a sense, it's right within my heart. That's where my preparedness needs to take place, in my heart. 

The best way to sweep out the rubbish in that part of my life is Confession. It's been a while. It's time to go...

Lord Jesus, I need a spring clean of my heart. Thank you Lord that your Church provides the broom. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Proclaim Cure Raise Cleans Cast out

And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. 

Mt.10:7,8

Jesus is commissioning the twelve apostles for their first mission trip. Their purpose was simple; to proclaim, cure, raise up, cleans and cast out.

I, and all believers, have the same commission. Proclaim, cure, raise, cleans and cast out. I am part of an Alpha Course prayer team today. Here are my marching orders.

Jesus, you are my captain. I follow your lead today to bring home the lost sheep. May your will be done and your Kingdom come.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Hold Firm Take Heart

The deaf, that day, will hear the words of a book and, after shadow and darkness, the eyes of the blind will see.
Is.29:18

Isaiah gives a prophesy foretelling the day of the Lord's return. Two of the signs will be the deaf shall hear and the blind shall see.

The Advent theme runs strong in today's readings. Something wonderful is coming. The deaf shall hear, the blind shall see, deserts will turn into fertile forests, the Lord's goodness shall be seen. Jesus gives a hint of this wonderful time by miraculously healing the two blind men.

The two blind men had faith that Jesus said deserved their healing. Here is the key to receiving this Advent joyful expectation. Faith. Today's psalm says "Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!" Why? So I can be sure "I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living."

Lord Jesus, I take heart and hold firm in you today. I place my hope in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Firm Ground

Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. 

Mt.7:24,25

Jesus is explaining the different results from wisdom and foolishness. Both the wise and the foolish are victim to storms. It is the wise who are left standing at the storm's passing.

Troubles happen. Storms, when they hit a city, affect everyone. No one is exempt from the wind and rain. The current pandemic is a case in point. Rich and poor, exulted and lowly, all are subject to the COVID virus. 

I see and hear much disunity and fear. But I also hear some unity and courage. These latter traits tend to come from people who are grounded, who are standing on firm ground. Jesus is saying that firm ground comes from hearing his words and acting on them.

Jesus, help me be a rock and not a sand pile, a firm ground from which  people can gain stability.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Dinner's Ready!

You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing.
Ps.22:5

David's famous psalm extols the magnificent generosity of God. A victorious banquet is prepared for me celebrating a great and permanent personal victory. I have come home.

Today's first reading has Isaiah prophesying the Lord's banquet of fine wines and rich, juicy food. David's psalm has the Lord's banquet celebrating my victory. The Gospel has Jesus miraculously and literally providing a banquet for thousands. 

Hosting a banquet for someone is the greatest honour you can give them. This is what is being promised for me as a follower of Jesus. This is the wonderful event I am looking forward to, preparing the way for, this Advent. Halleluia!

Thank you Jesus for the banquet you are preparing for me. Help me be worthy to sit at you table.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Spiritual Gym

Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.
Lk.21:36

Jesus is in the temple giving his final teachings before his passion and death. Like the Church at the end of the calendar year, Jesus' focus is firmly on what is to happen at the end of time and Day of Judgement. His appeal is to be ready and be strong.

"Pray for strength to survive" sounds a bit dramatic, but there it is. Jesus clearly says times will be tough and the weak in faith will fall. The Church is my spiritual gym, the place where I work out to stay fit and strong in my beliefs. Like physical training, it is easier when I do it with others. I need the people in my parish to push me further up and further in. 

Thank you Jesus for my faith community. Bless them Lord. Help us to encourage each other in our spiritual exercises so we may be strong on the day of your return.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

On the Winning Team

And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship.

Dn.7:13,14

Daniel's apocalyptic vision finishes with the triumph of Jesus who is crowned and glorified for eternity.

It's good to be reminded I'm on the winning team. Our captain is triumphant and his glories are shared with us. Things may look uncertain, even bad, but that is not the end of the story. The end of the story is Jesus, my best friend, being crowned and glorified and with me sharing in his glory.

What a wonderful truth to take into my day. 

Jesus, I acknowledge again you as my Lord and King. May your kingdom come.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Maranatha!

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 explaining to his disciples the signs to look for that signal end times. There will be great tribulation but it is then that believers can be courageous and joyful, knowing liberation is just over the horizon.

This is what my source of joy is founded on, the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and glory. It puts a skip in my step. This is what drives me to evangelise my children, my grandchildren, anyone who will listen. 

This hope of glory I can carry into my day so I can be a joy-germ to all I encounter.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus Come!

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

 

The Great Checkmate

Alleluia, alleluia!
Be faithful until death, says the Lord,
and I will give you the crown of life.
Alleluia!
Rev.2:10

In John's apocalyptic vision Jesus is encouraging believers to not be afraid of suffering and persecution from the devil as faithfulness will be crowned with eternal life.

The end of the Church's year focuses starkly on end times. The message consistently says tough times will come but do not be afraid as Jesus has overcome even these days of trial. 

Jesus is the great checkmate.  His position as my resurrected King overcomes all opposition. This knowledge gives a peace and joy despite what is happening. The highs and lows of life do not affect this wonderful truth. This is the source of my joy today.

Thank you Jesus that you are the same yesterday, today and forever. I claim your victory over my life and the lives of my loved ones this day.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Death, Where is Your Victory?

Now he is God, not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all men are in fact alive.

Lk.20:38

Jesus is answering the Sadducees who don't believe in the resurrection and had tried trapping Jesus with a trick question about a widow marrying seven brothers. He says there is no marriage in heaven as everyone in heaven no longer dies.

Interestingly, Jesus is inferring that marriage is primarily for procreation, for bringing children into the world to carry on life. Consequently, in heaven where no one dies, marriage is not required. More importantly, Jesus is emphatic that there is a resurrection, there is life in heaven after death for those judged worthy. 

Is there life after death is one of the big questions for people. Not for believers. For us it's a given. It's my source of hope and joy. It's what drives me to bother evangelising at all. The fact that I will die does not worry me. How I will die could give concern, but even that I entrust to Jesus. 

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

1 Corinthians 15:55

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

I am Known

Alleluia, alleluia! 

My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord; 

I know them, and they follow me. 

Alleluia!

Jn.10:27

Today's Gospel Acclamation has Jesus is in the temple telling the Jewish leaders they are not of his fold as they don't recognise his authority. Those who do believe in him are known to him and follow him to eternal life. 

Being called a sheep is normally a derogatory term, the inference being you are a mindless follower with no originality. Jesus turns that around saying those who are wise are sheep who follow him while the foolish stray, following their own paths. 

Sheep need a shepherd. I need a shepherd. Praise God for the Good Shepherd, the one who left the ninety-nine to find me a carry me home. When I listen to his voice, study his Word, Jesus knows me. How wonderful that I am not alone, that I am know and loved by God. 

Jesus, be my companion today. Know me as I follow you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Jesus Wept

...and all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it!’

Lk.19:44

Jesus is weeping over Jerusalem, prophesying its destruction as the result of missing who he is and the salvation he offers.

Jesus must weep over New Zealand, a country that has retreated from its Christian heritage and turned its back on God. There is a generation now who have never had the Good News clearly presented to them, have never had an opportunity to even accept or deny who Jesus is. The message of peace must be proclaimed so hearers have a chance to understand it. 

I need to create opportunities for people to hear the message, starting with my own little Church, my grandchildren. 

Jesus, break my heart over the things that break yours. Give me a zeal to proclaim your Good News, your message of peace and joy.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

The Zacchaeus Principle

‘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 has climbed a tree in his eagerness to see Jesus. Jesus calls to him and invites himself into Zacchaeus' home where Zacchaeus joyfully welcomes him.

What is it that is so appealing about this story? I think it's the dramatic transformation of Zacchaeus. From a money grabbing, meanspirited outsider he becomes a generous, joyful son. In Jesus' own words, from being lost Zacchaeus is found.

This is "Belong, Believe, Behave" in action. Jesus enters Zacchaeus' home and eats with him, a powerful act of acceptance. Zacchaeus believes who Jesus is and then behaves like a believer, giving back to those he has cheated plus alms to the poor. The very area he was enslaved to, avarice, is where he is set free. 

This "Zacchaeus Principle" is how the Alpha Course works. Meet people where they are at with acceptance and belonging. Introduce Jesus to them for them to believe in. Then sit back and watch them change their own behavior to that of a believer. It's time to prepare for another alpha Course...

Jesus, as you have done in the past, draw people to me that will form an Alpha hosting team.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Qualify

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.

Mk.13:26,27

Jesus is prophesying to his disciples the end of time and day of judgement to which all of the world will be subjected.

The Church is nearing the end of its calendar year and its focus is shifting to end times and what Jesus has to say about it. He has much to say. There will be a separating of sheep from goats. There will be everlasting joy and everlasting anguish. There will be no escaping.

It's a good reminder to keep one eye firmly fixed on the Day of Judgement, no matter how good or bad things appear at the moment. The goal is to be worthy of heaven and to make sure as many as possible join me. I can't earn my entry ticket but I can qualify.

Jesus, you show that love is the surest way to gain entry to heaven. Help me love those I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Keep on Praying

Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’

Lk.18:7,8

Jesus is explaining his parable of the Unjust Judge giving justice to the persistent widow. Persistent prayer moves God's hand but with a caveat. It must be powered by faith.

My daily prayer list is filled with petitions as yet unanswered. Some have been on the list for years, like prayer for the conversion of proudly atheist politicians as yet unrepentant. Today's reading encourages me to continue praying fervently with faith. Jesus has made a promise that justice will be achieved.

Lord Jesus, prayer of the faithful moves your hand. This is a great mystery that consoles and encourages me. Thank you Lord.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

 

See the Signs

As it was in Noah’s day, so will it also be in the days of the Son of Man.

Lk.17:26

Jesus is teaching his disciples about the coming day of judgement, how it will arrive suddenly and catch out the unprepared.

I read yesterday the report of a terrible traffic accident where four people were killed when a van collided with a truck. None of the four would have thought when they got out of bed that day it would be their last. We all are going to die, we just don't know when.

Jesus' analogy used Noah in the Ark and Lot leaving Sodom. Noah and Lot recognised the signs of impending doom. They and their households alone were saved. The rest were busy eating, drinking, being too distracted by temporal pleasures to notice spiritual warnings.

The temporal shouts loudly in my ears. I need this regular quiet time to hear God.

Jesus, give me wisdom and perception to see the signs so I may save my household. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Foot Soldier

The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.

Lk.17:20,21 

Answering the Pharisee's question on the coming of God's Kingdom, Jesus says it's not to be revealed just to a chosen few to direct others. God's Kingdom is already here to be perceived by all those with eyes to see. 

God's Kingdom here on earth is being fought for and claimed by the Church Militant while God's Kingdom in heaven is occupied by the Church Triumphant. My role while here on earth is one of a soldier, fighting in my family, my parish, my workplace for God's Kingdom to come. 

I step into today a foot soldier ready to fight.

Jesus, you are my commander. Be at my side directing me in battle so your kingdom my come, your will be done.

Saint Michael the Archangel, protect me in the day of battle. 

A Life-giving Drop

Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows.

Ez.47:9

In Ezekiel's great vision he is shown the River of Life flowing out from the Temple that houses God. The river brings life and health to everything it touches. 

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the oldest church in the western world and the mother church for all Catholics. The analogy of the reading from Ezekiel is clear. From the Church is a flow of life giving water. 

I am a drop in that river of life. Where ever I go today I am to bring health and life.

Jesus, you are the source of all life. You came to bring life in its fullness. Make me a conduit for your life giving waters today.

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, please pray for me.

Unity and Courage

Greetings to my friend Epaenetus, the first of Asia’s gifts to Christ; greetings to Mary who worked so hard for you; to those outstanding apostles Andronicus and Junias...

Rms.16:5-7

Paul finishes has mammoth letter to the Church of Rome with a litany of greetings to friends and fellow Christian workers.

Fellowship, fraternity and love were outstanding characteristics of the early Church. The fledgling Church in Rome was comprised of Jewish and pagan converts, each with their own prejudices yet a unifying fraternity held them together.

My local parish is very diverse, with families from all around the world filling the pews. Even the European Kiwis are a diverse bunch, yet our commonality is our faith in Jesus. 

The COVID pandemic has caused some disunity and fear within the Church. This is the work of Satan. I need to be intentional in promoting unity and courage, the more natural Christian response.

Jesus, you are the source of our unity. Help me be an agent of unity and courage today.

Saint Paul, please pray for me.

Win WIn Win

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 finishing the parable of the shrewd manager who is a man who uses his last acts of authority to dispense mercy.

This is an interesting parable. The fact that the steward is acting in crafty self interest is brushed aside. The spotlight falls on his acts of mercy where he reduces the indebtedness of others to levels they can manage. It's better than win win. 

The Master is set to reclaim at least some of what would have been a lost debt. The debtors are given a path out of their indebtedness. The steward gains friends for his time of impending need. It's a win win win result.

Mercy is like that. Everybody wins. Where can I dispense mercy today?

Jesus, your mercies are new every morning. Help me be a conduit of mercy today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Rescued

The Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

Lk.15:2

Jesus welcomes tax collectors and sinners. The resulting indignation among the Pharisees and Scribes prompts Jesus to tell his famous parable of the lost sheep.

The Pharisees and Scribes can't see that their complaint is actually a proclamation of good news. Yes, Jesus welcomes sinners. Alleluia! This is good news because it means Jesus welcomes me. 

Satan's biggest lie is that I am unworthy, miserably lost in my sinfulness. The truth given in today's Gospel is that, while I am unworthy, I am never lost. Jesus has set off and found me. He carries me home across his shoulders and calls for a party to celebrate. 

Along with the tax collectors and sinners, I rejoice in this good news today.

You rescued me, and picked me up 

A living hope, of grace revealed 

A life transformed, in righteous 

Oh Lord, you have rescued me 

Forgiving me, you healed my heart 

And set me free, from sin and death 

You brought me life, 

you've made me whole 

Oh Lord you have rescued me

Geoff Bullock

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Loose Weight

If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Lk.14:26,27

Jesus is being mobbed by an adulating crowd, so he sets a challenge before them to test their resolve. Don't bother following me unless you are prepared to give up everything.

Jesus isn't a fad or a sideshow. He demands all or nothing. Possessions and even people can get in the way, be an encumbrance to becoming a disciple. This is challenging. I like things and I like people, especially their high opinion. 

When I look at the lives of the saints, or even saintly people I have met, there is a simplicity in their lifestyle. Things just aren't that important to them, where as Jesus is. 

Where can I simplify my life, cut away the baggage? And how can I do that? It's a "less of me, more of him" thing. It's time to loose weight.

Holy Spirit, help me loose weight, shed unimportant stuff that weighs me down and doesn't lift me up.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

He Has Risen!

All Souls Day

There is no need for alarm. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he has risen, he is not here.

Mk.16:6

An angel is speaking to Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome who had come to anoint Jesus body in the tomb. Theirs are the ears to first hear the Good News, "He has risen!"

My mother and father both died professing faith in Jesus. I know the grave isn't the end of their stories, that we will meet again and great will be our joy. Today's Psalm is Psalm 23, read at both their funerals. The promised green pastures and still waters are being enjoyed by them now. 

The joyful trust in God that Saint Paul wrote about to the Roman Church is mine today. Death where is your sting, grave where is your victory.

Jesus, the Good News of your death and resurrection gives me great joy today. Thank you Lord for creating a way back home.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Love God Love Others

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself.

Mk.12:30,31

Jesus is answering a question, "Which is the first of all the commandments". His answer summarises all of the Law and the Prophets. Love God and love others.

Jesus' ministry on earth can be summarised in this way. All that he did and said meets these two criteria. Loving God and loving others. It follows that if I call myself a Christian, a follower of The Way, then I must do the same today.

Jesus, loving God and loving others gets difficult in the dust of daily battle. Help me keep one eye fixed firmly on you today so that I may love you and love others in all I say and do.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

 

Love My Enemies

The Jews are enemies of God only with regard to the Good News, and enemies only for your sake; but as the chosen people, they are still loved by God, loved for the sake of their ancestors. God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.

Rms.11:28,29

Paul reminds the Church that the Jews will always remain loved and chosen by God. Yes, they opposed the Good News of Jesus but only so all pagan people would benefit by hearing and receiving it.

I have been an enemy of the Good News, in my pagan years up to my thirties and even since then, every time I sin. How wonderful that God never takes back the gift given to me at my infant baptism when I was welcomed into the family of God as a beloved son. 

I have family members who are also enemies in the same sense I have been. I am no superior to them. In fact I have a special duty towards them to tell them they are still chosen, still beloved.  

Jesus, help me be Good News to people today, especially my family.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

In Sync

‘Is it against the law’ he asked ‘to cure a man on the sabbath, or not?’ But they remained silent, so he took the man and cured him and sent him away.

Lk.14:3,4

Jesus is in a house on the Sabbath for a meal with the leading Pharisees. He sees a man among them who is ill, possibly with heart disease.  He answers his own question to the Pharisees about when best to cure by healing the man in front of them. 

It seems any time is the right time for acting with compassion. There is no higher law than the law of love. Conversely, it is sinful to delay an act of love when the need is obvious. This is also true for simply doing the right thing. Jesus says it would even be right to haul an ox out of well on the Sabbath.

There's no procrastination when it comes to doing the right thing, the loving thing. Procrastination is a weakness in me, something for me to shake off , now...

Jesus, your timing is always perfect. Help me sync my timing with yours today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

 

No Accident

Jesus went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. When day came he summoned his disciples and picked out twelve of them; he called them ‘apostles’.

Lk.6:12,13

Jesus is establishing his core team for the ministry he is about to start. After a whole night of prayer, knowing all about their strengths and weaknesses, he chooses the twelve apostles.

There was deliberation in how Jesus picked the twelve. He knew what he was getting, from Peter the sand pile to Judas the traitor. Each would have had a purpose in Jesus' mind. Peter would become a rock, Judas would commit the greatest betrayal in history. There were no accidents, no surprises.

There's no accident in my role in Jesus' apostolic plan. Here I am, in a particular place at a particular time and I'm chosen. The chosen apostles slowly got their plan by hanging out with Jesus over three years. After the Jesus ascended it was the Holy Spirit who continued to guide them. That's where my plan is found, in hanging out with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit as my guide.

Holy Spirit, I know I am chosen. I know you have a plan for me. Help me be in the center of that plan today. 

Saints Simon and Jude, please pray for me. 

Try Your Best

Someone said to Jesus, ‘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.13:24

Jesus is being questioned on what number will enter heaven. He doesn't give a figure but answers with an entreaty to work on entering heaven as it will be difficult and many will not succeed. 

There's a pervading sense in the Church that the door into heaven is open wide and everybody will get there. Not according to Jesus. Time and again he says there will be sheep and goats, cries of joy and grinding of teeth, a difficult path and a narrow door. 

Following Jesus must be intentional, not a matter of drifting along. Yes salvation is easy to understand, a child can grasp it, but obtaining it takes discipline, trying my best according to Jesus. The good news is that the work is a joy. The Catholic life is life giving, a discipline yes, but a joyful discipline. This  morning prayer is an important part of that lifestyle. 

Lord Jesus, this is my best at the moment. Help me fill the rest of today with my best of efforts to gain the narrow door.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

The Joy of Hope

For we must be content to hope that we shall be saved – our salvation is not in sight, we should not have to be hoping for it if it were – but, as I say, we must hope to be saved since we are not saved yet – it is something we must wait for with patience.

Rms.8:24

Paul writes to the Church of Rome, placing present sufferings into the context of future glory.  Complete salvation is yet to arrive but we are strengthened in our waiting by hope. 

A Pentecostal asks, "Are you saved brother?" A Catholic replies, "Not yet but I have every hope". Here are the versus on which we base that reply. We are in that waiting period like in World War Two. The war was won on D Day, June 6th 1944. It didn't end for another year while mop up operations had to be completed. 

My salvation has been won on the Cross.  I just have to wait patiently in the firm hope of receiving it. Like in WWII, work still needs to be done as I wait but my hope is in the glory to come. This is my joy today.

Thank you Jesus for the surety of salvation you give me. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

Life

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.

Rms.8:11

Paul expands on the work of the Holy Spirit. It is to give fullness of life to all who believe. 

Here is the Blessed Trinity at work. He (the Father) who raised Jesus (the Son) will give life through his Spirit (the Holy Spirit). And this life is what is on offer to all who believe. It's pretty compelling when I sit down and take it all in. 

Each day starts with a choice and it's the choice that matters, not how holy or spiritual I am. Today I choose life through the Spirit living in me. The first fruits of peace and joy a starting to grow already. Praise God!

Thank you Jesus for offering me the choice of life this morning. Be glorified in how I live out that choice today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Escape Route

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 writes of the struggle he has between his desire to do good and his flesh that does evil. The only way free is through Jesus.

"Instead of doing the good things I want to do, I carry out the sinful things I do not want." There is the struggle of all humanity, believer and nonbeliever alike. Paul, an exemplary follower of the Law quickly says the Law is not the answer, in fact it is the problem. Keeping the Law requires human effort, an impossible task to do perfectly.

My rescuer from this battle with the flesh is Jesus with his mercy and grace. No wonder peace is the first fruit of surrender to him. I surrender from my human struggles again today and turn to Jesus. Thanks be to God for this wonderful escape route.

Jesus, you are my rock, my surety, my peace today. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Oil and Water

Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

Lk.12:51

Jesus reminds his disciples he is a radical change-agent that overrides all other allegiances. 

Why would the Prince of Peace say he has come to bring division and clearly division within families? I remember a line from the Chronicles of Narnia. "Aslan is not a tame lion." In the same manner, Jesus is not a tame God.

There is an oil and water affect that takes place when one becomes Christian. I experienced this among my own family and friends. We saw the world from different perspectives. What I would happily do and say with friends previously I no longer did. A distance, especially painful within my family, grew between us. 

Yet these are the very ones I want to reach out to with the love of Jesus. I guess the message is, don't compromise. Speak the truth but speak it in love. Be the truth but be it in love. 

Jesus, your own family misunderstood you, thought you were mad. Help me be a constant, loving witness for you within my own family.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Dead Man Brought Back to Life

Offer yourselves to God, and consider yourselves dead men brought back to life; you should make every part of your body into a weapon fighting on the side of God.

Rms.6:13

Paul writes to the Roman Church encouraging them to be dead to sin and alive in Jesus to fight the good fight.

Life is a battle and a battle to the death. When I gave my life to Jesus I died to sin and was truly born again. I remember everything seeming new and fresh and clean. And of course, it was. I was a new born babe. 

I loose sight of this "born again-ness" when the the trials and troubles of the world overwhelm me. I'm looking out over a verdant paddock with dew sparkling in the yellow glow of a spring morning sunrise. Every looks clean, fresh, new... expectant. That's my life at the moment. New mercies I see. What a gift!

Jesus, I recommit my life to you. Thank you Lord for all you have done and all you are doing in my life.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Amazing Grace

When law came, it was to multiply the opportunities of failing, but however great the number of sins committed, grace was even greater.

Rms.5:20

Saint Paul is highlighting that although the Law promises deliverance, the only available escape route from sin is the free gift of Jesus. 

Before becoming Christian, I remember wanting to live a good life, not hurt others, contribute to life. I was sincere but set up for failure. I kept doing bad things, injuring others and taking more than I gave. It was exhausting. 

The first fruit of my conversation was peace. I could stop striving. I no longer had to do it all on my own strength. I had a new friend and helper, someone who said' "Give it all to me. I'll carry it for you. And by the way, let me heal you in the process." Oh the relief.

That one word "grace" was new and liberating for me. I'm still unwrapping and unpacking the wonderous, freely given gift of grace. It continues to amaze me.  Thank you Jesus.

Jesus, your narrow way continues to be my escape route from failure. Thank you Lord for the gift of grace through faith in you. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

 

You Wanna Be Great?

Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mk.10:43-45

The other ten apostles are indignant with James and John attempting to gain high ranking from Jesus. Jesus sees they all want the same aggrandisement, so he defines what it takes to be great in God's Kingdom. Servanthood. 

I'm sure Jesus chose the twelve because of their brokenness. It makes them so relatable. I know if I was among the ten I would as loud as any of them in my protestations.  I want to be great and my measure of greatness is not very Christian. 

Our Christian faith is unique in its constant call to servanthood. We should be constantly fighting about who is going to be the servant. You know, standing at the door arguing about who is going through first... "After you. No, after you. No, I insist, after you. No, after you..."

Today I bend my measuring stick of greatness back to Jesus, which means back to the greatest servant of all, the Servant King.

Jesus, my spirit is willing but my flesh is so weak. It wants to be exalted. Help me take the greatest pleasure in exalting others today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Empowered to Proclaim

Do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say, because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.

Lk.12:11,12

Jesus is encouraging his disciples not to worry about acknowledging him before rulers and authorities as they won't be alone. The Holy Spirit will be with them teaching and guiding.

It wasn't until I acknowledged the real presence of the Holy Spirit as a person as real as Jesus that my faith became alive. I've experienced times when I've spoken, or led a song and afterwards wondered, where did that come from? It wasn't from me, it was from God. 

Jesus is reminding me again that I am never alone. His promise is the Holy spirit will always be with me, especially at those times when I am lifting Jesus up before men.

Holy Spirit flow 

Lead us in Your will 

Empowered to proclaim 

Holy Spirit flow 

Oh flow through us

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Set Free by Faith

When a man has nothing to show except faith in the one who justifies sinners, then his faith is considered as justifying him. And David says the same: a man is happy if God considers him righteous, irrespective of good deeds.

Rms.4:5,6

Paul underscores that our justification by God comes by faith in him alone.

Here it is again. That too good to be true good news. The mercy of God sets me free from my broken sinfulness. I don't have to earn his forgiveness, it is freely given to all who simply believe.

Christianity says let your good works flow from your forgiven-ness not let your forgiven-ness be earnt by your good works. And to affirm this state of grace I am given joy. A miserable Christian is an impossibility. Let joy be my hallmark today. 

I am forgiven. Alleluia!

Thank you Jesus for my unearned justification and joy. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

 

Jesus Sets Me Free

As we see it, a man is justified by faith and not by doing something the Law tells him to do.

Rms.3:28

Paul writes to the Church in Rome explaining that faith in Jesus settles all accounts of sin, something the Law couldn't do.

This is Good News for me, a person who can't do what he wants to do and does what he doesn't want to do. I try to be perfect but I can't. My only hope is in Jesus and in Jesus paying the price. Faith in Jesus is the key to hope, peace and joy for me... today.

Thank you Jesus for climbing onto the Cross... for me. You have set me free.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Justice and Love

The Lord said to the Pharisees: ‘Alas for you Pharisees! You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God!

Lk.11:42

Jesus is prophesying calamity to the Pharisees and Lawyers at a feast where he is a guest. Both earn the remark "Alas" for the wrath of God they are to receive.

Jesus is nothing if not persistent in his warnings about the Day of Judgement. He is very clear about the anguish that is coming for those who are to receive God's wrath. However, he is also consistent in pointing out what can be done to avoid such judgement. For the Pharisees, practice justice and love. For the lawyers, lift off burdens.

Yes, I am saved by grace but what is the work that I should practice to show that grace has been properly received? At the moment it is love more and judge less. That just about covers everything.

Jesus, there is a Pharisee and a Lawyer in me that takes ascendancy. Help me act in justice and love. Help me be the lifter of burdens.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Put Down the Airbrush

Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.
Lk.11:41

Jesus is responding to a Pharisees' surprise at him not washing before his meal. Jesus focuses on the Pharisees' hypocrisy of excessive concern on outward appearance while ignoring the more deadly corruption of heart.

Outward appearance is paramount in the world today, stoked by the fire of social media where only the perfectly posed and edited photo is posted. I get sucked into this vortex as easily as anyone. Meanwhile in this airbrushed world misery, corruption and violence is blossoming. 

Jesus gives the Pharisee, and me, an antidote. Give alms. Almsgiving is defined as "an act inspired by compassion and a desire for justice for another". Suddenly the focus is off the appearance of me and on the needs of someone else. A far more Christian posture for me to assume today.

Jesus, you know how obsessed I get on the outside. Help me turn my focus on others I meet today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Joy Comes in the Morning

‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’ But he replied, ‘Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!’

Lk.11:27,28

Jesus deflects adulation from the crowd by pointing out there is even greater joy than his and it's available to anyone. Simply hear God's word then keep it.

To hear I have to listen and to listen I need to clear away noise and to clear away noise I need to make a decision to do so. Morning prayer is a quiet time that allows me to hear God's word. No wonder my spirit is always lifted at the end it.

I've heard God's word this morning to make space in my day for him. Now I'll keep it and joy will be mine.

Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. Joy has come in the morning.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Division is Disaster

Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses.

Lk.11:17,18

Jesus is answering accusations of gaining his deliverance power from Satan. He refutes this by pointing out a universal truth... division heralds disaster. 

Any enterprise starts with a team possessing a common vision, goal and purpose. Replace common with disparate and the enterprise collapses.  

What projects am I currently involved in? Alpha at my parish. My work place. Most importantly my family and my marriage. All of these require unity of purpose to succeed. My role in each must be an agent of unity. This works out differently for each enterprise but the result is the same... a strong kingdom, a successful household.

Jesus, help me be an agent of unity, especially in my marriage and family, that our household will stand.

Saint Philip Neri please pray for us.

Ask for Him

If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

Lk.11:13

Jesus is teaching his disciples. Having given them the Lord's Prayer he now teaches on persistence in prayer, especially in prayer asking for the Holy Spirit.

This verse is key on the Alpha Course Away Day, the part of the Alpha Course focusing on the who, what, why and how of the Holy Spirit. The question is put forward, how do I receive the Holy Spirit? The answer is ask for him. Ask, ask and ask again. 

This isn't a one off event. I'm in constant need of a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit of God. 

Come Holy Spirit, refresh and refill me so I am never drained but work from you overflowing in my life. That Jesus may be glorified, come.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Mercy is Worth It

And am I not to feel sorry for Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left.

Jon.4:11

Jonah has fallen into rage because God has shown mercy to the Ninevites, arch enemies of his people. God defends his actions, saying mercy is always his prerogative. 

The outrageous grace of God continues to make us indignant. I would often prefer fire rain down from heaven on the heads on some people. I want them to get what I think they deserve. The law is so neat and tidy, black and white. Mercy on the other hand, by nature is undeserved and with uncertain outcomes. It gives the initiative back to the perpetrator who may not respond in the way I would want. 

Of course, my hyporacy is in the fact that I have been given mercy from God. Therefore am I not bound to extend mercy to others? Well... yes, but it's so hard. Yes, it's hard, but look at its fruit. Changed hearts in both the giver and receiver. This is always an inside-out job and mercy is the key. Mercy is worth it, even when it doesn't look as though much has happened. When I extend mercy the first fruits are in me, in the softening of my heart. That alone makes it worthwhile.

Jesus, you are mercy personified. Thank you Lord for the mercy you have given me. Help me be merciful to others I meet today that hearts may be changed.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Sit and Listen

But the Lord answered: ‘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.10:41,42

Jesus replies to Martha's complaint about her sister Mary not helping with the serving. Mary's sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to him is held up as the greater work.

It was hard getting out of bed this morning. The moment of struggle to get up for prayer is called the "Heroic Minute" for good reason. But here I am sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to his Word. Truly the better part.

Martha wasn't too far off the mark. She was just doing the right thing at the wrong time. There's a time to put down the dish cloth to sit and listen. Or... continue wiping the dishes but with the right attitude. My experience is, replace resentment with gratitude and the Holy Spirit will come in.

So, today I need to be mindful about my work. Either do it with gratitude or if I'm unable to do that, put down the dishcloth, sit and listen.

Lord Jesus, you know my thoughts are often a tangle of resentment and fear. Help me still myself in you today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Little in Speech

Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia!

Today's Gospel Acclamation is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, 11:25 where Jesus praises the superiority of littleness. No wonder this is chosen by the Church for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the master of this very virtue.

For the past week the Church has been circling around a core truth of Jesus' teaching, that less is more, that great strength is found in weakness, that child-likeness gains the Kingdom. 

How can I practice the virtue of littleness today? How about speaking less and listening more... just for starters.

Jesus, I always want to say the last word. Help me place a guard on my lips, speak less and listen more today, that I may become little and understand the mysteries of the kingdom.
Saint Francis of Assisi, please pray for me.

 

Leave the Door Open

As by your will you first strayed away from God, so now turn back and search for him ten times as hard; for as he brought down those disasters on you, so will he rescue you and give you eternal joy.

Ba.4:28,29

The prophet Baruch comforts Jerusalem, promising a repentant people will again be blessed by a forgiving God.

God's wrath is always followed by God's mercy. The door is left open for a repentant heart. I've walked back through that door and experienced God's mercy. It is life changing and joy giving. The promise is eternal joy, for those extending mercy as well as those receiving. I need to leave the door ajar for those who have hurt me. 

Jesus, give me a naturally merciful heart so I may give and receive your eternal joy.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Great Littleness

I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Mt.18:3,4

As a memorial to Saint Therese of Lisieux the Church has chosen today's Gospel where Jesus holds up a little child as a model of greatness in Heaven.

One of the things I love about our Church is how it goes about recognising greatness. Here we have a cloistered nun in an obscure French convent, dead by the age of twenty-four, now exalted as a Doctor of the Church. Littleness is recognised as greatness.

Libraries of books have been written about Saint Therese, millions of lives affected by her example of "great littleness". She understood what Jesus was saying to his disciples. Child-likeness, not childishness, child-likeness is the key to a joyful and complete Christian life. It's time for me to peel off some of my vainglory. 

Jesus, you know I love to be exalted. Help me love to be little even more.

Saint Therese, please pray for me.

Start with Peace

Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you.

Lk.10:5,6

Jesus is instructing the seventy-two disciples before their mission trip. He instructs that their very first action in each house is to extend a blessing of peace.

For the human condition peace was and is and always will be a desirable commodity. Jesus knew this and made it the mission ignition point for every household the disciples entered. This is the model for all Christian mission. Start with a blessing of peace.

I find when I start with peace, joy quickly follows. My mission trip today is the people I'm about to meet at home and at work. I'll start with peace  and watch for the joy.

Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. Help me be an emissary of peace to all those I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

 

Mercy not Fire

The disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.

Lk.9:54-56

Jesus is refused entry into a Samaritan village because he signals he is a Jew, his destination being Jerusalem. James and John want to punish the village which earns them the rebuke of Jesus.

James and John, the "Sons of Thunder", what to burn the villagers up.  After all, the village has unwittingly insulted God. Instead of passing judgement and inflicting punishment, Jesus gives mercy. This foreshadows what is about to happen from the Cross where Jesus intercedes for those who are crucifying him. They know not what they do.

There's a lot of James and John in me. I'm strong on judgement, weak on mercy. Pope Francis is strong on mercy and this makes some in the Church nervous. Judgement is so neat and tidy and... well... just. Mercy gives the initiative back to the perpetrators and they may not respond the way I want. But mercy is the way to change people's hearts. It worked on me. I need to have the grace to give space for mercy to work on others.

Jesus, thank you for extending mercy to me. Help me be a channel of mercy to the people I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Least is Great

For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.

Lk.9:48

Jesus has just stopped and argument between the disciples as to who is the greatest by presenting the answer before them. A little child.

Jesus brought in a new world order, the upside down pyramid with the greatest at the bottom supporting and serving all those above.  For Jesus, greatness is measured by humility. This was and continues to be countercultural. The world adulates the the rich, the beautiful and the powerful. Jesus tells us to pray behind closed doors, give with one hand while the other doesn't see it, be the last, serve all, be humble, be poor to be blessed. 

If I'm honest I'd have to say I don't find this easy. My flesh craves adulation and power. Yet on this point Jesus is uncompromising. If I am to be an authentic follower I am to be a servant to the small and weak. It's the "Love others" put into action.

Jesus, you know I would have been arguing with the disciples as to my greatness. Help me act with humility and service to be great in your eyes.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

What's the Goal?

At a time when everyone was full of admiration for all he did, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘For your part, you must have these words constantly in your mind: “The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men.”

Lk.9:43,44

Jesus is at the height of his popularity but isn't swayed from his primary goal... death on a cross.

What appears to be a desired objective can sometimes be a smoke screen. There can be a greater goal on the other side. This is especially true when the attention and clamour is worldly. Wealth, popularity, material success are often distractions. 

What is my goal I need to have constantly in mind? Attaining heaven. How do I get there? By loving God and loving others. Anything else is a distraction. 

Jesus, you kept your goal clearly in focus. Help me do the same today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

New Glory

The new glory of this Temple is going to surpass the old, says the Lord of Hosts, and in this place I will give peace – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks.

Hag.2:9

The prophet Haggai stands with the remnant Israelites looking on the destroyed Temple. With the eyes of faith, he doesn't see ruins and destruction, he sees a rebuilt temple more glorious than the last.

Life has its ruins. Marriages that were joyous and full of hope on the wedding day now a train wreck. Bodies that were young, full of life and vigor now thin, frail shadows from the ravages of sickness. Careers formerly full of promise now derailed and languishing. 

God doesn't see wreckage. He sees restoration. I've heard it said that God's favourite building material is broken lives. He makes gold out of miry clay, sinners into saints. And to restored lives he gives peace and with that, joy. 

Never give up. Stay in the ring and continue the fight. Don't focus on the ruins but on the restoration. This is the source of my hope and joy today.

Thank you Jesus that you don't dwell on the wreckage in my life. Help me always look up to what you see in me. Let me help others do the same.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Way Truth Life

Gospel Acclamation 

Alleluia, alleluia! 

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; 

no one comes to the Father except through me. 

Alleluia!

Jn.14:6 

Jesus is comforting his disciples. In answer to Thomas's question about where Jesus is going, Jesus says, "To the Father and you can come too, via me".

This statement is not very PC. It's too exclusive for the modern world. Surely there are other ways to the Father. Not according to Jesus. He is THE way. This puts emphasis on evangelisation. I have loved ones who don't follow Jesus. If I desire them to have a home in heaven, they need to know the way there. 

Also, there is a great joy in living on the way to truth and life. I'm always looking up, moving further in. This is the source of my joy and optimism today. It's a joy that deserves sharing.

Jesus, you are my way, my truth, my life. Help me share the joy I have in you today.
Saint Philip Neri, patron saint of Joy, please pray for us.

Rebuke Cure and Proclaim

Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

Lk.9:1,2

Jesus is commissioning the twelve apostles prior to their first mission trip. He gives them power to rebuke, cure and proclaim, which is what they set out and do.

There are some who say that was for then, that we don't have that authority or mandate now. What a dead religion if that were true. No, I am called to rebuke, cure and proclaim today. Through my baptism and the Church I have been given that power, given that authority. The Kingdom of God is near today.

Lord Jesus, I receive your commission. Help me be a scourge to the devil and his demons. Help me heal and proclaim your Good News today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Noble and Generous Heart

As for the part in the rich soil, 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 the parable of the sower to his disciples. The seed falling on rich soil are people who hear God's word and act on it, people with a noble and generous heart.

Noble is an old fashioned word meaning a person with fine personal qualities or high moral principles. A generous person is one who has a readiness to give more than is strictly necessary. These are people I like to be around. They are people who Jesus held up as rich soil yielding a plentiful harvest for God.

Noble and generous. These are virtues I can aspire to. Today my actions can be measured against the question, "Is what I'm doing noble and generous".

Jesus, you are both noble and generous. Help me be rich soil so your word can yield a rich harvest in my life.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

 

True Religion

You must aim to be saintly and religious, filled with faith and love, patient and gentle. Fight the good fight of the faith and win for yourself the eternal life to which you were called.

1Tim.6:12

Paul writes to Timothy, warning him of the distractions of pride, pointless arguments and love of money. The Godly life is full of faith, love, patience and gentleness.  

I shouldn't be surprised that the early Church had the same distracting arguments and factions as today. Human nature is what it is. The only difference today are the topics being argued. 

Catholic social media arguments are depressingly similar to those of the unchurched. Why you should be vaccinated, why you shouldn't, why you should oppose government attacks on "freedoms", why there is a plot to control your mind... yadda yadda yadda. Distractions and disunity that Satan will be relishing.  I don't see Jesus being lifted up anywhere.

I'm just as prone to be sucked into this downward vortex of noise. The antidote? True religion consisting of faith, love, patience and gentleness. Let's try and practice these today.

Jesus, it's hard sometimes to hear you through the noise. Help me always have an ear inclined to your voice and stay focussed on the life you call me to.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Lift Him 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.3:14,15

Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, explaining what belief in him gains... eternal life.

What is death is the final question everyone must face. Is it a black hole into nothing or a door into everything? My mother, after ninety two years of atheism, faced this question four days before she died and concluded it must be the door into everything and became a believer. Her eleventh hour belief gained her eternal life. Thank you Jesus.

People don't realise they have a choice unless Jesus is lifted up. They must be told. My life is a book others can read. I need to be sure it tells the right story, that it lifts Jesus up so people may believe and have eternal life.

Thank you Jesus for the people you placed in my life that lifted you up and helped me believe. Help me be the same to those you place in my life today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Hear Act

Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and acts on them – I will show you what he is like. He is like the man who when he built his house dug, and dug deep, and laid the foundations on rock.

Lk.6:47,48

Jesus insists that listening to his words is not enough. I must act on them or ruin for my household will follow.

Good foundations are crucial.  This well known parable of the wise man building his house on the rock contains sobering words. They highlight how my actions, or lack of them, affects not only me but my household, my family. 

So, how do I lay good foundations for my household? According to Jesus, hearing his words then acting on them. The process starts with hearing. My morning prayer is time of less noise, I time when I can hear. Acting on what I hear follows throughout the day. Acting requires intention. That can be tough but it's possible... one day at a time, starting with today.

Jesus, I hear you plain enough. Help me act on your words so I can lay a strong foundation for my household.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Mercy and Grace gives Faith and Love

 

Mercy, however, was shown me, because until I became a believer I had been acting in ignorance; and the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love that is in Christ Jesus.

1Tim.1:13,14

Paul writes of what his conversion involved from God, mercy and grace, and what was the result in his life, faith and love.

This is true of my own conversion. Mercy and grace rescuing me from ignorance and filling me with faith and love. If I want to have any effect in a non-believer's life the starting point is showing them mercy and grace, even if they are persecuting what I hold dear. Today I need to be a channel of mercy and a flood of grace.

Jesus, you rescued me by your mercy and grace. Help me be a channel of mercy and grace to those I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

The Face of Love

Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful.

Col.314,15

Saint Paul lists all the virtues that should be active in a believer's life. They are the natural ourworking of love, peace and gratitude.

Paul lists compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness. This is the attractive face of the Church that draws people in. 

The opposite is coldness, cruelty, pride, harshness, impatience, intolerance and judgement. This is the ugly face of the Church that repels. 

I'm a member of the body. What virtues and vices do people see in me? God's word and the words of those close to me are my mirrors. 

Jesus, help me root out my vices and foster my virtues so I can more authentically reflect you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

What a Friend I've Found

Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’

Mt.1:22,23

Following the long genealogy of Jesus, Matthew writes of the circumstances of Jesus' birth. Mary is silent in these verses, all action focussing on Joseph and his wrestling with what to do. It's high drama that can only be made sense of by the words of the prophet Isaiah, "they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us."

God becoming man. This is unique to our Christian faith. Jesus being Emmanuel, God with me, stops him from being some distant, cold deity. He is my friend, my best friend right beside me. I am never alone, I always have his assured presence, he is the source of my joy today.

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 us.

Full of Thanksgiving

You must live your whole life according to the Christ you have received – Jesus the Lord; you must be rooted in him and built on him and held firm by the faith you have been taught, and full of thanksgiving.

Col.2:6,7

Paul writes to demonstrate that Christ is supreme over every human philosophy and accomplishment. The believer must choose to be rooted, built and held by faith in Christ, all bound together by an overarching gratitude. 

It is good for me to recall what Jesus has done for me. It stirs my faith and brings on gratitude. Thankfulness is a natural consequence of faith. An optimist tends to be a person full of hope who is always thankful. They are contagious, which is why they're great to hang around. 

Today I choose to be a man full of thanksgiving.

Thank you Jesus for the freedom, peace and joy you have given me. I will speak of your love forever.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.