God Made Flesh

The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jn.1:14

John gives witness to what he heard, saw and touched... God made flesh.

The Christmas Octave is drawing to a close, proclaiming what it declared from its beginning. God has visited his people. This outrageous claim is at the heart of Christianity. Deny this and you aren't Christian.

When I reaffirm my faith in Jesus as the Son of God, I reestablish my foundation for life. This affects every area of my life, both here on earth and in the life to come. I am given grace and truth, and life makes sense.

Jesus, you are my foundation for today and hope for the future. Walk beside me Lord.
Saint John the Apostle, please pray for me.

 

Man up and be a Joseph

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.
Ps.127:3,4

The first blessing that comes to a man who fears the Lord is family.

Today being the Feast of the Holy Family, focus is given to Mary, Jesus and Joseph. Mary and Jesus, Jesus and Mary. At this stage of the Holy Family it seems like they are one person. Joseph's role is to cherish, protect and provide for this most holy of people. In so doing he role models what it means to be a man.  

Lord, you have given me my wife, my children, my grandchildren. Help me be Joseph to them and cherish, protect and provide.
Saint Joseph, please pray for me.

Walk in the Light

Yet in another way, what I am writing to you, and what is being carried out in your lives as it was in his, is a new commandment; because the night is over and the real light is already shining.
1Jn.2:8

John writes that hatred is in darkness but love brings in the light. Now that God has visited his people in Christ, the light is permanently on.

Light or dark. The choice is that stark. The night is over, the light is shining. Today I choose to walk in the light.

Jesus, you are the light of my life. Shine in me and through me today.

Saint Thomas Becket, please pray for me.

We Win!

A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loudly lamenting:
it was Rachel weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted because they were no more.
Mt.2:18

In his jealousy and rage Herod has all male boys in and around Bethlehem under two years of age slaughtered. Jesus' birth brought great joy and great sorrow.

It seems when great good rises up, great evil rises to oppose it. Such is our human condition and the spiritual battle that swirls about us. It pays to keep one eye firmly on the end goal. Jesus' victory. That is the only thing that makes sense of the pain and suffering in the world. Jesus wins in the end and we who follow him share in that victory. Alleluia!

Jesus, I keep my eyes fixed on you both in good times and in bad.
Holy Innocents, please pray for us.

See and Believe

Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.
Jn.20:8

John the Apostle reaches the tomb of Jesus but defers to Peter, letting him enter first. John then enters and seeing the empty tomb has his epiphany. He believes. 

Christmas is so great a day that the Church allocates eight days to celebrate. Yet, while transported in joy by the babe in the manger, the shadow of the cross falls over the scene. But this is a new and greater source of joy. The complete plan of God visiting his people is only realised at the empty tomb. Like Saint John, I see and believe. 

Jesus, I look at you as a babe lying in the manger, the shadow of the cross falling over you. Thank you lord for your great love for me. I adore you.
Saint John, please pray for me.

 

The Baby Changes Everything

The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jn.1:14

The morning sun has crested. The glorious light, previously just a hint in the night sky, has burst over us. The unfathomable power of God, the Word, has become flesh. God has visited his people.

Up until Christ's birth, God was only revealed through signs and his word. Now he became flesh, one of us, truly with us. Being with us he could fully love us and fully save us. The baby changes everything. Oh happy day!

This joy is mine, a joy nothing can take away. It is a joy not only meant for Christmas Day but for every day of the year. It is the gift that keeps on giving. 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

God Has Visited His People

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel for he has visited his people, he has come to their rescue and he has raised up for us a power for salvation.
Lk.1:68

John’s father Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit after nine months of muteness, his first words praising God for visiting his people. God's plan of salvation is about to commence with the birth of a baby in a stable in Bethlehem.

There is the reason for our joy. God has visited his people. If we believe that, Christmas makes sense and we are transported into joy. If we don't believe that... well, all you are left with is "happy holidays". Holidays come and go. Truth is eternal. 

The sun is about to rise on that great and glorious day. Merry Christmas!

Alleluia, alleluia!

Come,

Radiant Dawn,

splendour of eternal light, sun of justice:

shine on those lost in the darkness of death!

Alleluia!

Turn the Hearts

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.3:23,24 

The prophet Malachi foretells the reappearance of Elijah to herald the coming Messiah. John the Baptist fulfills this role. 

The final prophecy of the final book in the Old Testament carries both joy and warning. The Messiah is coming, but if hearts of fathers are not turned the land will be struck with a curse. Are we not witnessing this very curse today with the current wave of youth crime over the nation? The common factor in the lives of these young offenders is the absence of fathers. They are a broken generation from broken families.

Good news! They can be fixed. Turn their father's hearts back to them. This requires a miracle and God is in the business of miracles. As today's Psalm cries out, "Lift your heads high and see: your redemption is near at hand."

"God defend New Zealand. Come Lord Jesus, come!
Mary, patroness of New Zealand, please pray for us.

Come, King of All Nations

Alleluia, alleluia! 

Come, 

King of all nations, 

source of your Church’s unity and faith: 

save all people, 

your own creation! 

Alleluia!

With all four Advent candles blazing the Church raises its voice, crying in Christmas, the source of all unity and faith. 

As the world scrubs Christ out of Christmas, leaving a hollow, tinselled shell called the "holiday season", the Church heralds Jesus in, acknowledging him as the source and creator of everything. The world gorges on sensory opiates and is left feeling empty. So great is the Church's joy that we take eight days to celebrate Christmas.

I'm so grateful for my Christian faith. 

Come, King of all nations, source of your Church’s unity and faith: save all people, your own creation! 
Mary, mother of God, pray for us.

God is On the Move

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

The Advent focus is shifted from us longing for God to God longing for us. Our lover is calling us home.

There's a wonderful scene in C S Lewis' book, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, where Father Christmas arrives amid the melting snow of the hundred year winter. He Joyfully cries out these Advent words,  "Winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The season of glad songs has come." The witch has been defeated and Aslan is on the move!

Evil has been defeated and God is on the move! Advent has almost finished and the glory of Christmas, just over the horizon, is filling the sky. God is longing for me, calling me further up, further in, further closer to him. 

My Lord my love, here I come bounding over the mountains! I'm coming home!

Mary Mother of God, please pray for me.

A Perfect Heart

Alleluia, alleluia! 

Come, Lord, bring to us your peace: 

let us rejoice before you with a perfect heart. 

Alleluia!

Ps. 84.8

Today's gospel acclamation cries out to God for peace so we can respond with joy. In such a state our hearts are perfect.

The Advent cry for more peace, more joy is growing. Rich or poor, our cry is the same. We all yearn for peace and joy. And no wonder, for when peace and joy are mine I yearn no more. No more striving, no more constant longing. My heart is perfectly fulfilled.

Come Lord, bring me your peace. Let me rejoice before you with a perfect heart.
Mary, Mother of God, please pray for me.

Come Home

For the mountains may depart, the hills be shaken, but my love for you will never leave you and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken, says the Lord who takes pity on you.

Is.54:10

Isaiah prophesies God's call to his wayward people to bring them home, a home of love, peace and compassion. 

My workplace has scrubbed the word "Christmas" from all communications. It's all about the "holiday season". Yet, the great call of Advent remains. Come home, come home to love and peace. The human heart yearns for this place of joy and peace that only God can give. 

He offers the way back by giving us a mewling, puking little baby to look upon in awe and wonder. God made man. Follow that baby and I will find my way home.

Lord Jesus, my heart is restless until it finds its rest in you. 

Mary, mother of God, please pray for me.

The Bar of Humility

I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Mt.21:31,32

Jesus accuses the chief priests and elders of stubborn obstinacy and pride which holds them back. He points out gross sinners who are heading for God's kingdom because they believed and repented. 

The king of the universe was born in a stinking stable. You couldn't get much more humble beginnings. This sets the bar, the bar of humility, for anyone who is to follow. The bar of humility is high and difficult for the proud and low and easy for the humble. 

Lord Jesus, you are humble of heart. Make me humble of heart that I may be closer to you.
Saint Lucy, please pray for me

Go Meet Him

Alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord will come: go out to meet him!
He is the prince of peace.
Alleluia!

Today's gospel acclamation proclaims an Advent cry. Jesus is coming! Be ready for him, the prince of peace.

Jesus is coming, be excited! This is the source of my joy. Yes, I celebrate his birth, but it's his second coming that pops my cork. Maybe next year, maybe this week, maybe today, as long as I'm ready it doesn't really matter when. Advent helps me get ready.

Lord Jesus, your peace is needed so much in our world, in my world. Come Lord Jesus, come.
Mary Mother of God, please pray for me.

A Yes Man

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

Mary's yes defeats Eve's no, opening the door for the way back to the garden, the way back home.

Advent for me is the time of Mary. I focus on her, pregnant with baby Jesus, on the back of a donkey being led by Joseph, making her way determinedly to Bethlehem. She travels slowly but resolutely to fulfill her destiny that stated with her "Yes" to God's plan for salvation of all mankind. 

Today can be my "yes" day. Who knows where that could lead me?

Lord Jesus, you came into the world through your mother's yes. Help me be a yes man today.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me now and at the hour of my death. Amen.

Slow Down

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

Jesus calls all, not just some but all who are overburdened to find the deepest kind of rest. Rest for your soul.

While increasing in joy, Advent has us decreasing in speed. Just at the time the world is starting to climb into pre-Christmas frenzy, I am called to stop and rest. 

Advent moves at the speed of a donkey, a donkey slowly but inexorably moving towards Bethlehem where something wonderful is about to take place.

Jesus, help me slow down to rest and enjoy this Advent journey.
Saint Joseph, please pray for me.

Evil Conquered by Love

He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.
Is.40:11

Isaiah tells of when our victorious God returns to restore peace and justice with compassion and love.

The excitement of Advent is mounting. Isaiah paints a picture of God as a mighty and victorious warrior then switches to the image of a loving shepherd embracing his sheep against his breast. God is both warrior and shepherd. The warrior conquers evil, the shepherd nurtures the flock. 

I can leave all justice to the warrior and look forward to the embrace of the shepherd. The evil within me is conquered by love. 

Jesus, conquer the evil in my heart with the love in your heart. Come Lord Jesus, come.

The Home Straight

Go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. 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. You received without charge, give without charge.
Mt.10:7,8

Jesus is instructing the twelve before their first mission trip. Even though God's kingdom is close at hand there is still much work to be done.

The home straight of a race is never easy. In fact it is where the most effort is expended. The same is true of these last days. Jesus doesn't intend it to be a cakewalk. The "get ready" of Advent is not just a call for me to brush up for Christ's arrival. It's a call for me to bring as many others as possible with me. 

Lord Jesus, you even called in the Good Thief while nailed to the cross with only minutes left to live. Give me your zeal for souls right to the end. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Hear and Do

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 warns about true and false prophets and wise and foolish builders. All will be exposed, either on judgement day or when calamity falls.

There are three messages here. First, there is a foolish way to build my life and a wise way. Second, the difference depends on inaction or action. Third, troubles will come. 

Rain, floods and gales of life happen and Jesus has never said his followers will be exempt. But what he does say today is that if I hear and do his Word I will stand. 

Holy Spirit, help me hear and do today that I may stand.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Happy Eyes

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's prophecy reveals the root of Jessie coming to rule all creation, heralding a time of absolute peace.

Jesus brings peace. Enemies become friends with animosity forgotten. The most unlikely people, wolves and lambs, embrace. I have seen this happen and it is a glimpse of the wonderful world to come when Jesus reigns supreme. 

Jesus says in today's gospel, "Happy the eyes that see what you have seen". (Lk.10:23). I walk into today with happy eyes.

Thank you Jesus for revealing to me what prophets and kings have wanted to see. This vision is my hope and joy today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

The Bride

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.
Ap.21:1,2

John's final vision starts with all things made new, both heaven and earth. The new Jerusalem is as beautiful as a bride.

In attempting to describe the indescribable, John compares the new heavenly city to a bride dressed for her husband. I grasp what John is trying to convey here as I recall gasping at the sight of my darling bride being led down the aisle by her father. She looked like a Greek goddess. I suddenly felt shy before such beauty. 

The new Jerusalem is my real home that I yearn to reach. No more tears. No more pain. Indescribable beauty and joy. Meeting my Lord face to face. This puts everything of my life in perspective, the highs and lows, the good the bad, the beautiful the ugly. All swept away and replaced with the perfect new.

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

Stand Up

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 prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem before his return in glory to judge the earth. This is the time for all believers to stand strong and receive their promised freedom.

Here it is again. Agony, death and destruction before the joy of liberation. The Christian attitude is to always keep one eye firmly on the promised joy of liberation. Yes, deal with the trials of the day but don't let them overwhelm. Standing up with a lifted head gives a clearer view, a better perspective on what to do in a time of trial.

Jesus, I can be overwhelmed by trials. Help me keep my eye firmly on you so that I can stand up and lift my head and have a better view.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Retirement Plan

Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness.
Lk.21:12,13

Jesus has just described to his disciples what the end of time will be like. As a postscript he adds that persecution will be a precursor to that event.

Jesus never said being a follower would be a cakewalk. Quite the opposite. But he always adds, be strong, stand firm, stand up and lift your head because eternal life will be yours. 

Life has its troubles with or without Jesus. It's just that with Jesus the troubles are never the end of the story. They are just an opportunity to bear witness. As the saying goes, being a Christian doesn't promise high pay, but the retirement plan is out of this world.

Jesus, I invite you again into my day, the good times and the not so good times. You always place them in the perspective of eternal life. Thank you Lord.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Beginning of the Story

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

In God's time the world will come to an end and he will judge the earth and all people. We, his people, are not to be afraid but are to be faithful to the promise of eternal life.

Here is the great promise of our faith. Be faithful until death and you will have life. Jesus was unequivocal about the resurrection. This is a nonsense to unbelievers until they are staring down the barrel of death when suddenly it has a certain appeal. 

What does this mean for me today? Yes, one day I will die. No, that will not be the end of my story but just the end of the title page, with my real story about to begin. Is this Good News worth sharing? Absolutely!

Jesus, you are the first born to the resurrection. Thank you for the promise of eternal life. You are the source of my joy.
Saint John the Revelator, please pray for me.

Generosity

I tell you truly, this poor widow has put in more than any of them; for these have all contributed money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in all she had to live on.
Lk.21:3,4

Jesus observes a widow gifting to the temple treasury. Her paltry few coins are lifted up as the highest example of generosity.

The widow blows my ten percent offerings to smithereens as she redefines generosity. She shows how it's not the amount that matters, it's the measure of generosity. Jesus loves a generous and cheerful giver. The people of rich soil are those with "noble and generous hearts".

My heart is not often generous, in fact it's usually parsimonious. It seems miserliness brings with it miserableness while generosity brings with it joy. 

Lord, show me where and how I can be a generous giver today.
Generous Widow, please pray for me.

 

Resurrection

Jesus replied, ‘The children of this world take wives and husbands, but those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels.
Lk.20:34-36

Jesus is replying to the Sadducees who try to confound him with a question about the resurrection. His answer confirms there is a resurrection but also underscores the primary purpose of marriage, for the procreation of children. In heaven we live forever, removing the need for marriage and children. 

With the end of the Church's calendar approaching, our focus is on end times. For us believers, it's a time to stand up and lift our heads for our redemption draws near.

Thank you Jesus for leading the way into heaven and allowing us to follow. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

The Lord's House

Jesus went into the Temple and began driving out those who were selling. ‘According to scripture,’ he said ‘my house will be a house of prayer. But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’
Lk.19:45,46

Jesus drives out the mercenaries and traders from the temple, declaring what the temple is intended to be... a house of prayer.

Jesus always used the temple to teach and pray, modeling what our places of worship, our churches are to be. The word ‘church’ by which we designate the place of divine worship, is derived from the Greek kuriakon (‘the Lord's house’), implying that it is God's house in the first place.

An extrapolation can be made here as well. My body is a temple, a temple of the Holy Spirit, a "Lord's House". How I use my body needs to reflect that.

Jesus, I dedicate my body to you. Holy Spirit, fill my body so it may become a house of the Lord.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

God Wept

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it.
Lk.19:41

Jesus stops in sight of the city of Jerusalem and weeps while prophesying its impending destruction. Why had this come about? Because Jerusalem did not recognise its opportunity when God offered it. 

How staggering that God weeps! What opportunities offered by God have I missed? When have I caused Jesus to weep? Every time I choose to sin, and yes, sin is always a choice. 

Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner. Today I want to make you rejoice not weep.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

What Do I Want?

Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God,
Lk.18:40-43

The persistence of the blind beggar overcame the obstacles of the surrounding people trying to shut him down. His faith resulted in his healing.

"What is it that you want?". At first this seems the most ridiculous question to ask a blind man. Of course he wants his sight. But Jesus wanted to engage with the blind man's faith. What he was asking for was a miracle healing from blindness. That takes faith and truck loads of it. 

The blind man was not only given his faith but also an increased love for God as evidenced by the loud praise he gave while following Jesus.

What miracle am I asking of Jesus? Do I have the faith to place it before him? 

Jesus, I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

The Flag of Love

To love is to live according to his commandments: this is the commandment which you have heard since the beginning, to live a life of love.
2Jn.4:6

John reiterates the fundamental commandment of Jesus, the commandment to love.

I recall my first great love affair. Suddenly someone else's happiness became more important than my own. Love does that. This takes a new meaning when I recall scripture saying God is love. This means when I love, God is in me in his most pure form. 

As a Christian I am to have the attitude of love, remembering that I am loved by God. This is our hallmark, the flag we march under. See how they love one another. 

Thank you Jesus that I am not called to do good, or even be good. I am called to be loved. Then love will flow from me. 
Saint John the Evangelist, please pray for me.

An Ambassador

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

Jesus replies to a Pharisee's question about the arrival of the kingdom of God, saying God's kingdom has already arrived.

Jesus is referring to himself, standing among the Pharisees, but also to his Church which is him incarnate. We, the Church, are his body and we represent the kingdom of God. We are the wheat among the weeds, the salt, the yeast, the mustard seed, the secret army at work in the world. 

I sometimes forget I'm an ambassador for Christ, an emissary for the kingdom of God. Today is a good day to remember that and live accordingly.

Jesus, you have placed me in the world. Help me be not of the world but yeast, salt, light for your kingdom. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

A Drop in the River

 

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 vision he sees water flowing from the temple of God becoming a river of life and health.

Today is the feast of Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The dedication of a church is a feast for all its parishioners. In a sense, St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the pope’s cathedral. This church is the spiritual home of the people who are the Church.

We, the people of the Church, are the river of life flowing from God. What is our purpose? To bring life and health to the world. 

Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Church. Let me be a drop in the river of life today.
Saint John, please pray for me.

Merely a Servant

Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.
Lk.17:9,10

Jesus instructs on the attitude of a disciple. It is to be the attitude of a faithful servant.

Servanthood is demeaned by the world as an inferior position. Jesus lifts servanthood up as the pinnacle of Christian life. It places the other ahead of oneself in humility, always the attitude of a Christian. When there is less of me and I'm focussed more on the other, somehow there is more of Jesus within me. 

Jesus, you know it is more natural for me to want to be served than to serve. Give me a servant's heart that is joyful in serving others. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Hearts Soaked and Strengthened in Love

May the Lord turn your hearts towards the love of God and the fortitude of Christ.
2Thes.3:5

Paul speaks a blessing over all believers that our hearts may be soaked in God's love and strengthened by Jesus.

Hearts soaked and strengthened in love.  What a great benediction. That can be my mantra for today over all I meet. 

Thank you Jesus for your heart soaking and strengthening love. Let me be a conduit of that love today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Open Handed

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I tell you this: use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents of eternity. 
Lk.16:9

Jesus has just told the parable of the shrewd servant. He highlights that money does have influence but it is limited to this world. Eternal influence comes from how we use money now.

Twenty dollars looks huge on the collection plate but very small when I had it over at Burger Fuel. My natural inclination is to be tight fisted. Jesus is calling me to be open handed. When I unclasp my fingers from that twenty dollar note it has less power over me.

Jesus, you know, Lord, that I am grasping by nature. Help me become open handed with a generous heart that I may be welcomed into heaven.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Shrewd Mercy

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 tells the parable of the shrewd servant. The servant's astuteness in time of trouble is to show mercy.

Showing mercy to debtors was going to stand the servant in good stead in the troubled times that were coming to him. Jesus holds this up as an example for "children of the light", for me. Calling mercy shrewd does not lessen the power of what mercy does, both for the giver and the receiver. 

It's my acts of mercy that will hold in me in good stead on the day of judgement. Is this just self-serving? Jesus doesn't think so. Mercy insists on being self-giving. The other is deemed more important than any rights I think I may have. Today is a day for dispensing mercy, shrewdly.

Jesus, you lift up mercy as a great virtue that opens the door to grace. Help me be a merciful servant today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Seek the Lost

“Rejoice with me,” he would say “I have found my sheep that was lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.
Lk.15:6,7

Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep to Pharisees complaining that he spends time with tax collectors and sinners. It is those Jesus came for.

My favorite quote from Pope Francis: “The thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle." Jesus would agree.

Today is a day to recognise the lost, the alone, the wounded and help heal them, in Jesus' mighty name.

Jesus, it can be overwhelming when faced with a person's desperate need. Help me be you to them in whatever form that takes.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Put God’s armour on so as to be able to resist the devil’s tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens.
Eph.6:11,12

Paul warns us that we are in a battle against spiritual forces of evil, so we are to equip ourselves for battle. 

That a power of evil exists is less debated than the fact that there is a power of good. Acknowledging there is an enemy is the first step to defending against and then defeating him. 

I am not to fear this present darkness. The antidote is summarised in James 4 verse 7. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.". The way to resist the devil is to put on the armour of God. 

Thank you Jesus that you are captain of the victorious army, the Church Triumphant. The battle belongs to the Lord. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Travel Light

Someone said to him, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed."
Lk.13:23,24

Jesus warns that the way to God's Kingdom is not wide and easy but requires letting go of much baggage.

My darling wife insisted on a massive suitcase when we travelled around Italy and France. Of course, I always ended up handing over my modest 10 kg bag to her while I wrestled her behemoth on and off trains. The most difficult part of the task was always the narrow doors.

The lesson in today's Gospel for me is, travel light. I remember a joke about the wealthy man who, when he died, brought sacks of money with him. Saint Peter and the pearly gates spys the bags of money and says, "Oh... goody. We'll be able to use that to... um... play Monopoly". 

The point is, baggage from this world restricts my movement into God's Kingdom. Travel light...

Jesus, I tend to grab and horde. Help me open my grasping hands and let go... and travel light.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Review Regret Repent

Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell and killed them? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.
Lk.13:4,5

Jesus twice refers to contemporary calamities claiming the lives of innocents, people slaughtered by Herod while in the act of worship and bystanders killed under a collapsed tower. Despite their innocence the people had perished and Jesus says so will we unless we repent.

Repentance... reviewing and regretting past wrongs. Jesus presents repentance as the key to life that every one of us needs, that I need. I have sinned and have followed my own path.  The Church helps me here. It's time for the confessional...

Thank you Jesus for offering the key to fullness of life through repentance. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Unity

Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience. Do all you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together. 
Eph.4:2-4

Paul calls the Ephesian Church to unity which is a sign of Christian maturity.

Part of the attractiveness of my local parish is the unity shown by the people. We are a community made up of people from all over the world, of old and young, of wealthy and not so wealthy. Yet, there is a wonderful oneness among us based on our common faith. 

Charity, selflessness, gentleness, patience.... all virtues I need to practice more. 

Lord, unity is the mark of an authentic Christian community. Help me be a unity maker in my parish and in my family.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Become His Love

 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, and then, planted in love and built on love, you will with all the saints have strength to grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth; until, knowing the love of Christ, which is beyond all knowledge, you are filled with the utter fullness of God.
Eph.3:16-19

Paul prays for the Ephesians and indeed for all the Universal Church, for me... to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that the love of Christ completely possesses me.

This is the ultimate blessing, to call on a person the utter fullness of God. It's a blessing I call over my wife and children. It's a blessing I wish for all of my grandchildren , for Alpha Course guests and hosts, for my parish and local Church.

Lord Jesus, I ask that my hidden self may grow strong so that I know your love and become your love... starting today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Yes No Not Yet

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. 
Lk.18:7,8

Jesus has just told his parable of the persistent widow, underscoring his promise that persistence in prayer will always bear fruit.

I have a daily prayer list with names of people who have been on the list for years, my prayers as yet unanswered. I've heard it described there can be three types of answers to prayer from God... yes, no or not yet. The Yes's" are easy to recognise. The "no's"  can be harder to accept. The main thing is to keep praying for the "not yets". 

Jesus, I know all authentic prayer is heard by you. I trust that at the right time you will give the right response.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Hope-filled

Chosen to be, for his greater glory, the people who would put their hopes in Christ before he came.
Eph.1:11,12

Paul defines who the people of the Ephesian Church are, people of hope. 

As a believer in Jesus I am a person of hope, hope based on the promises that come from his love. Jesus knows the world is in desperate need of hope. He has made his Church emissaries of hope to the hopeless. I am to be an emissary of hope to all I encounter today.

Jesus, again I place my trust and hope in you. Holy Spirit, fill me so I may be a hope-filled witness today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

I Am Chosen

Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ,
to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence,
Eph.1:4,5

Paul starts his great epistle to the Ephesian Church by zeroing in their identity. Who are they? They are the chosen.

I promote the Alpha Course by saying it will give a renewed identity and sense of purpose. Here is Saint Paul saying the same. Who am I? I am chosen. For what purpose? To live in and through love. It's pretty simple really.

Lord Jesus, I step out into this day as chosen, chosen to live, chosen to love. Holy Spirit be my guide.
Saint Paul, please pray for me.

Faith felt through Love

Christians are told by the Spirit to look to faith for those rewards that righteousness hopes for, since in Christ Jesus whether you are circumcised or not makes no difference – what matters is faith that makes its power felt through love.
Gal.5:5,6

Paul exhorts the Galatian Church not to waste time trying to be made righteous through the Law which is slavery. Faith in Jesus alone is the key to righteousness, shown by its power of love. 

We're all little lawyers which is what makes the Law so attractive. Everything is so neat and black and white. People either measure up or they don't. The problem is the Law excludes love, which excludes mercy, grace, forgiveness... which excludes God. 

I've got to kill that little lawyer within me and stir my faith in the God of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Then love naturally flows... in power. 

Jesus, you alone are the antidote to my slavery to the Law. Let my faith in you make its power felt through love.
Saint Paul, please pray for me.

Hearts that Seek will Rejoice

O sing to the Lord, sing his praise; 

 tell all his wonderful works! 

Be proud of his holy name, 

 let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.

Ps.104:2,3

The psalmist calls us to lift our voices in praise to God. All who seek the Lord can rejoice.

There's joy just in seeking. "Seek and you will find," says Jesus. Even before finding, joy is promised. This joy is based on hope and yearning for fulfillment of that hope. The joy of finding is something more again.

Today is our Alpha Away Day, a day of seeking. I can expect joy to be part of the day.

Thank you Jesus that you are a joy to seek and a greater joy to find.  Holy Spirit, be our joy as we seek today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

I Lift, He Draws

Alleluia, alleluia! 

The prince of this world will now be cast out, 

and when I am lifted up from the earth 

I will draw all to myself, says the Lord. 

Alleluia!

Jn12:31-32

Today's Gospel Acclamation quotes Jesus predicting his death by crucifixion and the benefit it will provide, the drawing all mankind to himself.

This scripture reminds me of my mission... to lift Jesus up. He does the drawing in people's hearts. I just do the lifting.

Tomorrow is our Alpha Away Day, a time where the Holy Spirit is invited into people's lives. With the Holy Spirit in, the prince of this world is cast out and Jesus is lifted up. Alleluia!

Veni Sancte Spiritus. Come Holy Spirit and help me lift Jesus up so all may be drawn to him.

Saint John, please pray for us.

Ask Seek Knock

What father among you would hand his son a stone when he asked for bread? Or hand him a snake instead of a fish? Or hand him a scorpion if he asked for an egg? 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:11:11-13

Jesus is encouraging his disciples to take the initiative and simply ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Our Father in heaven will definitely respond.

This particular scripture has been on my heart lately as we lead up to our Alpha Course Away Day. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman, not forcing himself on anyone. But when we ask, seek, knock... he rushes in. Why do I need a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit? To lead and guide me into an ever more intimate relationship with Jesus.

Veni Sancte Spiritus. Come Holy Spirit. Fill me with your presence and power that I may love Jesus more.
Saint Paul, please pray for me.

Handbook for Life

All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
2Tim.3:16,17

Paul is pointing his disciple Timothy in the direction where truth can be found when there is false teaching. Inspired scripture refutes, guides, teaches and equips.

Here is a reminder as to why it is profitable to study scripture. Do I want to be dedicated to God and equipped for good work? Then regularly study scripture. It is my spiritual food, my handbook for life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your Word that equips and guides. 
Saint Jerome, please pray for me.

You Will See Greater Things

You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘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

Responding to Philip's invitation to come and see, Nathaniel encounters Jesus. Jesus tells Nathanel he will encounter more than what is before him. He will see all of heaven and its angels.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels, Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. We are told to lift our gaze to heavenly places as Jesus foretold Nathaniel. There is a supernatural element to life. Yes it's mysterious and intangible, but Jesus is Lord of there as well. 

As the psalmist says in today's Psalm, "In the presence of the angels I will bless you."

Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, please pray for us.

The Cost of Following

Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’
Lk.9:59,60

Luke records Jesus being straight up about the cost of following him. Priorities change for the follower of Christ.

Burying the dead is a great act of charity, read Tobit to be convinced. The Church is famous for always doing this. The greatest desecration to a person is to leave their dead body to the birds and wild animals. Yet here is Jesus apparently casting it aside. 

The point Jesus is making is there is a cost to following him. New duties are given. He is asking me if I'm prepared to pay that cost and perform those duties. When I say yes to Jesus what becomes my duty? Spreading the Good News. 

The good news about spreading the Good News is it becomes a great joy. When I'm doing that then I'm truly a follower. 

Jesus, the demands of the world can distract me from my duty. Help me spread the Good News and always keep an eye firmly on following you. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Be Real

Job broke the silence and cursed the day of his birth. This is what he said: "May the day perish when I was born, and the night that told of a boy conceived. Why did I not die new-born, not perish as I left the womb?"
Job3:1-3,11

After a week of silent, afflicted misery in front of his three friends, a great lament breaks out from Job as he curses the day he was born.

Job is starting to get real with God, not cursing God but laying before him how he is feeling. Nothing is held back. Knowing the end of this story where Job is given back double everything he lost, this is the starting point of his recovery. It's a long path but he is starting to move out of his despair. He is lancing the boil.

God wants me to be real with him, wants me to stand naked before him. When this happens God can start to rebuild. The best material for God to work with is a pile of broken bricks, not a solid wall. 

Thank you Jesus that you invite me to be real with you, that I don't need to pretend. That's what friends do.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Less of Me

Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.
Lk.9:48

To silence the arguments among the disciples over who among them is the greatest, Jesus places a child beside himself and says, "Welcome this child and you are welcoming me. Here is your greatness."

Humility is a sign of greatness in Jesus eyes. Having preference for the weak, the poor, the small is a sign of distinction. All this, of course, goes against my natural inclination to put me first, to exalt myself. There needs to be less of me in my thoughts. 

Jesus, you modeled true greatness through servanthood. Help me be a servant too. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Long View

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 predicts his death for the second time, looking beyond the adulation of the crowds, keeping in focus the reason he came... to suffer and die for my sins.

Jesus kept the long view. He knew time on earth is temporary for all mankind and as a man he was not exempt. It's sobering to remember that one day I will draw my last breath. Today, now, takes on added value. How precious is the breath I draw at this moment. 

Jesus also knew death is not the end of the story. Death will not be the end of my story. I step into today loving the life I have been given but also with one eye firmly fixed on where my hope lies when I die. 

Thank you Jesus that as good as today is, it is not all that there is. My joy is in you and where you are calling me. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Who Do I Say He Is?

‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ It was Peter who spoke up. ‘The Christ of God’ he said.
Lk.9:20

Jesus is questioning his disciples on who the crowds say he is. He then zeros onto them, asking who they say he is. Peter's reply nails it. The Messiah of God. 

If my faith is anything it is personal. The very first prayer I ever made was to "the God of Kate, if you're up there." I was searching and that was a starting point. I couldn't stay there. Who do I say he is? Jesus is my God. I am his. He is mine. 

Jesus, you are my friend, you are my God. Walk beside me today I pray.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Life is Short

Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart. Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever? Show pity to your servants.
Ps.89:12,13

Psalm 89 is attributed to Moses, a man of God. He identifies knowledge of our mortality as a sign of wisdom. Being aware of the shortness of this life makes us keep a firm eye on eternity and where we want to spend it.

I'm approaching retirement, a major cross road after fifty years of paid employment. Surely this is a time to reflect on my shortness of life. Thank God I follow him who has conquered death and promises eternal life. 

Jesus, you are my hope, my peace, my joy. I step into today knowing yes, my life here is short but my life with you is eternal.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

He Invites Me - I Invite Him

As Jesus was walking on, he saw a man named Matthew sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.
Mt.9:9,10

Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow him. Matthew immediately responds, leaving his livelihood, his former way of life and inviting Jesus into his home. To everyone's surprise, Jesus accepts the invitation.

Matthew did more than follow Jesus, he invited Jesus into his very life. Jesus then responded to Matthew's invitation, boots and all. That seems to be how conversion works. Jesus invites me. I invite him. I accept him for who he is, man and God. He accepts me for who I am, saint and sinner.

This is a daily process, starting today.

Jesus, I invite you into my life today. Be my companion and guide.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Noble and Generous

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. As opposed to the rocky ground, the thorn covered ground and the exposed path ground, the rich soil giving a bountiful harvest is people with noble and generous hearts. 

Jesus is talking of people with high moral principles and a readiness to give more. This would not describe me each time I sin, in thoughts or deeds. Nobleness and generosity are virtues worth the effort of training and practicing. Jesus says it will take perseverance, that is persistence despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.  

Jesus, I have high ideals but lack persistence. Help me practice nobility and generosity until they define the quality of my heart.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

Pssst... Have you heard the Good News?

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

Paul reminds the Corinthian Church what the Good News is that they had been taught so they will not stray or be persuaded by other false teaching.

It's good to be reminded of what the Gospel, the Good News, actually is. It's not long or complicated. Jesus died for my sins, he was buried and he rose again on the third day. This simple truth is the rock on which I build my Christian faith. It's the ultimate Good News that is worth telling others so they also may be set free. 

Thank you Jesus for paying the price of my sins and setting me right with God the Father. Holy Spirit set a fire within me to tell the Good News to others.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Sign of His Love

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.
Jn.3:16

Today is the feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Church chooses to include the most famous verse of scripture. Why? Because it reveals God's game plan the most succinctly.

This reminds me of the bumper sticker I saw a few months ago reading, "Yes, Jesus loves you but I'm his favourite." There's truth in the joke. Yes, Jesus died for all but that also means he died for me. God loved me so much that he gave his only Son, so that I who believe may not be lost but have eternal life. 

Jesus, your death on the cross is the ultimate sign of your love for me. Thank you Lord.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

Serve with Gladness

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy.
Ps.99:1,2

Psalm 99 is a Psalm of grateful praise. The simple act of serving God, irrespective of appeared results, is enough cause to be glad.

Last night a number of guests and a couple of hosts didn't make the online Alpha Course. It is tempting to become despondent. But, today's psalm reminds me that my joy isn't dependent on the apparent success or failure of the Alpha Course. No, my joy comes from simply serving Jesus as best as I am able.

Jesus, you know my serving is imperfect, that sometimes I drop the tray. But what a great honor it is to serve you. I am glad to do it.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Start Digging

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; when the river was in flood it bore down on that house but could not shake it, it was so well built. 
Lk.6:47,48

Jesus warns that calling him Lord is not enough. We are to listen to him and then act on what we hear.

Jesus acknowledges that floods will come, the storm will be unleashed, hard times will happen. How to survive the storms is his focus. He shows how the good foundations required are to be built...  by listening to him and then acting according to what I hear. 

The best way for me to listen to him is to read his word and receive his sacraments. Both are available for me today. Time to start digging...

Thank you Jesus for the gift of your word in sacred scripture. Thank you Jesus for Holy Mass. I build my foundation on you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Plank in my Eye

How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,” when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.
Lk.6:42

Jesus is giving his Sermon on the Mount, here focussing on the vices of hypocrisy and judgement.

It seems wicked hypocrisy and judgement have been part of the human condition for millennia. I'm in good company, good in the sense of a good number. Hypocrisy and the associated evil of judgement being common human conditions is no excuse not to fight them. 

Jesus' assertion is that there is always a greater fault in me than there is in the brother I am judging. The antidote? Work on my own faults first before attempting to work on the faults of others. 

This is a lifetime work, which is perhaps Jesus' point. I'll never be in a place where I can say I'm faultless. This means I'll never be in a place where I can rightly judge others.

I need to root out hypocritical judgement from my life, starting from today...

Jesus, I am a hypocritical judge. Help me assume a natural attitude that others are always in a better state of grace than myself.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Fatherhood

Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream...
Mt.1:19,20

The story of Jesus' birth is told as the Church celebrates the birthday of Mary his Mother. A crucial role in God's plan of salvation is that of Joseph. Not one word of Joseph's is recorded yet we know much about him from the woman he married and the son he raised.

A friend is burying his father tomorrow. A significant event in a man's life is the death of his father, no matter what their relationship was like. For my friend, his relationship with his dad was a good one. Having known both men, I see much of the father in the son. Similarly, we can see much of Joseph in the boy he raised, Jesus. 

My role as a father to my five children remains important until the day I die. 

Jesus, inspire in me authentic fatherhood to my children. Each is different but they all need one thing, my unconditional love.
Saint Thomas Moore, please pray for me.

Happiness Awaits the Underdog

Fixing his eyes on his disciples Jesus said:
‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.
Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied.
Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh.
Happy are you when people hate you...
Lk.6:20-22

Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount by championing the poor, the hungry, the mourning and the persecuted. He declares happiness awaits the underdog. 

This was good news two thousand years ago and is good news now. Predicted losers become winners for the ones on whom Jesus fixes his eyes, his disciples. 

Following Jesus brings happiness, no matter what is happening. I follow him into my day today...

Thank you Jesus for being my champion. I follow you into my day with joy in my heart.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Fruit

Alleluia, alleluia!
I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will last.
Alleluia!

Jn.15:16

Today's Gospel Acclamation is Jesus proclaiming that I did not choose him. No, he has chosen me and chosen me for a purpose... to go and bear lasting fruit for him.

The Christian life isn't one of aimlessness, it's a life of purpose. The way to fulfill this purpose of lasting fruit is many and varied. It can be the life of a cloistered nun, the life of a father raising his children, the life of a third world missionary. The question is, what is my fruit bearing life? 

My life has been one of seasons, from pouring myself into my five children, working on my marriage, and involvement in Church and parish ministries. I guess the real question is, am I bearing fruit that will last? 

Lord, sometimes my efforts seem fruitless. Help me be zealous for you even when the soil appears to baren.
Saint Paul, please pray for me.

I Want it All

Alleluia, alleluia! 

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

no one comes to the Father except through me. 

Alleluia!

Jn14:6

Today's acclamation is from Jesus'reply to Thomas who has asked, "Lord, show us the way so we know where you're going." Jesus replies saying follow me not only for the way but for truth and life as well. 

Here again is Jesus testifying to his divinity. He's saying I don't need to look anywhere apart from him. The way, the truth and life encompasses everything. Jesus has it all. Here's another day dawning for me to follow him... and have it all.

Jesus, you are my all in all. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Light of Life

Alleluia, alleluia!
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Alleluia!

Jn.8:12

In today's Gospel Acclamation Jesus speaks to the crowd proclaiming who he is, God, and what he brings, life.

A unique quality of Jesus is that he speaks clearly of his divinity. We either believe he was mad, or extremely evil or who he says he is. He doesn't give any other options. As there is no evidence of him being mad or bad I choose to believe he is who he says he is, the light of the world who brings life.

Thank you Jesus for bringing me the light of life as I stumblingly follow you. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Clean Hands Pure Heart

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

Ps.23:3,4

David defines what is the character of the man who is close to God, a man with clean hands and a pure. heart.

David's character reference is both simple and profound. Every man knows what unclean hands and an impure heart are. Usually they involve sexual sin. The desires of the heart always guides the work of the hands. 

The good news is this is the key to the antidote. The heart's desires can be controlled and directed. With practice and God's help, good thinking habits can replace the bad... starting today.

Jesus, I cringe when I remember you know the thoughts of my heart. Help me purify my heart that my hands may always be clean before you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Keep on Swimming

I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God made things grow. Neither the planter nor the waterer matters: only God, who makes things grow.
1Cor.3:6,7

Paul decries the groups forming in the Corinthian Church, saying it shows immaturity. The only thing that is worthy of effort and attention is God who is the one who is actually doing all the planting and nourishing of faith. 

The genius of the Alpha Course we are currently running is that it meets people no matter where they are at in their faith walk. The mature believer is refreshed and renewed, you could say watered. The Unchurched have the seed of faith planted. It matters not whether planting or watering is happening. It all comes from God.

There is a peace that comes from not worrying about what is happening in a person's faith walk. Trusting that somehow God is at work means it's his business not mine. I'm just to keep on doing my allotted work. As Dory says in Finding Nemo, just keep on swimming.

Jesus, you know how I can worry about things that are not really my responsibility to worry about. I release these back into your loving arms, freeing up my arms to do the specific work you are calling me to do.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Power of God

In my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God.
1Cor.2:4,5

Saint Paul tells the Church of Corinth his message of the good news about Jesus has nothing to do with human wisdom but everything to do with the power of the Holy Spirit. 

It's night two of Alpha tonight. The topic is "Who is Jesus?". We are relying totally on the Holy Spirit to make the guests hearts receptive to the Good News about Jesus and what he has done. This is so their faith "should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God."

Holy Spirit, be with us tonight as the Good News of who Jesus is is proclaimed. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Keep On Praying

When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry’ he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up.’ And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 
Lk.7:13-15

Jesus happens upon a funeral procession for a widow's son. In his compassion for the widow, Jesus raises the son from the dead and restores him to his mother.

Today is the feast of Saint Monica. The Gospel is well chosen, depicting a dead son given back alive to a mother. Saint Monica experienced the same type of resurrection of her son Augustine from a life of sin to Sainthood.  Saint Monica is most famous for her ceaseless intercession for her wayward son, receiving a prophecy from a bishop she was harassing that, "The son of so many tears shall not perish".

The message I'm receiving this morning is don't give up. Keep on  interceding for loved ones in need. Jesus will act, if for no other reason than for the sake of his compassion. 

Thank you Jesus that you love my children even more than I do. I place them in your care.
Saint Monica, please pray for us.

Get the Real Oil

The foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil, whereas the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their lamps. 
Mt.25:3,4

Jesus is telling the Parable of the Ten Virgins to describe the kingdom of heaven. The five foolish ones have the appearance of readiness for the bridegroom but have no resources. The five wise are equipped and resourced, allowing them in the end to be received into the wedding banquet.  

Faith is an inside out job. I can have the appearances of a believer but with no inner spiritual oil I'm just a sham not worthy of the kingdom of God. I need to keep my spiritual tank topped up, ready to meet Jesus whenever he returns. 

How do I keep my oil topped up? This morning prayer is a good start. The sacraments are further bowsers where I can fill up. It would be good to get to Mass today...

Thank you Jesus that you bend over backwards to make your oil available to me. It's still my responsibility to seek and receive it. Help me do that today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Happiness in Fidelity

What sort of servant, then, is faithful and wise enough for the master to place him over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Happy that servant if his master’s arrival finds him at this employment.
Mt.24:45,46

Jesus warns his disciples to stay awake and be ready for his return. Why? Because it will be a day of judgement, starting with a look at what we have been doing in his absence.

Jesus indicates there are only two outcomes from his return, happiness for the faithful and weeping for the unfaithful. I remember a prime minister who at the height of his career was having an affair with his personal secretary. He fell from being internationally lauded to becoming a footnote in New Zealand  history.

Jesus says, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones." Lk.16:10 It's time for me to be faithful in the small so that should Jesus return tonight I am found faithfully at my employment.

Jesus, there is happiness found in faithfulness. Thank you Lord for the virtue of fidelity. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Come and See

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, the one about whom the prophets wrote: he is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ ‘From Nazareth?’ said Nathanael ‘Can anything good come from that place?’ ‘Come and see’ replied Philip.
Jn.1:45,46

Philip is entreating his friend Nathanael to meet with Jesus. He counters Nathanael's skepticism with the simple but powerful invitation. "Come and see."

Philip uses the same phrase that Jesus had used the previous day when calling James and Andrew. "Come and see". It places the initiative back on the one who is being called, letting them approach on their terms. It also stops any argument. It's both an invitation and a command whose only response can be yes or no. 

"Come and see" is most effective where there is already a relationship. Philip was obviously friends with Nathanael. It's an invitation I can use with friends and family when inviting them to an Alpha Course. 

Jesus, you are worth seeing. Help me seize the moments with friends and family where I can invite them to come and see you. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Inside Job

Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who clean the outside of cup and dish and leave the inside full of extortion and intemperance. Blind Pharisee! Clean the inside of cup and dish first so that the outside may become clean as well.
Mt.23:25,26

Jesus is warning the Pharisees of the true nature of their hypocrisy. He warns that cleansing is only effective when it is done from the inside out.

We live in a world where appearance is everything. Groomed and air-brushed social media photos are presented as reality. Jesus tells me no, work on your inside then the outside appearance will take care of itself.

How do I clean my inside? Cleaning up my thoughts would be a good start. Being careful about what I expose my inner heart to would be another good place to work on. 

Saint Paul gives the complete antidote:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:4-7 

Rejoice, be gentle not anxious, be prayerful, have an attitude of gratitude. These are all doable. Then the peace of God will guard my heart and my inside will be clean.

Jesus, outside appearance takes way too much of my time. Help me put less into the outside and more into the inside.
Saint Paul, please pray for me.

A Great Servant

The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’
Mt.23:11,12

Jesus is warning about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, saying at best they are an example of something to be avoided. Humility is the key to greatness.

There's something in me that desires the limelight. Celebrity culture has its effect. In the world, humility is seen as a weakness. To be great is to be rich, handsome, powerful and brainy. Jesus says no. To be great I must be a servant placing others needs before my own. 

This upside down world Jesus depicts seems, well... upside down. Actually, it's the right way up. Today I can practice at being a great servant.

Jesus, you know my natural inclination is to be served rather than serve. Help me right myself and become a servant to those I encounter today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Love God Love Others

Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’
Mt.22:37-40

The Pharisees are trying to unsettle Jesus with theological questions. In answering the question of what is the greatest commandment, Jesus' reply is both simple and profound... love God and love others.

Love God and love others. Jesus holds this commandment in the supreme position. It encompasses everything that God has revealed in both the Old and New testaments. It's a commandment, not an option, for an authentic follower of Christ.

It's a commandment for me on how to live today.

Jesus, help me as I try to love you and love others today. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Clothed in Christ

“How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?” And the man was silent. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’
Mt.22:11-14

To describe what heaven is like, Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet. In the parable the king hosting the banquet sees a man ill dressed for the event and has him banished outside.

I have to remind myself this is a description of heaven. Heaven is not a place where all people will float in and settle for eternity. Yes, all are invited but Jesus depicts strict criteria for admission; primarily, being correctly dressed. 

So what is this wedding garment I need? Saint Paul tells us in Galatians 3:27: "for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."  I must be "clothed in Christ" through baptism. This sharpens my focus not only on my own relationship with Jesus but also on others relationships with him. They need to know him so they can accept him and be clothed in him.

Jesus, our Alpha Course is about to start. Help me keep an eternal perspective as to why we are doing this; to bring more to the wedding banquet clothed in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us. 

Generosity

I choose to pay the last comer as much as I pay you. Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why be envious because I am generous?” Thus the last will be first, and the first, last.
Mt.20:14-16

Jesus is explaining again what the kingdom of God is like, comparing it to workers in a vineyard. The vineyard owner is seen as benevolent and generous to the last comers, paying them as much as the first.

I saw a bumper sticker a couple of months ago that made me laugh. It read, "Yes, Jesus loves you - but I'm his favourite". The truth is we are all his favourites. This seems a contradiction and in the world's eyes it is. However, in Jesus' eyes I am his favourite brother. 

My mother became a believer on her deathbed aged ninety-two. I saw the generosity of God at work. Ninety-two years of professed atheism was forgotten in an instant as mum received the promises of God in all its fullness. She was denied nothing.

Generosity is held up by Jesus as a great virtue. It's time I worked on it.

Jesus, you are generous to me. Help me be as generous to others I meet in my day.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

When All is Made New

What are we to have, then?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you solemnly, when all is made new and the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you will yourselves sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. 
Mt.19:27,28

Jesus has just warned that material riches can be an impediment to gaining the kingdom of heaven. Peter protests, asking what is the reward of the disciples who left everything to follow him. Jesus replies, in this life nothing but your freedom. However, in the next....

There is an eternal perspective that is essential to following Jesus. In this world the advantages can seem very few. Professing my faith gains me little kudos and much derision.  In some countries declared Christian faith can cost your life. And yet, we declare it.

I need to keep one eye firmly fixed on the promise Jesus gives. "When all is made new...", every tear is wiped away and I will share in his glory.

Jesus, your faith in the kingdom of God cost you your life. Give me faith that is based on your promises so I can endure the hardships it brings here on earth. Not only endure but call others to join me.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?
Lk.1:41-43

Early in her pregnancy with Jesus, Mary travels to help her cousin Elizabeth who is also miraculously pregnant. On Mary's arrival, Elizabeth and the baby in her womb are both filled with the Holy Spirit.

Here we have the first three New Testament recipients of the Holy Spirit, Mary who received him at the conception of Jesus and Elizabeth with her child John. Not surprisingly, the Holy spirit was at work everywhere in the new unfolding of God's plan of salvation.

This remains true for all New Testament people. When I am working out God's plan of salvation in my wrinkle of time and corner of the world, the Holy Spirit is in boots and all. Come Holy Spirit!

Veni Sancte Spiritus!
Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Water into Wine

This is why a man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.
Mt.19:5,6

Pharisees are testing Jesus over a question on divorce, then allowed by Mosaic law. Jesus answers by stating that, as God is involved in marriage, it is above interference by man. 

The "until death do us part" of marriage frightens people away from it. It's easier just to live together so the door is always open to walk out when it gets hard... and it always gets hard sooner or later. 

That promise made before family, friends and God has made me dig deeper, try harder. I watch my four married children do the same. There is infinite strength on tap when two become one. I'm so glad God is involved in my marriage. He turns the water into wine. I need to tell my wife I love being married to her... today.

Jesus, you turned water into wine at the marriage feast of Cana. Turn my water into wine as I love my wife today.
Saint Thomas Moore, please pray for me.

Further Up Further In

I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus.
Ph.3:13,14

Paul writes to the Church in Philippi, encouraging them in their faith by his own example.  He is straining ahead for the prize above all prizes, eternal life with Jesus.

The thing about my Christian faith is that I can never say I have arrived. At best I'm moving in the right direction. There is always a calling for me to go further up and further in. Each moment, each encounter today is a chance to surge ahead in the race. That's an exciting way to live.

Jesus, sometimes I run low on energy for the race, I falter. Fill me Holy Spirit so I am not drained but running on the overflow, further up and further in.
Saint Claire, please pray for me.

Cheerful Giver

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

Paul encourages the Church at Corinth to be exemplary in generosity, a virtue in which God will never be outdone.

Today is the feast day of Saint Laurence who is revered for his generosity in almsgiving to the poor. The opposite of generosity is miserliness which is where my compass tends to point. I joke about my scottish tight-bum but it aint no joke. 

God has given me a wife who is generous, both materially and in time. She has no problem stuffing twenty dollar notes into the letterbox of needy families. I do. 

Jesus, I want to be a cheerful giver that you love. Help me be a generous person today.
Saint Laurence, please pray for me.

Little as a Child

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

The disciples ask who is the greatest in God's Kingdom. Jesus turns their perspective on greatness upside down by calling a child and saying here is the greatest. Be like him if you wish to enter the kingdom of God.

We live in a celebrity culture where people are famous simply for being famous, where newsreaders become the news, where the rich/powerful/brainy/good looking are held up to emulate.  It's exhausting and it's toxic. Jesus shakes his head and says we've got it all wrong, that we've got it upside down. 

Children are weak, dependant, powerless. Interestingly they also tend to be more now-focussed, contented and happy. Sure they can have tantrums, but they don't stay there. They move on. Jesus isn't calling me to be childish. He's calling me to be childlike. There's the key to the Kingdom...

Jesus, I overthink, regret yesterday, worry about tomorrow. Help me become like a child and enjoy whatever today brings.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Friend

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning.
Lk.9:28,29

In prayer on a mountain top, Jesus is transfigured into a glorious figure. Peter, James and John are given a glimpse into a different time domain where God's reign is total and complete. God the Father spoke to the three, giving a message that would be passed on to the Church for all time.‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.' 

Jesus normally went alone to mountain tops to pray. This time he chose Peter, James and John to witness his transfiguration. The three were close friends of Jesus' and he trusted them to be reliable witnesses... eventually.

I have a few close friends who I trust. They are precious to me but my most treasured friendship is with Jesus. He's the friend who never lets me down... ever. 

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

Jesus, Jesus Jesus,
friend forever

Saints Peter, James and John, please pray for me.

Find Life

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

Jesus has just described how he is to suffer and die then rise again. It was the whole plan of salvation but Peter couldn't get past the suffer and die bit. Jesus underscores suffering and dying to find new life is part and parcel of following him.

We tend to think "taking up your cross" means picking up a heavy burden. Jesus' listeners knew what a cross was, a hideous instrument of suffering and death. Being a Christian involves dying. But I mustn't be like Peter and miss the main goal of the plan... a new, resurrected and eternal life. 

Jesus, I'm constantly having to lose my life. I grasp it with desperate hands. Help me always keep one eye firmly on the end goal... new found life. 

Saint Peter, please pray for me.

Joy

Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you.

Ps.50:12,13

King David writes a psalm of repentance after being convicted by the prophet Nathan of his sin with Bathsheba. He had lost his joy and is begging for it to return.

Sin does that. It promises joy but delivers misery, every time. It's not a joy giver, it's a joy taker. David has found the antidote. Repentance. I face it, name it, confess it then walk away from it. And as I walk away, something beautiful happens. I get a skip back in my step. Joy returns.

Thank you Jesus that your mercies are new every morning, that you are always ready to forgive. Lord, give me again the joy of your help.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Commitment

Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’
Lk.9:59,60

Luke records Jesus challenging three men who profess to want to follow him but with conditions. Jesus is clear that being his disciple is unconditional and requires total commitment. 

Commitment is an old fashioned word these days. We all want to keep our options open, especially when it comes to challenging our earthly comforts. Like all ministries both secular and religious, when I'm calling a team together it's unusual to get total commitment. The yes is usually qualified. 

How about my commitment? Being Christian is a "through thick and thin" thing or it's not authentic. I like to think I'm a committed Christian, but am I really? Do I append a "but let me go and..." to my yes? 

Jesus, convict me when I start compromising. Let my fiat mean "Let it be done" as your mother said. 
Holy Mary, Mother of God, please pray for me.

Take Courage!

But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’
Mt.14:27

Jesus is walking on water to the disciples in a boat battling a heavy sea. In fright the disciples believe him to be a ghost but Jesus reassures them of who he is and calls them to courage.

I'm battling a heavy sea at the moment. Jesus is in the storm with me, calling me to have courage. Why? Because he is with me.

Thank you Jesus that it seems to be in the storms of my life that you are closest to me. I take courage from you today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Perspective

Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Ps.89:12

Psalm 89 is called "A prayer of Moses the man of God". Moses seeks the wisdom to know that the riches of this world are dust compared to the treasures of heaven. 

Perspective is a point of view on something. In today's Psalm the prayer is for a right perspective on the things of the world. Yes, good things on earth are good. But they are not the ultimate good. Being right with God far exceeds the pleasures of this world. 

Lord, give me a right perspective on the blessings of this world. Help me always keep one eye firmly on the treasures of heaven.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Tell Jesus

John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
Mt.14:12

John the Baptist has just been beheaded by King Herod. John's disciples retrieve his body and then go immediately to inform Jesus of what has happened to his cousin.

In their grief, John's disciples first thought was to go to Jesus. To whom else could they turn? There's something in the sharing of grief with Jesus that starts a healing process. John wasn't raised from the dead like Lazarus but Jesus puts things in perspective. It wasn't the end of John's story.

When good or bad happens in my life it's good for me to go tell Jesus. He wants to be part of my life. He puts it all in perspective. There is a bigger story than the one I'm writing here on earth. Jesus holds the pen for that bigger story. It's a story that ends well.

Thank you Jesus that you want me to share my highs and lows, that you want to walk along beside me. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

I will Live

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 arrives at Lazarus' tomb. He reassures Martha that he is the source of eternal life for all who believe.

We know the story. Lazarus, four days dead, is raised miraculously back to life by Jesus' call into the tomb. Yet, Lazarus eventually died. There's no record of a man in Palestine walking around for two thousand years. Lazarus' physical return to life was to demonstrate the glory of God's wonderful plan for all who believe, God's wonderful plan for me, that death does not have the final say.

As all consuming as the joys and struggles of my day could be, overarching everything is the truth that even though I will die one day, I will live. Death has been conquered. Halleluia!

Thank you Jesus for rescuing me from the grave. My hope and joy is placed in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Clay in His Hands

House of Israel, cannot I do to you what this potter does? – it is the Lord who speaks. Yes, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so you are in mine, House of Israel.
Jer.18:6

Jeremiah is led by God to a potter's house. There he watches the potter as he reshapes a distorted pot on his wheel into one that is new and perfect. God says he can do the same with mankind.

The truth is we are all cracked pots, distorted by wounds and sadness. God re-softens the hard, brittle clay of my life and then shapes me into what I was always meant to be. What looked as though it was beyond redemption is made new. I'm a new man.

This is Good News. This gives me renewed hope and purpose. 

Thank you Jesus that you are in the business of making old distortions into something new and beautiful. I give you permission to reshape me into the man you always meant me to be.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.