Be Ready for Any Good Work

This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
2Tm.3:17

How can I be fully equipped and ready? By profitably using sacred scripture.

One of the first fruits of my receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit was gaining a ravenous hunger for scripture. I became inspired by what was inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

So, what does the Holy Spirit want me to be equipped and ready for today? Any good work.

Thank you Lord for the gift of Sacred Scripture. Let me not stray from your commands.

Angels of God

You will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.
Jn.1:51

Our world is more than what we see. There is a constant traffic of angels ascending and descending between heaven and earth. 

This feast day of the Archangels expands my view. I'm invited by the Church to lift my head and see beyond what is in front of me and to envision the presence of angels, those pure spiritual creatures created by God to serve as His servants, messengers, and protectors of humanity.

I find this reassuring. There is a host that is on God's side, protecting me and those I love. 

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in the day of battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen. 

Fill Your Tank

In the morning, fill us with your love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Ps.89:14

Love in the morning gives joy through the day.

God's faithful, furious love is poured out morning by morning. This is the fuel that fills my tank, that sustains me through the day. I am reminded of my identity in God. A Beloved Son in whom God is well pleased, right where I am and not where I ought to be.

Thank you Father for your merciful love. Morning by morning new mercies I see. 

Who is He?

But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?
Lk.9:20

All humanity is faced with this most important of all questions. We either believe what Jesus says about himself or we don't.

My response to this question has changed over the years.  A fantasy... a wise man... a prophet... God.

My daily answer now reflects whatever part of his Godhead I am encountering. Who do I say Jesus is today? 

Jesus, you are my hope and joy. Holy Spirit, empower me to be a conduit of hope and joy to those I meet today.

Short Life Wise Heart

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

Life is brief so focus on what is important. Knowing what is important, there lies wisdom of heart. 

And what is important? Relationships. My relationship with God. My relationship with my wife, children, grandchildren. My relationship with my friends. 

These are my treasures in heaven, treasures that are eternal. 

Jesus, make me know the shortness of my life, that I may gain wisdom of heart.

A Big Fat Noisy Family

My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.
Lk.8:21

Hearing God's Word is not enough. It's the doing it that makes me a brother of Jesus. Being Christian is not a Lone Ranger activity. Jesus invites me into a family. 

When I was on the outside looking in, this had an appeal. I was outside feeling bored. Inside was a big, fat, noisy family. They were doing stuff and doing it with joy and laughter. 

Sure they made the usual mistakes families make... poor communication, a bit judgy at times, sometimes over protective and sometimes reckless. But there seemed to be something bigger that made a difference, that made them stick together, dig deeper and hammer it out. 

That was the parish that embraced me, that welcomed me into the Church. Now I'm part of the big, fat, noisy family, watching for those on the outside looking bored. 

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

Rich soil produces a rich harvest.

Oh to qualify for the character traits "noble and generous". 

Noble:    
Of high moral character.

Generous:
Free, abundant giving.
Also, free from petty thoughts; showing a noble or open mind.

Noble generosity is counter cultural, a sure sign they are God-given virtues. I have met people like this. They are great to hang around. They are also challenging, exposing my low and stingy character. 

Jesus, make my soil rich. Give me a noble and generous heart towards those I meet today.