Stick to the Plan

When they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’

Mk.1:37,38

The Apostles want Jesus to continue his work at the place they are at. Jesus sees a bigger picture and sets off for neighbouring towns.

The Apostles saw the healings and deliverance happening before them. Jesus saw the souls of the villagers in the next valley that had yet to hear the Good News. Preaching was his priority. He had a game plan and wasn't to be distracted from it. 

It's good to have a game plan and important to stick to it. Shifting the goalposts means the goal is never scored. This is true for big enterprises and also for the small stuff, like my day. 

Jesus, help me stay true to the vision you give me, starting with today. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

 

Being Real with God

'I was pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not take your maidservant for a worthless woman; all this time I have been speaking from the depth of my grief and my resentment.’ Then Eli answered her: ‘Go in peace,’ he said ‘and may the God of Israel grant what you have asked of him.’

1Sam.1:15-17

Hannah has been pouring out to God her grief over being barren. After first thinking her drunk, the High Priest Eli acknowledges her authentic prayer and gives her a blessing.

Even before becoming pregnant, Hannah left the temple no longer dejected but full of joyful expectation. She knew in her heart that her prayer had been heard. Hannah was granted her wish and Samuel the great prophet was born of her. 

Being real with God gets results. What can be birthed from my fervent prayer? This morning, starting an Alpha Course is on my heart. 

Lord God, sometimes I wonder if having an Alpha Course in 2022 is just my idea. I'm getting no support. I want to be in the center of your ideas Lord. Lead me and I will follow.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

In Season

‘The bride is only for the bridegroom; and yet the bridegroom’s friend, who stands there and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This same joy I feel, and now it is complete. He must grow greater, I must grow smaller.’

Jn.3:29,30

John the Baptist testifies again about Jesus. His joy is complete in seeing Jesus begin his work.

Humility brings with it a joy. A humble person knows his place and is at peace with it. There is no jealousy or striving. Work while in the right place, the right season, is a joy. 

My work for 2022? There's work work to provide provision for impending retirement. There's the work of husband/father/grandfather. There's the work of God's Kingdom here on earth (Alpha, Children's Liturgy, parish work). It's all in season and it's all good.

Jesus, give me wisdom to know what is in season and what is not. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Game Plan

The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.

Lk.4:18,19

Jesus has just come out of the desert, full of the Holy Spirit. He now starts his public ministry in his hometown synagogue, outlining his game plan to bring good news, liberty, sight, freedom and God's favour.

This is still Jesus' business. His mission remains for the Church to complete. Everything that I do in the Church, in my parish, in the world should be in sync with Jesus' original game plan. Like him, my starting point is be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit, fill me so I can bring good news, liberty, sight, freedom and God's favour to the world.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me. 

No to Fear, Yes to Love.

In love there can be no fear, but fear is driven out by perfect love: because to fear is to expect punishment, and anyone who is afraid is still imperfect in love.

1Jn.4:18

John the Apostle explains who love is and what love does. The absence of love is from the absence of God and where God is absent fear takes hold.

John is on to something here. The times I'm afraid are generally times when I am primarily concerned about me. Love makes me more concerned about another. There is no place for fear when I am either loving or being loved. 

Jesus, soften my heart today. Help me love and so cast out fear.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Fruit of Faith

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing; then he broke the loaves and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the people. He also shared out the two fish among them all. They all ate as much as they wanted.

Mk.6:41,42

Jesus performs the great miracle of feeding the five thousand. From an impossibly small resource he meets the needs of five thousand men plus women and children. 

There's a process Jesus followed here:

1. He identified the need; Over five thousand people required feeding.
2. He tallied available resources; Five loaves and two fish.  
3. He prepared in faith; The people were seated in large groups.
4. He acted in faith; God was thanked for his expected provision.
5. He met the need;  Over five thousand people were fed. 

Our next parish Alpha Course has just had its game plan identified.

Lord Jesus, I'm believing you are wanting another Alpha Course to be hosted by our parish. Lord, at the moment I have less than five loaves and two fish. Bring in the resources Lord. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Believe and Love

His commandments are these: that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another as he told us to. Whoever keeps his commandments lives in God and God lives in him.
1Jn.3:23

John instructs on God's essential commandments, to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and to love one another.

This is a fairly simple game plan. The behaviour of a believer is to believe and love. Yet they change everything. I am no longer the center of the universe. Jesus is. Other people's happiness becomes more important than my own. My whole landscape is changed and changed for the better. Life is far more interesting and fulfilling. 

Today I will be intentional in behaving like a believer.

Lord Jesus, help me love those I meet today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.