Advent of Love

~~~ First Sunday of Advent ~~~

~~~ Jeremiah 33:14-16 ~~~ Psalm 25 ~~~ 

~~~ 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 ~~~ Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 ~~~

In stillness we wait for the Lord.

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love

for one another and for all,

just as we have for you, 

so as to strengthen your hearts, 

to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father 

at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.

As we begin this season of Advent 

we strive to love more...

to be more loving.

Now is the time to prepare a place in your heart

where love can flourish...

where the blossom can open completely.

The Lord Bless you and keep you.

Keep Vigilant.

The Lord is coming swaddled in hope and love.

~~~Peace~~~

Be Vigilant at All Times

~~~ Daniel 7:15-27 ~~~ (Psalm) Daniel 3:82-87 ~~~ 

~~~ Luke 21:34-36 ~~~ 

Be vigilant at all times

and pray that you have the strength

to escape the tribulations that are imminent

and to stand before the Son of Man.

It is not easy to find the strength to vigilant all the time...

this is where the power of pray takes precedence.

Whatever tribulations encountered along your path of life,

prayer makes them all more palatable.

We must first withstand our trials and tribulations

prior to standing before Jesus.

We must keep up the good fight.

We must remain steadfast no matter what happens.

We must be on our guard for that which is designed to deceive us.

The empty promises of drugs, alcohol and sex

in excess are designed to make our hearts drowsy.

The anxieties of life do not retreat 

when our hearts are numbed.

It is like wearing a mask to hide your 

real appearance before others.

Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy

from carousing and drunkenness

and the anxieties of daily life...

Jesus revealed to the people their history

 and what was yet to come.

It is understandable for him to caution

 them about becoming anxious.

It is so easy to relieve our stress by raising a glass of alcohol

 or through consuming our favorite foods.

Too much carousing numbs the heart and mind.

Some drunks are happy, some are sad, 

and others become angry and violent.

If we are to remain vigilant we must be at our best.

We must not be under influences

that cloud our conviction to be vigilant.

Be vigilant at all times

and pray that you have the strength...

God alone sees who you truly are in your heart.

Since he alone knows within the depths of your soul;

it is him alone who can strengthen you in your prayers.

As we know all things are possible with God.

Prayer makes us mindful of the presence of God.

He is the one through whom we live, and breathe.

He is the one who sustains our life.

Be Vigilant!

Do not become Drowsy!

Pray to have Strength!

Let the Blessings of Gratitude

flow freely through your heart 

where there will be no space for anxieties.

~~~Peace~~~

Giving Thanks...

~~~ Sirach 50:22-24 ~~~ Psalm 145 ~~~ 

~~~ 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 ~~~ Luke 17:11-19 ~~~

I give thanks to my God always on your account

for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,

that in him you were enriched in every way,

with all discourse and all knowledge...

I give thanks for the numerous amazing people 

that God has placed in my life.

I give thanks for family and friends.

I especially give thanks for my husband and for my sons.

I give thanks for the beauty of nature that I am

 privileged to see each day.

I give thanks for the smiles and the hugs 

from those who barely know.

I give thanks for the shelter of our home.

I give thanks for our opportunity to travel meeting 

wonderful new people.

I give thanks for the food that nourishes my body.

I give thanks for our blessed church community.

I give thanks for the prayers we say and the songs we sing.

I give thanks for Eucharist.

I give thanks for the presence of God in my life.

I give thanks for the gift of faith.

In all circumstances, give thanks,

for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

May each of you have a Blessed Day.
Giving thanks for all
as we share this day with family and friends.

~~~Peace~~~

Handwriting on the Wall

~~~ Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 ~~~

 ~~~ (Psalm) Daniel 3:62-67 ~~~

~~~ Luke 21:12-19 ~~~

Suddenly...

the fingers of a human hand appeared,

writing on the plaster of the wall in the king’s palace.

The panic stricken king summoned the prophet, Daniel

 to come interpret the writing on the wall.

Today we have a popular saying...

'the handwriting on the wall'

This phrase comes from Chapter 5 of the book of Daniel.

It is a dire warning for the king.

Daniel is able to decipher the meaning for the king.

He reveals that the words refer to Belshazaar's reign 

and his kingdom being in jeopardy. 

And sure enough, later that evening the king 

was murdered and his kingdom given to the Medes, 

just as Daniel had predicted. 

“The handwriting on the wall” or “the writing on the wall” 

came to refer to any prediction or omen 

that a venture was doomed to failure.

There are times when people choose to ignore 

the handwriting on the wall

only to find later it was a mistake.

Have you ever ignored signs of a dire consequence?

We sometimes tend to ignore the obvious

because we do not want to admit what is evident.

Daniel was brought in to tell the king of the meaning of the writing

because neither the king or his advisers could see the meaning.

God was communicating with the prophet, Daniel.

It does sometime take someone from the outside

 to see truths about our life.

The handwriting on the wall 

was never interpreted to reveal good omens.

King Belshazzar was basically seen as a spoiled brat, 

a party boy, who inherited the kingdom.

The whole party was shocked at what was appearing on the wall.

This was no planned magic act...

There was no sophisticated projection writing on the wall.

It would be the equivalent of us seeing a ghost...

it was a surprise.

Something the king had not planned 

nor did he understand what was happening 

or how it happened...why it happened.

God had given Daniel a message for this king.

Daniel reminds the king that when his grandfather, 

King Nebuchadnezzar became arrogant and refused 

to humble himself before God, he lost his Kingdom.

You have rebelled against the Lord of heaven.

...the God in whose hand is your life breath

and the whole course of your life, you did not glorify.

God gave the king a chance to correct his behavior...

to change his life...

The message was reminding the king 

that what had been given to him could also 

be taken away in a moment.

We cannot ignore this message for us as well.

What have we taken for granted?

What have we ignored?

God tells the king that his time is up...

he has used up his second chance.

He is killed and his whole kingdom was split apart.

We are invited to remain faithful

until our death.

It is not too late for you to change. 

What would God write upon the wall for you to hear?

It is time to give glory and praise to God.

Praise him for all that is vital to your life.

Blessings to see.

~~~Peace~~~

The 'Crown of Life'

~~~ Daniel 2:31-45 ~~~ (Psalm) Daniel 3:57-61~~~ Luke 21:5-11 ~~~

Remain faithful until death,

and I will give you the crown of life.

All earthly kingdoms will crumble.

There is no building material that can 

compare to the kingdom of God.

The strongest metal...the hardest stone 

all is inferior to the kingdom built by God.

“Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord,

praise and exalt him above all forever.”

To remain faithful to the Lord we are to see his handiwork

in all of his great works.

Each time we see his hand at work

 we must lift up our hands, eyes, and hearts to him.

It is our task in this life to be steadfast...to remain faithful.

Each day, it may be necessary to renew our

commitment to be faithful.

Many things pass before our eyes to make 

us question our desire to be faithful.

If we make it a conscious habit to remain faithful

then even when we are on our death bed

it will bring us comfort.

The comfort will come from the knowledge

that in the face of our world crumbling around

 us we did not waiver.

Remain faithful until death,

and I will give you the crown of life.

We may not know what this crown of life is right now,

but if it comes from God it will be splendid.

The crown of life

is surely the eternal life we have been promised.

It is the culmination of our faithful life on earth.

The crown of life will not be dependent 

on earthly materials.

Earthly materials are passing...

the crown of life from God is forever.

There is a popular saying...

'Diamonds are Forever'

In eternity it is the 'Crown of Life'

that is forever.

Cultivate the habit of being faithful in small matters

 so that you will remain faithful until death to God.

God is creating your personalized

'Crown of Life'

every day you remain faithful to his love.

It may help you to visualize this crown

which God has waiting for you.

It will certainly be more beautiful 

than any diamond on earth.

Blessings to remain faithful.

Blessed with the eternal 'crown of life'.

~~~Peace~~~

Vegetarian Blessings?

~~~ Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 ~~~ 

~~~ (Psalm) Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 ~~~

~~~ Luke 21:1-4 ~~~

Glory and praise for ever!

The prophet Daniel, was the original vegetarian.

During his time of imprisonment he refused 

to consume the rich food sent from the king's table.

Eating food from the king's table might have included 

foods sacrificed to the false gods...idols.

The strict Jewish dietary laws were not honored.

Daniel proposed the food test to their guard.

He and his three friends were to eat

 only vegetables and water for ten days.

The king had plans to fashion Daniel and his companions

 into his personal servants.

Following the ten day diet of vegetables and water 

God graciously blessed them.

To these four young men God gave knowledge 

and proficiency in all literature and science,

and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams.

Only these four were men were found out of the whole group

to be useful for service to the king.

Eventually Daniel and his friends fall out of favor with the king.

They find themselves thrown into a fiery furnace 

for refusing to worship idols.

...you should know, O king, that we will not serve your 

god or worship the golden statue which you set up.

The words used in the place of the psalm today 

are prayed in this fiery setting.

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,

praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;

And blessed is your holy and glorious name,

praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.”

To what extreme would you be willing to praise the Lord?

How did these four find the courage to praise God 

as flames sought to devour them?

These four were not deterred

in the flames instead their faith saved them.

God sent his angel to protect them from the fires.

God is always willing to come to your rescue 

no matter the circumstances. 

The poor widow gave of her whole self;

represented in her offering of two coins.

What have you given of yourself to God recently?

Perhaps this week is a good time to make your decision.

You do not need to give your last two coins.

You do not need to become a vegetarian.

You will not be thrown into the furnace.

There is something that is a part of you 

that you can give to God.

The blessed Mother, Mary

gave her body to carry the infant Jesus.

Preparation Blessings.

What will you offer?

 ~~~Peace~~~

Jesus, Our King

~~~ Solemnity Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe ~~~

"You say I am a king. 

For this I was born and for this 

I came into the world,

to testify to the truth. 

Everyone who belongs 

to the truth listens to my voice."

As we come to the end of this liturgical year we are
reminded that Jesus is our King.

A typical king rules over his kingdom
where all are subject to him.

Our king is the ruler of our hearts.
His kingdom is the universe and all that is a part of it.

Our king is ruler over all.
Our king rules over our hearts in wisdom and truth.

The ancient peoples could not comprehend Jesus as a King.
He did not dress as a King.
He did not act as a King.
He did not think of himself as a King,
in the traditional manner.

Today we celebrate Jesus as our King
as we approach the threshold of Advent.
The time of waiting for the birth of Jesus
gives us time to prepare our heart to receive our King.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, " says the Lord God,
"the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty."

Our God is both the beginning and the end.
Our God is continuous...motion...
creation...truth...love...goodness...and mercy.

Our God will never change.
He is everything that was, is, and will come to be...
He is God the Almighty.

Today we praise him as King and Ruler.
We give him thanks for sustaining us for all ages.
We wait in hope for all that is to come for us.

Our God is a Mighty God;
who cares for you by name.
No earthly king knows all of his subjects,
but our God has counted every hair on your head.

This liturgical year closes but our King
remains ever present in our hearts.

Let us begin to prepare our heart
for the birth of our infant King, Jesus.

Blessings from the One who is, was, and is to come.

~~~Peace~~~

God's Time

~~~ 1 Maccabees 6:1-13 ~~~ Psalm 9 ~~~ Luke 20:27-40 ~~~ 

...he is not God of the dead, but of the living,

for to him all are alive...

Jesus rejects the simplistic understanding of our resurrection.

We have a tendency to believe that heaven is a glorified extension 

of our physical existence here on Earth.

In contrast our heavenly existence will be so much more

 than anything we experience here in our human form.

For God time does not exist, confine, or limit.

When we are with God we too will be enlightened with 'God's time'.

We are not used to God's time.

It is like nothing else we have encountered.

In heaven whatever we held dear in our heart

 will be realized in union with the love and glory of God.

They can no longer die,

for they are like angels;

and they are the children of God...

In heaven it will not be necessary for us to make choices 

concerning our physical relationships from Earth.

All will be joined together as one bound 

together by God's great love.

All of our loved ones will be a part of this great love.

Our spirits will come as one into the presence of God.

We will join the angels in giving praise to God.

Perhaps we will be filled with joy

 at being joined together as one.

Unity with God in his love will supersede all that 

we now know and believe.

Until this day of unity comes

God sends his Blessings of love to you.

~~~Peace~~~

The Power of Prayer

~~~ 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59 ~~~ 

~~~ Psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10BCD, 11ABC, 11D-12A, 12BCD ~~~ 

~~~ Luke 19:45-48 ~~~

My house shall be a house of prayer...

Judas prayed before leading the Israelites into battle.
Later they collected their spoils and sang hymns to God.

“who is good, whose mercy endures forever.”

Judas did not enter into battle before he had prayed.

...Give this army into the hands of your people Israel; 
make them ashamed of their troops and their cavalry.
Strike them with cowardice, weaken the boldness of their strength, 
and let them tremble at their own destruction.
Strike them down by the sword of those who love you, 
that all who know your name may sing your praise.

These are strong words of prayer...
words that might be good for us to begin praying in our own time.

Perhaps the words of this ancient prayer can be directed
against the evil forces at work in the world today.

Pray that they would loose their boldness
 and disregard of human life.
Pray that they begin to fear their own destruction.

The house of God, we call church, must
be the place where our sole purpose is to pray.
A place to give God glory and praise.

Strike them down by the sword of those who love you, 
that all who know your name may sing your praise.

Strike them down Lord, through the power
and strength of the prayers of we who love you.

Is not prayer a more effective way to destroy our enemies?

Judas and his men immediately went up the mountain
 to restore the altar in the sanctuary.

There was much joy, a time of great
rejoicing and thanksgiving.

They made all things new in the sanctuary.
When all was completed all the people celebrated with song and dance.
They also humbly prostrated themselves
and adored and praised Heaven,
who had given them success.

Judas declared this day of completion be forever
marked with celebrations of joy and gladness.

My house shall be a house of prayer...

The Lord's house shall forever be a joyful house of prayer.
Always giving praise and thanks for the goodness of God.

We can join together in the power of our prayer
against the evil that exists in our world.

Blessed to come together in prayer
 in the house of the Lord.

Our prayers can bring about peace.
~~~Pray~~~

Tears of Jesus

~~~ 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 ~~~ Psalm 50 ~~~ Luke 19:41-44 ~~~ 

Many who sought to live according to righteousness 
and religious custom
went out into the desert to settle there.

The Jewish people had the desire to be steadfast...
to hold on to their laws and rituals,
but many succumbed to the pressure out of fear.

The best way to not be a prisoner
 of their fear was to flee their homeland.
Some fled out into the desert where they
could practice their customs without being killed.

Fear for ones life is a very effective motivator.
How much would you be willing to give up in the face of fear?

It is difficult for most of us to even imagine
 being in such a situation.
As we know from the news, many
 today are being forced to face this precise fear.

It saddens my heart to think that right now,
 in the place where Jesus walked the earth,
 Christians are being slaughtered.

It seems that mankind does not learn from previous mistakes.
It seems that brutality is stronger than kindness.

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem,
he saw the city and wept over it, saying,
"If this day you only knew what makes for peace..."

I wonder if Jesus continues to weep?
We still do not know 'what makes for peace'.
Why is that?

According to the Bible
Jesus did not weep very often...after all he was a man.
His tears make his humanity more real for us.
We cry for many different reasons.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem.
This is where the chosen people were residing.

Jesus, himself did not stretch out his hands over Jerusalem

magically making everything as it was meant to be.

No, he wept. He shed tears for what could have been...
He shed tears for what was never brought to fullness.

Jesus shed tears because his message
was greatly ignored.

Jesus wanted then as he does today for peace
 to reign in our hearts...in our lands.

We still have not figured out a way to make peace
 more desirable than violence.

We are among those who have not recognized
our time of visitation.

Please pray for more peace in your heart...
more peace in your families...
more peace in your city...
more peace in your country...
more peace in the world.

Each one of us is responsible for the tears of Jesus.

What causes you to weep?

Blessed with the humanity of Jesus.
~~~Peace~~~

More Will be Given

~~~ 2 Macabees 7:1, 20-31 ~~~ Psalm 17 ~~~ Luke 19:11-28 ~~~

...to everyone who has, more will be given,

but from the one who has not,

even what he has will be taken away.

This sounds grossly unfair...why should those 

who are well off be given more?

Why should we take away the little

a person has who is poor?

We have a generous God.

He is always willing and ready to give you more....

more love...more...peace...more happiness...

more hope...more forgiveness.

God is abundance...

God gives to those who follow him

 until their cup is overflowing...

He just keeps on giving...

God gives to his chosen ones without boundaries.

How will God be able to give you more if you 

keep your distance from him?

He will not force himself on anyone...

He will not coerce you into taking more.

At the same time God will not toss you aside

to be forgotten.

Perhaps those who are closest to God receive more

because they are more willing to share with others.

Peter, Paul and all of the Saints
reveal to us that even in their darkest of times
God continues to minister to their soul....
He continues to give them more.
It is stored up in their hearts
until which time they are able to find it.

Jesus chose the topics for his parables very carefully.
The subject needed to be one where the locals
could see themselves.

Blessed with a God who will never give up on you.
Our God continues to pour out his love for you
 until your soul is overflowing.

...to everyone who has, more will be given...

~~~Peace~~~

The Lord Upholds

~~~ Saint Elizabeth of Hungary ~~~

~~~ 2 Macabees 6:18-31 ~~~ Psalm 3 ~~~ Luke 19:1-10 ~~~

Stories of martyrdom were popular in the book of Macabees.
They were written to encourage the Jewish
people during times of persecution.

I cannot help but to recall the recent images of Christian people
today enduring similar persecution. 

It seems there is always one group in power
who takes pleasure in persecuting another group.

The driving force is always self serving.
God is pushed completely out of the picture.
Words may pretend to be acting on God's behalf,
but they are never truly aligned with God.

 ...the Son of Man has come to seek

and to save what was lost.

Jesus calls for Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector,
to come down from his perch in the tree.

Zacchaeus was curious about Jesus...
he wanted to get a good look at him for himself.

Imagine his shock when Jesus
invites himself to dinner that very evening.

The Lord upholds me.

Zacchaeus had been lurking around Jesus...
listening to his preaching from afar.
He finally gets up the nerve to climb high
 enough to at least see Jesus.

Zacchaeus comes to the realization
 that something is missing in his life.

There is something that all of his wealth cannot buy.

There is something more...Jesus holds the answer.

Jesus touches Zacchaeus deep within the core of his soul.
He vows to repent...to share his wealth with the poor.
He even promises to make retribution for those
 he has previously deceived.

Did you notice that it was not Jesus
who commanded Zacchaeus to repent?

Jesus simply said...
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house.” 

How has this same spirit of God
moved you to repent for your sins?

The Lord upholds all those who come to him...
all who seek to see him.

Receive Jesus with joy into your heart...
all things will change.

The Lord upholds me.

Blessings to reform.
~~~Peace~~~

'Leap of Faith'

~~~ 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 ~~~ 

~~ Psalm 119 ~~~ Luke 18:35-43 ~~

The doctrine expressed in the book of Maccabees

 is the customary belief of Israel.

They have been specially chosen 

by the one true God as covenant-partner, 

and they alone are privileged to know and worship God.

The people, in turn, must worship the Lord alone 

and observe exactly the precepts of the law given to them.

We enter here during a time of crisis among the people.

Some of the local Jews began to break away 

from the strict observance of the Jewish laws.

“Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles

 all around us;since we separated from them, 

many evils have come upon us.”

The king approved of their proposed alliance with the Gentiles.

Soon the king wrote to the people...

 that all should be one people,

each abandoning his particular customs.

Soon there arose chaos among the people.

They made sacrifices to idols and eventually all the scrolls 

of the law were destroyed.

During this time many Jews resisted and were

put to death...Terrible affliction was upon Israel.

In the gospel we see Jesus showing 

how to be inclusive in a positive peaceful manner.

He restores the sight to a poor beggar

calling out to him from the dirt roadside.

“Lord, please let me see.”

Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”

The people saw not just the action of Jesus,

but they also witnessed the conversion of the poor beggar.

This man immediately became a follower of Jesus.

This man gave glory to God for his healing.

This man was converted as a result

 of the kindness and mercy of Jesus.

This uneducated filthy beggar recognized Jesus

as the Son of David...the messiah.

Sometimes it is the innocent who have 

the better understanding and insight.

The poor blind beggar was not caught up in the letter of the law.

He did not follow the required rituals.

He was on the road covered with dirt and grime.

He had no idea how repulsive he must have looked,

for he could not see his body.

The blind beggar saw Jesus with his heart of faith.

Somehow he found the courage to believe

 in the healing power of Jesus.

He took a leap of faith...

asked to be healed...

and Jesus restored his sight.

Now his physical sight and his insight 

were joined together.

Have you ever experienced a 'leap of faith'?

Blessings abound when your heart

 and your body are joined together as one.

~~~Peace~~~

Wholly with God

~~~Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~

~~~ Daniel 12:1-3 ~~~ Psalm 16 ~~~ Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 ~~~
~~~ Mark 13:24-32 ~~~ 

As we near the end of the liturgical year the church
 reminds us of the end times.
We are at the end of the cycle of readings for this year.
We are also nearing the end of the calendar year.
We are also at the time of year when we are invited
to express our gratitude.

Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.

The world as we know it will some day cease to exist...
but all that God has promised us will never fade away.
On the final judgment day there will
be no earth...there will be no heaven...
All that have been drawn to God...
all that have been found worthy will join
together in praise and glory of God.

“But the wise shall shine brightly
like the splendor of the firmament,
and those who lead the many to justice
shall be like the stars forever."

What a glorious time this will be for all the faithful.
No matter what happens between now and then;
the word of the Lord holds the spirit and the life for you.

There will be unfathomable beauty, joy, and love.
The brilliance of God will consume us unto himself.
We will completely be with God.

"But of that day or hour, no one knows,
neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

Today is a reminder for us to always be vigilant...
to be ready...to have our heart filled with grace and mercy.

Each day souls all around the world
are called to come back home;
to be with God.

Some experience great fear and terror in a violent death.

Some struggle with reality on their death bed.

Some in despair and mental confusion
unfortunately end their own life.

Some lay peacefully, on their death bed,
 surrendering their soul back to God.

Some die alone others surrounded by loved ones.

You can be sure that God alone knows
 the time and the circumstances.
The question is. Will you be ready?

Now is the time to prepare.

Blessings for this time of reflection on the end times.

~~~Peace~~~

Creator Credit

~~~ Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin ~~~

~~~ Wisdom 13:1-9 ~~~ Psalm 19 ~~~ Luke 17:26-37 ~~~

All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God,
and who from the good things seen did not 
succeed in knowing him who is...

How does one marvel at the beauty of all creation
or the power and energy of storms and yet not see God.

All things originate in God...
all beauty, all strength, all energy, all power...
All that is comes from God, but we still
have those who do not believe in him.

If you rely on science to explain all that surrounds you,
eventually you will come to a dead end.

It is right to give the creator credit for all
that exists in the universe.

If you see beauty...you see God.

If you feel the wind upon your face...you feel God.

If you witness s sunrise or a sunset...you experience
the grandeur of God.

The evidence that God does exist is all around you.

What purpose would it serve to deny
 the existence of God?

Look around...open your eyes...
where do you witness God manifesting himself today?

Become more present with the world in which you live;
this is where God makes himself visible...real.

Any work of art is the result of the artist
being inspired by God to create.

Inspiration comes from the spirit of God.

Nothing can compare to the creativity
 of what God has made for us.

Many times an artist is inspired by the patterns
 or the beauty of nature in making their own creation.

Find God in a place where you least
expect him to be present.

There is a piece of God in all of creation.

~~~Peace~~~

Can You Visualize the Kingdom?

~~~ Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr ~~~

~~~ Wisdom 7:22B–8:1 ~~~ Psalm 119 ~~~ Luke 17:20-25 ~~~

“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed,
and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’
For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

Being human, we would all like to have some early announcement
of the coming of the Kingdom of God.

You would probably like to do a little advance planning...
some Spring cleaning perhaps.

Of course, God does not operate that way.
He does not post information on Twitter and Facebook
about His Kingdom.

Instead God tells up to see the Kingdom all around.
The Kingdom of God resides within each one of you.

You were created out of the nothingness
that is also the substance of heaven.
You cannot see the Kingdom of God, but you
can be a witness to it.

If the Kingdom of God is among us
 then we all are part of it.

Why do you search for something that
already includes you?

The Pharisees were standing face to face with Jesus
yet they were asking him for signs of the Kingdom.

The Pharisees could not imagine a Kingdom
 that did not exist in the physical world.

They along with many others in the time of Jesus
were expecting some sort of palace to be built in the Kingdom.

They wanted to make sure they did not miss it.
After all they were part of the ruling class.

They were interested in collecting
the taxes on this 'Kingdom'.

They were appointed to oversee the prescribed
functions of such a Kingdom.

Consequently they were confused by Jesus
 suggesting that the Kingdom was already present.

The Kingdom is not something far off in the distance...
It is here now just as it was the day Jesus spoke those words.

Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion,
and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity.
For she is an aura of the might of God
and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty

The Pharisees were missing this vital component in their heart...

They were missing wisdom.
Wisdom comes from God.
Wisdom... the ability to discern or judge
 what is true, right, or lasting; insight.

Godly wisdom is deep within your soul.
Godly wisdom points you toward the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God is all around us.
Seek the his Godly Wisdom
so that you will be able to see more clearly.

Walk humbly with God.
 He will reveal to you the wonders of his Kingdom
 here within and around you.

God always Blesses those who seek his wisdom.
Blessings for a closer relationship.
It is through a closer relationship with Jesus
that your eyes will be opened.
Once your eyes are opened
you will be able to visualize the Kingdom
all around you.

~~~Peace~~~

Desiring the Word

 ~~~ Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop ~~~

~~~ Wisdom 6:1-11 ~~~ Psalm 82 ~~~ Luke 17:11-19 ~~~

Desire therefore my words;

long for them and you shall be instructed.

Have you ever thought about desiring the words of God?
Desire is a passionate word.
Are you passionate about God's words?
Do you long for them to become a
vital part of your being?

The word of God is the essence of who he is.
If you want more of God then you must
 be passionate about his words.

His words are the words of life.

His words are the words of spirit.

His words are the words of comfort.

His words are the words of mercy.

His words are the words of peace.

“Go show yourselves to the priests.”

As they were going they were cleansed. 

The words of Jesus sent these sick men off to prove
 their healing to the high priests.

They were not yet healed, but Jesus sent them on their way.
It was his very words that cleansed and cured
them of their afflictions.

These men were surely passionate about being healed.
They had a driving desire to be reunited with their family.

As they were on their way to show proof,
their healing occurred.

Jesus did not require them to wait
until the healing had taken place.
His words were enough to set into motion
 the process of their healing.

If you desire the words of Jesus in your life
you will experience wonders.

His words are alive.
His words are specific to you...
meant for you to hear.

He is the word made flesh...

Desire and long for his words;
you will be Blessed.

~~~Peace~~~

Why Are You Here?

~~~ Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church ~~~

~~~ Wisdom 2:23–3:9 ~~~ Psalm 34 ~~~

~~~ Luke 17:7-10 ~~~

Growing up with the Baltimore Catechism,

there was one question always asked...

'Why are you here?'

The answer...'To know, love, and serve the Lord

 with our whole heart, mind, and body'.

Today the topic of service is highlighted in the Gospel.

When you have done all you have been commanded, say,

‘We are unprofitable servants;

we have done what we were obliged to do.’

You are called to serve the Lord...

to serve out of love.

Service to the Lord is not a bargaining chip.

Service to the Lord cannot be bought or traded.

Service to the Lord is something you do willingly...out of love.

From the moment you took your first breath 

you were one breath closer to your death.

The better you know the Lord...

the more you desire to love the Lord...

the more you love the Lord

the more you desire to serve him.

Serving the Lord must be done without expectations.

Serving the Lord must be done out love.

Serving the Lord must be carried out with a pure heart.

...as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

I pray that when your final days come,

 you may be able to offer back to God

 the very life he so freely gave to you.

I pray that your life of service to him 

will bring you into greater understanding...

an understanding of how well you served him,

but also an understanding of when you 

could have served him more completely.

You do not the hour in which God 

will call you to come back to him,

but until that time comes you 

can serve him in love.

Those who trust in him shall understand truth,

and the faithful shall abide with him in love

Know the Lord.

Love the Lord.

Serve the Lord.

Longing to here the words,

Well done my good and faithful 

servant.

Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation,

for there is no conflict without an enemy,

no victory without strife.

Saint Leo the Great.

May the Lord Bless you

 and keep you from harm.

~~~ Peace ~~~

Steel Reinforced

~~~ Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 ~~~ Psalm 46 ~~~ 

~~~ 1 Corinthian 3:9C-11, 16-17 ~~~ John 2:13-22 ~~~

...each one must be careful how he builds upon it,

for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there,

namely, Jesus Christ.

The foundation of any structure is the most important part.

If the foundation is weak or flawed

the entire structure is less stable.

When you take the time to carefully 

create a solid reinforced foundation the 

whole structure will be stronger.

Sticks and stones...brick and mortar

your spiritual foundation 

needs only faith in God.

“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”

Death only appears to destroy your temple.

The soul's foundation must be reinforced with the steel

 beams of the love of Jesus.

The soul is the foundation of everlasting life.

The temple of your soul cannot be destroyed...not even in death.

Fires and floods may destroy your home but 

the foundation will still be in place.

The foundation remains because of the 

permanence of reinforced concrete.

Jesus laid the foundation in your soul

 at the moment of your conception.

It is up to you to build upon this foundation.

It is through your conscious spiritual practice

 that your foundation is built upon.

If you do not build upon this

 foundation it just remains within.

...you are the temple of God,

and the Spirit of God dwells in you...

If the foundation appears to be damaged

the love and mercy of God

can repair the chips and cracks.

Blessings to keep your foundation strong;

crack and chip free.

~~~Peace~~~

When Less is More

~~~ Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~

~~~ 1 Kings 17:10-16 ~~~ Psalm 146 ~~~ 

~~~ Hebrews 9:24-28 ~~~ Mark 12:38-44 ~~~

You always have something to contribute.

It may be a small handful of flour...a little cake...two small coins.

Nothing is insignificant for God.

I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar

and a little oil in my jug. 

In Kings and in Mark today

the widow is used as an example.

These two women become teaching opportunities.

A woman had a very low place at that time,

but to be a widow was an even lower place.

The death a woman's husband left her abandoned and helpless.

She was often looked upon with pity.

She had no husband to offer protection.

She was most vulnerable.

Widows were often taken advantage of,

because they had no one to tend to their financial affairs.

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.

God consistently turns less into more without fail.

In the time of Jesus, to be a widow was to be in jeopardy.

The widow literally had no source of income.

For these two women to give from their meager means

was worth drawing our attention.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The women today gave from their poverty.

They could have chosen to carefully guard what they had,

but instead they chose to give.

What about you?

How do view what you have in comparison

 to what you are willing to give?

For some this may be a difficult question.

When have you given enough?

Can you give too much?

Who should be the recipient of what you give?

These are all legitimate questions.

The examples today confirm that no matter

 what you have to give 

God will bless you with abundance.

In what we give to God there is always abundance.

God has no limits...he sees all gifts in context of your means.

The widows had little...

The scribes, who had much, expected to be given more.

They often found ways, legal or otherwise, to get more. 

They made a mockery

 of those who gave from their poverty.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Whatever you have God will make it more than sufficient.

God does turn less into more every day.

He blesses you with enough.

~~~Peace~~~

The 'Holy Kiss'

~~~ Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27 ~~~ Psalm 145 ~~~ Luke 16:9-15 ~~~

The person who is trustworthy in very small matters

is also trustworthy in great ones...

How trustworthy do you consider yourself to be?
Are you reliable...dependable...honest and truthful?

What would you consider to be small matters?
Is it a good representation of who you are
 if you are trustworthy in small matters?
Is it more important for you to be trustworthy
 in large matters.

Once you have broken trust how can you restore it?

We have a God whom we can completely trust.

God knows your hearts...

Whatever your motives are within your heart
may fool another person or deceive another,
but God knows.

To be a trustworthy person one must make it their practice
 to be truthful and honest in all situations.
Not to say that we must be brutally honest
when it would only serve to hurt another person.

Being trustworthy is not just about keeping secrets.
It is about keeping your word.
It is about being dependable
 in all situations and all circumstances.

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

In this country it is not the custom to greet another with a formal kiss.
Perhaps we should try it...just a simple kiss on the side of the face.

Perhaps it would change the way we look at others.

Perhaps it would help us to see Christ in the other person.

Would you be willing to kiss a stranger?
Is a kiss too intimate...too close?

Jesus most likely greeted others with a holy kiss.
Today we are leery of getting too close to a stranger,
but in Biblical times a holy kiss was equivalent to our hand shake.

For Christians it was an expression of brotherly love.

A 'holy kiss' is not in any way connected with a lovers kiss.

A 'holy kiss' represents sincere affection and friendship.

Recalling just now how Judas betrayed Jesus with a 'holy kiss'
identifying who he was to the soldiers.
Jesus had previously found Judas to be trustworthy.
How disappointing...

We have many ways of bonding with one another.
The 'holy kiss' is one such gesture.

May you be blessed with trust from those around you.
I invite you to greet at least one person
 this week with a 'holy kiss'

Observe their reaction.
Let it be your gesture of Peace.