Love Never Fails

~~~ Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~

~~~ Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 ~~~ Psalm 71 ~~~  

~~~ 1 Corinthian 12:31—13:13 ~~~ Luke 4:21-30 ~~~

“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Standing amidst the temple elders Jesus declares his destiny.
All who heard him must have thought he was delusional.

They will fight against you but not prevail over you,

for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

The officials became outraged by the claims Jesus was making.
They gathered together in a flash
 mob and chased him to the edge of the hill.
They were ready to hurl him off the edge presumably to his death.

They wanted nothing to do with Jesus or his followers.
Jesus forced  this crowd to face their short nearsightedness.
They could only see as far as their restricted beliefs.

Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.
But I shall show you a still more excellent way.

Saint Paul tells us that LOVE
is the most important way to greater holiness.

So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.

We cannot just give lip service to the commandment of love.
All of the other spiritual gifts fall short
if you do not clothe them in love.

Love never fails.
This is what we must be focused on every day.

God is love, period.

Strive for the necessary Blessings
to live more fully a life of love.

~~~Peace~~~

David Faces Reality

~~~ 2 Samuel 12:1-7A, 10-17 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~

~~~ Mark 4:35-41 ~~~

Create a clean heart in me, O God.

The readings today are a precursor to our
time of repentance...Lent.

Ash Wednesday is little more than a week away.

During lent we are reminded about our own sinfulness...
we are reminded that God has command over life and death...
even over the wind and sea. 

God did show great forgiveness toward David,
but David also had to suffer for his hideous decisions.
David experienced our all powerful God.

David saw the results of his lust and adultery...
the death of his child.
This loss of this innocent life brought
David to the ground. 

Create a clean heart in me, O God.

God has unlimited power and mercy.
It is through our faith that we are led to trust him.

David ruled with ruthless violence, not only against his enemies,
but with his own soldiers.

In reality how can we expect God
to deal with us in any manner other than the way
 we have dealt with others?

The difference is that we are clueless
to the love God has for us.

We are also clueless to God's immense power and justice.

David was caught in a violent
storm that he himself caused by his sins.
Sin eventually has repercussions for our soul.

Crushed by the truth of his sinfulness David
faces reality fasting and clothed in sackcloth.

Jesus can calm the storms of our life...
He can speak the words...
 “Quiet! Be still!”

These three words can create peace
 in your soul...in your life.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.

A willing spirit is our ticket to salvation joy.

Blessings in the storms of life.
~~~Peace~~~

Mercy in the Middle

~~~ 2 Samuel 11:1-4A, 5-10A, 13-17 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~

~~~ Mark 4:26-34 ~~~

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Psalm 51, about the mercy of God, 

comes between two seemingly disconnected readings.

From the second book of Samuel we hear of King David's

disgusting sin against another man's wife.

Only to be followed by the plot to make sure 

her husband is killed in battle.

David found himself caught in the web of his sins.

Each sin he committed led him deeper into another sin.

Our sins are life stepping stones into the darkness.

The power of David's position deceived him 

into believing that he had the mandate

 to act in a self serving manner.

We finish this reading to immediately

be in the midst of God's mercy.

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

God did not approve of David's sinful path,

but his mercy is always present for us to seek

just as it was for David.

This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;

it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land

and would sleep and rise night and day

and the seed would sprout and grow,

he knows not how.

Evidence of God's mercy is present in this Gospel too.

Just as the seeds are sown and forgotten.

We go about day in and day out not 

consciously aware of God's mercy available to us.

God's mercy is always extended out to us...

when we are not aware...when we are sleeping...

when we do not understand the expanse of God's mercy.

We cannot avoid God's

 mercy, but we can ignore and deny it.

In the middle of our life is the mercy of God.

No matter which direction we choose to take God's mercy is there.

King David eventually does find comfort in the mercy of God...

eventually after many sins and much emotional pain.

During this year of mercy 

...be more thankful for God's great mercy.

His mercy endures forever.

We are Blessed with mercy even if 

we do not know how it is possible for our soul.

God is extending mercy to you right now.

Close your eyes and let it become the center of your life.

It is all about great Love.

~~~Peace~~~

A Bright Light...

~~~  Saint Thomas Aquinas ~~~

~~~ Priest and Doctor of the Church ~~~

~~~ 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 ~~~ Psalm 132 ~~~

~~~ Mark 4:21-25 ~~~

For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; 

nothing is secret except to come to light.

Saint Thomas Aquinas...

 one of the most influential thinkers and 

prolific writers of medieval Scholasticism.

His most well known writing is his

Summa Theologica.

He has been called the 'Universal Teacher'.

A few quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas...

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than friendship.

Wonder is the desire for Knowledge.

Love takes up where Knowledge leaves off.

The things that we love tell us what we are.

It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, 

from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.

Saint Thomas was such a bright light 

that it would have been impossible to keep it hidden.

He began with wonder at a young age.

He quickly moved into his period of knowledge 

during his extensive schooling.

His writings validate his own wonder and knowledge

culminating in great love.

It is true for us as well.

Begin with wonder...embrace the pursuit of knowledge...

 arrive in the realm of greater love. 

We have much to learn from Saint Thomas Aquinas.

We are Blessed today with the wisdom of Thomas.

Read more of his quotes;

pick one that speaks to you...

write it in your journal for future reference.

Let the saints inspire and encourage you along your journey.

~~~Peace~~~

Interrogation

~~~ 2 Samuel 7:4-17 ~~~ Psalm 89 ~~~ Mark 4:1-20 ~~~

...when he was alone, 
those present along with the Twelve 
questioned him about the parables.

Jesus was questioned throughout his public life.
He was questioned by the temple officials.
He was questioned by his followers,
even the ones he hand picked.

Jesus used his surroundings to highlight his teachings.
He was a master at making analogies
with which his listeners could relate.

Those present questioned him about his teachings,
because they wanted to have a better understanding.
Perhaps their personal interpretation
would not be accurate.

The followers of Jesus questioned him for
clarification and better understanding.

The officials not only questioned, but interrogated
Jesus looking for any flaws.

During my many years of teaching,
it was important for each student to feel
comfortable to ask questions.

In fact if you can formulate an intelligent question
it says something about your understanding of the topic.

The dictionary says...
to interrogate...sometimes to seek answers
 or information that the person questioned
considers personal or secret...
to question thoroughly.

Jesus was not just questioned...
Jesus was interrogated...
Jesus was questioned thoroughly.

The more we question about our faith
 the better we can understand.

It is true faith has many beautiful mysteries,
but this should not keep us from asking questions.

The twelve questioned Jesus himself
about the teachings in the parables.

Jesus was a master story teller.
Today we can still relate to his parables...
they are timeless.

 “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

Ask God for a deeper understanding
 to what your ears are hearing.

Hearing is not equal to Understanding.

Ask (questions) and you will be given answers.

Blessed to question for a better understanding...
for what you understand you can share.

~~~Peace~~~

No Boundaries

~~~Saints Timothy and Titus~~~

~~~ 2 Timothy 1:1-8 ~~~ Psalm 96 ~~~ Mark 3:31-35 ~~~

“Here are my mother and my brothers.

For whoever does the will of God

is my brother and sister and mother.”

Jesus was not denying his mother.

Jesus was expanding his family.

Jesus was including all of us as family members.

We are all part of the Body of Christ...

we are all part of the family of Jesus.

We have been adopted into his family.

He has claimed us as belonging to him.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Paul considers Timothy his dear child...an important

 part of his family.

Do you know people that you consider a part of your family

 although technically they are not related to you?

We recently met a couple whom

 we have come to consider as family.

When you open your heart, it is much easier

 to view others as you would a close family member.

Jesus came to us with a heart with no boundaries.

We are invited, during the year of mercy,

 to challenge ourselves...to enlarge our hearts.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Jesus gives us many marvelous deeds from which to choose.

Choose one marvelous deed today...

proclaim it to someone else.

Tell someone you consider them a part of your family.

Watch their reaction...give them a hug.

We are all a part of the Body of Christ.

I am grateful to God,

whom I worship with a clear conscience... 

Blessings of peace for all families.

~~~Peace~~~

Flashing Lights

~~~ Conversion of Saint Paul ~~~

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 9:1-22 ~~~ Psalm 117 ~~~ 

~~~ Mark 16:15-18 ~~~

Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

The Good News...

if you were asked to share the 'Good News'

what would you say?

What does the 'Good News' mean to you?

Paul was actively working 

to deter others from believing in Jesus.

Because he was such a strong person 

God chose to get his attention.

God knew in order to get the attention of Paul

it was necessary to make a lasting impression.

Thus when a bright light flashes in your face and blinds you

that might get your attention.

God went one step further...he spoke to Paul.

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

Paul had no clue who Jesus truly was...he was simply 

following his orders.

For three days Paul could not see.

God plunged him into darkness so that his heart

could emerge as a new creation.

After three days of darkness Paul

 was willing to follow Jesus.

After three days of darkness Paul 

was willing to allow himself to be changed by God.

God sent Ananias, who was a faithful believer,

to be the one to restore Paul's sight.

Ananias was initially reluctant for he knew 

the reputation of this soldier named Saul.

Ananias laid his healing hands on Paul's eyes.

His sight was restored,

but something else happened.

Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit.

It was the strength and power of the Holy Spirit 

that gave him the conviction to go out 

and tell the 'Good News'.

The Holy Spirit continues to give us

 the strength and conviction to also go out

 to tell the 'Good News'.

We can all live our lives in such a manner

 that our words will complement the 'Good News' 

we believe in our heart.

Open your heart to the 'Good News'

and how you deal with others will no longer be a challenge.

Paul had a major conversion experience.

We can all be inspired by how he was changed.

Paul is one of the most influential writers of our Bible.

God chose wisely!

Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

Blessings with or without the flashing lights.

~~~Peace~~~

Four Best Friends

~~~ 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22A ~~~ Psalm 89 ~~~ Mark 2:1-12 ~~~

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

I will forever give thanks for my friends.
Friends are one of the gifts given to us by God.
Friends can brighten up the darkest of days.
Friends can make you laugh when you feel like crying.
Friends find that soft place within your heart to take up residence.

They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.

Jesus was home where those who knew of him
crowded into one local's house.
The paralytic was not able to get to this house ahead of the crowd.
He had to rely on his friends to bring him.
Arriving late, the house was already bulging
with believers and non believers.

Friends share your heart's desires.
Friends come willing to support your dreams.
Friends do whatever it takes to bring goodness into the relationship.

These four faithful friends did not pick up their friend,
they grabbed hold of each corner of his mat.
They supported the weight of his whole body.
Perhaps more telling is that they supported his longing to be healed.

No obstacle was too great for these four friends...

...they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

These four friends broke through the rooftop barrier.

They destroyed someone else's property
allowing their paralyzed friend to get close to Jesus.

Jesus not only healed the physical pain of this man;
Jesus looked within the soul of this man.
Jesus saw the sins of his past days.
Through the power of his words
 Jesus healed and took away this man's sins.

No one in the house that day anticipated such a miracle.
Jesus cured this man from the inside and the outside.
Hi healing was both visible and invisible.

Jesus desires to do the same for you.
All who come to him will find healing and peace.

The paralytic picked up his mat.
That day he would walk, run, and dance with his friends.

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Cherish your friends.
They will come to carry you into the presence of God.
They will be there in your times of need.
They will be there to share you joy.

Blessings come through our friends.
Friends...
just one expression of God's goodness.

~~~Peace~~~

Defeated Not Destroyed

~~~ 1 Samuel 4:1-11 ~~~ Psalm 44 ~~~ Mark 1:40-45 ~~~

Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.

The Leper's curse...

he must wear torn clothes , let his hair be unkempt, 

cover the lower part of his face and call out 'Unclean! unclean!' 

As long as he is sick with skin sores he remains unclean. 

He must live outside the community.

(Leviticus 13: 45-46)

Can you imagine being in such a state?

Can you imagine the feelings of humility and shame?

Can you imagine such harsh treatment for an illness?
Can you imagine the feelings of defeat?
Your health in many ways defines who you are.

The leper came to Jesus seeking a cure.

He wanted to be healed.

He humbly knelt before Jesus.

“If you wish, you can make me clean.”

The leper comes in faith to Jesus. 

He believes Jesus has the power to heal.

The leper was willing to accept the will of Jesus.

Sometimes it is very difficult to accept the will of God,

especially when you want to be cured of something like leprosy.

Jesus could have legitimately sent the leper away 

for he was 'unclean'.

Moved with pity Jesus stretched out his hand

touched the leper and said to him...

“I do will it. Be made clean.”

How can this cured leper not share his healing with 

everyone he met along the way to the priests?

This poor leper was beside himself with joy and excitement.
This disease had ravaged his body for years;
now he is suddenly and completely healed.

The leper's enthusiasm resulted in Jesus
having to stay outside of the city.

This healing affected Jesus in a negative way,
but it did not keep him from extending mercy to the leper.

Whenever you feel defeated...whenever you feel knocked around by life
remember you will not be destroyed, have faith.

Come to Jesus he will touch your soul.

Blessings out of defeat.

~~~Peace~~~

Peace is the Answer

~~~ 1 Samuel 1:9-20 ~~~ Psalm (1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD)~~~

~~~ Mark 1:21-28 ~~~ 

 “Quiet! Come out of him!”

The unclean spirit convulsed him 

and with a loud cry came out of him.

Jesus cast out the unclean spirits 

within the synagogue worship space. 

He cast out these evil spirits in the presence of the elders.

Jesus was firm in his command to the un-welcomed guest.

He did not scream, his eyes did not roll back in his head.

Jesus spoke his command with strength and confidence.

The desired result was attained...the unclean spirit fled.

As this unclean spirit fled its resistance caused 

the host person to convulse.

The evil spirit had taken up residence 

within the body and soul of this poor man.

The words of Jesus have power, 

not just for unclean spirits 

but for good too.

The words of Jesus appear to be just like our words, 

but his words are truly the words of God.

Hannah was not possessed by an unclean spirit,

 but she was distraught.

She had not been able to conceive a child.

...my prayer has been prompted

 by my deep sorrow and misery.

Eli, the priest said

 “Go in peace,

and may the God of Israel 

grant you what you have asked of him.”

Both Hannah and the possessed man

had their prayer answered by God.

Both were granted peace from God.

Many times we do not realize that the answer to our prayers

includes God's peace.

If we can find peace in our lives

 then what we think we need in our lives may just change.

May you find peace in your life.

Peace in your soul will change the outcomes of your prayers.

Pray for your needs, but be open to God's peace.

Peace fills the cracks in our heart.

Blessings in prayer.

~~~Peace~~~

Water Made Holy

~~~ The Baptism of the Lord ~~~

~~~ Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 ~~~ Psalm 29 ~~~ 

~~~Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 ~~~ Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 ~~~

Here is your God!

Jesus humbly submits himself to Baptism.
His humanity was plunged into the very waters created by God.
Jesus submerged in the waters for Baptism by his cousin, John.
From that day forward all waters were made holy.
The person of Jesus human and divine touched the waters.

Here our God purifies the waters
for us to continue to use for Baptisms.
Jesus did not need to subject himself to the cleansing
 waters of Baptism.
Since we are born with original sin
our Baptism is very significant.
It is an outward sign of what takes place in our soul.

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;

in his arms he gathers the lambs,

carrying them in his bosom,

and leading the ewes with care.

Jesus is the shepherd of our soul.
His love for us causes him to gather us close in his arms.
When you are held that close to a person
you can hear their heart beat.

This is precisely how much you are loved by God...
he holds us tenderly near to his own heart.

I invite you to contemplate this nearness to the heart
of Jesus during this week.

He holds us with great tenderness.
There is only peace and calm in his arms.

The Lord will bless his people with peace.

When the shepherd is near
there is no need for fear or anxiety.
All is Calm...All is Bright...
All is Right in our hearts.

There is reason to have JOY!
Blessed in the waters of Baptism!

~~~Peace~~~

'Chipped' for God

~~~ 1 John 5:14-21~~~ Psalm 149 ~~~ John 3:22-30 ~~~

We know that we belong to God,

and the whole world is under the power of the Evil One. 

We also know that the Son of God has come

and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. 

Since scripture tells us that we belong to God;
why do we act in ways that are so contrary to his commands?

Maybe our whole spiritual journey is about growing
in this realization that we belong to God.

We belong to God not as a slave,
but rather as one who is loved, forgiven, and protected.

God has ownership of our soul;
he gives us temporary control when we come of age.
When we learn right from wrong we take control of our soul.

God is always present, but in his humility
he allows us to excel and to fail.

We have the power through the grace he gives
 us to make our own decisions...good and bad.

Jesus came to give us the tools to discern
the truth about who God is in the world.

We are here to know, love and serve the Lord...
the one to whom we belong.

Have you had your pet chipped?
It is very common now days for owners
to have their pet chipped.
This chip would be used in the event
 that your pet would get separated from its owner.

Do you think God should have 'chipped' us too?
Do you think we have been 'chipped' by God?

Would you act differently
if you had something visible or physical
that indicated that you belonged to God?

Through our Baptism we are claimed by God.
Our soul is indelibly marked...
This mark is invisible,
so too often we forget we belong to God.

He must increase; I must decrease.

The best way to resist the power of the evil one
is to cling to the one who owns your soul.
When we cling to God...his influence in our life
increases and we decrease.

Your soul has been 'chipped' by God.
If you get lost this chip will lead you back home.
Home where you belong.
Home with the one to whom you belong.

Home in heaven where you long to rest forever.

Blessings to find your way home.

~~~Peace~~~

Testimony of Eternal Life

~~~ 1 John 5:5-13 ~~~ Psalm 147 ~~~ Luke 5:12-16 ~~~

If we accept human testimony,

the testimony of God is surely greater. 

We live in a world where the concept of truth

 is covered with skepticism.

We have learned to question everything we are told.

Now days we must also question what we see.

There is very little area of our life that cannot be manipulated.

Over time the prolific manipulation of the truth

makes us weary as we search for the truth.

In our court rooms those who testify 

promise with their hand upon the Bible

 to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth...

This too holds less and less a basis for truth.

It seems that all things can be modified without our knowledge.

We have become masters at slanting the truth...

at omitting details of the truth.

And this is the testimony:

God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 

God is the truth...his words are truth.

Some have become conditioned to question

 the truths within the pages of Scripture.

We have difficulty knowing with confidence when truth is present.

The Spirit is the one who testifies,

and the Spirit is truth. 

We were born with this Spirit of truth

 embedded within our soul.

Over time it becomes increasingly 

difficult to access this place of truth.

All of creation testifies to the truth of God.

Jesus came to live among us a testimony for eternal salvation.

Jesus testifies in Spirit, water, and Blood.

When you feel that all truth is lost,

remember the one truth of our eternal life.

This one truth is already within your soul.

God never lies to us.

God only speaks words of truth.

God blesses us with life...now and forever.

Speak words of truth

revealed to us through the Spirit.

Be a person of truth...

believe the promised truth of your eternal life.

Blessings of Testimony in the Spirit.

~~~Peace~~~

One with the Spirit

~~~ 1 John 4:19–5:4 ~~~ Psalm 72 ~~~ Luke 4:14-22 ~~~

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

to bring glad tidings to the poor.

All in the synagogue were amazed

 when Jesus read from the scroll

 and promptly added that he was the one.

Basically Jesus told the people present 

that he was reading about himself.

The Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus.

The Spirit was with Jesus.

Jesus was one with the Spirit.

How can this be?

It is because Jesus is God.

Those people listening to Jesus proclaim from the holy scroll

had to think about whether or not Jesus was indeed God.

Jesus does not force anyone to believe that he is God.

This was difficult for the people of the times to accept.

Jesus performed signs and wonders

because he is God.

Even today there are those who do not want

 to believe that Jesus is God.

There are some who only want to believe

 that Jesus was a good prophet or just a good person.

If Jesus is not God then 

why should we continue to follow his teachings?

Jesus became one of us...

God became human.

Jesus became human because God the Father 

knew his Son would be the best proof of love. 

Jesus humbled himself to take on our human form.

We have the human face of Jesus to show us 

what it means to live a life as an exemplary human being.

We are not God,

but the Spirit of the Lord can descend upon 

each and every one of us.

Call on the Spirit and you will be inspired.

May 2016 be

...a year acceptable to the Lord.

Blessings from the Spirit.

~~~Peace~~~

First Love

Saint John Neumann, Bishop

~~~ 1 John 4:7-10 ~~~ Psalm 72 ~~~ Mark 6:34-44 ~~~

...not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

The truth that God loved us first is the
foundation for our life.
Any love that we profess for another
 was conceived from this first love.

God loved us first
not because we deserved it...
not because we asked for it...
not because we longed for it...

God loved us first because that is who God is...
God is LOVE.

All the love that we give and receive
sprung from the love of God for us.

Jesus fed the huge crowd from the little
 that they came with that day.

He fed them from his abundant love.

This miracle was not about the multiplication of the food.
 It was about the over flowing love of God
manifested through the words and hands of Jesus that day.

We come into the world with nothing,
just as the crowd on the hillside came with nothing.

Without the love of God being poured forth from Jesus
this story would have never been included in the Gospels.

All that we are...all that we have...
comes from the gift of God's love for us.

Next time you feel love for someone
remember it is only possible because God first loved you.

Love is all there is when we gaze into the face of the Lord.

Blessings all the days of this new year.
His love is evident...
now it is our turn to love more.

~~~Peace~~~

Star of Epiphany

~~~ The Epiphany of the Lord ~~~

~~~ Isaiah 60:1-6 ~~~ Psalm 72 ~~~ Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6 ~~~

~~~ Matthew 2:1-12 ~~~

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The magi arriving from the East inform King Herod

 that they have seen the star.

These wise men were traveling a great 

distance because of a star?

They were willing to make this

 journey to see an infant.

The birth of Jesus was an epiphany for king Herod.

He was fearful of losing his position of power...

he was afraid of losing his throne

to a baby,

How foolish was Herod,

for Jesus did not need or want his throne.

We saw his star at its rising

and have come to do him homage.

The three wise men had an epiphany too.

They brought their gifts, knelt at the side of the manger

and were changed.

They saw the newborn king...not draped in royal fabrics

seated on a gold gilded throne...

instead they saw a babe wrapped in swaddling cloth

sleeping in a food trough.

The wise men had an epiphany of humility.

They were moved by the simplicity of the Holy Family.

The wise men were so moved that they 

did not return to report  King Herod.

Somehow their epiphany included 

the desire to protect Jesus from harm.

“Go and search diligently for the child.

When you have found him, bring me word, 

that I too may go and do him homage.”

Their epiphany included the message

 in a dream not to return to Herod.

Herod wanted only to destroy this perceived threat...Jesus.

For the wise men they were overjoyed 

in their epiphany experience.

The Epiphany from Jesus was that he came 

for all of mankind not for just one group of people.

Jesus did not come for an exclusive group of people.

Jesus came for all of us.

We are all capable of having an epiphany experience.

Pay attention...aha moments come when you least expect them.

Moments of epiphany are moments of surprise.

May this new year be filled with little epiphanies

so that you will be better prepared for The Epiphany.

Blessings to fill your year.

~~~Peace~~~

Mary, Mother of God

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 

the Mother of God

~~~ Numbers 6:22-27 ~~~ Psalm 67 ~~~ Galatians 4:4-7 ~~~ 

~~~ Luke 2:16-21 ~~~

We begin this new year with one of the most beautiful 

Old Testament blessings...

The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon

you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and

give you peace!

The Blessed Mother was Blessed with motherhood.

She was Blessed to be the Mother of God.

God keeps Mary forever close to himself...

She is the handmaid of the Lord.

God shed the grace from his face shining upon her...

that she is forever called Blessed.

The peace of God is also the peace Mary has to offer us.

God became one of us so that we can share in his divinity.

Jesus came so that we might be one with him

 just as he was one with Mary.

The closest we can be to Jesus is in receiving the Holy Eucharist.

Mary carried Jesus within her womb.

We can carry him into every cell of our body

 by consuming the consecrated bread and wine.

We receive Jesus, soul and divinity.

He has claimed us to be his own.

We are his in life and in death.

God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts...

As a mother does so often,

Mary kept in her heart all that had been revealed to her.

The heart of Mary holds our prayers 

silently within ready to intercede on our behalf.

May the Lord Bless you and keep you

as we begin another new year...

May 2016 be a year filled with kindness, mercy,

peace, and above all love.

Jesus became one of us.

JOY

to the World!