John 21: 1-14
Jesus Appears at the Sea of Galilee
After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” and He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on, and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.
So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
The disciples listened to a man from the beach some distance away. Upon casting their nets and catching an abundance of fish, they then realized that it was the Lord. Once again they were able to see the goodness of the Lord, and believed.
The Lord, once again says to us, “Blessed are they who have not seen and believe.” When we encounter difficulties in our everyday life; keep the faith. Jesus has provided to us in the Gospels; the path to salvation. Trust and believe in him and we shall one day dwell with him. Trust and believe; no man can conceive what God has prepared for those who love him. We may not be able to conceive his abundant love for us, but we certainly with faith, we can believe in his abundant love for us.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Be Not Afraid
John 6: 16-21
Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Jesus says to us, “Be not afraid; I go before you always; come and follow me, and I will give you rest.” He knows where our lives are at this point in time, and he knows what shall become of our lives in the future. Today he is calling each one of us to follow him in a more loving and personal way; are we listening? He knows where we are going, and is waiting to receive us with open arms; Be not afraid!
John 6: 16-21
Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Jesus says to us, “Be not afraid; I go before you always; come and follow me, and I will give you rest.” He knows where our lives are at this point in time, and he knows what shall become of our lives in the future. Today he is calling each one of us to follow him in a more loving and personal way; are we listening? He knows where we are going, and is waiting to receive us with open arms; Be not afraid!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Compassionate Jesus
The compassion of Jesus is perfectly clear in the Gospel of John 6: 1-15.
Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, Where can we by enough food for them to eat?” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they were finished, having had their fill, the disciples were able to fill twelve wicker baskets with the fragments left over.
Let there be no doubt that Jesus, loves and cares about our every need. If we place our trust in him, and follow in his footsteps then we have nothing to fear; he shall fulfill our every need no matter how large or small. Five thousand satisfied from a few loaves and fishes; how much more is he willing to share with those who love him as we journey along, following him on our earthly pilgrimage?
The compassion of Jesus is perfectly clear in the Gospel of John 6: 1-15.
Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, Where can we by enough food for them to eat?” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they were finished, having had their fill, the disciples were able to fill twelve wicker baskets with the fragments left over.
Let there be no doubt that Jesus, loves and cares about our every need. If we place our trust in him, and follow in his footsteps then we have nothing to fear; he shall fulfill our every need no matter how large or small. Five thousand satisfied from a few loaves and fishes; how much more is he willing to share with those who love him as we journey along, following him on our earthly pilgrimage?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Ask Not
I’ve been reflecting much lately on the state of our Union. I see many similarities between our former President Kennedy and our current President Barack Obama, both young, well educated, well spoken, great motivators, etc.
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s inaugural address included these eloquent words: “Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.” I asked the words this way: “Ask not what your God will do for you-ask what you are willing to do for your God.”
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Jesus wants us to approach him and to ask him to help us with all of our needs. But, Jesus already knows our needs before we ask him to help us with them. We need only to approach him with faith, hope, and trust; he loves us, he hears our prayers, and will answer them in a way that is best for us and our eternal salvation. God is willing to give us anything we need to sustain us; our very next breath is a gift from our loving God.
What are we willing to do for our God? Is this a one way road; or will we exercise our love for God by walking the walk and not just talking the talk? Are we willing to take a stand for Jesus and the truth as he has taught us in the Gospel’s; even in the midst of the darkness in our world today? I believe that we are at a crossroad in history; decisions we make today will not only have an effect on our lives but our children’s, and for generations to come. What are we willing to do for our God??? The answer may be one of the last moves we play out, but without a doubt will have an effect on life as we know it now, and future generations will share in the years to come.
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s inaugural address included these eloquent words: “Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.” I asked the words this way: “Ask not what your God will do for you-ask what you are willing to do for your God.”
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Jesus wants us to approach him and to ask him to help us with all of our needs. But, Jesus already knows our needs before we ask him to help us with them. We need only to approach him with faith, hope, and trust; he loves us, he hears our prayers, and will answer them in a way that is best for us and our eternal salvation. God is willing to give us anything we need to sustain us; our very next breath is a gift from our loving God.
What are we willing to do for our God? Is this a one way road; or will we exercise our love for God by walking the walk and not just talking the talk? Are we willing to take a stand for Jesus and the truth as he has taught us in the Gospel’s; even in the midst of the darkness in our world today? I believe that we are at a crossroad in history; decisions we make today will not only have an effect on our lives but our children’s, and for generations to come. What are we willing to do for our God??? The answer may be one of the last moves we play out, but without a doubt will have an effect on life as we know it now, and future generations will share in the years to come.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Jn 20: 19-31
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
This is just a piece of today’s Gospel reading. But it is without a doubt, one of the greatest mysteries of our Catholic faith; the forgiveness of sin.
Many say that only God can forgive sin, no man can forgive another person’s sin. Being married to a Protestant, I have come to understand through the years the opinion of those who do not believe that a man can forgive another person’s sins. But, it is this verse that has made my faith in God’s mercy ever stronger. Jesus said to his disciples, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” To me, there can be no other explanation of what the Lord intended for his disciples to carry on in his absence. Jesus allowed the ones who were closest to him in this world to carry on in his absence.
A Priest has been given the grace by God to be his vessel of infinite love to those who seek his mercy. A man is only a man, but through God’s grace, those consecrated to him have been blessed with the ability to carry on his mercy, extending his hands to all those who seek him. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained,” Sounds like a plan to me; the plan of the extension of his infinite mercy.
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
This is just a piece of today’s Gospel reading. But it is without a doubt, one of the greatest mysteries of our Catholic faith; the forgiveness of sin.
Many say that only God can forgive sin, no man can forgive another person’s sin. Being married to a Protestant, I have come to understand through the years the opinion of those who do not believe that a man can forgive another person’s sins. But, it is this verse that has made my faith in God’s mercy ever stronger. Jesus said to his disciples, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” To me, there can be no other explanation of what the Lord intended for his disciples to carry on in his absence. Jesus allowed the ones who were closest to him in this world to carry on in his absence.
A Priest has been given the grace by God to be his vessel of infinite love to those who seek his mercy. A man is only a man, but through God’s grace, those consecrated to him have been blessed with the ability to carry on his mercy, extending his hands to all those who seek him. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained,” Sounds like a plan to me; the plan of the extension of his infinite mercy.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Proclaim the Gospel / Mk 16: 9-15
When Jesus had risen, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
Later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
As the first week of the Easter season comes to a close, do we find ourselves as the Eleven Apostles, in disbelief? We as Christians proclaim our belief in the resurrection of Christ, but do we really believe? Will we doubt no longer only if we see him face to face, or if we place our hands upon the wounds of salvation? Jesus said, “Blessed are they who have not seen and believe.” Can we say without a doubt that we are among the Blessed that our Lord spoke about? If so, then no sign is needed, no further explanation is necessary, for we have been filled with the grace redemption; The Spirit of Christ resides within our hearts. We need only to live out the directive given to us by our Savior: “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Praise God!
When Jesus had risen, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
Later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
As the first week of the Easter season comes to a close, do we find ourselves as the Eleven Apostles, in disbelief? We as Christians proclaim our belief in the resurrection of Christ, but do we really believe? Will we doubt no longer only if we see him face to face, or if we place our hands upon the wounds of salvation? Jesus said, “Blessed are they who have not seen and believe.” Can we say without a doubt that we are among the Blessed that our Lord spoke about? If so, then no sign is needed, no further explanation is necessary, for we have been filled with the grace redemption; The Spirit of Christ resides within our hearts. We need only to live out the directive given to us by our Savior: “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Praise God!
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Passion
Alone in the garden to his Father he prayed
His disciples, under the trees, asleep they laid
My Father in heaven, please take this cup away
No, Father, let it be done to me as you say
The soldiers approach, his disciples in fear
Peter draws his sword and severs one's ear
Put your sword back into its scabbard
Shall I not drink the cup of my Father and Lord
Jesus surrenders himself without a fight
He is taken away in the dark of the night
As the cock crows Peter begins to cry
Told by Jesus three times he would deny
In a courtyard filled with a angry crowd
They reviled and cursed at him out load
A fearful Pilate is seated upon his throne
Abandoned, Jesus stands there all alone
Convicted and accused of blasphemy
Overwhelmed and fearful Pilate gives a decree
Our Lord knew fully his time was very near
Pilate washes his hands of the whole affair
A vicious murderer is spared and set free
The carpenters make a cross from a tree
His flesh, viciously ripped from his bones
In shock, enduring immense pain, he moans
Trusted upon his head, a thorn woven crown
His precious blood dripping to the ground
Lifting up his cross, with our sins how it weighed
With each and every step, to his Father he prayed
Falling three times and overwhelmed with pain
My Father in heaven please let this not be in vain
Thrown upon the cross he gazed up to heaven
He felt so alone with this cross he was given
Lifted up nailed to the cross, his eyes looked down
For his garments the lots rolled across the ground
His mother's heart broken, streaming tears in her eyes
The thick dark clouds gather above in the skies
Father, forgive them for they know not what they do
Then he bowed his head, and his mission was through
Streaks of lightning, thunder, pouring rain from the sky
There was no longer any doubt, for our sins he had died
God the Father of mercy, extending his love to everyone
Giving of Himself; in the passion and death of His Son.
God's Servant,
Anthony
Alone in the garden to his Father he prayed
His disciples, under the trees, asleep they laid
My Father in heaven, please take this cup away
No, Father, let it be done to me as you say
The soldiers approach, his disciples in fear
Peter draws his sword and severs one's ear
Put your sword back into its scabbard
Shall I not drink the cup of my Father and Lord
Jesus surrenders himself without a fight
He is taken away in the dark of the night
As the cock crows Peter begins to cry
Told by Jesus three times he would deny
In a courtyard filled with a angry crowd
They reviled and cursed at him out load
A fearful Pilate is seated upon his throne
Abandoned, Jesus stands there all alone
Convicted and accused of blasphemy
Overwhelmed and fearful Pilate gives a decree
Our Lord knew fully his time was very near
Pilate washes his hands of the whole affair
A vicious murderer is spared and set free
The carpenters make a cross from a tree
His flesh, viciously ripped from his bones
In shock, enduring immense pain, he moans
Trusted upon his head, a thorn woven crown
His precious blood dripping to the ground
Lifting up his cross, with our sins how it weighed
With each and every step, to his Father he prayed
Falling three times and overwhelmed with pain
My Father in heaven please let this not be in vain
Thrown upon the cross he gazed up to heaven
He felt so alone with this cross he was given
Lifted up nailed to the cross, his eyes looked down
For his garments the lots rolled across the ground
His mother's heart broken, streaming tears in her eyes
The thick dark clouds gather above in the skies
Father, forgive them for they know not what they do
Then he bowed his head, and his mission was through
Streaks of lightning, thunder, pouring rain from the sky
There was no longer any doubt, for our sins he had died
God the Father of mercy, extending his love to everyone
Giving of Himself; in the passion and death of His Son.
God's Servant,
Anthony
Thursday, April 9, 2009
PRAYER at the CONSECRATION:
Elevation of the Host:
My Lord and my God, my God and my all,
I love you in the most Blessed Sacrament,
Nailed upon the cross, suffered and died for the sake of all humanity,
That sin may be forgiven and the gates of heaven may be opened.
Elevation of the Chalice:
My Lord and my God, my God and my all,
I love you in the most Precious Blood,
Shed upon the cross at Calvary,
Cleanse us dear Lord, with this adorable sacrifice, and bring us to new life,
In your name we pray, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elevation of the Host:
My Lord and my God, my God and my all,
I love you in the most Blessed Sacrament,
Nailed upon the cross, suffered and died for the sake of all humanity,
That sin may be forgiven and the gates of heaven may be opened.
Elevation of the Chalice:
My Lord and my God, my God and my all,
I love you in the most Precious Blood,
Shed upon the cross at Calvary,
Cleanse us dear Lord, with this adorable sacrifice, and bring us to new life,
In your name we pray, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Be Not Afraid
If you are a Christian, someone that believes that Jesus is the Son of God; beware. Expect, to be ridiculed and slandered, for you faith. Christianity has now come full circle; just as in the early church, when Christians were persecuted for their faith, so too are we being persecuted in these times that we live today. Our Lord told us that if we wanted to follow him, then we would have to take up our cross and walk with him everyday. Our crosses come to us in many different ways; only you know what your cross may be.
Be assured, that although we may carry our cross; the Lord supports it. While we are put to the test, day after day, we need to keep the faith. Those who do not, believe, hope, or trust in God, will never understand you. They may say your crazy, or you have lost control of your senses. No, you are doing exactly what the Lord expects of you; leading others to the faith by your example. Continue on, do not be afraid; words are only exterior; faith is interior. Pick up your cross and walk with the Lord; in doing so you give glory to God.
If you are a Christian, someone that believes that Jesus is the Son of God; beware. Expect, to be ridiculed and slandered, for you faith. Christianity has now come full circle; just as in the early church, when Christians were persecuted for their faith, so too are we being persecuted in these times that we live today. Our Lord told us that if we wanted to follow him, then we would have to take up our cross and walk with him everyday. Our crosses come to us in many different ways; only you know what your cross may be.
Be assured, that although we may carry our cross; the Lord supports it. While we are put to the test, day after day, we need to keep the faith. Those who do not, believe, hope, or trust in God, will never understand you. They may say your crazy, or you have lost control of your senses. No, you are doing exactly what the Lord expects of you; leading others to the faith by your example. Continue on, do not be afraid; words are only exterior; faith is interior. Pick up your cross and walk with the Lord; in doing so you give glory to God.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Straight to The Cross
As we enter into Holy Week, we as Catholics must put on the armor of faith and be ready to accompany our Lord on the road to Calvary. With each passing day the Catholic Church has become the main focus of those who are antichrist. We are on the chopping block, and the attacks are coming from all directions. The evil one seems to be giving it one last try to destroy the one true church; Jesus said to Peter, “Upon this rock, I shall build my church.” So, now, we must defend our faith as never before, and we will. We shall continue to fight the good fight, armed with the faith of the cross and the Holy Rosary in our hands. Jesus said, “Be not afraid, I go be for you always.” And he did, straight to the cross; now it’s our turn!
As we enter into Holy Week, we as Catholics must put on the armor of faith and be ready to accompany our Lord on the road to Calvary. With each passing day the Catholic Church has become the main focus of those who are antichrist. We are on the chopping block, and the attacks are coming from all directions. The evil one seems to be giving it one last try to destroy the one true church; Jesus said to Peter, “Upon this rock, I shall build my church.” So, now, we must defend our faith as never before, and we will. We shall continue to fight the good fight, armed with the faith of the cross and the Holy Rosary in our hands. Jesus said, “Be not afraid, I go be for you always.” And he did, straight to the cross; now it’s our turn!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Palms of Praise
Into the village Jesus sends two
A prophet's word has come to pass
He, an instrument that was spoken through
“Behold, your meek King, riding upon an ass,
On a colt, the foal of a beast of burden”
“Hosanna to the Son of David,” the people cry
Spreading garments and branches as he passes by
Entering Jerusalem, many ask, “Who is this man we see?”
“This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee”
The multitudes of the city were stirred and shaken
In the presence of divinity, soon to be forsaken
One day, a great multitude shall sing psalms
Before the throne of the “King of Kings” holding palms
Arrayed in white robes, every tribe, tongue, and nation
Joyfully praising the “Lamb of God,” for their Salvation!
Into the village Jesus sends two
A prophet's word has come to pass
He, an instrument that was spoken through
“Behold, your meek King, riding upon an ass,
On a colt, the foal of a beast of burden”
“Hosanna to the Son of David,” the people cry
Spreading garments and branches as he passes by
Entering Jerusalem, many ask, “Who is this man we see?”
“This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee”
The multitudes of the city were stirred and shaken
In the presence of divinity, soon to be forsaken
One day, a great multitude shall sing psalms
Before the throne of the “King of Kings” holding palms
Arrayed in white robes, every tribe, tongue, and nation
Joyfully praising the “Lamb of God,” for their Salvation!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Salvation
Countless words have been spoken; as in the sands of the seashore. Infinite words have been written; vast as the stars of the universe. The earth is filled with an endless number of books and publications; some written by the greatest intellectual minds that have ever lived upon the face of the earth, others written by the most simple and humble that have graced humanity. With this thought in mind however, there are but three words that will stand the test of time. Three words, that at the moment they were uttered, changed mankind for ever. Never again will these three words need to be spoken. They have brought to completion that which is the greatest mystery of mankind; the mercy of our Creator and our eternal salvation. So great were these words, that they could only be proclaimed by the One; the son of God our Lord and Savior, “Jesus” the Christ. Humanity has been redeemed; sin and death have been conquered for all of eternity; the power of the evil one destroyed; the gates of heaven opened as wide as his arms were outstretched and he uttered these words, “It Is Finished.” Amen!
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