Glad Tidings
Luke 4: 18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
Today’s Gospel reading speaks clearly to us in this passage. As disciples of our Lord, we have been given a mandate to proclaim the good news to those around us, especially the poor in spirit. People today, as in generations past, hunger for the truth as proclaimed in the Gospels. Filled with the Spirit of God, we must do our very best to feed those who hunger and are in need. If we who hear do not answer the call to evangelize, then who will? Be not afraid to answer; the Lord is calling.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Inside Out
“Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from the outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”
“From within people, from their hearts come; evil thoughts, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”
The human person is continuously absorbing, our lives would cease to exist if it were not so. From the moment a new born baby is placed in the arms of its loving mother and she whispers to the babe the first words the child will hear and then the child absorbs from the mother the energy of her love. As we progress from our infancy to adulthood we are on a non stop cycle of absorbing for our survival. We intake food and drink to nourish our bodies, wisdom and knowledge to progress as human beings, and so many other things that help us to evolve into the people we ultimately become.
The Lord tells us that it’s not what we take in that so much that will defile us, but how we digest it into our human person. If it is not good for us then we should not allow it into our lives in the first place. If our environment is corrupted then we must have the common sense to remove ourselves as best we can from it or we too shall become corrupt. Finally then, the point is, that it is up to each individual person to control themselves and conduct their lives according to what is just, and not let ourselves become corrupted and defiled by the things around us that we see, hear, and absorb into our lives on a daily basis. People around us will see us as we are, because what comes out of a person on a daily basis is more than likely the kind of person it is at heart. It’s not what enters a person that defiles; it is what is seen coming forth from that person that will define the character and life of that human being.
“Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from the outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”
“From within people, from their hearts come; evil thoughts, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”
The human person is continuously absorbing, our lives would cease to exist if it were not so. From the moment a new born baby is placed in the arms of its loving mother and she whispers to the babe the first words the child will hear and then the child absorbs from the mother the energy of her love. As we progress from our infancy to adulthood we are on a non stop cycle of absorbing for our survival. We intake food and drink to nourish our bodies, wisdom and knowledge to progress as human beings, and so many other things that help us to evolve into the people we ultimately become.
The Lord tells us that it’s not what we take in that so much that will defile us, but how we digest it into our human person. If it is not good for us then we should not allow it into our lives in the first place. If our environment is corrupted then we must have the common sense to remove ourselves as best we can from it or we too shall become corrupt. Finally then, the point is, that it is up to each individual person to control themselves and conduct their lives according to what is just, and not let ourselves become corrupted and defiled by the things around us that we see, hear, and absorb into our lives on a daily basis. People around us will see us as we are, because what comes out of a person on a daily basis is more than likely the kind of person it is at heart. It’s not what enters a person that defiles; it is what is seen coming forth from that person that will define the character and life of that human being.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Final Destination
“Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
It’s not how you start the race that really matters; it’s how you run the race, making the right adjustments and decisions along the way. We must take the proper corrective measures along the way that may be needed so we can complete the race and reach the finish line. Today, it’s all about the ones that finish first; they receive all the awards and accolades. But the Lord tells us just the opposite, in his kingdom many that first will be last, and the last will be first. This is the only race that really matters in the eyes of God that we persevere to the end, overcoming many of the obstacles and hurdles we will encounter along the way. Then the Lord who has been there with us at each and ever stride, will be there at the finish line waiting to welcome us with open arms. Then he will award to each of us our eternal reward according to his will. It’s not how you start the race that really matters; but reaching your final destination.
“Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
It’s not how you start the race that really matters; it’s how you run the race, making the right adjustments and decisions along the way. We must take the proper corrective measures along the way that may be needed so we can complete the race and reach the finish line. Today, it’s all about the ones that finish first; they receive all the awards and accolades. But the Lord tells us just the opposite, in his kingdom many that first will be last, and the last will be first. This is the only race that really matters in the eyes of God that we persevere to the end, overcoming many of the obstacles and hurdles we will encounter along the way. Then the Lord who has been there with us at each and ever stride, will be there at the finish line waiting to welcome us with open arms. Then he will award to each of us our eternal reward according to his will. It’s not how you start the race that really matters; but reaching your final destination.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Peace or Division
“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
The battle lines have been drawn. You are either on the side of the Lord, and do your best to follow his will, or you find yourself on the opposite side of the fence, opposing the will of God in your life. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age there is no in-between. The Lord tells us that if we choose to follow him then we must be prepared to do battle with the opposing forces; many of whom will be members of our own families. It is not easy to be a true follower of Christ, it can be down right painful and stressful. But the Lord tells us time and time again, “Be not afraid, I go before you always, come follow me, and I will give you rest.” Be not afraid to do battle for the sake of the Lord, the sacrifices will be great, but the rewards shall be everlasting!
“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
The battle lines have been drawn. You are either on the side of the Lord, and do your best to follow his will, or you find yourself on the opposite side of the fence, opposing the will of God in your life. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age there is no in-between. The Lord tells us that if we choose to follow him then we must be prepared to do battle with the opposing forces; many of whom will be members of our own families. It is not easy to be a true follower of Christ, it can be down right painful and stressful. But the Lord tells us time and time again, “Be not afraid, I go before you always, come follow me, and I will give you rest.” Be not afraid to do battle for the sake of the Lord, the sacrifices will be great, but the rewards shall be everlasting!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Out of this World
How many times have we heard it said; too much of anything is not good for us? It is true, if we abuse one thing or another, eventually, it will have a way of controlling our mind set and way of life. Or how many times have we heard it said; there is no such thing as a sure thing? This is also true; nothing in this life is for certain, right?
In today’ Gospel reading taken from, John 6, Jesus speaks to the contrary of both of these statements. He tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” These words are the essence of Christianity, not only does the Lord tell us that, yes, he did come down from heaven to save us, but that it is he, and only he, that is the life for the world. If we as Christians truly believed these words spoken by our Lord, we would be running to our Lord every chance we get to receive the living bread; his flesh that was ransomed for the salvation of the world.
No, too much of anything is not good for us, and nothing in this world is for certain. But he, who is not of this world, calls to us and says, “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Sure sounds to me, the more we make an effort to partake in this offering, the closer our relationship will be the Lord; he shall dwell within us, give us life, and raise us up on the last day. It is the only thing we can never get enough of, a guaranteed sure thing for the world that is, “out of this world.”
How many times have we heard it said; too much of anything is not good for us? It is true, if we abuse one thing or another, eventually, it will have a way of controlling our mind set and way of life. Or how many times have we heard it said; there is no such thing as a sure thing? This is also true; nothing in this life is for certain, right?
In today’ Gospel reading taken from, John 6, Jesus speaks to the contrary of both of these statements. He tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” These words are the essence of Christianity, not only does the Lord tell us that, yes, he did come down from heaven to save us, but that it is he, and only he, that is the life for the world. If we as Christians truly believed these words spoken by our Lord, we would be running to our Lord every chance we get to receive the living bread; his flesh that was ransomed for the salvation of the world.
No, too much of anything is not good for us, and nothing in this world is for certain. But he, who is not of this world, calls to us and says, “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Sure sounds to me, the more we make an effort to partake in this offering, the closer our relationship will be the Lord; he shall dwell within us, give us life, and raise us up on the last day. It is the only thing we can never get enough of, a guaranteed sure thing for the world that is, “out of this world.”
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Pray! Pray! Pray!
Have we finally turned the page to the final chapter? The book of Revelation describes a time when events would unfold at an unprecedented scale. Once set in motion there would be no way to stop the occurrence of these events and the speed of which they would unfold. Has the clock started ticking yet, or is the book of Revelation just a book made up of symbolism and should be considered as a bunch of nonsense? Have the floodgates of hell busted open, with evil now spewing its doom upon mankind? Have we become so complacent that we no longer recognize the state of sinfulness and chaos that exists in the world today? Have we started down the road to the existence of a “New World Order” – a time when our entire life existence will be dictated and controlled by man made forces of unjust, unholy entities of World Governments? Excuse me; I said a terrible word, LIFE!!! When mankind takes a stand against its own existence by destroying life, then mankind itself shall cease to exist. Any person that would end the life of another innocent human being is a person that cannot be trusted. This is especially true of elected politicians that are put in office to defend the dignity of human life not to destroy it. Evil dwells in their hearts, as they have sided with the father of lies. The clock is surely ticking, and events have been set in motion to disrupt the peace of the earth; have no fear. Out on the horizon, awaiting those who remain faithful and true to Almighty God, is the great era of peace that has been promised to us. The Lamb has already been slain and we have been redeemed in his blood; children of God, not of the world. Pray! Pray! Pray! The peace of the earth is depending on prayers for God’s mercy. Only with prayer can God’s will for humanity be accomplished. To change the world, we must first, change our hearts. The revelation for true change has been revealed; in the blood of Christ our fates have been sealed. The time is now, the clock is ticking, and the evil one knows it. Pray! Pray! Pray!
Have we finally turned the page to the final chapter? The book of Revelation describes a time when events would unfold at an unprecedented scale. Once set in motion there would be no way to stop the occurrence of these events and the speed of which they would unfold. Has the clock started ticking yet, or is the book of Revelation just a book made up of symbolism and should be considered as a bunch of nonsense? Have the floodgates of hell busted open, with evil now spewing its doom upon mankind? Have we become so complacent that we no longer recognize the state of sinfulness and chaos that exists in the world today? Have we started down the road to the existence of a “New World Order” – a time when our entire life existence will be dictated and controlled by man made forces of unjust, unholy entities of World Governments? Excuse me; I said a terrible word, LIFE!!! When mankind takes a stand against its own existence by destroying life, then mankind itself shall cease to exist. Any person that would end the life of another innocent human being is a person that cannot be trusted. This is especially true of elected politicians that are put in office to defend the dignity of human life not to destroy it. Evil dwells in their hearts, as they have sided with the father of lies. The clock is surely ticking, and events have been set in motion to disrupt the peace of the earth; have no fear. Out on the horizon, awaiting those who remain faithful and true to Almighty God, is the great era of peace that has been promised to us. The Lamb has already been slain and we have been redeemed in his blood; children of God, not of the world. Pray! Pray! Pray! The peace of the earth is depending on prayers for God’s mercy. Only with prayer can God’s will for humanity be accomplished. To change the world, we must first, change our hearts. The revelation for true change has been revealed; in the blood of Christ our fates have been sealed. The time is now, the clock is ticking, and the evil one knows it. Pray! Pray! Pray!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Within Our Reach
Looking up to heaven, he said the blessing and gave the loaves to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.
All things are within our reach. Look up to He who is willing to give us everything that is good. He shall pour out abundant blessings upon us and we in turn will be able to distribute these abundant blessings to those who hunger and thirst; then they shall then be satisfied. In turn then they will bless those with the gifts that they have received, and so on. Sounds easy to me, this is the change that we are all longing for and is within our reach.
Looking up to heaven, he said the blessing and gave the loaves to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.
All things are within our reach. Look up to He who is willing to give us everything that is good. He shall pour out abundant blessings upon us and we in turn will be able to distribute these abundant blessings to those who hunger and thirst; then they shall then be satisfied. In turn then they will bless those with the gifts that they have received, and so on. Sounds easy to me, this is the change that we are all longing for and is within our reach.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bread from Heaven
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” Again, Jesus says, “My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
The body has many needs, relying each day on the things of the world to give it nourishment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Lasting only a short period of time, we find ourselves seeking out these same things over and over again. Although we need many things to sustain our human condition, none of these will ever bring us lasting fulfillment or joy. However, the human soul longs for something more permanent to give it lasting joy and satisfaction. This day, do you hunger and thirst for something, do you have a special desire or need? Are you looking for something that will bring you true and everlasting joy? Remember, the things of the world are passing away, their effects last but a fleeting moment. The answer for all of our needs is a heavenly one; Jesus, the Christ, Son of our loving eternal Father. The Giver of life gives to his children the bread of eternal life, his Son and our Lord, Jesus. It was He who came down from heaven to free us from our sinfulness, and it is He that will sustain us on our journey. Seek out the Lord, his love, peace, and joy, are everlasting!
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” Again, Jesus says, “My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
The body has many needs, relying each day on the things of the world to give it nourishment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Lasting only a short period of time, we find ourselves seeking out these same things over and over again. Although we need many things to sustain our human condition, none of these will ever bring us lasting fulfillment or joy. However, the human soul longs for something more permanent to give it lasting joy and satisfaction. This day, do you hunger and thirst for something, do you have a special desire or need? Are you looking for something that will bring you true and everlasting joy? Remember, the things of the world are passing away, their effects last but a fleeting moment. The answer for all of our needs is a heavenly one; Jesus, the Christ, Son of our loving eternal Father. The Giver of life gives to his children the bread of eternal life, his Son and our Lord, Jesus. It was He who came down from heaven to free us from our sinfulness, and it is He that will sustain us on our journey. Seek out the Lord, his love, peace, and joy, are everlasting!
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