Demoniacs

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by the road. They cried out, "What do you have to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?" Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, "if you drive us out, send us into the herd of the swine." And he said to them, "Go then!" They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

​Consideration: Demons are real. When we do not follow the laws of God, we leave ourselves open to the evil one and his minions. And if we do not repent of our sinfulness, we open the door for them to enter our lives. Seek out the mercy of the Lord and his forgiveness, and the demons will flee from your life. Amen.

​

Storms of Life

As Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"

Consideration: We too, will be battered by violent storms, and difficulties of all sorts in our lifetime. At times we will become greatly troubled by heartaches, and trials; be at peace. Stay close to the Lord always; endure all the burdens that come your way with patients, love, and faith. Remember, Jesus said to us, "Be not afraid." He is with us, and will never abandon us during our times of need. Amen. 

Set Free!

 

Early blue sky, sunshine

Around the lake exercise

Absolutely beautiful day

Spirit moving me to pray

God used hands of man

To carve a piece of land

Nature is at its very best

Peace of feeling blessed

A white bearded man, was clearly on a mission

Readying his little green boat for some fishing

The sweetness of living, simple things are always free

Just the way I like it; just the way I hoped it would be

Just the way for enjoying life; just the way for peace

It's all good, this lifeline, just the way I like it...serenity

It doesn't get any better

It doesn't cost you a dime

Graceful perfect weather

Early blue sky, sunshine

The sweetness of living, simple things are always free

Just the way I like it; just the way I hoped it would be

Just the way for enjoying life; just the way for peace

It's all good, this lifeline, just the way I like it...serenity

Just the way I like, blue sky, sunshine, prayer, serenity

I love you Lord...Just the way I like to be...set free!

Lead us Lord

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head." Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But Jesus answered him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead."

Lord Jesus, we are all guilty of being dead in spirit at times. The world beats us down day after day, doing everything in its power to take our focus off of you. We pray for the grace to overcome the weaknesses in our daily lives and remain focused on following you wherever you may lead us. Amen. 

Envy of Evil

God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they may have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of the netherworld on earth, for justice is undying. For God formed man to be Imperishable; the Image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.

​Consideration: All wisdom is from God; and our God is a great God. He created us in his image and likeness; to be perfect without blemish. But evil had a different plan for man; and because of that plan we find ourselves where we are today. Man has been deceived by evil and is now paying the price for his actions. Evil entered the world, and we must now experience death to leave this world and to return home to experience the perfection that God created us for. We must turn to our Father and seek his mercy, that one day will shall be made clean in the blood of the Lamb. Amen. 

Jesus is Worthy

Jesus said to his apostles: "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life his life for my sake will find it. Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple - amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward. 

Consideration: Jesus is the "All in All" of our lives. He is clearly telling us that we are to put him first in all things. Nothing in this passing world is to be put ahead of our Lord. We are also to be righteous; we are to lead lives that others will see Christ in us; and we are to be generous and considerate to those who proclaim his truth to others.

Be Made Clean

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do will it. Be made clean." His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."

Consideration: The leper believed that Jesus could heal him; so much so that he had the faith and courage to approach Jesus and ask for this miracle. Jesus, moved with love and compassion, granted his request. 

Do we possess the faith of this man; and believe that our Lord is always near to us; ready to extend his love and compassion for us as well?

Pray for Peace

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Praying for love...Praying for peace

Believe it will come, it will come

No matter how dark it is

Believe it will come, it will come

If you give all you can give

Believe it will come, it will come

Reach out, in front of you

Praying for love...Praying for peace

Believe, believe, believe, believe

No mountain to high

Believe, believe, believe, believe

You have wings to fly

Believe, believe, believe, believe

Believe in the power of love

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe in love...believe in peace

Believe in love...Pray for peace...Believe!

Solidly on Rock

Jesus said to his disciples: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name? Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' 

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like the wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like the fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."

​Consideration: Solid as a rock are not just words; they are words carved in stone. A structure built on solid ground adds to the stability and strength of what is placed on it. Jesus' analogy is true in building, and true in life. The more time we spend building our lives on the "Word of God" the more likely we are to survive and persevere through difficulties that are sure to come our way in life. Amen. 

The Works They Do

Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them."

Consideration: if you really want to know a person, don't listen to their alluring, or enticing words; watch their actions. Look at the people surrounding them, and, if what they say and do has a positive impact on those they claim to help. Is there sincere goodness and peace in the works they do? Many in authority have selfish, self-centered motivations. The words of Jesus are so true in every aspect of life: "By their fruits you will know them." So true! Amen.

The Narrow Gate

Jesus said to his disciples: Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. 
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law of the Prophets.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." 

Consideration: it is so easy to do the wrong thing in life. How many of us hear people say, "Everyone one is doing it." We know it's wrong, and yet, sometimes we give into the pressure and regret it afterwards. Remember, the Lord sent us the grace ahead of our action to realize it was sinful. How great it feels when we refuse to take the bait and resist the trap set before us. The Lord rewards those who stand firm to resist and pass through the narrow gate and constricted road; the reward that leads to eternal life. Amen.

Christ the King

​Empty words, silent chords, rhythms and melodies with no soul

I wish I could play gratitude for you; how much I love you in a song

I wonder if angels sing harmonies, adoring and praising, in eternity

 
What a joyous time it will be, when we hear the heavens rejoicing

Glory and praise to our God, he who is and will ever be 
Glory and praise to our God, all and all of all majesty
Glory and praise to our God, I Am of love everlasting
Glory and praise to our God, praise to Christ the King 

One day when time is no more, we will find our way home

There where peace resides, and love will forever live on

Our voices alive, words will flow out in melodies of praise

We shall be home with our Lord, forever praise his name

Glory and praise to our God, he who is and will ever be 
Glory and praise to our God, all and all of all majesty
Glory and praise to our God, I Am of love everlasting
Glory and praise to our God, praise to Christ the King

Stop Judging

Jesus said to his disciples: "Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you see the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye."

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us these simple words of truth. We are quick to condemn our brothers, without first condemning ourselves of being guilty of much worse. Grant us the grace necessary never to ridicule and condemn others; that we may assist each other on the road to glory. Amen.

Fear No One

Jesus said to the Twelve: "Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs on your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father." 

​Consideration: My father said to me many times, "You can fool me, but you can't fool God." So, on this Father's Day, 

I give honor my heavenly Father, by acknowledging the words of my earthly father who told me always to place God first in life and all things. Do the Father's Will in all things and the graces will flow abundantly. Amen.

Fatherhood

Our Father, great and mighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, I love you,

Master of the Universe, nothing would exist if not for your Divine Will,
All things that occupy space and time were placed by the hand of Love,

Dad, the man God chose to go forth and multiply, and listened, I love you,
The only person his ten children have the honor of calling Father and Dad,
A man of sacrifice, firmness, ethics, compassion, and faith, we love you,

All Fathers, living and deceased, thank you for your selflessness and love,
Those who sacrificed for their families; working tirelessly out of pure love,
That paved the way for future generations as their fathers before them,

Almighty God and Father, the gift of being a father is an honor and grace,
More than ever, the world needs the grace of fatherhood to flourish anew,
Bless all fathers who tirelessly give all for love to those entrusted by you. Amen.

Two Masters

Jesus said to his disciples: "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon. "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky, they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for the day is its own evil."

Consideration: Lord Jesus, you know all things. Why should we worry about the things of this world that are all quickly passing and fading away. Give us the grace to stay focused on our final destination; where we will spend all of eternity will you in paradise. Amen. 

Treasures in Heaven

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be."The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be."

Consideration: The glamour of the world comes to us in many forms; and the evil one is waiting for us to be enticed by lures that he puts before us. Be strong; because when we are grounded to Jesus, nothing in or out of this world will break that bond. Amen.

Our Father

Jesus said to his disciples, "in praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask him. 
"This is how you are to pray: 'Our Father who art in heaven, hollowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.' 
If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to pray to the Father. These words are simplistic; full of power; and glorify the Father as well. When we pray to you Lord, open our hearts, and fill them with your love. It is there, Lord, that we will enter into a union with you; and without rattling off words, our hearts will be joined to your heart in a loving and personal way. Amen.

The Hypocrites

Jesus said to his disciples, ""Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, to do blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your heavenly Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." 

Consideration: Jesus, once again, explains to us that we must conduct our private and public lives without the appearance of pride. Our Father in heaven sees all things, and those who do works to be noticed by others, will not be rewarded by the Father. Humility, in prayer and all forms of generosity are seen by the Father, and he will repay us for our sincerity and love shown to him and to others.

The world, today, is drowning in pride, selfishness, and most of all hypocrisy. Let us pray to our Father, to receive from the Holy Spirit the grace of humility, that we may do his will, and be pleasing our Father. Amen.

Together...for Love!

I don’t know what it is, I’m feeling it 

In every person, place and thing, seeing it

Even sleeping at night, I’m dreaming it

I don’t know what it is…but it’s real

 
Turning soil, the pushing, pulling, of hoeing 

Planting seeds, pruning limbs, pulling weeds

Watching the plants growing so amazingly 

I don’t know what it is…but it’s alive

 
In every smile and tear, happiness and pain

In friendships that have separated, mended

Families, split and broken, together again

 
I don’t know what it is, but you can sum it up like this, 

It is something we all need, it’s the human thing, 

When all things work together for love!

 
Back to basics where everything started 

Where hard work was a blessed thing to do

Raising families was a joy of selflessness 

 
This is the truth we need to get back to 

 
I can’t sleep, but I still dream, I see everything renewed; 

People laughing; smiling again; stories telling with friends; 

Families mended; tears ended; just like it used to be,

It’s the human thing, all things work together…for love!