Friday, July 31, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 31, Verse 53

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us!” Jacob took the oath by the Fear of his father Isaac.

Laban and Jacob both take oaths here not to war with each other. Nahor[1] was the brother of Abraham and an idol worshiper who used several God’s as a type of insurance policy. Laban here is doing the same mentioning His gods but Jacob wanted to ensure Laban that there is only one God which he states was the Fear of Isaac.

Laban sets up a pillar as a border line for the two. War and the taking of life by each other have been with us since the dawn of time. Christ came to stop the cycle of revenge to change the law of an eye for an eye. Yet, there are times we must take up the sword and not stand by to let the evil defile the weak. We are not to tolerate bullies or murders. God would not be pleased with us to meekly watch another Rwanda in our time.

Today is my grandson’s 15th birthday; I cannot shape the future to protect him but I can help form his character to handle whatever the future brings by ensuring he has the Holy Fear of God. Today is also the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who was a soldier and saint. Ignatius was the founder of the Jesuit order whom our Holy Father Francis was a member of before filling the shoes of Peter as head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The church always encourages us to be loyal and good citizens but citizens of heaven first. Today I would like to continue our book study of John McCain’s book Character is Destiny[2] and highlight the life of John’s example for good CITIZENSHIP:  Pat Tillman.

McCain says of Tillman:

He gave away the fortune and fame of a celebrity to serve his country in its time of need and leave us with a lesson of real heroism. He was quite a man, tough, honest, overachieving, and intense, colorful, daring. His parents were strict, but fun and encouraging. He was raised to be brave, work hard, not to brag but to believe in himself. He is remembered as the first one to help a friend in trouble, to stand up to a bully, to try to do the right thing. He thought for himself, and had, without doubt, the courage of his convictions. As a strong safety for the Cardinals, hard-hitting Pat Tillman broke the team record for tackles, 224, each one of them bone-rattling. The next year, the Super Bowl champions, the St. Louis Rams, offered Pat a nine-million-dollar contract. He turned them down. The Cardinals, who had given him a chance when others wouldn’t, could afford to pay him less than half that generous sum. But they had his loyalty. And loyalty is something Pat Tillman took very seriously. Yet, He knew Americans had much more important allegiances that we must live up to, and he intended to live up to his. Pat walked into his coach’s office just after he returned from his honeymoon, and told him that he was going to leave football, and his $3.9 million salary, and join the army. On April 29, 2004, Pat Tillman died as he had lived, bravely, in the service of his country. His unit was looking for Taliban and al Qaeda fighters. They were divided, and separated at a distance that made it hard for the Rangers in each squad to see one another. The sound of gunfire, real or mistaken, caused the Rangers to believe they were under attack. Someone in the squad behind Pat Tillman mistook Pat and his squad for the enemy, and began to fire at them. Pat was killed.

John McCain in reflecting on the citizenship of Tillman says:

Our country’s security doesn’t depend on the heroism of every citizen. Nor does our individual happiness depend upon proving ourselves heroic. But we all have to be worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf. We have to love our freedom, not just for the ease or material benefits it provides, not just for the autonomy it guarantees us, but for the goodness it makes possible. We have to love it so much we won’t let it be constrained by fear or selfishness. We have to love it as much, even if not as heroically, as Pat Tillman loved it.

Soldiers go to war knowing they might lose everything. Steel your heart the same way as a soldier of Christ: going to war against the forces of darkness.

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[1] http://coatofmanycolors.net/2012/08/24/nahor-abrahams-brother/

[2] McCain, John and Salter, Mark. (2005) Character is destiny. Random House, New York

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 31, Verse 42

If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, you would now have sent me away empty-handed. But God saw my plight and the fruits of my toil, and last night he reproached you.”

This is Jacob speaking about his treatment from his father in law Laban.  According to kabalistic sources Laban was a powerful pagan wizard. Yet, we see that Laban feared Isaac; Jacobs father because God was with him. People who know the Lord radiate a presence; it affects their whole being. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is real.

God’s Holy presence changes us physically, mentally and in a deeper sense within the heart. We are new people. In today’s reading Moses face radiated this presence so much his face had to be covered because its glowing terrified the Israelites. In earlier postings we discussed how Sarah; Abraham’s wife was exquisitely beautiful at an advanced age.

Those who radiate the presence of God seek His will. They have the right intention giving all things to God. They avoid mortal sin and obey the laws of God. They cherish God in their hearts and seek to do those things that please God. At times we find ourselves so engrossed with our day to day activities and worry about the mundane; much like yesterday’s Saint Martha forgetting “the better part”. If we are to radiate His presence we must be in His presence. Perhaps today would be a good day to develop the practice of putting one item on your daily “To Do” list that you know will please God.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Exodus, Chapter 34, Verse 30

When Aaron, then, and the other Israelites saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin of his face had become, they were afraid to come near him.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 26, Verse 24

The same night the LORD appeared to him and said: I am the God of Abraham, your father. Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of Abraham, my servant.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 26, Verse 7

When the men of the place asked questions about his wife, he answered, “She is my sister.” He was afraid that, if he called her his wife, the men of the place would kill him on account of Rebekah, since she was beautiful.

So Isaac (whom was bound as a sacrificial offering to God) the only son of Abraham, now is grown, has a wife and is pulling the same trick with the men who desire his wife-stating she is my sister.

According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, the recurring story has a unified purpose:

"From the point of view of the history of culture these episodes are very instructive. But it is not very probable that Abraham would have run the risk twice. Moreover, a similar incident is reported in regard to Isaac and Rebecca. This recurrence indicates that none of the accounts is to be accepted as historical; all three are variations of a theme common to the popular oral histories of the Patriarchs. That women were married in the way here supposed is not to be doubted. The purpose of the story is to extol the heroines as most beautiful and show that the Patriarchs were under the special protection of the Deity."[1]

Another lesson we can take from this is that Isaac here was dealing with men that had no fear of God. Men who take what they want and will kill to get it. Isaac here could not fight them because he was not strong enough. Isaac could not leave because there was a famine. So he sought to deceive. Yet, even in his weakness God was with him and when Abimelech, the righteous king, discovered the truth put him under his royal protection; thus saving him from danger. Righteous men & nations always seek to protect the weak.

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife%E2%80%93sister_narratives_in_the_Book_of_Genesis

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Genesis, chapter 22, Verse 12

“Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the angel. “Do not do the least thing to him. For now I know that you fear god, since you did not withhold from me your son, your only one.”

This was the last test of Abraham. It was by Abraham’s confidence and humility before God that all the peoples of the earth are blessed for God did not withhold from us his only son Jesus Christ in sacrifice for our sins.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 20, Verse 11

Abraham answered, “I thought there would be no fear of God in this place, and so they would kill me on account of my wife.

Sometimes it is hard to connect to a biblical fear as someone seeking your life for your wife. Yet, perhaps we could understand it a bit when we realize what a wife meant to the men of the bible nothing short of life, children and legacy.

In modern times perhaps we could connect with this type of fear with a more modern fear of ruthlessness that could take your life. That is the issue of organ harnessing. In some parts of the world people especially young men are seduced, drugged and then may wake up in a bathtub of ice. Having one or both kidneys harvested for profit. In Abraham's time losing a wife may have been akin to losing a kidney.

Organ harvesting is a growing threat. Even quasi legitimate business' are into making profit off the organs of aborted children i.e. Planned Parenthood. The fear is real.

So we must act wisely to threats just as Abraham did. One; make sure you and your friends and family are aware of the organ trafficking threat and two; avoid buying from companies that support abortion or organ harvesting.

Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10) 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 20, Verse 8

Early the next morning Abimelech called all his servants and informed them of everything that had happened, and the men were filled with fear.

Abimelech was a pagan King warned in a dream not to take Sarah; who by accounts in the scripture was a most beautiful and alluring woman, into his Harem because she was the wife of Abram (Abraham) a visitor to his kingdom. Abimelech even though a pagan was a righteous man; so righteous and good was he that he was warned in a dream from God about Sarah. Abimelech and his servants and men were righteous as they demonstrated holy fear when they realized how close the King came to culminating a grievous sin that surely would have caused the ruin of the entire kingdom. Being righteous men they may have listen to that small still voice of God’s spirit that calls men to right actions knowing instinctively the words God spoke on mount Sinai to Moses “I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments.”(Exodus, 20:5-6)

Today is my youngest of five daughter’s birthday; so I would like to share something of why Sarah was one of the most beautiful women of all times.

The apparent implication is that Sarah was beautiful inside and out—and what’s more, that the inside and outside were interdependent. Her face was a transparent canvas from which emanated her inner radiance.

Chassidic philosophy demonstrates three ways in which the body and soul can interact:

·         The soul can try and mitigate the urges of the body. Things that look good, taste good and feel good are stimulating and addictive. Most of us live life with our body in the driver’s seat. The soul just can’t compete. And so the soul tries to negotiate reasonably, and encourages moderation.

·         Or, the soul can choose to reject the body and abhor anything associated with materialism. The soul-driven person would then rebel against society’s shallow and false veneers. Simplicity and ascetism become the ultimate goals of the soul.

·         The third scenario is not a compromise between the first two. It is an entirely new approach, where the body and soul learn to work together. The soul neither leans towards the body nor rejects it. It does not react; it pro-acts. In a proactive position, the soul directs and channels the body’s inclination in a constructive way.

 

In this last approach, instead of repressing the body’s needs, the soul views them as an opportunity to serve God in a whole new way. [1]

 

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[1] http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/1027612/jewish/The-Beauty-of-Sarah.htm

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Lots fail trial

Genesis, Chapter 19, Verse 30

Since Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, he and his two daughters went up from Zoar and settled in the hill country, where he lived with his two daughters in a cave.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 9, Verse 2

Fear and dread of you shall come upon all the animals of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon all the creatures that move about on the ground and all the fishes of the sea; into your power they are delivered.

After the Flood that killed all the earth God gives Noah all the animals of the earth for food. Before the flood animals and humans are depicted as vegetarians. In view of the human propensity to violence, God changes the original prohibition against eating meat. However, God did not remake our bodies and many doctors will recommend a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in meats.

In today’s readings we read about the grumbling of the Israelite's while they were in the desert with Moses and God. In the desert there are few things to eat and the Israelite's were hungry and they complained that they missed the fleshpots of Egypt. God provided for the Israelite's by giving them bread from heaven “manna” but told them only to collect enough for one day’s portion as a test of their will and trust in Him. He asks us to be content with one day’s portion.

Yet, God’s goodness to the Israelite's continues for in the evening he sends quail as meat to eat. Also knowing the human condition He asks the Israelite's to collect a double portion on the 6^th day to allow a day of rest. God gives them leisure time but leisure time is not idle time which creates lethargy and boredom. The seven day is a Holy Day that should be pleasurable because the rest is earned by hard work and earnest effort. Without the work the rest means nothing.

Today go out to work in the Lord’s vineyard: doing all things in moderation sharing your daily bread. Take only your portion and give thanks to God. After laboring six days rest on the seventh day; go to Mass and give glory to God. 

Tuesday, July 20,2015

Revelation, Chapter 18, Verse 11-18

11 The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her, because there will be no more markets for their cargo: 12 their cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple silk, and scarlet cloth; fragrant wood of every kind, all articles of ivory and all articles of the most expensive wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human beings. 14“The fruit you craved has left you. All your luxury and splendor are gone; never again will one find them.”15 The merchants who deal in these goods, who grew rich from her, will keep their distance for fear of the torment inflicted on her. Weeping and mourning, 16 they cry out: “Alas, alas, great city, wearing fine linen, purple and scarlet, adorned [in] gold, precious stones, and pearls. 17 In one hour this great wealth has been ruined.” Every captain of a ship, every traveler at sea, sailors, and seafaring merchants stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her pyre, “What city could compare with the great city?”

Whew! There is a lot of stress here. Watch the video on how to de-stress by father.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Exodus, Chapter 14, Verse 30-31

³⁰ Thus the LORD saved Israel on that day from the power of Egypt. When Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore ³¹ and saw the great power that the LORD had shown against Egypt, the people feared the LORD. They believed in the LORD and in Moses his servant.

The Hebrew’s after the crossing of the red sea and seeing Gods great power feared Him with human fear; but not Holy fear. There was no love towards God; only fear. God desires a spiritual union with us; therefore our belief must be mingled with great love and affection.

This is why later Israel would make the golden calf since their hearts were dead to God after 400 years in Egypt. What was it about Egypt that enslaved the Israelites even after they were freed by God? Egypt was rich, so rich that even the Israelites were as self-indulgent as the Egyptians. It meant a daily life of giving in to your desires and the brief enjoyments of this passing life. They only thought of satisfying themselves with no thought of He that Is. They made faint offerings to false gods to justify their behavior. Their minds became weak and confused. Their mistakes and sins robbed them of peace that only comes from doing the will of He that Is.

We only find peace and happiness when we are in union with God and doing His Holy will. We are created by God for eternal happiness with Him. Things cannot bring us happiness. Therefore we must think, speak and act every day the will of God: Living regularly in our lives the Shema Yisrael.

http://bcove.me/jh32kxd7

 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your Heart, and with all your soul, and with your entire mind, and with all your strength.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Psalm 23, Verse 4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Revelation, Chapter 18, Verse 9-10

http://bcove.me/l4wpsyjm

⁹ The kings of the earth who had intercourse with her in their wantonness will weep and mourn over her when they see the smoke of her pyre. ¹⁰ They will keep their distance for fear of the torment inflicted on her, and they will say: “alas, alas, great city, Babylon, mighty city. In one hour your judgment has come.”

One wonders if this is happening in our mist. Don’t worry the victory is for those who are in the risen one.

Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope. (Matthew 12:18-21)

Friday, July 17, 2015

Mark, Chapter 12, Verse 12

They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So they left him and went away.

It is natural to fear something you cannot control. Christ could not be controlled by the men in charge of the Temple system; so they feared Him and they feared the crowd that followed Him. Christ’s message was good news to the crowd who were but pawns in the Jewish Temple system of wealth and power.

Yesterday we examined the effects of fear on the crowds in Rowanda at the time of the genocide. We can see that when rabid fear infects the masses and there is a shortage of righteous men utter chaos can follow.

We in times of trouble should be like Tobit and seek to walk all the days of our lives in paths of truth and righteousness. It was Tobit who defied those in power to do an act of mercy by burying the dead. While his neighbors mocked him and saying to one another:
“He is still not afraid! Once before he was hunted down for execution because of this very thing; yet now that he has scarcely escaped, here he is again burying the dead!” (Tobit 2:8) Love makes sacrifices. He (Christ) laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our live for our brothers. (1 John 3:16)

Most of us by the grace of God are never confronted with such terrors as Tobit and the Rwandan’s. Yet, we too in our quiet lives can lay down ourselves in service to our brothers.

John McCain in his book Character is Destiny[1] highlights the life of John Wooden who in his own quiet way as a Basketball coach made a huge difference in countless lives of young men growing up teaching them the power of COOPERATION.

Coach Wooden was a modest man who inspired young men under his tutelage, leading by example; teaching them wisdom and decency to become both winners and good men.

McCain states Wooden:

He cared about his players, and paid strict attention to teaching them the small and big things that would help them become the best basketball players they could be, and, most important, the best men they could be. He would bench a player for using profanity or for criticizing a teammate or for treating an opponent disrespectfully. He expected his players to dress appropriately, be courteous to everyone, acknowledge their other teammates when they scored, and to refrain from showing excessive emotions on the court. He taught them dignity, based, as dignity is, on self-respect and respect for others. And he taught them not only the usefulness of teamwork, five men all playing their assigned roles, but the virtue of cooperation, and the sense of satisfaction it provided to an individual.

Coach Wooden taught that success is, “peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Coach Wooden developed a Pyramid of Success which he taught his players which not only help them win at the game of basketball but also in the game of life.

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[1] McCain, John and Salter, Mark. (2005) Character is destiny. Random House, New York

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Revelation, Chapter 15, Verse 4

Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

We glorify God when we are righteous as he is righteous who makes the rain fall on both the good and the evil.

I know I have gotten away from our book study of Character is Destiny[1] so with the subject being about RIGHTEOUSNESS we will be examining the character traits exemplified by Roméo Dallaire who in 1993, was appointed Force Commander for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), where he witnessed the country descend into chaos and genocide, leading to the deaths of more than 800,000 Rwandans. When the rest of the world looked away, he stayed behind in a manmade evil for the sake of duty and justice. Dallaire was in charge of a small overwhelmed African peacekeeping force, he could have left but he refused and witnessed the genocide. He is ashamed he could have not done more and the reaction of the world that stood by for 100 days doing nothing allowing the devil to reap carnage, terror and hopelessness. Dallaire was the one candle in a darkened room of despair created by the collective failure of mankind’s conscience along with the apathy and deceitfulness of world governments toward Rowanda’s plight. McCain writes of Dallaire dilemma:

The U.S. government, our allies, and the United Nations went to extraordinary and ridiculous lengths to avoid using the term, aware that once genocide was acknowledged, they would have to act. Day after day, long night after long night, for over three months, more men, women, and children were added to the rolls of the victims by their hate-crazed persecutors. Romeo Dallaire soldiered on, saving those he could and agonizing over those he couldn’t, all the while begging the UN, and the world, to send more troops, to do something, anything, to help. In his telling, his mission was to keep peace; peace was destroyed by unimaginable violence, and many thousands died. He failed. He tried to convince his superiors to send him more men. He failed. He tried to get the United States and other powerful countries to listen to their consciences and help. He failed. He tried to persuade the world to stop genocide. He failed. And while many, many people who had a responsibility to stop the killings looked the other way and never had a moment of doubt or a night of troubled sleep, Romeo Dallaire took his failures very, very seriously. A righteous person, no matter how blameless, will always take humanity’s failures personally.

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[1] McCain, John and Salter, Mark. (2005) Character is destiny. Random House, New York

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Revelation, Chapter 14, Verse 6-7

⁶ Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, with everlasting good news^_to announce to those who dwell on earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, for his time has come to sit in judgment. Worship him who made heaven and earth and sea and springs of water.”

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Exodus, Chapter 2, Verse 13-14

¹³ The next day he went out again, and now two Hebrews were fighting! So he asked the culprit, “Why are you striking your companion?” ¹⁴ But he replied, “Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses became afraid and thought, “The affair must certainly be known.”

Moses was a prince of Egypt and also a Hebrew slave. Moses as a man sought justice for his Hebrew brothers and in a fit of anger killed an Egyptian that was brutalizing a Hebrew slave and secretly buried him in the sand. Secrecy is an important element in sinfulness. When we find ourselves wanting to keep something secret we should ask ourselves are we going down a road that we want to go; is this secrecy that we desire really an attempt to hide our sinfulness from God; who sees all things. Think twice the next time you seek secrecy. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Revelation, Chapter 11, Verse 18

The nations raged, but your wrath has come, and the time for the dead to be judged, and to recompense your servants, the prophets, and the holy ones and those who fear your name, the small and the great alike, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

This verse refers to the blowing of the seventh trumpet which proclaims the coming of God’s reign after the victory over diabolical powers. End of time prophesies can be very frightening and confusing. Yet, we need not fear: all we need do is seek the shelter of Christ’s church and to do what we can to do His Holy will. Pope Francis recently commented that humankind will bring about the end of the world unless we rein in our rapacious greed. You might want to peruse Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ Of The Holy Father Francis On Care For Our Common Home. 

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Revelation, Chapter 11, Verse 10-11

¹⁰ The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and be glad and exchange gifts because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth. ¹¹ But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them.

The two great witnesses as mentioned here are the spirits of righteousness and truth. The world delights in destruction and will pay almost any price to avoid the truth. Yet, if a man aligns himself with the one who had risen on the third day, the breath of life from God will enter him. A man resurrected in the risen Lord is a fearful thing for he cannot be brought and he is clothed in the power of God: All the world fears a man that will stand on his feet.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 50, Verse 15

Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful and thought, “Suppose Joseph has been nursing a grudge against us and now most certainly will pay us back in full for all the wrong we did him!”

Joseph’s reaction to his brothers was complete confidence in God. “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people” (v. 20) When we are fearful we are showing a lack of confidence in God.

God asks us to boldly go where no man has gone before…for a man must be heroic to live always in faith, hope, and love. Joseph believed and had confidence in a God he could not see. We are the receivers of this confidence and blessed are we that we can see God the Father through His son Jesus. Jesus asks us to believe in His love. His love calls for love. How do you give Jesus love for love? Be great in your faith; before all and above all, by your confidence in Him. Therefore we must have confidence, not in spite of our miseries, but because of them, since it is misery which attracts mercy. We must be as confident as the good thief at the crucifixion. The good thief also teaches us humility and confidence. A whole life of crimes, a whole life of sin: a few minutes before dying, one word of humility and confidence, and he is saved. Be confident that God will save you: How many young people have lost the Faith, not from having fallen, but from not having been helped, with love, to pick themselves up again as many times as was necessary. Jesus needs nothing but your humility and your confidence to work marvels of purification and sanctification in you. It is this confidence which works all miracles.[1]

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[1] d'Elbée, Jean C.J. (2013-12-10). I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux (p. 51).  . Kindle Edition.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 46, Verse 3

Then he said: I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you a great nation.

Sometimes God asks us to go down into our own personal Egypt's so He can make us MORE; by raising us up.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Revelation, Chapter 2, Verse 12

Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Revelation, Chapter 1, Verse 17-18

¹⁷ When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead. He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, ¹⁸ the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld.

All have sinned; all are unjust. Have you ever thought “Now comes the reckoning for his blood” as Josephs brothers did in today’s first reading.

Yet, the Lord has touched us, and it is important to note that he has touched us with his right hand; signifying power, forgiveness and authority saying, “Do not be afraid”.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Jude, Chapter 1, Verse 22-23

²² On those who waver, have mercy; ²³ save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh.

Save others by snatching them out of the fire. Jude is advising us to be prudent when you save others. There is almost no way you can pull others from a fire without being burnt; unless you are wearing protective garments.

You cannot save unbelievers by hanging out in the bar with them or partying with them.

Jude states the even the very garments of the godless are to be abhorred because of their contagion or in more simplistic terms we cannot have the same lifestyle as the godless. No we must be in the world but not of the world. Christ in His Sermon on the Mount taught us how our lifestyle is to be.

1.  Be not afraid but be brave in the world loving even the loveless.
2. Do not become prideful and self-important but show humility; reverence and respect to all: for they are created by the hand of God.
3.  Do not envy the wicked; but let your desire be to be kind remembering they must account for themselves before God; respect and be loyal to them.
4. Let your anger be at injustice; showing patience, compassion and forgiveness to the sinner.
5. Be temperate and do all things in moderation; do not greedily take things to yourself but share your wealth with those in need. Remember to show true charity by helping them with their troubles thus empowering them to become greater; to pursue righteousness.
6. Do not become slothful or failing to resist evil but be diligent to build the Kingdom of God; one day and one person at a time: begin with yourself.
7. Do not be gluttonous; avoid excess and exclusivity (the country club mentality) but be temperate sacrifice, give up and surrender to the Spirit of God.
8. Do not look on others as objects to be used for lustful needs but see them as created by the hand of God; your chase purpose is to help them achieve God’s dream for them.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Jude, Chapter 1, Verse 12

These are blemishes on your love feasts, as they carouse fearlessly and look after themselves. They are waterless clouds blown about by winds, fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead and uprooted. 

My father always had a great devotion to St. Jude. He always sworn it was St. Jude’s prayers and intercession that brought him home from the war in the pacific and maybe it was. He got my grandmother to sign the papers and he was in combat before his 18th birthday. He was a ghost diver; his job was to scuba dive in before invasions set up radio beacons for the invasion and avoid detection or capture. He went on 26 missions with 11 others in frogman teams. The normal mortality rate for these teams was 50%.  

After the war; my father drank a lot to forget. As his disease of alcoholism ramped up he stopped going to church refusing to go to church drunk. I don’t know if my father was aware of this verse where St. Jude admonishes false teachers who used the church as a sort of country club and caroused fearlessly looking after themselves. My father did not see the church as a social institution but as a place where one encounters our Holy God, our Holy mighty one; our Holy immortal one.

My father knew he was a sinner. He always said that St. Jude was his patron saint because; St. Jude is the patron saint of lost causes and my father swore that’s what he was. As his disease progressed he stopped going to church but built a shrine to our Mother Mary. Every day he would cut fresh roses for the shrine and sit at twilight, with beer and cigarette in hand; silently staring at the shrine.

In the end my father did receive his last rights and was ushered into our Lord by our Lady and St. Jude.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

1 John, Chapter 4, Verse 18

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.