"For fear that I might be disqualified." 1cor9:26
“Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”
Are you blessed when you read the bible? Are you blessed when you go to Mass and hear the gospel spoken or the priest give his homily? Are you blessed when you see verses or inspirational passages that people send through your social media? And when I say blessed, I mean, do you ever feel like God has spoken to you personally?
[Read more…] about SPEAK, LORD
In the passage from Matt 11:25-30, we read of the invitation of Jesus who said: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
About forty years ago, I was just in my mid-30s when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I came to Jesus, not because I was looking for “rest” of any kind. My life was OK, I had a good job, a promising career with an excellent company, I had started a family of my own, and we were happy. I had a solid religious upbringing and strong faith. I was raised as a Catholic, and was in fact devoted to daily Mass. Oh yes, I was very good at religion.
So, when I got an invitation to attend a prayer meeting and to attend a seminar, I declined politely thinking I was okay with the religion that I knew.
[Read more…] about COME TO ME
I don’t know about you, but I think one of the most challenging commands Jesus ever gave is found in today’s gospel in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Love your enemies.
I mean, it’s hard enough to love your neighbor. But to love someone whom you know is not ever going to love you back? To love the person who intends to, or has already caused you some kind of physical, emotional, or material harm? How do you do love them?
[Read more…] about LOVING THE UNLOVABLE. REALLY?
Have you ever had such a wonderful experience such that you wish it would last forever? Whether it’s a fun vacation of fellowship with your favorite people in a special place somewhere, or a nice, secure, fulfilling job, with a perfect team — each one doing his part and enjoying it. Then, it’s time to go and say goodbye, and the all-too-familiar longing for more.
[Read more…] about HUNGRY NO MORE
In the closing verses of the gospel of Matthew, and before Jesus is taken up to the heavens, His last instruction is for the disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Look here. Jesus didn’t instruct His disciples to just spread the good news and convert people into the faith. His instruction was more extensive, saying “Go, make disciples of all.” (Matt 28:19)
For today’s reflection, I want us to consider the difference between being a believer in Jesus, and being a disciple of Jesus. If you’re watching this video, I’m sure you’re a believer. Now, it’s one thing to believe that Jesus is the Risen Lord, the Son of God. But it’s another thing to level up and be His student, His follower, His disciple.
[Read more…] about ARE YOU A BELIEVER, OR A DISCIPLE?