All things came to be through him

All things came to be through him, yes. Perhaps we can dare say further that abundance also came to be through him. After all, He has created everything and continues to create everything else.

A Church isn't a Museum. It is alive with the Eucharist. It is a Gift!
"Burgos Cathedral – Catedral de Burgos HDR 3" by Marc

All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race. John 1:3-4 NAB

Abundance here refers to abundance in physical health, abundance in loving relationships, abundance in wealth, and abundance in spirituality. Humans can have them all, can't we? So, why not claim this kind of abundance?

Old Woman Spots Infant Jesus and Praised God?

An old woman spotted Jesus, the infant, and praised God? How many infants passed through her eyes as she stayed in the temple everyday since she was widowed? That alone would underline the significance of this episode.

Prophetess Anna could have easily looked like this, or as portrayed in Welcome to Hosanna website about the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. To those who pray the rosary, the gospel today is the Biblical reference to the 4th Joyful Mystery.

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 NAB

Observers of that moment may have thought that Anna was simply daydreaming. After all, who would not think that way about an old woman that prayed everyday in the temple? If that episode happened today, I would see it happening the same way.

Who Prays for the Unborn Innocents?

Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs. How I wish the killing of innocents has stopped at that day of woe more than 2,000 years ago.

Triumph of the Innocents by William Holman Hunt
Wikimedia Commons

When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Matthew 2:13 NAB

It breaks my heart just reading the gospel today about the inconsolable mothers on that day. When at 17 weeks in my wife's womb our second son died, we shed tears of loss. How much more for the mothers of that day who have held their infants in their arms one moment and lost them the next?

Thank God for Priests, the Religious and the Lay Preachers

Thank God for witnesses before us -- the priests, the religious and the lay preachers. They speak about the Word of God so that our lives would be enriched. What would the world look like without them?

'Bible with Cross Shadow' by David Campbell

What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:3-4 NAB

I owe much of what I enjoy now in terms of faith and inner strength from the people who have conveyed the Word of God to me. Foremost among the list are my parents who taught me how to pray by their example. Next are my siblings who share the faith with me and who have inspired me to join the Charismatic movement since I was a teen.

How Strongly Do We Uphold the Family in our Society?

The human family is the basic unit of society. This is where we get our formation, body, mind and soul --- whether we like it or not. How strongly do we uphold it?

Image of the Holy Family from TurnBacktoGod.com

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged. Colossians 3:18-21 NAB

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Let us all reflect on the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the early years of Jesus. Were they much different from other families of their time? In the gospel today, Joseph stands out as an exemplary Godly father who protects his family with all he has got.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone! Today we celebrate the birth of Christ. May we all enjoy the light of Christ and the privilege of being children of God!

To those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. John 1:12-13 NAB

Today is the day to be thankful for many many things. Many lives of individuals and nations have been blessed by the message of Christ. Such message has endured the changing times from the persecutions to the fall of the Roman empire down to this age.

But, what is that message for you today?

May the Child Live in Your Heart Today

It's Christmas time, the birth of Christ. It's a time for carols and gifts. May the Child bring joy in your homes. May the Child bring forth gladness in your hearts this Season and beyond.

meadows08.blogspot.com

For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:5 NAB

The birth of a child is always a memorable event. It is the culmination of 8-9 months of pregnancy. It is also the start of a lifelong commitment to someone's life -- the life of your child. The difference in Christ's birth is that God is the one committed to us and He is sending His son to be just like us. After all, we are born in His image and likeness.

Does Your Path Lead You There?

The classic story 'Alice in Wonderland' is famous for these lines, "If you don't know where you're going, any path will lead you there.'

'Country Road' by joiseyshowaa

Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4 NAB

The problem with religion is it forces you to think, to introspect, to make changes, to leave the domain of the familiar. But you don't need religion to force you to do all those. Socrates himself said, "An unexamined life is not worth living."

My Spirit Rejoices in God My Savior

Mary proclaimed joy in God during her visit to Elizabeth. Then she said, "from now on will all ages call me blessed." How empowering to realize that such prophetic statement was made true by the saying of the rosary throughout the world.

Mary visits Elizabeth
Image from encyclopediaurantia.org

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. Luke 1:46-48 NAB

The rosary is said in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is our way of meditating on the life and death of Jesus through the eyes of Mary. Through the rosary we experience the joy and suffering and victory of Jesus, with Mary's humility and obedience as the background.

Excitement is good! Has Excitement Ever Overwhelmed You?

Excitement is really good! When I was a very small boy, perhaps 3 years old, I have jumped out of the crib and didn't mind the floor one early morning. The smell of the pan cake my mother was preparing overwhelmed me with excitement.

http://www.excerptsofinri.com/jesus_of_nazareth.html

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb. Luke 1:41a

The other time I remember getting overwhelmed by excitement was when I finally learned how to roll smoothly in Aikido. I kept on rolling and rolling and didn't mind that I hit the wall in one of those rolls. It was a wooden wall. The people on the other side of the wall thought the whole building was collapsing.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New You!

It's Christmas time. It's time to be a child once again. May we have a new self once Christmas 2010 is over and the year 2011 comes in.

An Angel Visits Joseph from Family Christmas Online

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 NAB

The clause “God is with us” can be easily taken for granted. It was the meaning of the name “Emmanuel” as spoken in Isaiah 7:14 and repeated in Matthew 1:23. After all, who gives much attention to the meaning of names these days?

Christ is the Reason for the Season

We keep on hearing this, right? "Christ is the reason for the season," or so many of the greetings go. Even with my entire life around me as a Christian, I still ask, "Why?" The answers have evolved.

Jesus with children from www.turnbacktoGOD.com

The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, While tribute is brought to him, and he receives the people's homage. Genesis 49:10 NAB

From the age I looked at Christmas as the time to receive gifts, I have grown to looking at Christmas as the time for giving gifts! Others describe their experience amusingly as an evolution from excitedly showing up in parties and uncle's homes to hiding from the site of everyone to the extent possible.

Was Christ Good in Marketing?

Was Jesus good in marketing? I think he was. He used testimonies to strengthen His claims. First, he took testimony from John the Baptizer. Then, he drew credibility from His works that were prophesied by Isaiah.

"The Lamp" by Francisco Antunes

He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. John 5:35-36a NAB

I am saying that on the premise that almost everyone whom Jesus talked to at that time do not know Him. Neither were they ready to accept Him. But they were ready to believe in prophecies of salvation and hungry for miracles.

This World is Meant for Bliss

This world is meant for bliss, not suffering or poverty. Most of us are made to believe otherwise through mistaken notions of who God is. It is time to wake up and realize that we are co-creators of the reality we live in today.

'NASA Blue Marble' by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

For thus says the LORD, The creator of the heavens, who is God, The designer and maker of the earth who established it, Not creating it to be a waste, but designing it to be lived in: I am the LORD, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:18 NAB

That indeed is hard to swallow. How can we be co-creators of the reality we see today in the news and in the streets we walk through? We did not ask to be born, right?

How does one become humble?

Humility is clearly the hallmark of Christianity. What is the anatomy of humility? How can we achieve it? I found myself asking these questions one day. You want to be humble but people say you’re humbug.

"A good question for NY" by Gary A.K.

But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD. Zephaniah 3:12 NAB

It wasn't a fancy question. It wasn't born out of the desire to be labeled and given recognition for being "humble." Frankly, I like recognitions (and who doesn't? ^_^).

God Is With You This Christmas -- Welcome Him!

Christmas is in the air. Christmas parties are everywhere. Let us enjoy the glee knowing that Christmas is about God being with us. How did you do this year? God loves you anyway. How do you want the next year to be? Let God show you the way.

"Believe" by Junichiro Aoyama

When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:23 NAB

The worst mistake that anyone can do this Season is to question God's authority. I don't blame you for your perceived experience with God, or your experience with how you perceive God to be. But it doesn't change the fact that God has created us with our own free will to deal with God as we please.

Do You Want Help? Fear Not, God Will Help You

I can't think of more reassuring words than these: "Fear not, I will help you." It's like being in the middle of a river and someone throws you a rope to hang on. Man, just grab that rope!

Big Pine Rapids Bail Out on French+River by BobCatNorth

I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 NAB

We all have trials, each according to one's own measure. While we know cerebrally that these trials refine us, sometimes it just doesn't feel that way. As humans, we fear. As humans, we tremble.

May It Be Done According to Your Word

Salvation started with 18 words spoken by Mary in obedience to God’s will. How on heaven and on earth can we not honor her? Reflect on this.

Immaculate Concepcion
Wikimedia Commons

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Today is the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For some people in areas who have the Immaculate Concepcion as their patroness, today is the day for prayer and festivities.

Who do you look up to today?

Who do you look up to today? Who's telling you what or what not to do? Pick one: a person you fully trust and admire, a person you hate, a person you fear, or the Creator of the Universe.

"Mountain View with Sheep" by Jule_Berlin

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care. Isaiah 40:11 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Shepherds look after their flock. In olden times, the flock was more than just an economic asset to the shepherds. There was a special bond. Their survival was tied up to the survival of the other.

Unending Abundance in Christ's Abode

The gospel today speaks of abundance of health and wealth. The first reading of the gospel speaks prophetically of the coming of Christ, including the healing of the sick. The main gospel reading speaks of the healing of the paralytic brought down to Christ through the roof.

Stream of Light, Stream of Water by rachel_thecat

The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. Isaiah 35:1 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Do we speak of abundance in our lives today? When we see Christ do we see abundance? Isn't He the Creator of everything, the Alpha and the Omega, the person who has told us, "Knock and you shall be opened"?

I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness in the land of the living

Free Red Apple on Green Grass of Fertility by epSos.de

I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living. Psalms 27:13 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Physical health and well-being. Loving relationships with self and others. A network of friends with a common purpose. A life of unconditional giving. You can have them all while you're breathing.

Listen and Act, the Be on the Rock

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21222992@N00/3333734

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. Matthew 7:24 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

The gospel today talks to people who listen to the Words of God. Then it went on to differentiate those who act on those words and those who don't. The LORD promises a life on the rock to those who act.

They all ate and were satisfied

'They all ate and were satisfied'
Image from http://kr.blog.yahoo.com/yydeokk196/11705

They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over — seven baskets full. Matthew 15:37 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

They all ate and were satisfied. Oh, what a beautiful and heart-warming site. However, two things come to my mind in the gospel today:

1. Of the thousands that ate that day, how many said thanks?
2. The banquet is on-going, isn't it? how many of us partake in it.

How can they hear without someone to preach?

Saint Peter's statue, holding the key at Saint Peter's Basilica.
Image from http://oursurprisingworld.com

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? Romans 10:13-14 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Just the Word and I Shall be Healed

Pope Benedict XVI lifts the Eucharist. Before receiving it from the priest, faithfuls say, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but just say the Word and I shall be healed."
(Image from http://whycatholicsdothat.com)

The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. Matthew 8:8 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

At an Hour We Don't Expect, the Son of Man Will Come

"Jesus Christ - Christus Statue" from flickr.com/photos/midiman

Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. Matthew 24:43-44 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Be vigilant at all times

Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14 NAB.
Image from http://www.handofgod.com.au

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

The gospel today is not about paranoia. This is about beingness with God.

My Words Will Not Pass Away -- Jesus

"The secret movement of the world" by Camil Tulcan

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Luke 21:33 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

I salute the man or woman who asks the question, "oh, really?" after reading that verse. That reaction, when pursued well, would lead to divine wisdom.

Fear is Worthless, Faith pays dividends

Fear used to grip me when I read this passage. Not anymore.

People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Luke 21:26 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

"Eclipsed Moon Flood" by Evan Leeson
It is fear that kills us more than anything. What God is telling us, "Do not be afraid. It is I." Indeed, if God is with us, who can be against us?

The Dream, the Struggle and the Prize

The classic tale of the dream, the struggle and the prize happened to the apostles. When they were at the state of dreaming for Heavenly rewards, Jesus had to remind them of the struggle and how such struggle will lead them to testify.

It will lead to your giving testimony. Luke 21:13 NAB


Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

'Pope' from http://www.flickr.com/photos/factoids/

Reality Check -- All Things Pass Away

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, "All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Luke 21:5-6 NAB

Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

After reading the gospel today, I was slightly infuriated. There was nothing that man did that lasted. Indeed, just look at the Roman Empire. It did not last! All other great kingdoms did not last too!

Giver's Mindset Pays Dividends

He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood. Luke 21:3-4 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

'sweetheart' by YoungDoo Moon

In HIM All Things Hold Together

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

"Hubble Captures Spectacular "Landscape" in the Carina Nebula"
by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Today is the feast of Christ the King. His Kingdom is not of this world. Indeed, his Kingdom is the Universe with all its beauty and mystery.

If God were the Creator of everything seen and unseen, wouldn't it be a smart idea to know how He thinks and what He thinks of right now for your life?

May Christ be the King of your heart.

May Christ be the King of your home.

May Christ be the King of your dreams.

Ad Maiorem de Gloriam!

- - -

P.S. #1 Get enriched by God's Word on email everyday. Be a member of the Kerygma Family virtual community or subscribe to the Daily Gospel.

P.S. #2 Join me in Facebook and help spread the gospel to your friends simply by clicking the "Like" button at the Live a Life of Prosperity and Compassion Facebook Page.

P.S. #3 Do you have a testimony of God's grace today? I welcome sharings from brothers and sisters around the world in this blog. Send it to me at marvin.macatol [at] gmail [dot] com

Will You Rise With the Saints?

Will you rise with the saints? Think about it for a moment, no matter how silly that question may sound.

They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. Luke 20:36 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

"Gloria" by Kate Andrews
If God says to me today, "That's it!" these are the beings I would like to see around me. How about you?

It is easy to dismiss this question with a quip, "What's this thing about rising with the saints? I'm not a saint! Who are you kidding?" 

My only problem with that quip is this: do we really think the alternative is acceptable?

I don't know with you, but the alternative frightens me. Doesn't it frighten you? If so, we need to rethink that quip. We also need to rethink about how "cool" we really are.

Going to hell is not cool! Is it?

Ad Maiorem de Gloriam!



- - -

P.S. #1 Get enriched by God's Word on email everyday. Be a member of the Kerygma Family virtual community or subscribe to the Daily Gospel.


P.S. #2 Join me in Facebook and help spread the gospel to your friends simply by clicking the "Like" button at the Live a Life of Prosperity and Compassion Facebook Page.


P.S. #3 Do you have a testimony of God's grace today? I welcome sharings from brothers and sisters around the world in this blog. Send it to me at marvin.macatol [at] gmail [dot] com

Sweet Like Honey

God's Words are sweet like honey, yet it can make your stomach turn sour.

I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and swallowed it. In my mouth it was like sweet honey, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. Revelations 10:10 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

"Scroll" by Gabriel Jones

I didn't know what to make out of this verse at first. I have to draw inspiration from the reflection made by Fr. Rudy Horst.

Walk on the Water

Peter actually walked on the water. Stories and images portray only his act of drowning as Jesus stretched his arms to save him. But Peter actually walked on the water!

"St Peter Basilica - Vatican" by Desi

He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. Matthew 14:30 NAB

No one else outside of Jesus had walked on water, except Peter. That's a distinction.

Take Charge of Ten Cities

Take charge of ten cities! Many of us want to hear that from our own masters.

He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ Luke 19:17 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

"Midtown Manhattan at Night, New York City" by Andrew Mace
Absolutely cool image, right? What can something ten times grander than this look like? That would be but a small glimpse of the glory one gets from God by simply being faithful in little matters.

But few of us take note of the sentence prior to that in the gospel today. It says, ' You have been faithful in this very small matter.' Man, this is the key!

I Must Stay at Your House - Jesus

A celebrity calls your name from out of the blue, and says, "I must stay at your house." All you have wanted is to get a personal glimpse of this person. Yet, this celebrity says, "I must stay at your house." Dig that?

Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house. Luke 19:5 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

"Zacchaeus Tree" by KOREphotos.
This photo was taken on March 16, 2008 in Jericho, West Bank, PS.

Highly Profitable Lessons from the Blind Man

The blind man in the gospel today has highly profitable lessons to teach us today. His tenacity in calling Jesus, and his clarity about what he wants is something worth emulating.

The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” . . . “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Luke 18:39, 41 NAB

"Global Player" by Daniela Hartmann
The realities around the life of the laity are different. We have a vow for prosperity -- to make money. It is an integral part of our path to holiness. Make no mistake about that.

I pray for you and me that may we be gifted with the tenacity and clarity of this blind man. Indeed, as we walk with purpose, people and situation appear to "rebuke" us. Things don't always go the way we want them. People can literally tell us to quiet down. But do we cry out louder instead?

By Your Perseverance You Will Secure Your Lives -- Luke 21:19

Your perseverance counts . . . a lot! Jesus said in the gospel today that it will secure your life.

By your perseverance you will secure your lives. Luke 21:19 NAB

"Sun-Yat-Sen" by Evan Leeson -- There's so much we can learn from the perseverance and resilience of the bamboo grass.

Indeed, Saint Paul himself followed that word from the very mouth of Jesus. In the second reading today, Saint Paul mentioned his own perseverance to sustain himself while spreading the Word of God.

Luke 18:7 -- Faith and Persistence Pay

Faith and persistence bring home the bacon, according to the gospel today.

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? Luke 18:7-8 NAB

"In Prayer" by Jeanette Runyon

Watch Where the Vultures Go

Spiritually, are you alive? or dead? You'll know it by watching where the vultures go in your life.

They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather. Luke 17:37 NAB

The vulture waited for the child to die. This photo was taken by Kelvin Carter, a South African photojournalist, during the Sudan famine in 1994. The photo won a Pulitzer prize (and they saved the child, of course). Source: Sej's Whirlpool

Jesus Shall Light Up the Sky End to End

Jesus said in the gospel today that, when he comes again, He shall light up the sky from one side to another.

For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. Luke 17:24 NAB

"Disney - Illimunations - Reflections of Earth" by Joe Penniston

Thank God for His Blessings with a Loud Voice!

The Samaritan glorified God with a loud voice! I am totally overwhelmed by this verse in the gospel today.

And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice. Luke 17:15 NAB

"Celebrate the New Begining | 2009" by Ram Reddy

When was the last time I thanked God with a loud voice? The thought grips me. I have thanked God in silent prayers, in murmurs, in writing, in songs. But have I thanked the Lord in a loud voice? When have I openly proclaimed in a loud voice my gratitude for the goodness of God?

How to See That We are the Temple of God

Sometimes it's just so difficult to see God when we look at the mirror in the morning.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 NAB

'Dew Drop at Dawn' by Iris Shreve Garrott

What we see in the mirror in the morning is something else. Sometimes or oftentimes we see a loser. Just a day before we didn't get the deal we want, or there's a strain in our relationships with people, or we're struggling with resources.

Thank You Lord for the Leadership in the Christian Community

In the gospel today, Saint Paul required appointed leaders of the community to be blameless, married only once and with believing children.

... on condition that a man be blameless, married only once, with believing children who are not accused of licentiousness or rebellious. Titus 1:6 NAB

"Pasqua, Easter" by Giulio Bernard

Indeed, how can you lead a community if you cannot even lead yourself and your own family? I see my own community, Couples for Christ, appointing leaders of this nature.

We shall be like angels?

Like angels -- this is how Jesus describe the future of those "deemed worthy to attain to the coming age" . . .

They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. Luke 20:36 NAB

What are angels?

"Your Guardian Angel" by Cornelia Kopp

Abundance Dedicated to God -- Philippians 4:12

To be able to build abundance and dedicate it to God, that is the purpose of the laity. That is what the Philippians did. That is what Saint Paul has profoundly thanked them for:

I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Philippians 4:12-13 NAB

"Sign of Abundance" by Philippa Willitt

Prudence of the Shrewd Steward is Good?

Prudence exercised by the shrewd steward earned for him the renewed favor of his master.

And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light." Luke 16:8 NAB

"Sign My Life Away" by Adam Ross

Of all the verses that I read in the Bible this one came as the most shocking. How could a master possibly reward a dishonest steward? I didn't understand it.

God Loves You Even At Your Worst - Luke 15:4

The gospel today says God's love is perpetual and unending, even when we are the worst person who ever lived:

What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? ~ Luke 15:4 NAB

"Lost little lamb" by Matt Blakemore

That's kind of hard to take in this compensation-oriented society, isn't it? I mean, God loves Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot too? How about Osama Bin Laden? God loves him too? Gosh, a site lists down the "Top 10 Most Evil Men." God loves them too?

Do everything without grumbling or questioning - Phil 2:14

Do we grumble about or question God's commandment to love? This is what Saint Paul has to say about it to us in the gospel today.

Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15 NAB

"If we hold on together" by Riza Nugraha

I've been an officer in the Citizens Army Training in high school and a member of the elite honor company in the Citizens Military Training in college. In both trainings, this was drilled deeply into my mind: "Obey before you complain." It is taboo in the military to question an officer's order.

Resurrection -- Do you believe this?

John 11:26 can be pretty hard to swallow, isn't it?

"Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" - John 11:26 NAB

That's exactly what Jesus said.

db baileys purgatory @ garden of npirl delights by Kean Kelly

Today is All Soul's Day. This is the day when we pray for the dead that they may be purified and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This means we, Catholics, believe there is stage between earth and heaven. We call it the purgatory.