The Laws of God

Yesterday we talked about God's mercies and forgiveness. Today, we sort of back track and look at the laws laid down by God and what it means to be faithful to those laws and to God.

We have rules and laws for a reason. It keeps the peace, steers our paths and helps us to not do whatever it is we want without repercussions. In order to reinforce the rules, there must be both punishment and rewards. If there is only one then these rules are not as effective. Think of it this way, when we are children, our parents give us certains things that we must do. Clean our rooms, take out the trash, go to school, etc. For most, the reward meant earning a few bucks every week. For others, it meant a satisfaction that we were able to show that we were responsible. And that's exactly what we do when we follow God's laws. We are demonstrating that we are responsible people, capable of remaining true to our God. We are forming a covenant with Him. We are promising to follow His rules and in exchange we will not only be a better person for it, but we are acknowledging the fact that we will be judged and punished if we break our agreement. 

When Jesus enters the picture in the New Testament, He tells us that He will carry out the promises of His Father, but He will also nurture us and help us to grow faithful. He sort of softens the blow. This encourages us to WANT to follow what God has put forth for us. It's not all fire and brimstone, hell and damnation. Remember, you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. BUT, if you chose to ignore the rules, keep breaking them, then you will pay for it, just not right away, though. You will have to answer to God the Father when you pass on from this world. 

Do you really want to risk that? Is it really worth breaking the rules if you know that you have displeased Jesus? Do you know that when you sin, you are breaking Jesus's heart? Think about that the next time you feel like stepping out of line. Think about your relationship with Jesus. 

Be blessed, dear reader. And remember.... be a nice human. It is worth it. 😇❤

Father Bill's reflection on todays readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgpgaVQNGhg

Here's a really cute video from Steven Curtis Chapman, reminding us that everything we do should be done for the glory and grace of Jesus Christ: https://youtu.be/uVTeIMursb8

Mercy and Forgiveness

Good afternoon friends! Happy Tuesday! Our readings today emphasise the goodness of God's mercy and forgiveness, but also reminds us that our faith in the Lord MUST be unconditional. We can't say that we follow Christ, that we believe in Christ, except...._______ (insert excuse here).  

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego* refused to worship the statue created by King Nebuchadnezzar, it was because they held on to their belief in God. They would not abandon Him to save their own selves. Upon hearing this refusal, the king had them thrown into a white hot furnace. The three men prayed and exhalted God. They knew that they had done things in their lives that didn't exactly live up to what God expected. They knew they were sinners (as we all are sinners). They felt that this was God's judgement on them. However, they also understood that it lay in God's hands to forgive them, as He had promised "For Your name's sake, do not deliver us up forever, or make void Your covenant." (Dn 3:34, NAB). What these men did is what we should do every time we pray. We are asking for God's mercy on our souls. We understand that there will be some form of punishment for what we did, but we freely give ourselves to be washed clean in the blood of Christ. 

In that same vane, in Matthew, we hear about forgiveness and mercy, but we look at our own ability to forgive. Peter asks Jesus how many times he is expected to forgive others. Although Jesus answers with "seventy-seven times", He doesn't mean that after you have forgiven the seventy-seventh time, you're off the hook. It's meant to illustrate that we are to forgive always. 

The story of the king who showed mercy to his servant by cancelling his debts is a great illustration of this. There was an unspoken expectation that just as the king cancelled the debt of his servant, the servant was to show that same mercy to others. When he found out that the servant punished those who owed him, the king felt that this man had taken advantage of his kindness. He demanded that this man needed to be punished for what he had done (which is only fitting, really).

At the end of the story, Jesus reminds Peter "So will My Heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart." (Mt 18:35, NAB). The point here is that God's absolution is already bestowed upon us. However, if we refuse to forgive others as God has forgiven us, that mercy will be withdrawn upon our final judgement. We will be held accountable and justly punished.

It's not easy to forgive others who have hurt us. I know I still hold much resentment for past hurts. We all do. We wouldn't be human, really, if we didn't. We are supposed to show the same mercy to others that God shows to us. But, sometimes, this can be so difficult to do. That hurt just runs too deep and it's been there for too long. Still, at some point it needs to be let go of. If you are having a hard time with it, pray to God to help you to release it. In time, it will become easier to just let it go. Let Go and Let God.

I found this prayer and thought I would share it with all of you. Ask God to help you.

Be blessed my friends. And, as always..... be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://youtu.be/6CVpZxp6b6Q

A great song by Matthew West about forgiveness: 

https://youtu.be/FMn0QNdiuGE

*Abednego.. King Nebuchadnezzar had changed his name from Azariah (which means "Yahweh has helped.") to Abednego.  The boys' names were changed as a way of encouraging them to forget the God and traditions of their homeland and conform to the ways and gods of Babylon.

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.  Matthew 1:20

Today we celebrate Joseph, the Earthly father of Jesus. He was a brave man. Here is his fiance, a virgin, who is all of a sudden pregnant before their wedding. Then, in a dream, he is spoken to by an angel who says he is to become the father of child who will become the Savior of the world! Talk about being overwhelmed!! This was a lot for poor Joseph to have to swallow. But he heeded the angels words. "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife (Mary) into his home." (Mt 1:24, NAB).

And then there is Mary. This young girl who is engaged to a carpenter, being chosen by God to bear His holy child! How was she going to tell Joseph? And would he even believe her!?!? Would he still love her and want to marry her? I can't even begin to imagine how Mary must've felt. 

Todays readings are a story of hope and faith. Trusting that God knows what He's doing. To have hope in knowing that God is bringing us through whatever it is that we may be struggling with. To be strong, to wake up every day and know that whatever it is we may encounter during our day, we are not doing it alone. Remember Joseph and Mary and the awesome responsibility thrust upon them. Kind of makes whatever it is we are going through seem not so bad. It puts everything in a whole new perspective. 

Today, pray for God's guidance in your life. Give Him your burdens. Pray to Joseph. Pray to Mary. Be reminded of what they did. And remember Jesus, who suffered and died for us. As always folks, be a nice human. 

Father Bill has some interesting facts about Joseph. Have a listen to what he has to say about today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXuNN9HroI  **Remember, you have to copy and paste link into your browser.**

Image: "The Dream of St. Joseph", Anton Raphael Mengs (1773/1774) 

Serving Faith

We often struggle in our own lives with finding that balance between living in "the world" and following Jesus, living by His example. This is the problem Jeremiah faced. He wanted to follow God and what He had in mind for him, but more often than not, Jeremiah found himself overwhelmed by it all. To further complicate matters, we have these men who wanted to discredit Jeremiah. They wanted to use Jeremiah's words against him. But, Jeremiah, this humble person who struggled to follow God, called out to Him. "Heed me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say. Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life?" (Jer 18:19-20, NAB). How often have we wondered the same thing? We have to remember that, in times like that, we need to seek the Lord even more, to allow Him to guide us, to be reassured that we are doing just what we need to. 

In turning to our Gospel reading, we see the mother of James and John asking Jesus to assure that her sons will be favored and be seated with Him in Heaven. The crowd that had gathered wondered why these two men should be so privledged as to receive favor in Heaven. Jesus promptly replies that that is not His choice to make, it is whatever His Father has predestined for these men. You see, Jesus was just a humble servant of His Father. He tells the crowd that even though the Gentiles may hold power over people and seek glory for themselves, this is not how it's done in Heaven. Those who are willing to humble themselves, to do for others without glorification are the ones who are the most blessed. They will see their reward in Heaven. 

In everything Jesus did, it was with kindness, understanding and compassion. Knowing He was the Savior of the world did not inflate His ego. It could have. For most folks it would have. But not Jesus. He showed that He was ready and eager to serve the needs of others. Are we ready to take on that challenge? Are we willing to humble ourselves in the service of Jesus? Are we willing to be the least among others? It is something to think about. 

With so much strife and unrest in the world today, take time to pray for others. Pray for peace. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them." (Mt 18:20, NAB)

Be blessed dear friends. And as always, be a nice human. 😇

Spiritual Health

 Read: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 

           Matthew 5:43-48

Most of us today watch what we eat, we exercise, we do what we can in order to maintain a healthy body. BUT, what are you doing to keep your spirit healthy? Did you know that it takes more energy to be miserable than it does to be happy? So, why not do something for a healthy soul? 

In today's reading, God tells us to LOVE those who hate, who antagonise, who are miserable. He is issuing us a challenge. Sure, it's easier to be kind to those who show us kindness, but, that's the challenge! Think of it this way, by showing kindness and compassion, you are actually helping your physical and spiritual health! Why no go forth and spread some kindness today!! Be the example! Walk in your faith!

Be blessed my friends. And, as always, be a nice human. 😇

Here's a great video from Hawk Nelson on the power of words:

https://youtu.be/Bf_H7Lwl0FI

This morning's thoughts from Father Bill:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EioyYMkBkfQ

***Remember... copy and paste links into your browser.***

Words and Forgiveness

Friday March 11, 2022

Read: Ezekial 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26

Ezekial was a prophetic prophet, often having visions and mystical insights. So often, God spoke through him, often putting himself in the midst of people in order to spread God's word. 

Chapter 18 emphasizes taking personal responsibility for ones actions. He extoles all things that are considered sinful and the only way to forgiveness is confessing your sins to God in order to live. If one does not take responsibility, if one continues to sin, then the outcome will  surely be death. If not death of the physical self, it certainly would mean death of your spirit and knowing one will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God when they die.

In Matthew, Jesus takes thing a step above. It's not just our actions that can be sinful, but also our words. This is something all of us can identify with. Many priests and pastors use some form of Psalm 19:14 before beginning their homily. The pastor at my former church would always use it before speaking, offering his heart to Jesus so that his words would speak only of love and faith. Wouldn't it be nice if we could do this before we speak, especially when we are angry? We can't take back what was said. But, we can ask forgiveness, both from Jesus and from the person we hurt. It's not an easy thing to do. It requires great strength and humility. You will be a better person for doing this, though. 

At the end of the day, take stock of your actions AND your words. Do they speak of love or hate? What does this say about you? What changes can you make? Bring your wrong doings to the foot of the Cross and ask forgiveness, then try to do better tomorrow. We are imperfect beings of a perfect God. 

Be Blessed and speak life, hope and love. 

Here's a video from Toby Mac about speaking life. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0&ab_channel=TobyMacVEVO

And for further insight to today's reading, here's another video from Father Bill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-bKutiG584&ab_channel=hsccwyo

Prayer

 Today's reading takes us back to the subject of prayer. We see in Esther that she is totally reliant on God to help her as she is about to go to Emperor Haman to plead with him to not destroy the Jewish people. Verse 14 tells us how she prayed "Then she prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, saying "My Lord, our King, You alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have no help but You, for I am taking my life in my hand." 

Think about this for a moment. Do you totally rely on God? Do you trust in His will for you? Most of us can answer this rather quickly with an unequivical "no". Relinquishing our own power can be scary. But that's just the point. When you rely on God to guide you in your every day life, you should have no fear. God knows what He's doing. He will help you through whatever it is you are facing. You just need to ask.

Which brings us to Matthew. He tells us outright "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened." We just need to ask God to move in our lives. He is the ultimate waymaker. He hears our pleas, He knows what we need.

Reflect on what your prayer life look like today. Do you make time daily to spend with Jesus? If not, then why? Examine your heart, speak your fear, and wait on God's heavenly timing. You may not get what you ask, but you will get what you need.

Spend some time today in prayer. Open your heart and your ears. Allow God to speak to you. 

Here's another lovely video from Fr. Bill Hill from Holy Spirit Catholic Community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKdGUcE6Gtg&ab_channel=hsccwyo

Here is a lovely song to help you prepare your heart to pray

https://youtu.be/iJCV_2H9xD0

**copy & paste links into your browser**

Prayer

 

Good Morning Lovely People!! 😇

Today's word brings us to the topic of prayer. We are reminded that God hears our prayers and often knows what we need before we utter a single word. But, like every good father, He wants us to actually come to Him and tell Him what we need. This is, indeed, a humbling act. Which is why He expects this of us.

In this morning's reading from Isaiah, God reminds us that His word gives us nourishment of the soul, much like bread gives nourishment to the body. In Matthew's Gospel, God tells us HOW to pray, saying "Thy will be done", just as in Isaiah it says "It (our prayers) shall not return to Me void, but shall do My will". 

When we hear "Thy will be done", how do you interpret it? Do you think it means that God hears you and it will get done or do you hear that HIS WILL will be done? There's quite a difference in the meaning of each. When we follow God's plan for us, when we do what He wills us to, then we will achieve what it is that God wants from us. We do His will, His bidding, but it is always all for good. So we must "pray always" with intent, wait to hear God's response and trust that He knows what He's doing. I can promise that it won't be easy, but it will be worth it. 

Be blessed dear friends. Go forth and spread the word of God.