The Voice of Truth

Good Morning, dear reader. Well, we have come to the end of another week. Isn't it lovely, learning all about the wonders of Jesus's works among the people?! It gives us such hope. 

Speaking of hope, the stories of Tabitha and Aeneas are miraculous! We have a man who has been paralysed and a woman who spent her days serving the Lord, both miraculously given new life! We don't know why these two people were specifically chosen by Jesus, especially since we know that there were so many more people who were just as deserving. 

This is a question so many of us ask when we are faced with tragedy in our lives. Why us? Why them? What did we do to deserve this? These questions can fester so deep that it drives us from our faith. We feel God has abandoned us. And, sometimes, it can feel that way. With all my problems of late, I would have every reason to ask why God is letting this happen. I've been good. I'm trying to spread His word. So why is all this still happening? The answer is I don't know. Life happens. Bad things happen to good people. It's what we do with that knowledge that makes the difference. I chose to remain faithful to God. It's all I have left. I have to trust in the fact that things will eventually work themselves out. It has to. And, I know, regardless of the outcome, God will be right there helping me through it. 

In John's Gospel, we see what happens when we don't want to take what is given to us. We go back to our old ways. Jesus watches as those who once believed in His word decide it is too tough to stay the course. He lets them walk away. He doesn't beg them or cajole them or make them feel guilty. That is because we are given a choice. We were given free will. Jesus isn't standing there with a gun to our heads saying we'd better believe in Him or else. I think this did sow a little doubt in Jesus because He turns to His apostles and wants to know if any of them wish to walk away. He doesn't want them to feel pressured to stay. He wants them to be there of their own accord. But Simon Peter makes the point, "to whom shall we go?". Exactly. Where else CAN you go? 

Now that I look at it, our reading in Acts goes hand-in-hand with our reading in John. Again we are being given a choice. Do we want to stick it out with Jesus and hope for the best? Is our faith strong enough to withstand doubt? I think that's a really good summary for all of it. Is our faith strong enough? Can we stay the course? Are we willing to stay? Think about that today. Really think. If everything in your life were to go kerflooey right now, would you still believe in Jesus? Would you still put your trust in God that it will all work out? 

I'm just gonna leave that there.... while you ponder that... remember, be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://youtu.be/dXQ5ZLZZHj0

This is "my song".. it reminds me that I need to listen to the voice of God, the voice of truth... "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns, from the movie "Facing The Giants". https://youtu.be/_YgfiaLk0kE

John 3:16

Good Morning, dear reader! This morning's readings remind us of the glory of the risen Son! Our second reading contains one of the most well-known Bible verses. So that is where I shall start this morning.

This whole passage is basically self-explanatory. It is a gift from God that was freely given to us. It is a promise of life everlasting. In this world that is full of darkness and uncertainty, it is something that gives us hope and comfort. It is something we know is for sure. To me, this is the one thing that gives my life any meaning. 

The reading in Acts shows us what the Apostles suffered through as they tried spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. It wasn't JUST Jesus that the Sanhedrin was after, but the entire "Jesus Movement". Was it because Jesus was more popular than the kings? Was it because what Jesus brought to the people was greater than what a king and pagan gods could do for them? It could be all of this and more. We don't know exactly what their thought process was. But, whatever it was it wasn't good news for Jesus's disciples. 

Here is how my Bible explains it:

A second action against the community is taken by the Sanhedrin in the arrest and trial of the Twelve (apostles). The motive is jealousy of the religious authorities over the popularity of the apostles, who are now charged with the defiance of the Sanhedrin's previous order to them to abandon their prophetic role. In this crisis, the apostles are favoured by a miraculous release from prison. The real significance of such an event, however, would be manifest only to people of faith not to the unbelievers; since the Sanhedrin already judged the Twelve to be inauthentic prophets, it could disregard reports of their miracles.**

Our world seems upside down and nothing seems to make sense. It is my hope that this has brought you some comfort and reassurance. Keep believing, keep spreading His word, and, as always.... be a nice human.😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUXkosLJDX0

"Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns (my favorite Christian band): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ype1xE0wzsg

**Hiesberger, J. M., Breen, C., Lucinio, J., Marcheschi, G., & Mazza, B. (1995). The Catholic Bible: Personal study edition. Oxford University.

Renewed in the Holy Spirit

Good Morning, dear reader. We are continuing the celebration of Jesus's resurrection! Today is also the feast day of Saint Mark the Evangelist. So it is fitting that our readings echo this observance. I will try to do a separate post with some information and the video of Father Bill's reflection.

Our reading in Acts this morning restates, in a nutshell, the events that lead up to Jesus's death and resurrection. It also reminds us that everything that happened was preordained by God. At the time this takes place, the disciples were still afraid to really go public with their devotion to Jesus. They do, however, implore Jesus to protect them so that they may continue to preach and teach the Gospel of the Lord. As they are praying, the Holy Spirit ffills the space where they are. This emboldens them to continue to pray and speak the name of Jesus without fear. 

The reading in John sort of carries through with the dealings of the Holy Spirit. Since this is early on in John's Gospel, Jesus has not yet been brought to the cross. The purpose of this reading is to understand the process of being "reborn" through faith in Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit. 

Many Christians are "born again". That is, they accept that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Saviour, they believe in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. This rebirth" process isn't something usually seen within the Catholic church, since we are baptised as infants, which then cleanses us of Original Sin. This is seen more often in the Pentecostal and Evangelical Christian faiths. As one makes a conscious decision to follow Jesus, their past is forgiven through baptism and they start over with a clean slate. 

This process is what Jesus is trying to make clear to Nicodemus. It is not a physical rebirth but a spiritual one. But, it is just as miraculous and glorious! In my opinion, I think this makes a real statement because we are making the decision on our own to be disciples of Jesus rather than more or less a process of Catholic catechism and "initiation" into the Catholic church. 

Whatever your belief, be assured that however you came by your faith, it is still an important decision because you choose to stay faithful to God each and every day. If you are a new believer..welcome to the family!! Remember, dear reader, as you walk in faith each day, be a nice human. 😇

The Nicene Creed reminds us of our beliefs and promises to God. Take a moment to recite this again and reaffirm your faith:

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

Maker of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial

of one Being with the Father.

Throught Him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

He came down from heaven and

by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the

Virgin Mary, and became man,

For our sake He was crucified 

under Pontius Pilate;

He suffered death and was buried.

On the third day He rose again in

accordance with the Scriptures;

He ascended into heaven and is

seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the

living and the dead, and His kingdom will

have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the

giver of life, who proceeds from the Father

and the Son. With the Father and the Son

He is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness

of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

Speak Up!! Speak Out!!

Good Morning, dear reader!! This morning we continue our celebration of the resurrection. 

Again, we see Peter and John in front of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin are still wondering how they can keep this whole "Jesus movement" quiet. They tell Peter and John that they won't be punished if they promise never to speak of it again. This doesn't sit well with our two disciples. They ask the members of the Sanhedrin if it would be prudent to listen to their decision or that of God. Remember, these men are Jewish. They follow the God of the Old Testament. Do they really want to tempt God's wrath? Could they deny the fact that a disabled man, who had been that way for forty years, can now walk? Even if Peter and John never uttered a single word in reference to Jesus, this particular miracle is undeniable. The Sanhedrin had no choice but to let the men go, 

The Romans thought that by killing Jesus it would set an example for the other followers. This is what will happen to you, as well, They never figured Jesus would come back from the dead. They never figured that Jesus would become so popular AFTER His death. They were hoping for out of sight, out of mind coupled with the threat of death would silence these people once and for all. Did that ever backfire!! Not only did it not stop "the Jesus movement", it made it even stronger! More and more people were being converted. Word was spreading far and wide. The Sanhedrin knew there was the possibility of riots and uprising if they punished Peter and John. They knew there would be others to follow. For every non-believer, there are hundreds more who are. Jesus had become THAT powerful!! This is why we must never be timid in our faith or in our praise! 

As we move into Mark's Gospel, we see a similar theme as that in Acts. Jesus is becoming frustrated with the fact that His own followers don't believe that He has risen from the dead. He keeps popping up here and there, word is slowly spreading, but still they remain doubtful. Once Jesus has it out with His disciples, He tells them that they need to go out into the world and spread the good news. Tell everyone that if they believe in Him, they are to be baptised and be saved. This is the same thing that is asked of us today. We need to make know the joy of Jesus Christ and the salvation that it brings. We need others to see our faith, to understand the immense change it can make in life. No matter who tries to silence us, our voices MUST be heard!! 

So, dear reader, go forth and preach!! Spread the good news of Jesus Christ! Be a light in the middle of darkness. But, while you're doing that, remember... be a nice human! 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K12qP_fZrNg

Miracles and Wonders

Good Morning, dear reader, and happy Friday!! It would seem that our readings this morning are full of the hope that resurrection brings!! And, again, Jesus is looking for food! lol 

Our message in Acts is one of faith over fear! The people are no longer afraid of persecution and there are now even more followers of Christ! We see that nothing can stop the power of Christ! Isn't that amazing?!!?!?!! Like most people in history, it is only in death that they become famous!! Jesus is starting to become like a rock star! More and more crowds gather, more and more believers are coming forward, yearning for more. The members of the Sanhedrin were becoming worried. Peter's speech to them was brave and bold! These men may have physically killed The Messiah, but He is so powerful that even death couldn't stop Him! And to further illustrate this point, the man who had been healed of his disability shows up, and he's standing up!!! Can you just imagine the look on the faces of those men in the Sanhedrin!?!!? This guy was living proof of the immense power of Christ! You can't hide that or cover it up!! 

The quote I shared in the above image is precisely the idea of our reading in Acts. Don't be afraid to share your faith. Don't be afraid to speak out with His name! Let His word spread to others so that they may share in the loving wonder of Jesus Christ! Be His disciple, His follower! Let your faith shine like a beacon for others to see! 

Now, on to John's Gospel, we hear about the miracle of the fish and Jesus once again showing Himself to His disciples. This time, however, they did recognize that this was Jesus making Himeself known to His disciples. They were no longer afraid. 

The men had been on the beach trying to catch enough fish in order to feed everyone. They left the nets to soak overnight in hopes of a good harvest, but the fish just weren't biting. So now, as the sun is coming up, there's Jesus, ready and waiting to help them out. He tells them where to cast their nets so they will get plenty of fish. While they're doing that, Jesus builds a fire and prepares to eat. I guess being raised from death made Him hungry! 

When the men tried to pull in the net, it was so full of fish that they just couldn't lift it. More men came over to help and together they pull in the multitude of fish. The weight of the fish should have put a strain on the net and possibly cause it to rip, but it never happened. There was more than enough fish to feed the whole town for quite some time. In this tale, we see the symbolism of the Last Supper, with Jesus breaking the bread. Jesus was telling them, through the food, that He can quench any hunger, that this food should remind them that He gave up His physical body for them so they could have eternal life in heaven. 

Wow! These have been some powerful stories! Death is overcome, hunger is satisfied, faith is strengthened, and hope abounds! If this doesn't make you rejoice, nothing will! There is no denying the awesome power of Jesus Christ! If you need proof, well then, there it is! Spend some time today to really meditate and think about these readings. What is your soul hungering for? Is there anything you think is hopeless or difficult? Ask Jesus for nourishment. Let His love and His words fill you up. And use this as a reminder to be a nice human! 😇

Father Bill explains today's reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV8ED4xU-PQ&ab_channel=hsccwyo

A reminder of who I AM is, "I Am" by Mark Schultz: https://youtu.be/hILaSh78yHQ

The Road

Good Morning, dear reader! We're halfway through the week! Today we are continue our study of the Easter message. The reading in Acts will enlighten us as to the apostles journey as they seek to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and bring more believers to Him.  And in Luke, we will see that Jesus is working on revealing Himself to his followers. 

This morning, in Acts, we see Peter and John on their way to temple where they meet up with a man who was handicapped. They stop to talk to him and figure while they're at it, they can heal the man through the power of Jesus Christ. And so they do. This man was overjoyed to be able to walk again! It is with these signs and deeds that the apostles were able to convert so many more to believe in Jesus! What more powerful message could one need than to see a man who couldn't walk, suddenly able to stand up and enter into the temple on his own two legs! You've got me sold! In this case, seeing is definitely believing!! It is stories like this that encourages us to stay the course and keep walking with Jesus! 

As we move into our reading in Luke, the story begins on the same day that the empty tomb was discovered. Two of Jesus's disciples are walking along discussing what just happened. They are still in a sort of daze. They're trying to process the whole thing. As they're walking along, they meet up with a "man" and the "man" asks them what they are talking about. The two must've been quite puzzled that this "man" had no clue as to recent events. Has he been living under a rock!??! However, once he had been brought up to speed, it would seem that he had a good grasp on what it all meant. He goes on to explain that Moses and the prophets were right in saying that the suffering of Jesus was necessary as a part of God's plan. He wanted them to understand that this wasn't just some random persecution. This HAD to happen. As the men are listening, something inside them tells them that this is not just any man. There was something about him, something that excited them...but they just couldn't figure out what it was. It was that "gut feeling" you get when you meet someone.  It is not until later, after Jesus revealed HImself to them at the supper, that they realize that their heart recognized Jesus, even if they didn't physically know who He was at the time.

What all this amounts to is that we have to have continual faith in Christ even if we can't feel Him or see Him. We know that He is there and will never leave us. You need to rely on faith. Your heart still knows even if your brain doesn't. When you are mired in the dark and struggling for understanding, let your heart be your guide. Let your faith be the path that leads you to peace. You will eventually get to a place where everything will make sense. You will see God's plan and know that you are stronger for having come through it. "If God brings you to it, He will see you through it". Remember that. And as you are walking the path, also remember to be a nice human. 😇 

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi1kii4hieE

A familiar hymn, but with a little more "oommph": https://vimeo.com/700496586

Alive!!!

Good Morning, dear reader. Once again, we are seeing the story of the empty tomb in John's Gospel. But, this time, the focus is solely on Mary Magdalene. We can see she is heartbroken over the death of Jesus, and now she comes to anoint His body but He's not there. She is bewildered. Who would take a body? Suddenly, someone appears. Maybe now she can get some answers. In her grief, she wasn't really paying attention to whom she was speaking. But, when her name is called, she looks at the person speaking and realises it is Jesus! How joyous she was to see her beloved Jesus standing there! He has one simple request for her, to go and tell the apostles that she had seen Him, and soon He will be going to His Father in heaven. The way Jesus phrases it, He acknowledges that His Father is also OUR Father, God in heaven. And God is the Father to us all. What happy news!! We can take such comfort in this. Regardless of what earthly family we may or may not have, we are assured that we are not alone in this life! I, for one, am so grateful for this! No matter what happens, God will always be looking out for me. 

Building on the reading from John, we see in Acts 2 the rest of Peter's speech to the people. He is telling them that God sent Jesus to be Lord and Saviour, through His death and resurrection. We only need to confess our sins and be baptised, then we will have eternal life with God. 

In verse 40, what really jumps out at me is when Peter says, "save yourselves from this corrupt generation". The society of that time is not much different from our society now. We see corruption and the destruction of faith everywhere we turn. We are becoming a Godless society. Wealth and power is valued more than a humble heart and a desire to serve. Kindness has all but disappeared. Those who live on the fringes of society, the poor, the homeless, the sick, those who are just keeping their heads above water, they are all but ignored. These are the people that Jesus wants! These are the people He spent His life ministering to. These people often have the deepest of faith because they have nothing else to hold on to. 

I can tell you, dear reader, that this is true because I, and my husband, fall into this category. It is my faith that is getting us through this struggle. It is keeping me from all but giving up. I HAVE to believe that God has a plan. There IS a reason for this, even if I can't see it right now. And that's what I'm trying to convey to you, dear reader. Even if things seem hopeless, if things are out of control, if life seems to smack you in the face, you NEED to hold on to the promises given to us from God! I know how it feels when you're struggling. Like God has all but abandoned you, start doubting your faith. I'm right there with you. But, if I give up, if I doubt my faith, what's left? Not much of anything. And that's not a place I want to be. I've been there. It's not pretty. 

So, if you are struggling, if you feel God has put your pleas on mute, or has just left you hanging, don't give up! Keep reaching out for Him! He hears you! I promise!! You can always leave me a comment, even if it's just to ask for prayer. We hold each other up and God holds us up! So keep moving forward.. and, as always, regardless of the struggle... be a nice human! 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSouhz4F-ZY 

This video... such a living illustration of today's readings!! Please share it with others! It is "Alive (Mary Magdalene)" by Natalie Grant, from the movie "The Story": https://youtu.be/Om3mm2dv--k

Monday after Easter

Good Afternoon, dear reader. We continue the Easter journey. Jesus's followers are now aware that He has been resurrected. But, there is more work to be done before His assention into heaven.

The story of the guards.. what can I say?! lol How do they explain the empty tomb? No one would believe their story of an earthquake and an angel. Would you? I'd probably ask what drugs these guys were on! I mean, seriously.. earthquakes and angels and a missing body. Sounds like a bad plot on one of my murder mystery shows that I like to watch. No one wanted to lose their jobs. They didn't want to look like blithering, drugged out idiots. So, what could they say? Enter bribery... works every time! These men weren't followers of Christ. They just did what everyone else would do. Here's some money to keep your mouth shut. I find one flaw in their plan.. the guards wanted to use the excuse that Jesus's disciples came in the night and stole the body. Well, if that were true, then someone was asleep on the job! But, I suppose that's better than the fate that would befall these men if they told the truth! 

On a more serious note, Peter's speech in Acts was a powerful one. I think the one phrase that really stands out was when Peter said, "But God raised Him up, releasing Him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it" (v 24) Can you imagine!! Jesus could not and would not be bound by death! Wow!! That really packs some punch! But, this shouldn't come as any great surprise to us. Remember, this is the same Man who calmed the storming seas and walked on water! Jesus is our ultimate Superman!! He can do anything! So don't be afraid to reach out to Him. He can bear anything you may be dealing with. Matthew 11:30 even tells us this "For My yolk is easy and My burden is light". 

So, let us savour this week with its promises and hope. Let us use this opportunity to be renewed and refreshed. Come stand in the light of Jesus! And, as always, dear reader... be a nice human. 😇

Reflection on today from Msgr. James Vlaun: https://bible.usccb.org/podcasts/video/2022-04-18-reflection-261

Here is a beautiful, Celtic rendition of "In Christ Alone": https://youtu.be/o9VzJmtmSFI

Easter Sunday

Good Morning, dear reader and Happy Easter!!! I am doing something just a tad different this morning. I have chosen the readings myself as well as the verse. 

Throughout this Lenten season, we saw how the coming of Jesus, His life and His ministry, and His ultimate death and resurrection were prophisied in the Old Testament. This was God's promise to us, a Saviour, a King. This give us hope. It keeps our faith. We know we can trust in God's promises. Today, we celebrate that promise. 

That first Resurrection Sunday was not the joyous event that we have today. We have the benefit of knowing the outcome of the story. But, on that day, when the women went to where Jesus was buried and found only a young man sitting there, they didn't know what to make of it. They were afraid if they said anything about seeing this young man in the tomb, they, too, would be crucified. So they stayed silent. 

However, our reading in Acts alludes to what is to come. Since the women at the tomb were afraid to say anything, Jesus had to come back to speak with the others so that they would understand and see that He was indeed raised from the dead, just as He said would happen. Jesus urged His disciples to stay in Jerusalem, to spread the news that He was alive and He would make Himself known to all in just a few short days. 

In the coming days, we will continue to celebrate the resurrection, to celebrate Jesus's promises, to rejoice in His life, and to remain hopeful until the day we are called home. Do not stay silent, as those women did. Speak out! Speak up! Tell the world that Jesus has overcome the dark and brings us new light!! And, as always, dear reader..... be a nice human! 😇

A reflection on the Easter celebration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ciwAkn7Jlg 

Matt Maher "Christ Is Risen": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV42JDKd5c4

Forgiveness and Mercy through the Crucifixion

Good Afternoon, dear reader. Well, we certainly have our work cutout for us with so many readings. So let's get down to business.

Today is a waiting game. Everyone is trying to come to terms with what happened yesterday. How could Jesus be dead? Why did this happen? What do we do now? So many questions and no answers. Or is there?

The first two readings remind us that God created all we have. He reigns over all things living. It also reminds us that sometimes God puts us to a test to see how faithful we will remain when asked to do the impossible. This same theme is brought about in Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea. Moses was facing terrible odds. The Israelites were complaining. They were tired of travelling and not seeing any results. What was the point? They should have stayed where they were and made the best of it. But, Moses hung in there. He knew that this was something God wanted him to do. This can be viewed as Moses's test of faith. Could he still bring these people out of the mire they were in? Could he believe that God wanted this for His people? Moses remained faithful in his quest for God. God provided a way when there appeared to be none.

These readings resonate with me. At the moment, my husbaand and I are facing an impossible situation that doesn't seem to have an answer. We have tried our best and continue to keep going. My fear and anxiety multiply as each day passes. I don't want to face what the outcome will be if something doesn't materialise. But, my husband keeps reminding me to keep my faith in God, that He will provide an answer as He's always done when situations have been dire. 

I will be honest, dear reader. This has not been easy for me. I'm the sort of person who will work and work to find an answer. There has to be a way. There has to be something I can do to fix this. But, now, this time, there's nothing I can do. I've tried. And I have resigned myself to what the consequences will be. I've basically given up. BUT.. I have this teeny little glimmer, my hope in God, that He will somehow pull us out of this. So, I keep soldiering on... and I, as you,..continue to be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on todays readings: https://youtu.be/FDNilYlRmXQ

Hope springs eternal

Good Monday morning to you, dear reader! This morning I bring you the joyousness of miracles! 

Throughout the Gospels we see the many acts that Jesus performs that shows the people He is the true Messiah. These acts can be interpreted to mean that those who believe in Jesus Christ will have eternal life. The healings are a symbol of how His love can renew a broken soul. He brings us hope in life everlasting. 

This is a very similar message from what we discussed yesterday, that when we take what Jesus is offering, when we profess our faith in Him, He gives us new life and that we should celebrate that newness! "The things of the past shall not be remembered, or come to mind" (Is 65:17, NAB). He is reminding us that our past will not be held against us. That we need to leave the past in the past and celebrate the fact that we are His new creation! 

I think that's why Spring is always so glorious! We have survived the dormancy and cold of a long, dark winter and now it is a time to be renewed! I know how excited I was when I saw the first shoots of tulips show up in our front yard just a few weeks ago. And even though we have had snow and cold since then, those early blooms hung in there. In a few more weeks we will, once again, have beautiful flowers that herald the newness of Spring. 

Our faith is much the same. The seeds are planted and nurtured through God's words. The more we care for these little seeds, the greater our faith will be. Even when we feel like we're stuck, when life seems hopeless, we still have those little green shoots of faith. It's just a little harder to see them. We need to pull the weeds of doubt and despair so that our belief will bloom like beautiful flowers!

Examine your spirit today. Are you still in the dormancy of winter? Have you maybe let doubt creep in? Let todays word water your spirit. Let prayer be the fertilizer. Let your belief grow! Rejoice in His goodness! Remember, in a few short weeks, we will celebrate the resurrection and new life of Jesus! 

As always, dear reader, be a nice human. 😇

Here is a truly inspiring video from Jeremy Camp.. "Jesus Saves": https://youtu.be/d-dDZtm8yjM