Philippians 4:19, Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Matthew 5:1-12

Philippians 4:19

God Himself will provide you with everything you need, according to His riches, and show you His generosity in Christ Jesus.

Beloved, I know I can trust You completely in all things great and small. I rest in perfect confidence aware that I need not spend one moment in useless anxiety for You are the King and center of my life.

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

 Those who have the King for a friend, those for whom the will of God is food and drink, those who ensure that they are just in all they do and in all their dealings - those that are humble knowing that all they have has been given to them from the hand of a generous God - will shelter in the heart of the Lord most high and they need not be afraid when the righteous Judge comes to judge them.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

My Beloved, both You and I are fully aware that there is no weaker vessel than myself.  I don't have to enumerate my faults I know them well and You can certainly add many more since You know me better that I know myself and so I h ave nothing to boast about and everything I do well I do it because of You and You alone.  You supply the grace and the power.   Apart from You I am only fit to be thrown on the fire to b e burned for I am nothing without You.  There is no one weaker, sillier, more foolish that I but Your grace O Lord has lifted me.  Any good I do is because You  have been very gracious.

Matthew 5:1-12

Beloved, the Beatitudes are a blue print of You, Your character, Your hallmark and everyone who desires to follow You must make these beatitudes their own.  Every disciple must emulate the Teacher.  May I be among those who gather around You, sit close to Your feet, fix my gaze on You and let my ears listen to the sweetness and wisdom that flows from You and may my heart and my spirit overflow with the life that comes from You.  When You send me as Your witness, may I imitate You, may I be formed by You, may I carry You everywhere I go so the lives of others may be touched by You in me.

Luke 7:23, Hebrews 11:1, 8, 12,13, 17, 19, Mark 4:35, 37-41

Luke 7:23

Fortunate are those who encounter Me but not for their downfall.

What a great pity it is Beloved that so many encounter You but are unmoved for many reasons but mostly because they fear that if they accept You for who You say You are, then they must make a radical change.  There must be a total metanoia and so they find flimsy excuses to deny You and turn away.  Their encounter with You leads to their downfall because they refuse to recognize You

Hebrews 11:1, 8, 12,13, 17, 19

Beloved, thank You for the faith of the grand old prophets of the Old Testament.  Our faith is is rekindled when we read about the marvellous works that God performed because they believed.

Beloved, You have shown me too what You can accomplish with a willing spirit. 

Mark 4:35, 37-41

Beloved, I love the drama narrated in this Scripture passage.  May I always remember that no matter what I have to go though in life, You are there with me.  I am not alone and I need never ever be afraid. 

I can imagine the panic of the disciples and Your utter disappointment at their lack of faith.   Despite the fact that God works marvels in our lives over and over and over again, we are still anxious, worried and afraid.  You want us to be fearless - this proves our faith in You.

1 Maccabees 3:60, Hebrews 10:32, 34, 35-38, 39, Mark 4: 26-32

1 Maccabees 3:60

 May Heaven's will be done in everything.

What a wonderful desire my Beloved. may I always desire this too - that Your will be done always and everywhere. May my own will be one with Your.

Hebrews 10:32, 34, 35-38, 39

You choose the moment when we are ready to receive a personal revelation of Yourself and it is quite often in the midst of sorrow and suffering.  Give me a heart as tender and loving as Your Own.  Teach me to trust in You, to have a lively and loving confidence in You and to trust You and wait for You in patience knowing that in Your time everything will be perfect.  Count me among those who believe Beloved.

Mark 4:26-32

Scatter the seed of Your Word in me Beloved and awake or asleep let it put forth roots in order that I may be deeply implanted in You and bear rich fruit for Your glory.

Take my mustard seed of faith and plant it in Your love and all will shelter in its shade and You will enfold us in Your wings.

Luke 24:45, Hebrews 10:19-25, Mark 4:24-25

Luke 24:45
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Beloved, my own true God, open my mind to understand Your life giving Word and upon understanding may I in turn be able to open the minds of others. Thank You.

Hebrews 10:19-25

19 So, my friends, we are assured of entering the Sanctuary by the blood of Jesus 20 who opened for us this new and living way passing through the curtain, that is, his body. 21 Because we have a high priest in charge of the House of God, 22 let us approach with a sincere heart, with full faith, interiorly cleansed from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

25 Do not abandon the assemblies as some of you do, but encourage one another, and all the more since the Day is drawing near.


Beloved, through Your sacred  Body and Blood we enter into eternal life.  We are cleansed by your passion and the free giving up of Your life in order that we might taste eternity.   Beloved, stretch forth Your hand and steady me.  Help me to encourage other to a greater love for You.

 Mark 4:21-25

21 Jesus also said to them, “When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lamp­­stand. 22 What­ever is hidden will be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. 23 Listen then, if you have ears!” 24 And he also said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you. 25 For to the one who produces something, more will be given, and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

My own Beloved Jesus, my God and my all, make me the lampstand on which Your light shines every brightly so that many may walk in Your light.  These verses hold a promise and a warning.  Help me to produce lasting fruit for the Kingdom and for Your glory. 


Psalm 24:3-4

3 Who will ascend the mountain of the Lord?

Who will stand in his holy place?

4 Those with clean hands and pure heart,

who desire not what is vain,

and never swear to a lie.

 
With You I can ascend the High Mountain of my God.  You stand as the eternal High Priest in the Holy Place and I stand with You for I belong to the Church which is Your Body.  Give me pure hands, a clean heart and a trusting spirit desiring on You always.

Wrapped up snugly in my blanket during my time of prayer I dozed off for a few minutes with the coffee mug in my hand.  I set the mug aside on the table and promptly dozed off again and when I woke up the hour of prayer had passed.

Did not feel guilty though because I learned never again to get so comfortable, especially in winter when I set out to pray.

Thank You Lord.

Acts22:7-8, Psalm 117:2, Mark 16:

Acts 22:7-8

 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me: ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ 8 I answered: ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me: ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you persecute.

It is salutary to remember that we are the body of Christ and when we hurt another, it is Christ Himself that we wound.
 
Mark 16:17-18
17 Signs like these will accompany those who have believed: in my Name they will cast out demons and speak new langu­ages; 18 they will pick up snakes and, if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed. They will lay their hands on the sick and they will be healed.”
Beloved, there is immense power in being members of Your Body yet we live such miserable lives because we lack faith.  Grafted to You all things are possible if we believe.  Lord I believe, help my unbelief!

Psalm 117:2 

2 How great is his love for us!

His faithfulness lasts forever.

God is forever faithful and His love is for all whom He created in love.  We belong to Him.  Alleluia!!!!

Jeremiah 32:39-12, Hebrews 9:15, 24, 28, Psalm 98:3, Mark 3: 28-29

Jeremiah 32:39-41

39 I will have them think and act in another way, so that they may always fear me for their own good and the good of their children.

40 I will forge an eternal covenant with them by which I shall never cease to do them good and I shall place my fear in their heart so that they may never turn away from me.

41 I shall rejoice in doing them good and I shall plant them securely in this land with all my heart and soul.”

My Beloved, what wonderful promises You make to those who are Your own.  I too belong to You my Lord and I am pleased to rest confidently in You knowing with absolute trust that You are true to Your promises.

Hebrews 9:15, 24, 28

15 So Christ is the mediator of a new covenant or testament. His death made atonement for the sins committed under the old testament, and the promise is hand­ed over to all who are called to the everlasting inheritance. . 24  He is now in the presence of God on our behalf.  28 Christ sacrificed himself once to take away the sins of the multitude. 

Here is a continuation of the promise.  Those who believe make bold claims with the utmost confidence because they know You.  Every baptized Christian receives this eternal, everlasting inheritance won for us by Your incarnation, passion, death and glorious resurrection.  Beloved, You are in the Presence of Your Father and there You plead for us - the only mediator between God and man.  You died once for all taking away the sins of the whole world.

Mark 3:28-29

28 Truly, I say to you, every sin will be forgiven humankind, even insults to God, how­­ever numerous. 29 But who­ever slanders the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven: he carries the guilt of his sin forever.”

All the works of the Lord are Good and we cannot attribute evil to what is so clearly and undeniable good .

 

Psalm 98:3

3 He has not forgotten his love nor his faithfulness to Israel. The farthest ends of the earth all have seen God’s saving power.

  

Beloved, You have made a covenant of love and faithfulness with us which stands eternally and cannot be dissolved for You stand by it forever.

 

Job 19:25-27, 1 Corinthians 1: 17, Matthew 4:17, 18,

Job 19:25-27

25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he, the last, will take his stand on earth
26 I will be there behind my skin,
and in my flesh I shall see God.
27 With my own eyes I shall see him –
I and not another. How my heart yearns!

Beloved, when my life is over here on earth and You call me home to heaven, I shall see You as You are.  I will become like You for I will be one with You.  Help me Lord to live my life here on earth in Your shadow, so that even now, I will remain always in Your Holy Presence.

1 Corinthians 1:17

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim His Gospel.  And not with beautiful words! That would be like getting rid of the cross of Christ.

Beloved, help us never to forget the reality of our salvation  and how God brought it about in You, the Incarnate Word

Matthew 4:17, 18, 20, 21, 22

• 17  “Change your ways: the kingdom of heaven is near.”

18  “Come, follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 . Jesus called them.

22 At once they left the boat and their father and followed him

Teach me Beloved to be always alert to Your call and having heard You grant me the grace to follow You as closely as possible.  May Your will rule my life always.

Wisdom 6:9

Wisdom 3:9

Those who trust in Him will penetrate the truth, those who are faithful will live with Him in love for His grace and mercy are for His chosen ones.

How comforting these verses are my Beloved.  I offer You a grateful heart for taking us safely home and bringing us safely back to Kuwait.  you are a faithful God and true to each of Your promises.  It was a blessed and anointed visit with family and You and Your Mama were present.  Thank You for all the blessings heaped on us both spiritual and temporal.  "Those who trust in You will penetrate the truth."  You are the Truth for You h ave said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."  I am often beset by a lack of confidence in myself and my ability.  Grant me the grace to throw myself trustfully on Your mercy and compassion, believing that Yo who have called me will not abandon me.

Beloved, You were misunderstood often it must have wounded You terribly.  When I am misunderstood help me to think of You and then I will not feel so hurt.

Psalm 9:11, Hebrews 2:14, 16, 18, Mark 1:29-31, 35

Psalm 9:11

Those who cherish Your Name, O Lord, can rely on You, for You have never forsaken those who look to You.

My Beloved, my love for You is such a weak, faint little thing and yet it is a love that is offered with my whole mind, heart, soul and strength.  I am a frail, fragile nothing and so I unite myself with Your Mama's so I can love You with her love.

Hebrews 2:

. 14 And because all those children share one same nature of flesh and blood, Jesus likewise had to share this nature. This is why his death destroyed the one holding the power of death, that is the devil.

16 Jesus came to take by the hand not the angels but the hu­man race.  18 Having been tested through suffering, he is able to help those who are tested.

Thank You for destroying death so completely and for crushing Satan's power over men.  Thank You for taking my hand and walking with me in my time of suffering with compassion because You know and understand.

 Mark 1:29-31, 35

• 29 On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 As Simon’s  mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told him about her. 31 Jesus went to her and taking her by the hand, raised her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 35 Very early in the morning, before daylight, Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed.


Beloved, when I leave the Church each morning accompany me.  Come with me to my home, come to my work place.  Occupy the center stage in my life.  I will tell You all my difficulties and You Beloved, after taking me and those I love by the hand and raising us up, will serve You all the days of our lives.

Your grace wakes me up each morning my Lord - stay with me through the day.  I need You.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Hebrews 3: 12, 14, Mark1:40-45

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart; do not rely on your own insight. 6 Let his presence pervade all your ways and he will protect your foot  from the snare.

Beloved, I do trust in You.  Grant me the grace to love and trust You more each day.  I do  not have to trust in my own human insight which is flawed by sin, when I have Your all powerful Word and the Church empowered by Your Holy Spirit to teach and guide me.  Stay beside me my Beloved and should I stumble, hold me up.  Thank You.

Hebrews 3: 12, 14

13 Encourage one another, day by day, as long as it is called to­day.  Let no one become hardened in the deceitful way of sin.   14 We are associated with Christ provided we hold steadfastly to our initial hope until the end.

Just as You encourage me daily, so may I in turn encourage others.  May I allow You to use me to the extent that You wish to.  I want to be associated totally with You holding nothing in reserve.  Help me to cling to You more firmly each day until the end of my days.

 

Mark1:40-45

40 A leper came to Jesus and beg­ged him, “If you so will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” 42 The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean. 43 As Jesus sent the man away, he sternly warned him, 44 “Don’t tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest and for the cleansing bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way you will make your declaration.”

45 However, as soon as the man went out, he began spread­­ing the news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in the rural areas, people came to him from every­­where.

I come to You every morning touched with the leprosy of sin and You are always moved with compassion at my plight.  You reach out each day to touch and heal me.  As often I come to You, You never turn me away.  Give me a joyful heart that never ceases to praise You always and everywhere like the leper who proclaimed the Good News wherever he went.  You have done so much for me and I am silent - may I shout it out from the rooftops my Lord and my God.

Tobit 12:9, Hebrews 2:8, 9, 10, 11, Mark 1:

Tobit 12:9

9 I will praise my God the King of heaven; my soul, radiant with happiness, will proclaim His goodness.

My Beloved, I will praise You all the days of my life.  You are King of heaven and of my life and my home.  I am radiant with happiness and I bless, adore and worship You Lord of Lords and King of Kings always.

Hebrews 2:8, 9, 10, 11

. 8 When it is said that God gave him dominion over all things, nothing is excluded. 9For the merciful plan of God demanded that he experience death on behalf of everyone.

10 God, thought it fitting to make perfect through suffering the initiator of their salvation. 11  He himself is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters

Every one of these verses is beautiful and heartening.  We can be certain that nothing is beyond Your power and influence.  The Father's will demanded that You experience death so we can find meaning in it and we will not feel abandoned.  The Father thought it fitting that You suffer in order that You as the God Man could identify completely with us poor creatures who 'live in a valley of tears.'  We can approach You in any situation confident that You will understand, empathize and heal.

Mark 1:22 , 25, 27

22 The people were astonished at the way he taught, for he spoke as one having authority and not like the teachers of the Law.

25 Then Jesus faced him and said with authority, “Be silent and come out of this man!” 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and, with a loud shriek, came out of him. 

27 All the people were astonished and they wondered, “What is this? With what auth­ority he preaches! He even orders evil spirits and they obey him!” 

 
Beloved, You came with a mandate from the Father.  You knew Your mission, it was clear to You and so You taught and healed with the power and authority of God for You were given dominion over all creation.

2 Kings 20:5, Hebrews 1: 1-3, 6, Mark 1:14, 16, 18-20

2 Kings 20:5
I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears.

My Beloved, thank You for Your assurance.

Hebrews 1:1-3, 6

Brothers ans sisters: 1 God has spoken in the past to our ancestors through the prophets, in many different ways, although never completely; 2 but in our times he has spoken definitively to us through his Son.

He is the one God appointed heir of all things, since through him he unfolded the stages of the world.

3 He is the radiance of God’s Glory and bears the stamp of God’s hidden being, so that his powerful word upholds the universe. And after taking away sin, he took his place at the right hand of the divine Majesty in heaven.

 6 On sending his Firstborn to the world, God says: Let all the angels adore him.s and sisters: "God has spoken in the past to our ancestors through the prophets, in many different ways, although never completely; but in our times he has spoken definitively through His Son. 

Beloved, You are the first, last and only Word of God.  In You He has created all things and he has accomplished all things.  Everything has it being in You and is sustained by You.  You are visible image of the unseen God.  Resplendent in glory,power, beauty and majesty.  You have said that You have heard my prayer and seen my tears.  I believe Lord, help my unbelief.

Mark 1:14, 16, 18-20

14 “The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News.”

16“Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 18 At once, they abandoned their nets and followed him. 19 Jesus went a little farther on and saw James and John, the sons of Ze­be­dee; they were in their boat mending their nets. 20 Immediately, Jesus called them and they followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men.

 
The Kingdom of God is right here within me - You have called me Beloved, nothing will ever matter as much again as heeding Your call and putting aside everything to answer You and follow You faithfully to the end.

Dear St.Joseph through your intercession obtain for me a heart like yours - attentive to the command of God and a prompt and joyful obedience to His will.  

Hosea 14:5-8, Isaiah 42:6, Acts 10:34, 35, Matthew 3:17

Hosea 14:5-8

5 I will heal their wavering

and love them with all my heart

for my anger has turned from them.

6 I shall be like dew to Israel

like the lily will he blossom.

Like a cedar he will send down his roots;

7 his young shoots will grow and spread.

His splendor will be like an olive tree,

his fragrance, like a Lebanon cedar.

8 They will dwell in my shade again,

they will flourish like the grain,

they will blossom like a vine,

and their fame will be like Lebanon wine.

10 Straight are the ways of Yahweh: 

the just walk in them,
These verses my Beloved are like balm to my soul. I am wretched Lord and my shame makes me cringe in humiliation and sorrow for  my stupidity and my foolishness.  I lack the ability even now my God to judge the motives behind my actions.  How much genuine desire to help, heal and love with kindess, gentless and true compession or whether it was self-delusion and self-seeking.  I still do not know.  But You do and I am content.  I know You will correct what is wrong because I ask You to.
Verse 10 reminds me, that Your ways are straight and the just walk in them. 

Isaiah 42:6

I will hold your hand to make you firm;

 
Thank You for Your assurance that You will help my hand and made me firm.
 

Acts 10:34 & 35

“Truly, I realize that God does not show partiality, 

He listens to everyone who fears God and does good.

You love all Your children without showing any partiality for You love us all equally, perfectly and completely.  Your fullness dwells in me to the extent that I am willing to give You a place in my life.  if You live in me then in imitation of You I too must be a blessing to all, a voice that helps to steady and comfort the weak, a hand that reaches out to those who are afraid and alone.

Matthew 3:17

"This is my Son the Beloved; He is my Chosen One. 

Beloved Son of the Living God, God's Chosen One from all eternity to redeem a sinful and fallen world, have pity and mercy on Your poor, miserable creature who wants to love You and live for You alone.  Without the help of Your Presence, I am powerless to do so.  Through the intercession of Mary Your immaculate Mother, grant me the gift of Your most Holy Spirit in order that I may be able to work for the coming of Your Kingdom here on earth.

Isaiah 7:4, 1 John 5:14-15, John 3:27, 29, 30, Psalm 149:4, 6

Isaiah 7:4

4 Stay calm and fear not, do not lose courage.


After the storm comes the calm.  The SUN shines on me again.  The Light of God brings with it healing and peace.    I believe Your Word for Your Name is Truth.

1 John 5:14-15

14 Through him we are fully confident that whatever we ask, according to his will, he will grant us. 15 If we know that he hears us whenever we ask, we know that we already have what we asked of him.

Vs. 14 Assures me that whatever I ask, if it is according to Your will I shall receive.

John 3:27, 29, 30

27 “No one can take on anything except what has been given him from heaven.

29 Only the Bridegroom has the bride.

30 "My joy is now full.  It is necessary that He increase but that I decrease."

In the Gospel I am reminded that I have only that which You, my God have given me nothing more and nothing less.  If in my large begging bowl You decide to place only crumbs than may I be content.  May I always remember that whether I have or not I am still Your bride, I belong to You and all that is Yours is mine.  May this knowledge keep me joyful.  May I continue to be totally Yours always.

Psalm 149:4, 6

4 For the Lord delights in his people;
he crowns the lowly with victory.
6 Let the praise of God be on their lips,
and in their hands two-edged swords,

Job 12:13-25, 1 John 5:5, 6, 13, Luke 5:12,13 14, & 16, Psalm 147:13, 14

Job 12:13-25

13 in God however is wisdom and power;

his are counsel and understanding.

14 What he tears down, none can rebuild;

the one he imprisons, none can release.

15 If he withholds water, there is drought;

if he lets it loose, there is flood.

16 In him are strength and perception;

deceived and deceiver are in his power.

17 He leads counselors away stripped

and makes fools of judges.

18 He loosens the belt of kings

and ties a loincloth about their waist.

19 He leads priests away, barefoot,

and overthrows those in power.

20 He compels advisers to keep silent,

and strips elders of their discernment.

21 He puts princes to shame;

he unties the girdle of the strong.

22 (He uncovers the gloomy recesses

and brings the deep darkness to light.)

23 He makes a nation rise and fall,

a people to grow and to dwindle.

24 He deprives leaders of their judgment,

leaving them to roam in a trackless waste.

25 Without light, they grope in the dark

and stagger like drunkards.

 

If there is one lesson You have taught me Beloved it is that You do not suffer fools gladly.  I have been a fool  and I was brought down low.  What can I say except thank You.  I am fully aware that there was no other way to bring me to my senses except to knock me down in the midst of my wanton, rampant foolishness.  No one does this better than You my Beloved.  I have learned every lesson You have ever taught me well and I shall never forget them for You are a good Teacher and Your works is perfect and thorough.  You do not tolerate silliness in those who have pledged their lives to You sincerely. You have cut deep and You have got rid of the putrid and the rotten and I am clean and new again. Thank You Beloved, Your love has never failed me and I in turn offer You a humble and grateful heart. 

1 John 5:5, 6, 13

5 Who has overcome the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

6 The Spirit is truth.

13You have eternal life, all you who believe in the Name of the Son of God.

Luke 5:12, 13, 14,  & 16

12 “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
13 Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched the man and said, “Yes, I want it. Be clean.” In an instant the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus instructed him, “Tell this to no one. But go and show yourself to the priest. Make an offering for your healing, as Moses prescribed; that should be a proof to the people.” 16 As for Jesus, he would often withdraw to solitary places and pray.

Psalm 147:13, 14

13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates

and blesses your children within you.

14 He grants peace on your borders

and feeds you with the finest grain.

Isaiah 6:5-8, 1 John 5:4, Luke 4:18-19

Isaiah 6:5-8

. 5 I said, “Poor me! I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips, and yet I have seen the King, Yahweh Sabaoth.”

6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me; in his hands was a live coal which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said,

“See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” I answered, “Here I am. Send me!”

Mama dearest rain kisses all over my face with those lips that pressed against the feet of Your Son as He hung nailed and dying to the Cross; lips stained with His most precious Blood, so that I may be cleansed and purified by the Blood of the Lamb.  Then call me by name and send me armed with Your Word and Your Spirit to be Your witness in the world.

1 John 5:4

the victory which overcomes the world is our faith.

Yes Lord, it is this faith which is a gift that enables us to be victorious in every aspect of our life.  Our faith in You and in Your Word and in the Church You have established.

Luke 4:18-19

: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and new sight to the blind; to free the oppressed 19 and announce the Lord’s year of mercy.”

Your Spirit continues to work powerfully in the world in the the Church today.  Continue my Beloved to empower the Church,her ministers as well as her faithful to be Your Voice in a sinful, dark and wicked world.

Luke 24:29, 1 John 4:12, 17, 18, Mark 6: 45-52

Luke 24:29

“Stay with us, for night comes quickly. The day is now almost over.” So he went in to stay with them

Stay with us Beloved - do not leave us orphans.  We are fast approaching the evening of our lives and we need You to say with us.  Sometimes the dark can be frightening Lord and we can feel alone.  Stay with us.

1 John 4:12, 17, 18, 

12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love comes to its perfection in us.

17 When do we know that we have reached a perfect love? When in this world, we are like him in everything, and expect with confidence the Day of Judgment.

18 There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives away fear, for fear has to do with punishment; those who fear do not know perfect love.

We do not have to see You physically  - we know You abide more intimately in us.  The proof that You live in us is seen in our love for one another. Beloved how hard it is to love but knowing that You still love us despite our unworthiness makes it easier to love others.  To be like You in every way is when we will know that we have been perfected in love. 

Mark 6: 48,-52

48 Jesus saw his disciples straining at the oars, for the wind was against them,

50“Courage! It’s me; don’t be afraid.” 

Beloved You were physically exhausted - yet You stayed behind sending the disciples away.  You made sure that everyone was both physically and spiritually satisfied before You sent them away and then You Yourself went to spend time alone with the Source of Your strength.  To be re-charged Yourself with the love of Your Father.  Let me rest in You Beloved when my resources are depleted.  

Ezekiel 17:23, 1John 4:10, Mark 6:34, 42

Ezekiel 17:23

23 On a lofty, massive mountain, on a high mountain of Israel I will plant it. It will produce branches and bear fruit and become a magnificent cedar. Birds of all kinds will nest in it and find shelter in its branches.

Beloved, here in the Old Testament we read a verse that You will echo in Matthew 12:32.  Here is an analogy of Your Bride the Church.  She has grown from the seed of Your Word, the Incarnate Word who was made flesh and who dwelt among us.

Within the Church everyone finds a home and all are welcome.  We belong and we are fed and there we are kept safe from the snares of the Enemy.  There is no life apart from the life we receive through being grafted to You in Baptism and becoming members of God's family.  We are privileged to call God our Father.

1 John 4:10

10 This is love: not that we loved God but that he first loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

This is the hallmark of God. 

Mark 6:34, 42

34 As Jesus went ashore he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them.

42 They all ate and everyone had enough.

The mark of God's authentic love is His compassion for us.  It is a compassion born of love and His complete knowledge of us.  When God feeds us,He does so until we are satisfied.  He alone can give us what we need and He gives it to the fullest.  As we feed on the Word made flesh, we must be transformed into Christ, the Beloved.

Jeremiah 9:22-23, 1 John 4:1-2, 6, Psalm 2:8, 11

Jeremiah 9:22-23

• 22 It is Yahweh who speaks:

“Let not the wise boast of his wisdom,

nor the valiant of his valor

nor the wealthy of his wealth!

23 But if someone wants to boast,

let him boast of this:

of understanding and knowing me.

I am Yahweh, the merciful;

I implement justice

and rule the world with righteousness.

For in these things I delight,”

this is Yahweh’s word.

M--- mine, if you want to grow, stay within the arms of Holy Mother Church, my Spouse and my Bride.  Through her, you shall be nourished and you will receive all you need to grow.  Remain in her embrace and as I pour out rich graces on her, you will be nourished and fed on manna made from the finest wheat and honey that is sweet.  You will grow strong and radiant with the strength and beauty of your Lord.

1 John 4:1-2, 6

• 1 My beloved, do not trust every inspiration. Test the spirits to see whether they come from God, because many false prophets are now in the world. 2 How will you recognize the spirit of God? Any spirit recognizing Jesus as the Christ who has taken our flesh is of God

6 We are of God and those who know God listen to us, but those who are not of God ignore us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error as well.

Here is a simple test my Beloved that can show us whether we stand on the side of Truth or on the side of error.

Psalm 2:8, 11

8 Ask of me and I will give you

the nations for your inheritance,

the ends of the earth for your possession.

11 Serve the Lord with fear

and fall at his feet;

lest he be angry and you perish

when his anger suddenly flares.

Blessed are all who take refuge in him!

All we have to do is ask and we shall receive all we need to lives lives pleasing to You.  May I nestle close to You Beloved as I take refuge in You.