“Shalom be with you!” There is no greater gift God gives than Shalom. Shalom connotes a wholeness and well being that flows from communion with God. How desperat ely our troubled world needs Shalom!
Thursday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 3:11-26
Psalm 8:2ab+5, 6-7, 8-9
Luke 24:35-48 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36 As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37 But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem . 48 You are witnesses of these things.
Meditation by Dick Hauser, S.J.
Jesus’ regular greeting to disciples in his resurrection appearances is simple: “Peace be with you!” “Shalom be with you!” And so in today’s Gospel Jesus greets the “startled and terrified” disciples gathered to hear the account of his appearance in Emmaus in the breaking of the bread.
“Shalom be with you!” There is no greater gift God gives than Shalom. Shalom connotes a wholeness and well being that flows from communion with God. This gift unites the receiver through God with the entire human community and with the entire created universe.
It is important to remember that the Paschal Mystery does not conclude with Jesus’ death on Calvary . No, the culmination of the paschal mystery is the resurrection of Jesus and the gift of Shalom given by the Resurrected Jesus. Yes, Jesus’ death and resurrection not only pay the price for sins but simultaneously elevate us to sons and daughters of God. We become beloved children of God through this gift of Shalom, the gift of Jesus’ presence through his Spirit!
Note also the healing of the crippled man in the first reading. Why are there so many healing miracles in the New Testament? I think the answer is simple: human wholeness depends on faith in Jesus. Jesus regularly heals the blind and the deaf and the diseased and the crippled. Physical infirmities are signs of human need and limitation. Jesus’ healing of these human limitations are signs. These signs point to the total transformation of the human condition through faith in Jesus. Human wholeness depends on faith in Jesus!
How desperat ely our troubled world needs Shalom! This Easter Season let’s be especially attentive to the Resurrected Jesus’ greeting to us and to our troubled world: “Peace be with you!” “Shalom be with you!”
Supplementary Reading
Abundance
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap" Luke 6:38
God is a god of abundance! He wants to pour out His abundance on you until you are so full that you are running over with His abundance! But, notice how today's verse starts. It says, "Give and it will be given to you." That's because your giving sets the blessing of God into motion in your life. When you give, you plant a seed. If you were to plant an apple seed, you wouldn't just grow one single fruit. No, that one seed grows into a tree that produces an abundance of apples! That's what happens when you obey God in your giving. You get an abundant harvest in return. You reap so much that you have to give it away and the cycle just keeps repeating itself!
Is there something the Lord is telling you to give today? What do you have in your hand that you can bless someone else with? It can be financial or material, but take a step of faith today and open the door to His abundance in every area of your life!
Father in heaven, I receive Your Word into my heart today. Thank You for choosing to bless me so that I can be a blessing to others. Show me ways to bless others and teach me to receive all You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Apr 7, 2010 - Wednesday Meditation (Road to Emmaus)
St. Augustine of Hippo (5th century) reflects on the dimness of their perception: "They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind". How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us?
Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 3:1-10
Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Luke 24:13-35 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma'us, about seven miles from Jerusalem , 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel . Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning 23 and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." 25 And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem ; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34 who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Meditation by Don Schwager
Why was it difficult for the disciples to recognize the risen Lord? Jesus' death scattered his disciples and shattered their hopes and dreams. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel . They saw the cross as defeat and could not comprehend the empty tomb until the Lord appeared to them and gave them understanding. Jesus chided the disciples on the road to Emmaus for their slowness of heart to believe what the scriptures had said concerning the Messiah. They did not recognize the risen Jesus until he had broken bread with them. Do you recognize the Lord in his word and in the breaking of the bread?
St. Augustine of Hippo (5th century) reflects on the dimness of their perception: "They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind" (Sermon 235.1). "Their eyes were obstructed, that they should not recognize him until the breaking of the bread. And thus, in accordance with the state of their minds, which was still ignorant of the truth (that the Christ would die and rise again", their eyes were similarly hindered. It was not that the truth himself was misleading them, but rather that they were themselves unable to perceive the truth." (From The Harmony of the Gospels, 3.25.72) How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us? The Risen Lord is ever ready to speak his word to us and to give us understanding of his ways. Do you listen attentiv ely to the Word of God and allow his word to change and transform you?
"Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart to recognize your presence with me and to understand the truth of your saving word. Nourish me with your life-giving word and with the bread of life."
Supplementary Reading
Restoration
"And the God of all grace…will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" I Peter 5:10
Have you experienced destruction in your past? God wants to complet ely restore you. He wants to make you strong, firm and steadfast—He wants to make you better than before!
Sometimes, when you are in the midst of difficulty, you can't quite see the restoration God has prepared. You can't quite see how He can turn it around for your good. But that's when you have to take a step of faith and trust that He is the God of restoration, and He is working behind the scenes on your behalf!
Father God, thank You for being a restorer and a rewarder of the people who seek You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes in my life, ready to bring Your restoration. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 3:1-10
Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Luke 24:13-35 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma'us, about seven miles from Jerusalem , 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel . Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning 23 and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." 25 And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem ; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34 who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Meditation by Don Schwager
Why was it difficult for the disciples to recognize the risen Lord? Jesus' death scattered his disciples and shattered their hopes and dreams. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel . They saw the cross as defeat and could not comprehend the empty tomb until the Lord appeared to them and gave them understanding. Jesus chided the disciples on the road to Emmaus for their slowness of heart to believe what the scriptures had said concerning the Messiah. They did not recognize the risen Jesus until he had broken bread with them. Do you recognize the Lord in his word and in the breaking of the bread?
St. Augustine of Hippo (5th century) reflects on the dimness of their perception: "They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind" (Sermon 235.1). "Their eyes were obstructed, that they should not recognize him until the breaking of the bread. And thus, in accordance with the state of their minds, which was still ignorant of the truth (that the Christ would die and rise again", their eyes were similarly hindered. It was not that the truth himself was misleading them, but rather that they were themselves unable to perceive the truth." (From The Harmony of the Gospels, 3.25.72) How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us? The Risen Lord is ever ready to speak his word to us and to give us understanding of his ways. Do you listen attentiv ely to the Word of God and allow his word to change and transform you?
"Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart to recognize your presence with me and to understand the truth of your saving word. Nourish me with your life-giving word and with the bread of life."
Supplementary Reading
Restoration
"And the God of all grace…will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" I Peter 5:10
Have you experienced destruction in your past? God wants to complet ely restore you. He wants to make you strong, firm and steadfast—He wants to make you better than before!
Sometimes, when you are in the midst of difficulty, you can't quite see the restoration God has prepared. You can't quite see how He can turn it around for your good. But that's when you have to take a step of faith and trust that He is the God of restoration, and He is working behind the scenes on your behalf!
Father God, thank You for being a restorer and a rewarder of the people who seek You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes in my life, ready to bring Your restoration. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Apr 6, 2010 - Tuesday Meditation (That Your Joy Maybe Full)
If there's an area of your life that you know you need to make some adjustments to in order to be in obedience to His Word, do it today. Don't waste another moment disconnected from the Father. Instead, choose to obey and choose love, that your joy may be full!
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 2:36-41
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20+22
John 20:11-18 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18 Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Meditation by Deb Fortina
Acts 2:36-41 “…’Repent and be baptized, every one of you…For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.’…”
Psalm 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22 “…upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full…”
John 20: 11-18 “… ‘Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him. Jesus said to her, “Mary!”’…”
St. Crescentia Hoess, (1682-1744) Born in a town near Augsburg , her family was extrem ely poor. So much so the convent could not afford to take her in the first time she knocked on their door. St. Crescentia is known for her humility and kindness to everyone, especially the poor. She not only joined the order, but later became their Mother Superior. Her order began thriving after she took over, and had them focus on prayer especially in prayer in quiet. (See Saints of the day website)
I admit I had fallen away from some of my better prayer practices lat ely , the result of being too plugged into the world around me. And so today when I read the Gospel, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a call back to spend some quality time with the Word, and I gave myself permission to turn off the radio programs, and other news programs and just be with the Lord for the day. It was one of those gifts you could miss receiving, because the Lord’s voice is subtle and best heard when we are quiet.
The Gospel reading from John is about Mary Magdalene encountering the Lord at the Tomb after He has risen from the dead. Yes, the Easter Season is filled with good news, and this passage in particular is one of my favorites. In 1995, I was on a silent weekend retreat with Nebraska Contemplative Outreach, and we learned the practice of praying with scripture using lectio divina. It was this passage from John’s Gospel that was used by the retreat director and so reading it brought back fond memories. We were shown a monastic approach, and so the retreat director read the passage several times slowly; eventually letting one or two sentences remain with the others not being repeated. The words that remained in reading that passage are listed above, and capture the moment when Mary Magdalene realizes Jesus is risen, not taken away from the grave, but actually there in the graveyard in front of her. Her grief turns into so much joy, and you can tell Jesus is happy too, to be able to give her this gift. It is a glorious hope-filled moment. The experience of praying with scripture left a great memory, so much so that when I was asked to participate in writing a reflection during Lent in 1998, I took the plunge and said yes, and here we are today, twelve years later.
In the first reading from Acts, the difference in Peter is so noticeable; it doesn’t seem like the same person. Peter had moved along in the shadows, trying not to be noticed when Jesus was captured and dragged into the courts before being sentenced to death. And now he is speaking boldly about Jesus being “Lord and Christ” and calling people to repentance and conversion. As he is filled with the Holy Spirit he tells all of us we will be given the gift of this same Spirit too. We walk with Easter joy.
Supplementary Reading
That Your Joy May Be Full
"As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" John 15:9–11
Is your joy full today? When something is full, there really isn't room for any more. It's a feeling of complete satisfaction. God wants your joy to be full! But too many people drag through the day with a sour outlook, no enthusiasm. They hardly ever smile. They never laugh anymore. Everything is a burden. But God never created us to endure life, He created us to enjoy life. We’re not supposed to go around with a long face, negative, discouraged, sour, and grumpy. As believers, you and I are supposed to be the happiest people on earth. Everywhere we go we should be so full of joy that we brighten other people’s day. Here’s the key: we have to choose love by choosing to obey the commands of Almighty God. That’s how our joy is full and complete.
If there's an area of your life that you know you need to make some adjustments to in order to be in obedience to His Word, do it today. Don't waste another moment disconnected from the Father. Instead, choose to obey and choose love, that your joy may be full!
Father God, I humbly come to You today. I ask for You peace and wisdom to do what is right in Your site. Thank You for filling me with You joy as I choose love by choosing to obey Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 2:36-41
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20+22
John 20:11-18 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18 Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Meditation by Deb Fortina
Acts 2:36-41 “…’Repent and be baptized, every one of you…For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.’…”
Psalm 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22 “…upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full…”
John 20: 11-18 “… ‘Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him. Jesus said to her, “Mary!”’…”
St. Crescentia Hoess, (1682-1744) Born in a town near Augsburg , her family was extrem ely poor. So much so the convent could not afford to take her in the first time she knocked on their door. St. Crescentia is known for her humility and kindness to everyone, especially the poor. She not only joined the order, but later became their Mother Superior. Her order began thriving after she took over, and had them focus on prayer especially in prayer in quiet. (See Saints of the day website)
I admit I had fallen away from some of my better prayer practices lat ely , the result of being too plugged into the world around me. And so today when I read the Gospel, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a call back to spend some quality time with the Word, and I gave myself permission to turn off the radio programs, and other news programs and just be with the Lord for the day. It was one of those gifts you could miss receiving, because the Lord’s voice is subtle and best heard when we are quiet.
The Gospel reading from John is about Mary Magdalene encountering the Lord at the Tomb after He has risen from the dead. Yes, the Easter Season is filled with good news, and this passage in particular is one of my favorites. In 1995, I was on a silent weekend retreat with Nebraska Contemplative Outreach, and we learned the practice of praying with scripture using lectio divina. It was this passage from John’s Gospel that was used by the retreat director and so reading it brought back fond memories. We were shown a monastic approach, and so the retreat director read the passage several times slowly; eventually letting one or two sentences remain with the others not being repeated. The words that remained in reading that passage are listed above, and capture the moment when Mary Magdalene realizes Jesus is risen, not taken away from the grave, but actually there in the graveyard in front of her. Her grief turns into so much joy, and you can tell Jesus is happy too, to be able to give her this gift. It is a glorious hope-filled moment. The experience of praying with scripture left a great memory, so much so that when I was asked to participate in writing a reflection during Lent in 1998, I took the plunge and said yes, and here we are today, twelve years later.
In the first reading from Acts, the difference in Peter is so noticeable; it doesn’t seem like the same person. Peter had moved along in the shadows, trying not to be noticed when Jesus was captured and dragged into the courts before being sentenced to death. And now he is speaking boldly about Jesus being “Lord and Christ” and calling people to repentance and conversion. As he is filled with the Holy Spirit he tells all of us we will be given the gift of this same Spirit too. We walk with Easter joy.
Supplementary Reading
That Your Joy May Be Full
"As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" John 15:9–11
Is your joy full today? When something is full, there really isn't room for any more. It's a feeling of complete satisfaction. God wants your joy to be full! But too many people drag through the day with a sour outlook, no enthusiasm. They hardly ever smile. They never laugh anymore. Everything is a burden. But God never created us to endure life, He created us to enjoy life. We’re not supposed to go around with a long face, negative, discouraged, sour, and grumpy. As believers, you and I are supposed to be the happiest people on earth. Everywhere we go we should be so full of joy that we brighten other people’s day. Here’s the key: we have to choose love by choosing to obey the commands of Almighty God. That’s how our joy is full and complete.
If there's an area of your life that you know you need to make some adjustments to in order to be in obedience to His Word, do it today. Don't waste another moment disconnected from the Father. Instead, choose to obey and choose love, that your joy may be full!
Father God, I humbly come to You today. I ask for You peace and wisdom to do what is right in Your site. Thank You for filling me with You joy as I choose love by choosing to obey Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Apr 5, 2010 - Monday Meditation (Do Not Be Afraid! Tell the World... JESUS Lives!)
For Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, it is a fear of the unexpected and the unknown as they encounter an empty tomb. “Do not be afraid! Then he gives them the mission to spread the news and let others know that they will encounter him.
Monday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 2:14, 22-32
Psalm 16:1-2a+5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Matthew 28:8-15 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee , and there they will see me." 11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, "Tell people, `His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Meditation by Maureen McCann Waldron
“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed.…” Matt 28:8
From the moment we are born, we are brought into a world of the unknowns - and fear becomes a part of our lives. Today's Gospel offers us two very different but very human looks at fear.
For Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, it is a fear of the unexpected and the unknown as they encounter an empty tomb. Just before this Gospel begins, the women are told by an angel, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.” They hurry away and their thoughts must been racing as they try to make sense of something incomprehensible. Jesus' body is gone? An angel has told them not to be afraid? What in the world has happened to Jesus?
And then he is there himself: Jesus is coming toward them, greeting them and we can imagine their stunned reaction and their joy as they embrace him. The first thing he says to them are the words we have heard him speak so many times, “Do not be afraid.” He is telling them to trust in him, to trust in this experience and in this unknown. Then he gives them the mission to spread the news and let others know that they will encounter him. Their fear has been turned to joy by the presence of Jesus in their lives.
The other fear is in the second part of the Gospel: while the Marys are hurrying back to the city, the guards, now wide awake and frightened, tell the chief priests what has happened. Jesus' body is gone! The elders and chief priests are also deeply afraid, but their fear is the kind all of us have rooted in the darker parts of our souls. Their fear is about losing power and control and having the people begin to believe in Jesus, this unlik ely King of the Jews. This kind of fear, so tangled in our insecurities and lack of trust, creates more complexities. Lies are created, money exchanged. In case the soldiers fear for their jobs, they are reassured: “if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
We can imagine the very different reactions to fear at the end of this story. Mary Magdalene running back, filled with joy, bursting with the incredible news for the Apostles: Jesus is alive! He is risen! In the face of their disbelief, her story of her encounter with Jesus will tumble out in joy and laughter and is rooted in the truth.
It is this same kind of knowing we see in the first reading as Peter feels the truth deep in his soul. It gives the timid and afraid leader the courage to fearlessly proclaim the story of the resurrection. Peter stands up and raises his voice loudly to tell to the crowd that God raised Jesus up, “releasing him from the throes of death.”
On the other side? The guards trudge home, puzzled, afraid of what they don't understand, afraid of being caught in this lie. The chief priests are soured with fears, lies and deceptions. Who among us can be trusted with the truth? Will the frightening truth leak out? Can we all keep our stories straight? What will we lose if people find out the real story? They move farther from the truth and the Good News of Jesus' life and resurrection.
Dear Jesus, on this great day after Easter, help us to hand our fears over to you. Today, in all of the terrors and anxieties that we face, both those that are real and those that are not, we ask for the light of your truth to shine in our hearts. Give us the sense of your presence deep in our hearts and fill us with your Spirit so that our hearts find a new courage to proclaim you with joy.
Supplementary Reading
Victory
"But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 15:57
God wants to pour out His favor on you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life. The scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! That means, no matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need—physically, spiritually, or emotionally? God's favor will bring you provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.
Many times in the Bible when God's people were going into battle, the worshipers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are opening the door to His favor in your life. That's why I always say, magnify your God; don't magnify your problems! When you give praise to God, you'll see Him move on your behalf, and He'll lead you into victory in every area of your life!
Father in heaven, today I give You thanks for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for leading me into victory! I magnify You and bless Your holy name today. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Monday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 2:14, 22-32
Psalm 16:1-2a+5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Matthew 28:8-15 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee , and there they will see me." 11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, "Tell people, `His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Meditation by Maureen McCann Waldron
“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed.…” Matt 28:8
From the moment we are born, we are brought into a world of the unknowns - and fear becomes a part of our lives. Today's Gospel offers us two very different but very human looks at fear.
For Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, it is a fear of the unexpected and the unknown as they encounter an empty tomb. Just before this Gospel begins, the women are told by an angel, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.” They hurry away and their thoughts must been racing as they try to make sense of something incomprehensible. Jesus' body is gone? An angel has told them not to be afraid? What in the world has happened to Jesus?
And then he is there himself: Jesus is coming toward them, greeting them and we can imagine their stunned reaction and their joy as they embrace him. The first thing he says to them are the words we have heard him speak so many times, “Do not be afraid.” He is telling them to trust in him, to trust in this experience and in this unknown. Then he gives them the mission to spread the news and let others know that they will encounter him. Their fear has been turned to joy by the presence of Jesus in their lives.
The other fear is in the second part of the Gospel: while the Marys are hurrying back to the city, the guards, now wide awake and frightened, tell the chief priests what has happened. Jesus' body is gone! The elders and chief priests are also deeply afraid, but their fear is the kind all of us have rooted in the darker parts of our souls. Their fear is about losing power and control and having the people begin to believe in Jesus, this unlik ely King of the Jews. This kind of fear, so tangled in our insecurities and lack of trust, creates more complexities. Lies are created, money exchanged. In case the soldiers fear for their jobs, they are reassured: “if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
We can imagine the very different reactions to fear at the end of this story. Mary Magdalene running back, filled with joy, bursting with the incredible news for the Apostles: Jesus is alive! He is risen! In the face of their disbelief, her story of her encounter with Jesus will tumble out in joy and laughter and is rooted in the truth.
It is this same kind of knowing we see in the first reading as Peter feels the truth deep in his soul. It gives the timid and afraid leader the courage to fearlessly proclaim the story of the resurrection. Peter stands up and raises his voice loudly to tell to the crowd that God raised Jesus up, “releasing him from the throes of death.”
On the other side? The guards trudge home, puzzled, afraid of what they don't understand, afraid of being caught in this lie. The chief priests are soured with fears, lies and deceptions. Who among us can be trusted with the truth? Will the frightening truth leak out? Can we all keep our stories straight? What will we lose if people find out the real story? They move farther from the truth and the Good News of Jesus' life and resurrection.
Dear Jesus, on this great day after Easter, help us to hand our fears over to you. Today, in all of the terrors and anxieties that we face, both those that are real and those that are not, we ask for the light of your truth to shine in our hearts. Give us the sense of your presence deep in our hearts and fill us with your Spirit so that our hearts find a new courage to proclaim you with joy.
Supplementary Reading
Victory
"But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 15:57
God wants to pour out His favor on you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life. The scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! That means, no matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need—physically, spiritually, or emotionally? God's favor will bring you provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.
Many times in the Bible when God's people were going into battle, the worshipers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are opening the door to His favor in your life. That's why I always say, magnify your God; don't magnify your problems! When you give praise to God, you'll see Him move on your behalf, and He'll lead you into victory in every area of your life!
Father in heaven, today I give You thanks for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for leading me into victory! I magnify You and bless Your holy name today. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Apr 4, 2010 - Resurrection Sunday (Tell the World that JESUS LIVES!)
The good news is that we believe the Good News that Jesus has risen and so have we. We have risen above the natural earthly demand for more light. Thank God, the two runners did not stay until they figured it all out. We would all still be in the dark.
Easter Sunday-The Resurrection of the Lord
John 20:1-9 Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Meditation by Larry Gillick
PRE-PRAYERING
We have been preparing for this Easter celebration with the prayer of Lent. We have been readying ourselves to welcome our newly-baptized members. We have been praying with the call back to our own baptismal innocence. We now pray forwardly; leaning towards the adventure of living Christ’s life within us more publicly.
We pray to toss out the old “yeast” and allow God’s “yeast of grace” to leaven our human dough and inspire us to rise to full stature as his body. We ask to be “untombed” ourselves from fear, self-negativity and agenda-driven convenience. If we do not rise then his rising remains mer ely His personal history. We can pray for the grace of making his rising our communal Good News!
REFLECTION
It has rained in our part of the world which is bringing the grass back from winter’s death-grip. This morning the sun’s warmth seemed to dust off our little lawn and I heard it say, “Now there, forget what winter has done. There is life again and I offer it to you and help you see it.”
Four months ago, just before Christmas, the sun began its return towards our half of the globe. The ancient celebrations of its return proclaimed hope, fruitfulness and life. We have Easter symbols of little chickens scratching their way out of eggshells. We have little baby rabbits hopping playfully around young children. We have Easter Flowers to sing the ancient hymn which I heard on our front lawn this morning. The sun rose and by its light we see all things anew. Death has been conquered and life belongs again to the living.
The Son of God rises and like the sun of the heavens, he springs into life, untombed himself, he says, “Death is no more the ultimate human experience. The soul’s winter is past. Come out and enjoy the Son’s shining warmth.”
We will be listening these next two months of the adventures of the early Church from the Acts of the Apostles. First, we hear from Peter who has been summoned from Jaffa to Caesarea by a centurion by the name of Cornelius who had a vision during his prayer. He was advised to fetch Peter who would enlighten him. What we hear is Peter’s little summary of Jesus’ call, life’s labors and how he was killed. He then relates how Jesus had been seen by believers and how faith in him continues Jesus’ ministry of healing. The result of Peter’s interpretation and then the proclamation of who Jesus is and what He did moves Cornelius and his fellow listeners to be baptized.
The Gospel opens with the darkness just before dawn. This again is an artistic form for the writer of this account; good things happen in the light and bad things occur in the dark. Something really good is about to happen, but not quite just yet. Mary Magdala comes to the tomb while still in the dark about Jesus’ having risen, but it is not night, but the dawning of the light is very near. She notices the stone’s having been rolled aside, but she is still in the dark about its true meaning.
Mary informs Peter and the “disciple whom Jesus loved” of her experience and so, they run back with differing times in arrival. They are moving slowly into something dawning on them. Jesus is not there, but having some little evidence, they believe what they see and begin living what they believe. This is exactly how history began becoming news, Good News. These two runners did not just sit down and try to figure this whole thing out. They remembered, they believed and they left Jesus’ tomb and began his resurrection in them.
We may be in the dark about how the Resurrection took place. We can intellectually stay in the tomb of our prideful minds until some light turns us on. The early believers saw what they saw and believed what they could not see. They began making news by their living in the light, in the day of hope. Seeing, having to see, demanding to see lead ultimat ely to frustration and back into the dark.
Dawn is such a wonderful Easter symbol. Many Christians celebrate Easter by attending “Sunrise Services”. At dawn though, which is the time in which we actually live, things are just coming into view. Peter and the other disciple saw, but it was the dawning of the dawn, not the noon of eternal clarity. I assume folks who wake up early to catch and celebrate the Easter sunrise, feel cheated or sad when clouds dim the sun’s light and warmth. The news from the early Church was and is that we have just the exact right amount to see and still believe. Having to see signs, evidence, written reports and such is a form of blindness; blinded by what we see or have to see.
We who believe are untombed to make news by how we live with what we have seen and not seen. The good news is that we have newly baptized members in our midst. The good news is that we believe the Good News that Jesus has risen and so have we. We have risen above the natural earthly demand for more light. I still hear this morning’s hymn on our lawn, “Winter’s grip has ended; look around and see what you see and believe.” Thank God, the two runners did not stay until they figured it all out. We would all still be in the dark.
“He fathers forth whose beauty is past change. Praise Him” G. M. Hopkins, S.J.
Supplementary Reading
Your Appointed Time
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarries, wait for it" Habakkuk 2:3
God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams, and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you've tried and failed doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Don't give up on those dreams! Don't be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it's been, no matter how impossible things look, if you'll stay in faith, your set time is coming.
Remember, every dream that's in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today. Declare by faith, "My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!" As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won't be long before you see them begin to take shape. You'll see your faith grow, you'll see your hope strengthen, and you'll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!
Father in heaven, I receive Your Word which is life and health to me today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Easter Sunday-The Resurrection of the Lord
John 20:1-9 Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Meditation by Larry Gillick
PRE-PRAYERING
We have been preparing for this Easter celebration with the prayer of Lent. We have been readying ourselves to welcome our newly-baptized members. We have been praying with the call back to our own baptismal innocence. We now pray forwardly; leaning towards the adventure of living Christ’s life within us more publicly.
We pray to toss out the old “yeast” and allow God’s “yeast of grace” to leaven our human dough and inspire us to rise to full stature as his body. We ask to be “untombed” ourselves from fear, self-negativity and agenda-driven convenience. If we do not rise then his rising remains mer ely His personal history. We can pray for the grace of making his rising our communal Good News!
REFLECTION
It has rained in our part of the world which is bringing the grass back from winter’s death-grip. This morning the sun’s warmth seemed to dust off our little lawn and I heard it say, “Now there, forget what winter has done. There is life again and I offer it to you and help you see it.”
Four months ago, just before Christmas, the sun began its return towards our half of the globe. The ancient celebrations of its return proclaimed hope, fruitfulness and life. We have Easter symbols of little chickens scratching their way out of eggshells. We have little baby rabbits hopping playfully around young children. We have Easter Flowers to sing the ancient hymn which I heard on our front lawn this morning. The sun rose and by its light we see all things anew. Death has been conquered and life belongs again to the living.
The Son of God rises and like the sun of the heavens, he springs into life, untombed himself, he says, “Death is no more the ultimate human experience. The soul’s winter is past. Come out and enjoy the Son’s shining warmth.”
We will be listening these next two months of the adventures of the early Church from the Acts of the Apostles. First, we hear from Peter who has been summoned from Jaffa to Caesarea by a centurion by the name of Cornelius who had a vision during his prayer. He was advised to fetch Peter who would enlighten him. What we hear is Peter’s little summary of Jesus’ call, life’s labors and how he was killed. He then relates how Jesus had been seen by believers and how faith in him continues Jesus’ ministry of healing. The result of Peter’s interpretation and then the proclamation of who Jesus is and what He did moves Cornelius and his fellow listeners to be baptized.
The Gospel opens with the darkness just before dawn. This again is an artistic form for the writer of this account; good things happen in the light and bad things occur in the dark. Something really good is about to happen, but not quite just yet. Mary Magdala comes to the tomb while still in the dark about Jesus’ having risen, but it is not night, but the dawning of the light is very near. She notices the stone’s having been rolled aside, but she is still in the dark about its true meaning.
Mary informs Peter and the “disciple whom Jesus loved” of her experience and so, they run back with differing times in arrival. They are moving slowly into something dawning on them. Jesus is not there, but having some little evidence, they believe what they see and begin living what they believe. This is exactly how history began becoming news, Good News. These two runners did not just sit down and try to figure this whole thing out. They remembered, they believed and they left Jesus’ tomb and began his resurrection in them.
We may be in the dark about how the Resurrection took place. We can intellectually stay in the tomb of our prideful minds until some light turns us on. The early believers saw what they saw and believed what they could not see. They began making news by their living in the light, in the day of hope. Seeing, having to see, demanding to see lead ultimat ely to frustration and back into the dark.
Dawn is such a wonderful Easter symbol. Many Christians celebrate Easter by attending “Sunrise Services”. At dawn though, which is the time in which we actually live, things are just coming into view. Peter and the other disciple saw, but it was the dawning of the dawn, not the noon of eternal clarity. I assume folks who wake up early to catch and celebrate the Easter sunrise, feel cheated or sad when clouds dim the sun’s light and warmth. The news from the early Church was and is that we have just the exact right amount to see and still believe. Having to see signs, evidence, written reports and such is a form of blindness; blinded by what we see or have to see.
We who believe are untombed to make news by how we live with what we have seen and not seen. The good news is that we have newly baptized members in our midst. The good news is that we believe the Good News that Jesus has risen and so have we. We have risen above the natural earthly demand for more light. I still hear this morning’s hymn on our lawn, “Winter’s grip has ended; look around and see what you see and believe.” Thank God, the two runners did not stay until they figured it all out. We would all still be in the dark.
“He fathers forth whose beauty is past change. Praise Him” G. M. Hopkins, S.J.
Supplementary Reading
Your Appointed Time
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarries, wait for it" Habakkuk 2:3
God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams, and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you've tried and failed doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Don't give up on those dreams! Don't be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it's been, no matter how impossible things look, if you'll stay in faith, your set time is coming.
Remember, every dream that's in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today. Declare by faith, "My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!" As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won't be long before you see them begin to take shape. You'll see your faith grow, you'll see your hope strengthen, and you'll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!
Father in heaven, I receive Your Word which is life and health to me today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen. (Joel Osteen)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Apr 3, 2010 - Saturday Meditation (From the Grave to the Sky, LORD I LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH!)
It is significant that the disciples had to first deal with the empty tomb before they could come to grips with the fact that scripture had foretold that Jesus would die for our sins and then rise triumphant. They disbelieved until they saw the empty tomb. "To behold the resurrection, the stone must first be rolled away from our hearts" (Peter Chrysologus, 5th century)
EASTER VIGIL - HOLY SATURDAY
Luke 24:1-12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; 5 and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee , 7 that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Mag'dalene and Jo-an'na and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering what had happened.
Meditation by Don Schwager
On Sunday morning the women went to the tomb to pay their last tribute to a dead body. The disciples thought that everything had finished in tragedy. Neither were ready to see an empty tomb and hear the angel's message, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee , 7 that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." (Luke 24:5-76). The angel urged them to believe that Jesus had indeed risen just as he had promised. In joy then went to share the good news with the other disciples.
Is it any small wonder that it was the women, rather than the apostles, who first witnessed the empty tomb and the resurrected Lord? Isidore of Seville, a 7th century church father comments on this: "As a woman (Eve) was first to taste death, so a woman (Mary Magdalene) was first to taste life. As a woman was prescient in the fall, so a woman was prescient in beholding the dawning of redemption, thus reversing the curse upon Eve." The first to testify to the risen Lord was a woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons.
What is the significance of the stone being rolled away? It would have taken several people to move such a stone. And besides, the sealed tomb had been guarded by soldiers! This is clearly the first sign of the resurrection. Bede, a church father from the 8th century, comments: "[The angel] rolled back the stone not to throw open a way for our Lord to come forth, but to provide evidence to people that he had already come forth. As the virgin's womb was closed, so the sepulcher was closed, yet he entered the world through her closed womb, and so he left the world through the closed sepulcher." (From Homilies on the Gospels 2,7,24) Another church father remarked: "To behold the resurrection, the stone must first be rolled away from our hearts" (Peter Chrysologus, 5th century). Do you know the joy of the resurrection?
It is significant that the disciples had to first deal with the empty tomb before they could come to grips with the fact that scripture had foretold that Jesus would die for our sins and then rise triumphant. They disbelieved until they saw the empty tomb. Bede explains why the Risen Lord revealed himself gradually to the disciples:
"Our Lord and redeemer revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time, undoubtedly because so great was the virtue of the miracle that the weak hearts of mortals could not grasp [the significance of] this all at once. Thus, he had regard for the frailty of those seeking him. To those who came first to the tomb, both the women who were aflame with love for him and the men, he showed the stone rolled back. Since his body had been carried away, he showed them the linen cloths in which it had been wrapped lying there alone. Then, to the women who were searching eagerly, who were confused in their minds about what they had found out about him, he showed a vision of angels who disclosed evidences of the fact that he had risen again. Thus, with the report of his resurrection already accomplished, going ahead of him, the Lord of hosts and the king of glory himself at length appeared and made clear with what great might he had overcome the death he had temporarily tasted." (From Homilies on the Gospels 2,9,25)
One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Lord and to know him personally. Do you celebrate the feast of Easter with joy and thanksgiving for the victory which Jesus has won for you over sin and death?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give me the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Help me to draw near to you and to grow in the knowledge of your great love and power."
Supplementary Reading
Fear Not!
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear.
Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel 's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.
The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.
David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God.
When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidations, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were mer ely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.
Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come. (OS Hillman)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
EASTER VIGIL - HOLY SATURDAY
Luke 24:1-12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; 5 and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee , 7 that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Mag'dalene and Jo-an'na and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering what had happened.
Meditation by Don Schwager
On Sunday morning the women went to the tomb to pay their last tribute to a dead body. The disciples thought that everything had finished in tragedy. Neither were ready to see an empty tomb and hear the angel's message, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee , 7 that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." (Luke 24:5-76). The angel urged them to believe that Jesus had indeed risen just as he had promised. In joy then went to share the good news with the other disciples.
Is it any small wonder that it was the women, rather than the apostles, who first witnessed the empty tomb and the resurrected Lord? Isidore of Seville, a 7th century church father comments on this: "As a woman (Eve) was first to taste death, so a woman (Mary Magdalene) was first to taste life. As a woman was prescient in the fall, so a woman was prescient in beholding the dawning of redemption, thus reversing the curse upon Eve." The first to testify to the risen Lord was a woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons.
What is the significance of the stone being rolled away? It would have taken several people to move such a stone. And besides, the sealed tomb had been guarded by soldiers! This is clearly the first sign of the resurrection. Bede, a church father from the 8th century, comments: "[The angel] rolled back the stone not to throw open a way for our Lord to come forth, but to provide evidence to people that he had already come forth. As the virgin's womb was closed, so the sepulcher was closed, yet he entered the world through her closed womb, and so he left the world through the closed sepulcher." (From Homilies on the Gospels 2,7,24) Another church father remarked: "To behold the resurrection, the stone must first be rolled away from our hearts" (Peter Chrysologus, 5th century). Do you know the joy of the resurrection?
It is significant that the disciples had to first deal with the empty tomb before they could come to grips with the fact that scripture had foretold that Jesus would die for our sins and then rise triumphant. They disbelieved until they saw the empty tomb. Bede explains why the Risen Lord revealed himself gradually to the disciples:
"Our Lord and redeemer revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time, undoubtedly because so great was the virtue of the miracle that the weak hearts of mortals could not grasp [the significance of] this all at once. Thus, he had regard for the frailty of those seeking him. To those who came first to the tomb, both the women who were aflame with love for him and the men, he showed the stone rolled back. Since his body had been carried away, he showed them the linen cloths in which it had been wrapped lying there alone. Then, to the women who were searching eagerly, who were confused in their minds about what they had found out about him, he showed a vision of angels who disclosed evidences of the fact that he had risen again. Thus, with the report of his resurrection already accomplished, going ahead of him, the Lord of hosts and the king of glory himself at length appeared and made clear with what great might he had overcome the death he had temporarily tasted." (From Homilies on the Gospels 2,9,25)
One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Lord and to know him personally. Do you celebrate the feast of Easter with joy and thanksgiving for the victory which Jesus has won for you over sin and death?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give me the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Help me to draw near to you and to grow in the knowledge of your great love and power."
Supplementary Reading
Fear Not!
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear.
Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel 's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.
The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.
David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God.
When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidations, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were mer ely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.
Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come. (OS Hillman)
For meditation of the previous days/months , please click any of the following links:
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/the-daily-bread.html
http://butuanglobalforum.org/cgi-bin/dboard/YaBB.pl?num=1229339492/220
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/
EL SHADDAI Radio Program : http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
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