Set Me Like A Seal

Set Me Like A Seal on your heart
Like a seal on your arm,
Set me like a seal on your heart,
How right it is to love you.

For love is stronger than death,
Stronger even than hell.
The flash of it is a flash of fire
The flame of Yahweh Himself.

Set Me Like A Seal on your heart
Like a seal on your arm,
Set me like a seal on your heart,
How right it is to love you.

Come then my love,
Come my beloved
No flame can quench our love
For love, if real has no end.

[Song of Songs 8:6-7]

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Feast)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour. With these words Mary first acknowledges the special gifts she has been given. Then she recalls God’s universal favours, bestowed unceasingly on the human race.

When a man devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, he proclaims God’s greatness. His observance of God’s commands, moreover, shows that he has God’s power and greatness always at heart. His spirit rejoices in God his saviour and delights in the mere recollection of his Creator who gives him hope for eternal salvation.

These words are often for all God’s creations, but especially for the Mother of God. She alone was chosen, and she burned with spiritual love for the son she so joyously conceived. Above all other saints, she alone could truly rejoice in Jesus, her Saviour, for she knew that he who was the source of eternal salvation would be born in time in her body, in one person both her own son and her Lord.

For the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Mary attributes nothing to her own merits. She refers all her greatness to the gift of the one whose essence is power and whose nature is greatness, for he fills with greatness and strength the small and the weak who believe in him.

She did well to add: and holy is his name, to warn those who heard, and indeed all who would receive his words, that they must believe and call upon his name. For they too could share in everlasting holiness and true salvation according to the words of the prophet: and it will come to pass, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This is the name she spoke of earlier: and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.

Therefore it is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing Mary’s hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the incarnation, our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after the day’s work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near, and our minds are ready for contemplation.

~St Bede the Venerable

The Spirit Of Truth Will Be My Witness (John 15:26)

“They will expel you from their synagogue” (John 16:2)

There are some frightening words in today’s gospel passage. Jesus is giving the disciples a farewell discourse when suddenly he says, don’t be surprised when “They expel you from the synagogues” and “when anyone kills you” (John 16:2). It sounds discouraging. He goes on to say, “When these things happen, know that you have been forewarned” (John 16:4).

No one ever said, “The Christian life would be easy!” If you are a follower of Christ, you are destined to be hated by the world. It often happens that when a person begins to live in a more Christian manner, they meet with opposition and hatred even from their own family and friends. No one knows what has aroused the hatred but definitely, it is the work of the evil one, who moves everything to discourage us.

Even in the Church too, we find those who are of the world and believe that they are serving God (John 16:2) persecuting the true disciples of Christ. Some who identify themselves with what they consider “the interests of the Church” can even persecute [and at times with malice,] those who are Gospel-minded. In reality, they know neither Jesus nor the Father (John 16:3). However if our hope is rooted in God, we remain steadfast no matter what trials we face.

God has not left us orphans. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and motivate us, on life’s journey. The Spirit is always by our side supporting us so that we seldom fall face down. The Acts of the Apostles records how the Spirit worked in the first disciples of Jesus. Before granting miraculous powers, the Spirit gave them joy, peace and mutual love as well as inner certainty that, Jesus had risen and was among them.

The Spirit bears witness in guiding missionaries; he gives them the power to perform miracles; he gives to believers the knowledge of God, new capacities for working, healing, serving and shaking up a sinful world. Throughout history, the Spirit has raised up, people of faith, martyrs, prophets and through them transformed the world. In all their trails, these workers of the kingdom had not forgotten the promise of Jesus. They did not feel orphaned. They are a "creative minority" (Benedict XVI). The expulsion of the apostles gave birth to Christianity; their persecution and martyrdom ignited the spread of the faith. We live for the Lord and we die for the Lord. That is authentic Christian life!

“God of mercy may our celebration of your Son’s resurrection help us to experience its effects in out lives.”

The devil And The Duck

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.

Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'. But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.' Then she whispered to him,
"Remember the duck?"

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'
Sally just smiled and said, 'well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help? She whispered again, "Remember the duck?"

So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know.. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'

Thought for the day and every day thereafter:

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness)... whatever it is... You need to know that: God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.

He has seen your whole life.... He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness; He not only forgives you, but He forgets. "As far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us." [Psalm 103:12]

It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved. Only remember that God is at the window, watching!

Pope Benedict Will Visit Croatia

A man walks in front of a billboard featuring Pope Benedict XVI's in Zagreb. Pope Benedict will visit Zagreb on June 4-5, 2011.
~Reuters Pictures

Alleluia, Praise the Lord

Our thoughts in this present life should turn on the praise of God, because it is in praising God that we shall rejoice for ever in the life to come; and no one can be ready for the next life unless he trains himself for it now. So we praise God during our earthly life, and at the same time we make our petitions to him. Our praise is expressed with joy, our petitions with yearning. We have been promised something we do not yet possess, and because the promise was made by one who keeps his word, we trust him and are glad; but insofar as possession is delayed, we can only long and yearn for it. It is good for us to persevere in longing until we receive what was promised, and yearning is over; then praise alone will remain.

Because there are these two periods of time – the one that now is, beset with the trials and troubles of this life, and the other yet to come, a life of everlasting serenity and joy – we are given two liturgical seasons, one before Easter and the other after. The season before Easter signifies the troubles in which we live here and now, while the time after Easter which we are celebrating at present signifies the happiness that will be ours in the future. What we commemorate before Easter is what we experience in this life; what we celebrate after Easter points to something we do not yet possess. This is why we keep the first season with fasting and prayer; but now the fast is over and we devote the present season to praise. Such is the meaning of the Alleluia we sing.

Both these periods are represented and demonstrated for us in Christ our head. The Lord’s passion depicts for us our present life of trial – shows how we must suffer and be afflicted and finally die. The Lord’s resurrection and glorification show us the life that will be given to us in the future.

Now therefore, brethren, we urge you to praise God. That is what we are all telling each other when we say Alleluia. You say to your neighbour, “Praise the Lord!” and he says the same to you. We are all urging one another to praise the Lord, and all thereby doing what each of us urges the other to do. But see that your praise comes from your whole being; in other words, see that you praise God not with your lips and voices alone, but with your minds, your lives and all your actions.

We are praising God now, assembled as we are here in church; but when we go on our various ways again, it seems as if we cease to praise God. But provided we do not cease to live a good life, we shall always be praising God. You cease to praise God only when you swerve from justice and from what is pleasing to God. If you never turn aside from the good life, your tongue may be silent but your actions will cry aloud, and God will perceive your intentions; for as our ears hear each other’s voices, so do God’s ears hear our thoughts.

~Saint Augustine

And The Fun In The Sun Continues..

Cardinals shield themselves from the sun as they attend Pope Benedict XVI's weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican on May 25, 2011.

Getty Images

A New Commandment

A new commandment I give unto you,
That you love one another as I have loved you. [2]
By this shall all know that you are my disciples
If you have love, one for another. [2]

A new commandment I give unto you,
That you love one another as I have loved you. [2]
You are my friends if, you do what I command you
Without my help, you can do nothing. [2]

A new commandment I give unto you,
That you love one another as I have loved you. [2]
I am the true vine, my father is the gard'ner
Abide in me : I will be with you. [2]

A new commandment I give unto you,
That you love one another as I have loved you. [2]

Have You Ever Given Orders To The Morning (Job 38:12)

This photograph was taken by National Geographical's Frans Lanting somewhere in May 2011. The image hasn't been touched by any imaging software or any artist. It was captured at the most perfect moment imaginable.

Details of the image:-- The tinted orange is a dune reflecting Namibia's rising sun. This soaring dune poses as a backdrop for the hulks of Camel Thorn trees in Namib-Naukluft Park.

Lanting gives a short summary of the photo: "It was made at dawn when the warm light of the morning sun was illuminating a huge red sand dune dotted with white grasses while the white floor of the clay pan was still in shade. It looks blue because it reflects the color of the sky above. Because of the contrast between the shady foreground and the sunlit background I used a two-stop graduated filter which reduced the contrast. The perfect moment came when the sun reached all the way down to the bottom of the sand dune just before it reached the desert floor. I used a long telephoto lens and stopped it all the way down to compress the perspective."

Yes it may seem impossible to believe that, the only paintbrush ever used belongs to God.

"Have you ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn it's place?" [Job 38:12]

"In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course,

It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat."
[Psalm 19:5-6]

And Again I Say, "Rejoice"

The Apostle commands us to rejoice, but in the Lord, not in the world. For, you see, as Scripture says, whoever wishes to be a friend of this world will be counted as God’s enemy. Just as a man cannot serve two masters, so too no-one can rejoice both in the world and in the Lord.

Let joy in the Lord win and go on winning, until people take no more joy in the world. Let joy in the Lord always go on growing, and joy in the world always go on shrinking until it is reduced to nothing. I do not mean that we should not rejoice as long as we are in this world, but that even while we do find ourselves in this world, we should already be rejoicing in the Lord.

Someone may argue, “I am in the world; so obviously, if I rejoice, I rejoice where I am”. What of it? Because you are in the world, does it mean that you are not in the Lord? Listen to the same Apostle in the Acts of the Apostles, speaking to the Athenians, and saying about God and about the Lord, our Creator, In him we live, and move, and are. Since he is everywhere, there is nowhere that he is not. Is it not precisely this that he is emphasising to encourage us? The Lord is very near; do not be anxious about anything.

This is something tremendous, that he ascended above all the heavens but is still very near to those who dwell on earth, wherever they may be. Who can this be that is both far away and close at hand, except the one who became our near neighbour out of mercy?

The whole of the human race, you see, is that man who was lying in the road, left there by robbers, half dead, who was ignored by the passing priest and Levite, while the passing Samaritan stopped by him to take care of him and help him; and when the Immortal, the Just, was far away from us mortals and sinners, he came down to us to become – that far distant being – our near neighbour.

He has not treated us according to our sins. For we are his children. How do we prove this? The only Son died for us so that he would not remain the only child. He did not want to be alone, who died alone. The only Son of God made many children for God. He bought himself brothers and sisters with his blood; rejected, he accepted us; sold, he bought us back; dishonoured, he honoured us; killed, he brought us life.

So then, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord, not in the world; that is, rejoice in faithfulness and not in iniquity; rejoice in the hope of eternity and not the brief flower of vanity. Rejoice thus, and wherever you are here, as long as you are here, the Lord is very near: do not be anxious about anything.

~Saint Augustine

My Father Is The Vinedresser (John 15:1)

"Every branch in Me that bears no fruit He cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes to make it bear even more." (John 15:2)

Have you ever felt like God was removing things from your life maybe people, relationships, possessions? Starkly put, have you ever been attached to something / someone so much that, it got in the way of your relationship with God? The Bible says in John 15:2, "every branch that bears no fruit he cuts away." The spiritual pruning process of our lives includes cutting away all that reflects our earthly passions that are in opposition to God’s holiness. What we see as tragedies may be blessings in disguise, and the very opportunities through which God chooses to exhibit His love and grace.

In the poem Streams in the Desert, L.B Cowman asks this question, "Why must this lot of life be mine?" The answer is "Because God knows what plans for us, shall blossom in eternity." He knows what opportunities await us. He is preparing us so that we can be instruments of His greater glory. First, however He must remove the weeds from our lives. He promised, "Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear even more" (John 15:2). When we face trials, it doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us, on the contrary it is the pruning process that God uses to mold us for great things ahead.

We must allow God to prune the wilted friends, relationships, habits, thoughts, and possessions out of our lives. By allowing this to happen, we will grow stronger and bear more fruit for the Kingdom of God. We will not only add to the Kingdom in quantity, but also in quality. The fruit we bear will be much more pleasing to God.

God has a place of service that is suited perfectly for each one of us. What we need to do is trust him. The Father desires that we bear much fruit. Nevertheless, He sometimes needs to prune those areas in our lives that keep us from bearing a fruitful harvest. Pruning is a painful process, but it is necessary for us to produce a fruitful harvest. When we bear much fruit, the Father is glorified.

We have nothing to be fearful about, Jesus says, "You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you" (John 15:3). By the waters of baptism our fallen nature has been made clean, we are forgiven and justified. We are citizens of heaven! The only thing we need to do is to acknowledge our citizenship by living in such a way that others may see our good deeds and glorify our Heavenly Father.

"Lord, I yield myself to you. Remove every obstruction that hinders my communion with you."

Grimsvotn Volcanic Ash Plumes

GRIMSVOTN, ICELAND:

This satellite image, shows Grimsvotn volcano emitting ash plumes in Iceland. The cloud has forced the closure of Icelandic airspace and spread fears of a repeat of the global travel chaos that was caused by last year's Icelandic eruption, although authorities insisted that this Grimsvotn poses a lesser threat.

The white cloud sitting over north west Scotland is a low pressure system which has brought high winds and heavy rain to many areas of Britain.

The winds are coming from a north-westerly direction, blowing anti-clockwise round the low pressure system, drawing the ash plume from the volcano towards the northern half of Britain.

European air travel has been disrupted again!

-NASA/GSFC [Images]

No One Can Give To Me That Peace

When I look around and see
All the things that trouble me
And I seem to lose my peace
In a word that’s not at ease

No one can give to me that peace
Which my risen Lord, my risen King can give.

Says my risen Christ to me
My true peace I give to thee
But not as the world doth give
Is my peace that makes thee live

No one can give to me that peace
Which my risen Lord, my risen King can give.

His true peace in me will stay
As I live from day to day
And his joy will never end
And in heaven it will extend

No one can give to me that peace
Which my risen Lord, my risen King can give.

Christ has risen from the dead
Triumphed over sin and death
And He’ll never die again
But as Lord He’ll live and reign

No one can give to me that peace
Which my risen Lord, my risen King can give.

The Vine And The Branches (John 15:5)

The Lord calls himself the vine and those united to him branches in order to teach us how much we shall benefit from our union with him, and how important it is for us to remain in his love. By receiving the Holy Spirit, who is the bond of union between us and Christ our Saviour, those who are joined to him, as branches are to a vine, share in his own nature.

On the part of those who come to the vine, their union with him depends upon a deliberate act of the will; on his part, the union is effected by grace. Because we had good will, we made the act of faith that brought us to Christ, and received from him the dignity of adoptive sonship that made us his own kinsmen, according to the words of Saint Paul: He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

The prophet Isaiah calls Christ the foundation, because it is upon him that we as living and spiritual stones are built into a holy priesthood to be a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. Upon no other foundation than Christ can this temple be built. Here Christ is teaching the same truth by calling himself the vine, since the vine is the parent of its branches, and provides their nourishment.
From Christ and in Christ, we have been reborn through the Spirit in order to bear the fruit of life; not the fruit of our old, sinful life but the fruit of a new life founded upon our faith in him and our love for him. Like branches growing from a vine, we now draw our life from Christ, and we cling to his holy commandment in order to preserve this life. Eager to safeguard the blessing of our noble birth, we are careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, and who makes us aware of God’s presence in us.

Let the wisdom of John teach us how we live in Christ and Christ lives in us: The proof that we are living in him and he is living in us is that he has given us a share in his Spirit. Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with himself and with God the Father because they have been united to him by faith and determination to do his will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence for God, and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.

~Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Absolutely Nothing

{By request : Roswell, Georgia}

Q: "What is the 7 letter word that came before God, is greater than God, more evil than Satan? Every poor person has it, every rich person needs it, and if you eat it you will die?"

A: NOTHING !!!!

Nothing is impossible for God.
Nothing is above God.

He Had The Faith To Be Healed (Acts 14:9)

"Paul saw that he had the faith to be healed." (Acts 14:9)

Paul and Barnabas escape death from one town and end up being worshipped as gods in another. Paul is in Asia Minor preaching to a crowd of Gentiles. He notices a crippled man sitting there, listening attentively. Paul looked "intently" at the man. Why? Because he was silently asking the Holy Spirit, if the man had the faith to receive the healing love of God. Then he trusted the Holy Spirit to provide the healing that the man's faith level allowed. He knew that faith comes from having a love relationship with God. Faith is a union with the One who has the power to do all things well. Love is the out flow of that power.

Paul interrupts his speech and says to the cripple, "Get to your feet stand up" (Acts 14:10). This was not a request but a direct order. Paul spoke with authority. At Paul’s words, the man jumps up and begins to walk. Faith is the key that unlocks miracles. Without faith, there would be no signs and wonders. The crowd who witnessed the miracle shouts in their own dialect, "The gods have come down to us in human form" (Acts 14:11). Then they address Barnabas as 'Zeus' [Mercury], and Paul as 'Hermes' [Jupiter], since he is the principal speaker. According to the Greeks, Zeus is the father of Hermes who is the great messenger of gods and patron of orators.

Definitely Paul preached in Greek, but it is doubtful than either of the apostles understood Lycaonian, hence they did not immediately understand what was going on. Someone obviously, must have translated for Paul and Barnabas what the people were saying in their native language. The apostles tore their clothes and rushed into the crowds trying to explain that they share the same human condition with the Lystrans and there is nothing special about them instead it was God who performed the miracle. From this we know that Paul and Barnabas posses the virtue of humility. It is God who has to be glorified not man, “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory” says the responsorial Psalm. The apostles were able to heal the sick because they learnt to be humble in all circumstances. Tearing one's clothes was a Jewish way of expressing great anguish. In spite of all this, the crowd still did not understand. Whether this was a language problem or a spiritual problem, we cannot say.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul was able to reach out to the cripple. When we help others, we are collaborating with the Holy Spirit. It is the third Person of the Holy Trinity who enables us to go beyond our human abilities so that we can live in the realm of Christ's abilities. It is only through the spirit of humility that we can be an answer to someone’s prayer!

"Lord, help us to seek the values that will bring us eternal joy in this changing world. In our desire for what you promise make us one in mind and heart."

Does Satan Exist?

Two boys were walking home from church after hearing a strong preaching on the devil.

One said to the other, "What do you think about all this Satan stuff?"

The other boy replied, "Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out.. It's probably just your dad."

Mommy's Favourite Hymn

I AM In The Father And The Father Is In Me (John 14:11)

“To have seen me, is to have seen the Father” (John 14:9)

In the gospel passage, Philip tells Jesus, he wants to see the Father. In other words, he wants physical proof about God’s personality and then he will be satisfied. Like Thomas, Philip too wants ‘to see’ in order to believe. In the Old Testament Moses asked to see God face, but the Lord replied, “You cannot see my face, for no-one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20).

However, Jesus says, “To have seen Me is to have seen the Father. I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. It is the Father living in me, who is doing this work.” Jesus came to earth to do the Father’s will. All the wondrous miracles that Jesus performed were for the greater glory of the Father. When Jesus healed the sick, forgave sins, brought the dead to life again and mingled with lowest in society, it was God moving and working among us. The love of God for sinful humanity overflowed through His Son Jesus. The Word and Spirit are the two arms of God!

In the Old Testament, Ezekiel sat with the exiles at Tel Abib, to experience what they were going through (Ezekiel 3:15). John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world…” so much that he was willing to come to earth to sit where you and I sit, to feel what we feel. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh who, dwelt amongst us. He and the Father are one. God desires a loving relationship with the world. He loves us because each of us carries on the life of Jesus in the world. Compassion is a result of our relationship with God.

Jesus also says that, “He will live in those who believe in Him and the ones whom believe in him will perform even greater works.” What are we missing out? We say that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and tabernacles of the Body of Christ, but what about our works. Do we perform miracles? Can we raise our voice against injustice in society? Reach out to someone in need. Forgive the one who caused the most grievous wound. Love until it hurts. Help someone get back on his or her feet again. Going against our norms, the norms of society would mean performing miracles. It is not easy to say to others “to see me is to see God” but we can definitely try. Jesus is the Way, when we follow his example we will be able to perform greater miracles than we can imagine.

“Father may we whom you renew in baptism bear witness to our faith by the way we live. By the suffering, death and resurrection of your Son may we come to eternal joy.”

There Are Many Rooms In My Father's House (John 14:2)

"No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

A man dies and goes to heaven. There he is given a sight seeing tour of all the mansions in Paradise. In the first huge mansion, he finds the Methodist with smiley faces. The next mansion belongs to the Baptists, then the New-Life, Lutherans and another to the Orthodox and so on. Nearing the end of his tour, he sees a huge wall and hears a lot of noise and laughter. Out of curiosity he asks the tour guide, “What’s all the noise and commotion behind this huge wall? The guide says, “Sssh, these are the Roman Catholics who think they are the only ones here!”

What’s our view of Paradise? Jesus says, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” We don’t know who is going be up there with us, our backbiting neighbour, the stiff necked boss or the ‘seventh day Absentist’. But this much we know that, “No one can come to the Father except through Jesus.” Everyone who believes in Jesus is going to be in heaven with us like one big happy family.

Jesus is the Way to Paradise he is the Truth and the Life. There is no other way! I live in a country surrounded by different religions non-believers call us Christians ‘narrow-minded’ where our faith is concerned. Yes, we may be narrow-minded because God made it so narrow that we can focus on the only Way! To know Jesus is to know the way and, to know the way is to know Jesus.

Jesus has prepared a place for us so that where he is we may be also. All we have to do is trust and believe in the promises of God. There is no need for despair. There will be as many rooms as there are believers. Jesus will exclude no one who wants to share this relationship with him. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35,39).

“Lord, watch those you have saved in Christ. May we who are redeemed by his suffering and death always rejoice in his resurrection for he is Lord for ever and ever.”

Noah In Today's World

The Lord spoke to Noah and said, "In six months I'm going to make it rain until the whole earth is covered with water and all the evil people are destroyed. But I want to save a few good people, and two of every kind of living thing on the planet. I am ordering you to build Me an Ark."

And in a flash of lightning he delivered the specifications for the Ark.

"OK," said Noah, trembling in fear and fumbling with the blueprints.

"Six months, and it starts to rain," thundered the Lord. "You'd better have my Ark completed, or learn how to swim for a very long time."

And six months passed. The skies began to cloud up and rain began to fall. The Lord saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard, weeping. And there was no Ark.

"Noah," shouted the Lord, "where is my Ark?" A lighting bolt crashed to the ground next to Noah.

"Lord, please forgive me!" begged Noah. "I did my best. But there were big problems.

First I had to get a building permit for the Ark construction project, and your plans didn't meet code. So I had to hire an engineer to redraw the plans.

Then I got into a big fight over whether or not the Ark needed a fire sprinkler system.

My neighbors objected, claiming I was violating zoning by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission.

Then I had a big problem getting enough wood for the Ark because there was a ban on cutting trees to save the Spotted Owl. I had to convince U.S.Fish and Wildlife that I needed wood to save the owls. But they wouldn't let me catch any owls. So no owls.

Then the carpenters formed a union and went out on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board before anyone would pick up a saw or hammer. Now we have 16 carpenters going on the boat and still no owls.

Then I started gathering up animals, and got sued by animal rights group. They objected to me taking only two of each kind.

Just when I got the suit dismissed, EPA notified me that I couldn't complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. They didn't take kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of a Supreme Being.

Then the Army Corps of Engineers wanted a map of the proposed new flood plain. I sent them a globe.

Right now I'm still trying to resolve a complaint from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over how many Croatians I'm supposed to hire, the IRS has seized all my assets claiming I'm trying to avoid paying taxes by leaving the country, and I just got a notice from the state about owing some kind of use tax.

I really don't think I can finish your Ark for at least another five years," Noah wailed.

The sky began to clear. The sun began to shine. A rainbow arched across the sky.

Noah looked up and smiled. "You mean you're not going to destroy the earth?" Noah asked, hopefully.

"No," said the Lord sadly, "Government already has"

Lord Make Me Like You

Lord make me like you, please make me like you.

You are a servant, make me one, too.

O Lord, won’t you give me your strength everyday

To build a community, to follow your way

Whoever amongst you desires to be great

Must be the servant of all

For even the Son of Man came to serve

And give his life for the world.

Lord make me like you, please make me like you.

You are a servant, make me one, too.

O Lord, won’t you give me your strength everyday

To build a community, to follow your way

You call me your Master and Lord, so I am!

Behold, your feet I have washed.

To set an example for all of you,

Of service and of love.

Lord make me like you, please make me like you.

You are a servant, make me one, too.

O Lord, won’t you give me your strength everyday

To build a community, to follow your way

The Spirit anoints me and calls me by name

To bring good news to the poor

Release to the captives and sight to the blind,

To set the prisoner free.

Lord make me like you, please make me like you.

You are a servant, make me one, too.

O Lord, won’t you give me your strength everyday

To build a community, to follow your way

Now That You Know This, Happiness Will Be Yours (John 13:17)

“After he had washed the feet of his disciples” (John 13:12)

More than half the world today is suffering from a disease called depression. According to psychologists, depression will be the second largest killer disease by 2020. Depression is the opposite of happiness. In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us the key to happiness in life. “Truly I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than he who sent him. Understand this, and happiness will be yours if you put it into practice” (John 13:16-17).

No matter what our position in society, whether CEOs or MDs, we are called to serve one another. Jesus our Lord and Master got down on his knees and washed the feet of his disciples, an act that was performed only by the servants of the household. If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, then we must serve as he served in love and compassion. We are the stewards of God’s gifts and no steward is greater than his Master. The duty of a servant is to obey his master, that in turn will bring about happiness. Every master loves an obedient servant. Every parent loves an obedient child. Every teacher loves an obedient pupil. Cardinal Newman once wrote that the essence of religion is authority and obedience.

It is in obeying God and doing His will that we will attain happiness in life. The essence of Christianity lies in serving our brethren, without counting the cost. There is just one mission that God has entrusted to us - to bring about the Kingdom, the Reign of God in the world. We may be the only living gospel people will ever come across. Therefore, we should live our lives, reaching out to people and caring for the little flock entrusted to us. Not looking for praise and recognition in what we do. Instead a bunch of happy people partaking in the expansion of God’s kingdom here on earth.

“Lord, accept our prayers and offerings. Make us worthy of your sacraments of love by granting us your forgiveness.”

Prayer To Our Lady Of The Oak Tree

Holy Virgin, Our Lady of the Oak,
Patroness of the Diocese of Viterbo,
gathered together in this Shrine consecrated to you,
we extend to you a plea and a confident prayer:
Watch over the Successor of Peter and over the Church
entrusted to his care; watch over this diocesan community
and its pastors, over Italy, over Europe and over the other continents.
Queen of Peace, obtain for us the gift of harmony and peace
for all peoples and all mankind.

Obedient Virgin, Mother of Christ,
who, with your docile "yes" to the Angel's announcement,
became the Mother of the Almighty, help all your children to follow
the plans that the heavenly Father has for each one, in order
to cooperate in the universal plan of redemption which Christ fulfilled
by dying on the Cross.

Virgin of Nazareth, Queen of the family,
make our Christian families schools of evangelical life,
enriched by the gift of many vocations to the priesthood and
to the consecrated life. Keep intact the unity of our families,
today so threatened from all sides, making them hearths of serenity and
of harmony, where patient dialogue dispels difficulties and differences.
Above all, watch over those who are divided and in crisis,
Mother of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Immaculate Virgin, Mother of the Church,
nourish the enthusiasm of each component of our Dioceses:
of parishes and ecclesiastical groups, of associations and new forms
of apostolic commitment that the Lord inspires with his Holy Spirit;
keep steadfast and determined the will of those whom the Guardian of the masses
continues to call as labourers in his vineyard, so that, resisting every worldly enticement and temptation, they may persevere generously
along the path they have taken, and with your maternal aid,
become witnesses to Christ who are drawn by the splendour
of his Love, source of joy.

Clement Virgin, Mother of humanity,
turn your gaze to the men and women of our time,
to peoples and to those who govern them,
to nations and to continents; comfort those who weep, who suffer,
who struggle because of human injustice; sustain those
who waver under the weight of effort and who look at the future
without hope; encourage those who work to build a better world
where justice triumphs and brotherhood reigns, where selfishness, hate and
violence cease. May every form and manifestation of violence
be conquered by the peace-making power of Christ.

Virgin of listening, Star of Hope, Mother of Mercy,
the source through which Jesus came into the world,
our life and our joy, we thank you and we renew
the offering of our lives, certain that you will never abandon us,
especially in the dark and difficult moments of life.
Be with us always, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen!

Viterbo, 6 September 2009

Of Gods And Men [Facing A Goodbye]

Testament of Dom Christian de Chergéé
(opened on Pentecost Sunday, May 26, 1996)

Facing a GOODBYE ...

If it should happen one day -- and it could be today -- that I become a victim of the terrorism which now seems ready to engulf all the foreigners living in Algeria, I would like my community, my Church and my family to remember that my life was GIVEN to God and to this country.

I ask them to accept the fact that the One Master of all life was not a stranger to this brutal departure.

I would ask them to pray for me: for how could I be found worthy of such an offering?

I ask them to associate this death with so many other equally violent ones, which are forgotten through indifference or anonymity.

My life has no more value than any other. Nor any less value. In any case, it has not the innocence of childhood.

I have lived long enough to know that I am an accomplice in the evil, which seems to prevail so terribly in the world, even in the evil, which might blindly strike me down.

I should like, when the time comes, to have a moment of spiritual clarity, which would allow me to beg forgiveness of God and of my fellow human beings, and at the same time forgive with all my heart the one who would strike me down.

I could not desire such a death. It seems to me important to state this.

I do not see, in fact, how I could rejoice if the people I love were indiscriminately accused of my murder.

It would be too high a price to pay for what will perhaps be called, the "grace of martyrdom" to owe it to an Algerian, whoever he might be, especially if he says he is acting in fidelity to what he believes to be Islam.

I am aware of the scorn, which can be heaped on the Algerians indiscriminately.

I am also aware of the caricatures of Islam, which a certain Islamism fosters.

It is too easy to soothe one's conscience by identifying this religious way with the fundamentalist ideology of its extremists.

For me, Algeria and Islam are something different: it is a body and a soul.

I have proclaimed this often enough, I think, in the light of what I have received from it.

I so often find there that true strand of the Gospel, which I learned at my mother's knee, my very first Church, precisely in Algeria, and already inspired with respect for Muslim believers.

Obviously, my death will appear to confirm those who hastily judged me naive or idealistic:
"Let him tell us now what he thinks of his ideals!"

Nevertheless, these persons should know that finally my most avid curiosity would be set free.

This is what I shall be able to do, God willing: immerse my gaze in that of the Father to contemplate with him His children of Islam just as He sees them, all shining with the glory of Christ, the fruit of His Passion, filled with the Gift of the Spirit whose secret joy will always be to establish communion and restore the likeness, playing with the differences.

For this life lost, totally mine and totally theirs, I thank God, who seems to have willed it entirely for the sake of that JOY in everything and in spite of everything.

In this THANK YOU, which is said for everything in my life from now on, I certainly include you, friends of yesterday and today, and you, my friends of this place, along with my mother and father, my sisters and brothers and their families -- you are the hundredfold granted as was promised!

And you, my last-minute friend, who will not have known what you were doing:

Yes, I want this THANK YOU and this GOODBYE to be a "GOD BLESS" for you, too, because in God's face I see yours.

May we meet again as happy thieves in Paradise, if it pleases God, the Father of us both.
AMEN! INCHALLAH!

Algiers, 1st December 1993
Tibhirine, 1st January 1994

Christian +

Blessed John Paul II Effective Against Satan

Rome, Italy, May 17, 2011(CNA/EWTN News)- The chief exorcist of Rome is seeing a rising number of young people coming under the influence of evil, but he has found in recent years that Blessed John Paul II is a powerful intercessor in the battle for souls.

A small, unassuming office in south-west Rome seems a rather ordinary setting in which to play out a grand battle between good and evil. It is here, though, that Father Gabriele Amorth has carried out most of his 70,000 exorcisms over the past 26 years.

“The world must know that Satan exists,” he told CNA recently. “The devil and demons are many and they have two powers, the ordinary and the extraordinary.”

The 86-year-old Italian priest of the Society of St. Paul and official exorcist for the Diocese of Rome explained the difference.

“The so-called ordinary power is that of tempting man to distance himself from God and take him to Hell. This action is exercised against all men and women of all places and religions.”

As for the extraordinary powers used by Satan, Fr. Amorth explained it as how the Devil acts when he focuses his attention more specifically on a person. He categorized the expression of that attention into four types: diabolical possession; diabolical vexation like in the case of Padre Pio, who was beaten by the Devil; obsessions which are able to lead a person to desperation and infestation, and when the Devil occupies a space, an animal or even an object.”

Fr. Amorth says such extraordinary occurrences are rare but on the rise. He's particularly worried by the number of young people being affected by Satan through sects, séances and drugs. He never despairs though.

“With Jesus Christ and Mary, God has promised us that he will never allow temptations greater than our strengths.”

Hence he gives a very matter-of-fact guide that everybody can use in the fight against Satan.

“The temptations of the Devil are defeated first of all by avoiding occasions (of temptation), because the Devil always seeks out our weakest points. And, then, with prayer. We Christians have an advantage because we have the Word of Jesus, we have the sacraments, prayer to God.”

Not surprisingly, ‘Jesus Christ’ is the name Fr. Amorth most often calls upon to expel demons. But he also turns to saintly men and women for their heavenly assistance. Interestingly, he said that in recent years one man – Blessed Pope John Paul II – has proved to be a particularly powerful intercessor.

“I have asked the demon more than once, ‘Why are you so scared of John Paul II and I have had two different responses, both interesting. One, ‘because he disrupted my plans.’ And, I think that he is referring to the fall of communism in Russia and Eastern Europe. The collapse of communism.”

“Another response that he gave me, ‘because he pulled so many young people from my hands.’ There are so many young people who, thanks to John Paul II, were converted. Perhaps some were already Christian but not practicing, but then with John Paul II they came back to the practice. ‘He pulled so many young people out of my hands.’”

And the most powerful intercessor of all?

“Of course, the Madonna is even more effective. Ah, when you invoke Mary!”

“And, once I also asked Satan, ‘but why are you more scared when I invoke Our Lady than when I invoke Jesus Christ?’ He answered me, ‘Because I am more humiliated to be defeated by a human creature than being defeated by him.”

The intercession of the living is also important, though, says Fr. Amorth. He reminds people that exorcism is a prayer and, as such, Christians can pray to liberate a soul or place from the Devil. However, three things are needed.

“The Lord gave them (the Apostles) an answer that also for us exorcists is very important. He said that overcoming this type of demon, you need much faith, much prayer and much fasting. Faith, prayer and fasting.”

“Especially faith, you need so much faith. Many times also in the healings, Jesus does not say in the Gospel it is me who has healed you. He says, you are healed thanks to your faith. He wants faith in the people, a strong and absolute faith. Without faith you can do nothing.”

They Sent Barnabas To Go To Antioch (Acts 11:22)

"Barnabas encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord" (Acts 11:23)

I have always admired people who encourage others. Their presence brings immeasurable joy into lives they touch. The sight of them is 'a feast to the eyes', their words 'music to the ears'. They may seem ordinary but they stand out as lamp stands in dark alleys. I feel blessed to have a whole bunch of people such as these in my life. You people are like a waterfall that refreshes me! Thank you for being there !!!

Encouragement is not just a gift of the Holy Spirit but in fact one of the titles of the Holy Spirit [Counsellor, Helper, or Advocate in various translations]. The word 'encouragement' [paraklesis] 'comforter' [parakletos], has the same meaning in Greek [to come alongside]. Simply put the Holy Spirit is the Encourager, one that stands by us.

Barnabas was one such person. He is named 'Son of Encouragement' because the Apostles saw the ministry of encouragement in him. After the death of Stephen, the church was scattered. Some disciples went as far as Cyprus, Phoenicia and Antioch. The Greeks were being converted to the faith at Antioch. The church in Jerusalem hears the news and sends Barnabas as a source of encouragement. Barnabas goes up to Antioch, and witnesses the grace of God working among the Gentiles. He rejoices and encourages them to remain faithful to the Lord.

The Bible clearly says, that Barnabas was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith, thus large crowds came to know the Lord (Acts 11:24). Everyone is attracted to a good soul. Holy people inspire us to live better lives. Barnabas was an encourager, not a doubter. His firm faith brought Paul and the church together. Barnabas spent a whole year with Paul, teaching him, encouraging him and influencing Paul’s spiritual formation.

Encouragement and relationships go hand in hand. Relationships are like cardiograms. They have their 'up' and 'down' graphs. If there is a steady beat, it means something is wrong the result is death. The only way to keep it alive with a rhythmic beat is to forgive and forget, the 'ups' and 'downs'. I am sure there were discords between Paul and Barnabas during the time they spent together in Antioch. One was a Roman the other a Jew, but for Christianity to be born they kept forgiving, and encouraging each other and that is what Christian fellowship is all about.

My prayer is that each of us may encounter a Barnabas along the way. I pray that whenever we go through times of pain, or struggle with guilt and sin, the Holy Spirit may send us a "son or daughter of encouragement" to lighten our load and keep the heart of Christianity alive. Amen!

"Lord, help me to keep you at my core, so that others can be encouraged by the faith, they see at work in me."

Our Lady of Pilar, Recoleta, Buenos Aires

Church of Our Lady of Pilar, Side Altar Dedicated to Jesus, Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires [More Pics]

Some of the famous tombs and the marble statues over their graves, in Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires.

Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires

Some photos of 'Cementerio Recoleta' located in the northern part of barrio [neighbourhood] Recoleta, Buenos Aires. The locals call it the "City of the Dead", it contains some of Buenos Aires' famous military leaders, presidents, scientists, poets and other important or wealthy Argentinians. The most famous tomb of them all is that of, 'Evita Duarte de Peron'. There is a saying in Argentina that "it costs more to die than it does to live." Recoleta Cemetery is one such place, where people have buried their 'dear ones with dearness'.

[All pics were clicked under natural light {rainy season}, except a few which were tweaked a bit with GIMP]