Week 41 - The Journey



Week 41 - The Journey 

"When he had left, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  - I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.""

‭‭John‬ 13:31 - ‭17:26‬

My all in All.  Contemplating the mystery of God as John wrote brings about many emotions.  Jesus is preparing for His departure and He is preparing us for everyday life.  My thoughts turned to the life of Jesus and these times we find ourselves.  

How did Jesus navigate His crucifixion, how do we navigate these times?  With the knowledge that we are loved by God, all things have purpose and in them the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ will be brought to light.  

Jesus has one purpose, to share the love His Father has given Him with us.  In this Divine Mystery we have the knowledge that all is well even when the world isn't.   Journey with Christ in your life, accept what comes at you and trust in God.  No matter the circumstances He is with you.  

What is God saying to me?  It must be this way, that is how some come to know My love.  

Dear Father, it has been a busy day with lots of things coming at us.  I thank you for the moments of grace that draw us back to you in the midst of life.  I thank you for the Divine Mystery that gives us so much to ponder and realize that all is well.  Prayers for a world being challenged to trust in You, prayers for the understanding that all will have a peaceful outcome as we trust in you.  Bless the rest of this day and for the blessings of this day, in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/CYlSKd-mXHc

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 41 - The Journey



Week 41 - The Journey 

"Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him."  ‭‭John‬ ‭2:11‬

It is time.  Mary has waited for this day all her life, the beginning of the end.  She has faith, she knows within her heart what God can do.  This yearning of salvation is what others need to come to understand.  The wedding feast is the perfect beginning and the perfect celebration at the supper of the Lamb.  

John, the beloved highlights seven miracles the first being the wedding feast at Cana and the last sign John highlights is the raising of Lazarus from the dead, a precursor to Jesus's resurrection.  Not everyone believed in the signs but it is the beginning of belief as God tells us in scripture.  

The Apostles witnessed all the signs and yet most left Him alone at the cross.  It is a journey, one we all must take, look at the heart of Mary as she indicates to Jesus it is time not in an overbearing way but in faith.  "His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you.""  John‬ ‭2:5‬

What does your heart say about your commitment to the Son of God?  Mary, knows how to turn water into wine, only her Son is capable of this transformation within the soul.  

What is God saying to me?  I hear you and My Son feels the same thing.  All things happen for a reason and at the proper time.  Suffering is part of the purification within a soul, embrace the changes.  

Dear Father, the banquet is ready and we need more wine.  We need more that believe in the mystery of You.  We need others to walk by faith and not by sight.  We need committed disciples that believe and their actions demonstrate Your love.  Continue the transformation within this soul, I seek what You seek, I believe in the Divine Mystery, I relish it every time we sit together.  Father, I trust in where You are taking us.  May Your will be done in our lives.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/hKBj457ILUo

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 40 - The Journey



Week 40 - The Journey

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home."  ‭‭John‬ ‭19:26-27‬

God is love!  John, the beloved apostle, had a special place in Jesus's heart.  He had reserved this place for him so he could convey the message from another vantage point.  John had been a disciple for a long time and he was always by Jesus's side.  

He experienced the love of God first hand and found himself in amazing places.  And here he was again at the foot of the cross listening to Jesus's last words.  How do you convey love?  How do you convey truth?  It first must be experienced and then it can be conveyed.  John recognized this in his life.  

John lived out the rest of his life conveying the message of love, a love that he experienced.  Look around you, we have but two choices life or death.  John chose life, he chose joy for that is what God gave him and that is what he received.  We have the same invitation in our own lives.  I choose life for I Am loved by Him just as John is loved by Him.  

What is God saying to me?  All is well.

Dear Lord God, words can not convey the feelings but that is all I got other than shared experiences.  I thank You with my bread of life, my offering is what I give back.  It is You that fills my soul, it is You I desire to please, it is You that I give away.  Prayers for space to be created within the darkness so light can penetrate the soul to bring joy and peace to it.  Thank You Father for touching the light.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/xOgAmQvOUM0

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 40 - The Journey



Week 40 - The Journey 

"Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.""  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:20-21‬

A Servants heart.   As I sit with Jesus and listen to the request of Salome, I see the heart of God.  He doesn't rebuke her or her sons.  They have committed to their calling, they have given up the lives they once had, they are willing participants.  God knows they are unaware of what they are asking for and He is also aware their hearts are still being prepared.  

To watch God respond with gentleness and firmness as He develops the hearts of Disciples makes you understand God and yourself a little bit better.  Seeing God at work is an awesome adventure, being willing and open is part of the journey.  

Listen to Jesus response to their request.  "But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Matthew‬ ‭20:26-28‬

James and John were blind but with their help and God's persistence, hearts are matured and prepared for the Kingdom.  In Matthew the next story is: "The Healing of Two Blind Men."  Not by chance I might add.  Have a blessed day and do what God puts in front of you today, you will be amazed.  

What is God saying to me?  You are welcome.  (I sit with a thankful heart this morning as I prepare to give my daughter away in marriage to a fine young man, an answer to prayer). 

Dear Father God, there is so much to be grasped within Your Word and with the Bread of life.  Sitting each day with You reveals truth that we are blind too, yet that does not deter You from changing and transforming the hearts of Your Disciples.  Thank You for this amazing day, for the gifts of life and most importantly, for the gift of Your love and the opportunity to witness it.  Prayers for the soon to be newly wed couple, I know they are being well formed in the Masters hands.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Mother of the Church, Pray for us. 

St Joesph Protector of Holy Church, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/FV0H4J3cFRs

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 40 - The Journey



Week 40 - The Journey 

"On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.  

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:52-56‬

Seeds of faith.  Isn't that just like us to force the power of God into another's life.  Jesus on the other hand has a different plan.  John the beloved learned from Jesus, He learned to take a different approach.  Remember it was the Mother of James and John who wanted a seat of honor for them. 

Their response to rejection was to fight it, prove who had the upper hand.  Jesus on the other hand moves on where He will be accepted.   He clearly states that the way is not of man but of God.  

I recognize the passion of John, of wanting to demonstrate the power of God and God recognizes they are not ready but this encounter was only the beginning for the Samaritans as they find their way to accept Jesus.   God does not force His will upon us but gently and deliberately moves us closer to His way.  

What is God saying to me?  I got this, just listen and obey.  

Dear Father God, I appreciate Your gentleness in moving us closer to You.  You do not force, You gave us free will to chose the way, may that way always include You even when we are filled with passion to prove.  Thank You Father for being there all along the way, thank You for hearing my heart and responding, I feel what You feel, the good and the bad.  Blessings upon these next few days as You continue to reveal Your mighty plan.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Q85BGo-ipJU

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 40 - The Journey



Week 40 - The Journey 

"After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them."  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭9:2-3‬

The Glory of the Lord.  Sitting with Peter, James and John peering into the burning bush on Mount Tabor, He changes you.  I pondered the shared experiences of these three.  Jesus selected these three when something big was going down.   The first three Apostles,  the transfiguration, the Garden of Gethsemane,  they journeyed together with Christ and became the Son of Man's core team.  

Jesus had a team within a team, one that He set aside for a purpose.  Long after Jesus had ascended into Heaven, these memories stayed with them.  They recognized the glory of the Lord and they also recognized the authority that Jesus was establishing upon earth with Holy Mother Church.  

Shared experiences brings us together, I have been on Mount Tabor.  I can close my eyes and sit in the Chapel that is there and ponder the mysteries of God.  These shared experience played a crucial role in the early Church.  These three disciples became the ones that Jesus left behind to continue His mission of spreading the Good news with purpose.  

What is God saying to me?  Nothing is by chance, I have purpose in everything, sometimes saying things without words.  

Dear Father, it is a blessing that we were there.  These events in our lives are there for a purpose, to bring about Your Glory upon earth.  Help us each day live out the Gospels with purpose, to slow down and not over react to the situations that pop up but to learn from them and grow with them.  Prayers for great memories made this weekend that will carry us home to You.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Model of Workmen, Pray for us.  

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/fT85UHRB9AY

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 39 - The Journey



Week 39 - The Journey 

"For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, "This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain."  ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:17-18‬

Divine nature.  There is a difference in Peter the Saint vs Peter the Disciple.  As I contemplate this place where Peter is in these verses He is living within the power of God.  He has long forgotten the denial of the Living God.  The mystery is well ingrained within him.  

We ourselves can learn as Peter did to be steeped in the mystery of God.  I wonder the thoughts Peter had, the memories that came back as he relived his days with Jesus.  Our own lives are Divine appointments, orchestrated by God to bring us to the place that we call home.  The journey is real and it has purpose.  

You have touched the Divine mystery or should I say He has touched you, in our baptism.  The journey begins with the Living God.  God speaks in our own memories, some we don't want to relive others shows us the Mystery that transforms us.  Just be, "not by might, not by power but by My Spirit says the Lord."  Zechariah 4:6

What is God saying to me?  Keep going. 

Dear Father, I see this place where Peter is and I see where he came from.  The journey is not an easy one but one that we all must travel.   I thank You for the gift of life, for the opportunity to sit in Your presence and see the journey from a distance knowing that it has a destination that is pleasing to you at least that is my hope.  Thank You for the gift of this week and blessings of a lifetime of lessons.  Watch over all who are traveling, prepare each of us for our final destination.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen Mother, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Foster Father of Jesus, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/CWygzKyWrno

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 39 - The Journey



Week 39 - The Journey

"As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed." He got up at once. And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Peter Restores Tabitha to Life. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, rise up." She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord."  ‭‭Acts‬ ‭9:32-35, 38-40, 42‬

Discipleship.  What words rang true to Peter when he thought of Jesus.  How had everything that he had heard directly from the mouth of God impacted him?  I sat this morning and this is where God had my thoughts at.  

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."  ‭‭John‬ ‭14:12-13‬.  The love Peter has for Jesus transformed him into His disciple.  He witnessed Jesus demonstrate this love of Father and the Son, how Jesus glorified God with His life.  

Peter in turn followed, (Discipleship), His example and glorifies Jesus by healing the cripple in Jesus's name, by raising the dead in Jesus's name.  Peter is living the Divine Mystery and God is transforming the world around him because of his faith.  The results are God's, the actions are yours in faith.  

What is God saying to me?  Walk by faith not by sight, Peter followed My direction.  He was My hands, My feet, My voice, My body. 

Dear Father, a little bit each day as You bring it all together.  Living a life of faith and trusting in You is the perfect life.  I may not always get what I want but I always get what You give.  Thank You for the blessing of holy words and the opportunity to sit in confessions.  Grace upon grace is poured out upon us when we humble ourselves in Your presence.   Bless this day and thank You for the life that You have given each of us.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Model of Workmen, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/0ghypOJ6XW8

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 39 - The Journey



Week 39 - The Journey 

"As he clung to Peter and John, all the people hurried in amazement toward them in the portico called "Solomon's Portico." When Peter saw this, he addressed the people, "You Israelites, why are you amazed at this, and why do you look so intently at us as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety? The God of Abraham, [the God] of Isaac, and [the God] of Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate's presence, when he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong, and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health, in the presence of all of you."  ‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:11-16‬

Wisdom.  The cure of the cripple Acts 3:6-26.  We see the miracle cure of the cripple, he couldn't walk and now he was jumping about walking, those that witnessed were amazed.   The unseen miracle is Peter.  

Who is this man, the one who couldn't walk by faith, the one who needed evidence and filled with doubt.  Look at what God has done in him.   He is filled with the Holy Spirit and is Peter-Jesus.  The time spent these past three years and nothing seemed to be happening, Jesus reveals the evidence.  Peter is the other miracle.   He speaks truth into the crowd.  

We want the evidence but Jesus knows how to transform hearts.  Each day in the presence of God changes us, sanctifies the inside, cleans out the closets and then the truth is revealed.  Peter wanted to do the Masters will but sin got in the way.  Not no more, Peter is the other miracle.  

What is God saying to me?  I am at work.  

Dear Father God, sitting and looking at Peter is a great sight.  I see the transformation through his journey with You.   The physical evidence is awesome but the unseen miracles that we can't see are much better.  The Journey that You are orchestrating on the inside is the much better miracle for our eternity.  Prayers for Your will be done on a special request.  You know best Father.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

https://youtu.be/xh8eKAL8H2I

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 39 - The Journey



Week 39 - The Journey 

"You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the holy Spirit from the Father and poured it forth, as you [both] see and hear. Therefore let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, "What are we to do, my brothers?" Peter [said] to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day. Communal Life."  ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:22-23, 32-33, 36-39, 41‬ ‭

Pentecost Power.  Who is this man?  Peter has entered the fullness of truth.  Listening to the conviction in his voice and the passion in his words, he is no longer Simon.  He is living the Gospel with God, no longer a spectator but a committed, full-hearted follower of Jesus.  

This was the epicenter of the universe for God's final redemption to spread through out the world.  One man at a time, that inner voice who is God, asking Simon to be transformed.  That inner voice asks one question, " try me".  The witness now has a choice to make either to be Simon, his old self or Peter, the resurrected body of Jesus.  

There is a stark contrast between Peter in the boat from yesterday to Peter living out his faith in today's Gospel. The power of God operating within a willing soul moves mountains.  "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit."

What is God saying to me?

Dear Lord God, I sit in awe of Your transforming power, the witness that is produced from a bag of bones going nowhere but down is evidence of Your divine plan.  Bless this day Father, prayers for the challenges that this day will bring, You direct Your pupil and all will be well.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Patriarch of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/AxH8Q8ue65o

Week 39 - The Journey



Week 39 - The Journey 

"Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."  John‬ ‭21:18-19‬

Reaffirming Love.  It is an interesting exchange between Jesus and Peter.  Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?"  Think about what Jesus is witnessing on the seashore, Peter the appointed leader is slipping back into a old way of life.  Peter's not comfortable going there, finding no joy in being there but unsure of how to go forward.  

Jesus reaffirms His commitment in Peter and what He will do.  Peter's own commitment needs to change.  In an indirect way Jesus tells Peter, his life is not within his control but it will be ok if he follows Him.  If Peter felt abandoned, Jesus is saying you will not be alone, I will be with you.  "Follow Me"

Our own commitment changes as we grow with God.  Consistent face to face, daily conversation, trusting in God grows from our own commitment.  God can watch from the shore seeing a life float along or that life can take the plunge and seek Him to follow.  "Follow Me", is a great adventure and all you have to do is follow.  Be consistent in your conversations with God.  

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father God, Your love reaffirms Your commitment to us no matter where we are at in life.  In the lives of the Disciples You teach us how to respond.  There is a blessing sitting on the shoreline looking out into the deep with You.  Thank You Father for Your gift of love, I lean upon You today in my moments of weakness when "I" tries to take charge.  Bless this day and bless our journeys into deeper water.  

Mary, Queen of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/S8jvfdDtoqY

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 38 - The Journey



Week 38 - The Journey

"From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, "God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you." He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Matthew‬ ‭16:21-23

God's plan vs man's plan.  Peter is living in two worlds, one with God at the center and the other with him as god.  He told us Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, now he is giving God's son counsel.  Jesus is quick to respond to help Peter see that there is more to life than what he believes.  

Looking back we get to see the plans of God, we get to see life, death and resurrection.  It is in these trials that we learn to trust God completely even in the suffering.  It is not our plan but God knows best.  There is no resurrection without death, there is no new life without resurrection.  

Think as God thinks, not my will be done but Thy will be done.  Allow God to correct you, take these corrections and become sanctified.  Without His guidance we are but dust, we will become what pains Him most, a lost soul to the father of lies.  

What is God saying to me?  My way is always best, the trials give you strength and prepare you for a better tomorrow.  In the stillness I speak, I am hidden between the words, to be sought out and found.

Dear Father, I thank You for your wise counsel in my life.  May I always listen and respond to Your voice.  Give us the wisdom to discern Your voice over the evil one.  Thank You Lord for showing how much You love us within scripture.  Prayers for those in a trap may they recognize the silent knock upon their hearts.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/lXUOuzJo1bE

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 38 - The Journey



Week 38 - The Journey 

"He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father."  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:15-17‬

Hypostatic Union.   Jesus has been teaching His disciples and He is seeing the changes in them.  How they act, how they pray, how they emulate Him.  Peter confirms this growth with his response and Jesus acknowledges that it is from above.   

Jesus as fully man and Jesus as fully God operating as one yet distinct individuals.  Jesus didn't teach Peter what to say, it was his understanding from above.   In our relationship with God the Father, He reveals truth to us, we see this truth in the life of Jesus.  And like Peter we are to emulate the Son of God.  

"The Father and I are one.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭10:30‬.  One yet distinct from each other.  Who do you say He is?  Are you taking Peter's lead in your daily prayer life and sitting with God the Father?

What is God saying to me?  Follow your instincts and listen with the heart.  It is I that you hear. 

Dear Lord God, I hear the words form in my thoughts and I follow Your lead trusting in where we are going.  In the silence You are louder than any other time of day.  Thank You for leading me to truth, to a deeper understanding as You reveal Yourself to me.  Prayers for a friend listening with intent, what a glorious day.  Thank You Father for the blessings of this day and the opportunity to hear.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/h7-IAFogxcM

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 38 - The Journey



Week 38 - The Journey

"As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?" He was referring to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot; it was he who would betray him, one of the Twelve."  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:66-71‬

Eternal life.  Peter's response to Jesus is very telling.  He has come to know the Messiah but he is still conflicted.  His humanity is trying to reconcile what Jesus is saying.  How can I eat His flesh and drink His blood.  That isn't humanely possible yet he knows He is the Holy One of God.   "Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him."  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:53-56‬

Peter never left Jesus, he doubted, he questioned, he voiced his concerns and he was on stable ground.  He had come to know that nothing is impossible for God, he needs to work on his acceptance of the Word of God.  

How many in these days find these words hard to comprehend and using their human intellect walk away from Truth.  God knows exactly where we are at, knows what to say to engage us into a deeper relationship.  Peter was there even in the chaos of his day. Do you believe what the Son of God is saying to you, have you walked away from truth, is He Master or are you master?

What is God saying to me?  It is hard for a reason, Faith can't be activated without supernatural belief.  

Mary, Mother of Eternal Life, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Most Pure, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/vrCN2sJpfvY

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 38 - The Journey



Week 38 - The Journey

"Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."  Matthew‬ ‭14:28-33‬

Focus.  As Peter steps out of the boat, he and Jesus make eye contact.  His thoughts are upon Him and the storm is insignificant, they are in it together.  He takes his eyes off of Jesus and realizes where he is at and how great the storm is.  He slips into the storm. 

Peter is looking into the fire, the storm is upon them and he is lost in it.  His Master is being crucified and he may be next.  The cock crows and his thoughts are jarred.  They turn to the words of Jesus, his doubt has creeped in again but then their eyes met just as on that night upon the sea.  Peter knows they are in the storm together, He knows what God is capable off.  

What parts of your character is God working on.  Is it doubt, is it pride, is it faith, in the storm we are to look into His eyes.  The love that we receive within this gaze erases the storm, blinds us to the impossible and we just do.  The storm doesn't stop but we are in it together.  Never take your eyes off of Jesus, if you do and you know each other, your Master will jar you loose from your wayward thoughts and place them upon Him.  

What is God saying to me?  I Am at work in the day to day tasks, in the storm, in the boat, there or not there.  I never leave you.  

Dear Lord God, there is beauty stepping out of the boat as You command us to come.  I thank You for hearing the knock, I pray for those who do not hear the knock.  Thank You Father for the doubt, these are moments to grow deeper with You, especially when I look into the gaze.  Bless this day Lord, prayers for the suffering servant in a world deaf to the knock.  Keep knocking so we may hear You and Your love for us.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Grace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/dQdfs5S6jyA

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 38 - The Journey



Week 38 - The Journey

"After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him." ‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:4-11‬

Completeness.  At the seashore with Jesus and Peter, sitting and listening, what is Jesus telling us.  Does Jesus not know who Peter really is?  Yes, He knew Peter is a sinful man, yet this is the point.  

Peter's profession was fishing, this is what he knew and once again he came back empty.  God tells him to put out into the deep and his net is full.  Life without God is empty, it is incomplete.  Life with God is over flowing, it is way more than one can imagine, it is complete.  

God does not turn away the sinful man(me), He embraces him and transforms an empty vessel to one filled with life, one filled with Hope, together they are called.  Nothing is hidden from God and like Peter we are to voice our concerns, give them to Him and follow, where HE takes you. 

What is God saying to me?  I see what you can not.  A man filled with humility willing to be open is what I seek.  

Dear Father, I see You embracing us where we are at with all our stuff with the knowledge that with You we are everything.  There is simple messages filled with love in the truths that You give us in the life of the Saints.  We too can become what we are called to be with You.  Prayers for my blindness to the reality of life without God, overcome this weakness in me so I can better serve you.  I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Model of Workmen, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/zC617kE1maU

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 37 - The Journey

Week 37 - The Journey 

"Now Herod had arrested John, bound [him], and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus."  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:3-12‬

Freedom.  Seems like a strange word to identify with these verses.  But as I sat with God in scripture, these two men, both created in His image, were given freedom.  Freedom to choose their path in life.  Interesting enough, their parents helped form who they had become.  

Herod's father was Herod the great who ordered the slaughter of the innocent.  He had no value for life nor the laws given by God for he was a god.  He chose his path.  John the Baptist chose his path as well, choosing to become a slave of Christ.  Choosing to honor God.  Standing for truth and being enslaved by it.  

What things in my life am I enslaved to?  I am freely choosing my path.  There are consequences to my choices, either life (eternal) or death (eternal).  John's baptism of repentance is just as valid today as it was back then.  Will we humble ourselves and go before our Lord to be His witness in our daily lives?  God loves us that much that He gives us what we ask for.  

What is God saying to me?  In the stillness I Am there, gazing upon our creation, in love.  Even when it hurts.  

Dear Father, there is truth when we sit together having a real look at myself.  Still moving towards You, yet knowing that there is more that I must work on.  I recognize my own sinfulness and I recognize Your love.  Give us strength to be Your faithful witnesses in a world that seeks to destroy truth for its own self interests.  Bless this morning and all this day has to offer.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Full of Grace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/UuzYaDrwwz8

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b