Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.  

"Now as you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also. I say this not by way of command, but to test the genuineness of your love by your concern for others. For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich."  ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬-‭9‬

Love for God.  Today marks 36 years of married life.  I reflect back upon the last 36 years and recognize how we began with the Sacrament of marriage before and with God at mass.  How over the years we have grown in our love for each other and continue to grow in that love together with God.  I am thankful for this joy, the gift of love and the vocation that we both take seriously.  It isn't about self, it is about the other.   God speaks thru the years and shares His joy as we all grow together.  Our relationship is a life long commitment that we have entrusted to God.   

God is love and He speaks in simple acts especially with the gift of life He gives to each of us.  Have a blessed day and give thanks for this gift by giving Him away.   

Dear Father, Thank You for the joys of life, the trials of life and the rewards of life.  Each day is an adventure when we walk together with You.  I like the commonness of married life, and our relationship not that it is common.  You have always been there from the beginning and we have never left Your side.  Bless this day and all it has to offer, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pillar of Family Life, Pray for us.  

St Patrick, Pray for us.  

Peter, Paul and Mary - Wedding Song "There is Love" (25th Anniversary Concert) youtu.be

https://youtu.be/RrTfNTzAvYY

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known. 

"Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬-‭26‬

"To this day, in fact, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."  ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭17

Salvation through freedom, freedom through salvation, they work hand in hand.  The mystery of the word of God, you can read it over and over again and its meaning can be veiled, hidden from us.  Not really hidden but it isn't seen right in front of us.  It is us that veils its meaning, our own prejudices, our lack of understanding, our lack of effort to uncover its truth.  

"Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."  How can someone repay a debt in jail?  Are we held captive by the world not really seeing the veil it places upon us?  Freedom comes from knowing that you are loved by God no matter what.  It is Christ that pays the price for our freedom and it is our faith in Him that brings about salvation within these valley of tears.  Awaken to the freedom Christ freely gives and do not be bound by the lies of these prison walls.   " Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Have a blessed day and listen to the Spirit of the Lord, He has got whatever comes.  

Dear Father, I was blind but now I see.  You reveal hidden gems within words we have read before.  Help this simple mind apply these truths to my day and may my own short comings not get in the way.  Prayers for a friend learning to breathe.  Amen. 

Mary, Mother of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Health of the Sick, Pray for us. 

St Patrick, Pray for us. 

Matt Maher, TAYA - The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours) (Official Music Video) youtu.be

https://youtu.be/H8QN8bTR1k0

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.  

"Let your face shine upon your servant; teach me your statutes."  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭135‬

In the quiet of the morning I look to God, in these moments we converse and He responds with loving kindness.  He sees the days behind as they are and He sees what lies ahead.  In these moments I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in whatever is going on in my world.  

I imagine Jesus as He went about His life doing what was asked of Him.  He too looked into the face of His Father knowing that He was looking back.  Life is not meant to be easy, it is meant for us to return to where we belong.  In looking into the face of God, we are being held captive by the One who created us.  The distractions that come along our way are just that, distractions.  To take our focus off of Him.  Look around you, the distractions can be devastating yet even in them God waits for us to look to Him so He can captivate us with His love. 

"Lord, let Your face shine upon me"

Dear Lord God, I thank You for the gift of this day, I thank You for the gift of this moment, I thank You for the contentment that lies within my heart when we look into each others face.  I realize some do not understand but my prayer is that You captivate them on the journey of life which brings us home to You.  Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us.  

St Patrick, Pray for us.  

I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) - Brian Doerksen youtu.be

https://youtu.be/9g4eqKDkDiw

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known. 

"When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭12‬

Blessed are the peacemakers.  I sit with Jesus on the mountain listening to His teachings.  Away from the busyness of life, there is peace and calm when we go away with God to be taught.  The disciples need to be taught, they need that alone time away from the hustle and bustle of daily living.  They also go to Jesus and must go to the mountain.  How many within the crowds want that type of peace?  How many are willing to take the daily steps to go to the mountain away from all the noise and busyness.  Go to the mountain to find peace and be still.  Listen to God as He teaches, be a child of God.  Have a blessed day and be not afraid.  

Dear Father, we steal away some time to sit with each other, You we're waiting and it is I that must go to sit.  I thank You for the joy of Your teaching, for the time to just be, without all the pressures of life   I know I am heard and I know You are molding me, may I take it to my day.  Prayers for friends within the crowds that are struggling to listen, help them go to the top of the mountain and sit.  Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Light of Patriarchs, Prat for us. 

St Patrick, Pray for us. 

The Dying Teenager That Inspired Ireland | EWTN News In Depth June 2, 2023 youtu.be

https://youtu.be/uqcXxfLQeDY

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known

"Raphael called the two of them aside privately and said to them: "Bless God and give him thanks before all the living for the good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Proclaim before all with due honor the deeds of God, and do not be slack in thanking him. A king's secret should be kept secret, but one must declare the works of God and give thanks with due honor. Do good, and evil will not overtake you."  ‭‭Tobit‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭7

A little late in coming.  Listen to the words of Christ within His Word.  Life comes at us and we either proclaim God or we don't.  Tobit shares the secret to a happy life even when life happens.  Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christ, it is the celebration of the Eucharist, the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ the King.

In given of self to live out the mysteries of Heaven is the secret.  Jesus as a man proclaimed the works of God and gives thanks.  This is the essence of communion, we are all part of one body and we are interconnected.  Got to experience that first hand on a business trip.  

God sends His angels to watch over us, take up Jesus's calling for you and listen to what He asks.  Even in the turmoil all is well, my prayer is that all come to understand that.  Read Tobit it is life as a parable, we each have a gospel story, where are you at?

Father God, You amaze me and over whelm my senses with Your love.  I am so thankful for the depth of Your love.  I pray for the blind to be able to see and sick to be healed, our world would be a much be better place.  Amen  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Protector of Families, Pray for us. 

St Patrick, Pray for us. 

My Fathers House Johnny McEvoy- Into The Cauldron youtu.be

https://youtu.be/H9WAfZB_TIU

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known

"Jesus replied, "The first is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'"  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭29‬-‭30‬

"When Sarah's parents left the bedroom and closed the door behind them, Tobiah rose from bed and said to his wife, "My sister, come, let us pray and beg our Lord to grant us mercy and protection." She got up, and they started to pray and beg that they might be protected. He began with these words: "Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors; blessed be your name forever and ever! Let the heavens and all your creation bless you forever."  ‭‭Tobit‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬-‭5‬

Is God first in your life?  How we begin our day does make a difference, and how we end it.  "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬.  Our days are not easy, they are not suppose to be.  But with God first and love in Your heart, it is a great day and life.  

There is much to be gleaned from reading God's word and contemplating the life that He has given you.  Whether He is first or not with you, He only seeks what is best.  Listen to what He tells you before your feet hit the floor in the morning.  Know that you are loved that much.  Have a blessed day, make God first and all will be well, no matter what troubles you face.  Nothing is greater than Him, not even self.  

Dear Lord God, it is a blessed morning pondering the glory of our life's choices.  I thank You Father for revealing the body of Christ and how we each are all part of one body that works together.  I thank You for the life You have given and I trust and love You in all things.  May this day be a fruitful day within Your guidance.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.  

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

St Patrick, Pray for us.  

Aaron Shust - "Shadow of Shaddai (Psalm 91)" [Audio Video] youtu.be

https://youtu.be/24P27UVBaGQ

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known

"Jesus said to them, "Are you not misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God? As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, 'I am the God of Abraham, [the] God of Isaac, and [the] God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled."  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬, ‭26‬-‭27‬

"At that very time, the prayer of both of them was heard in the glorious presence of God. So Raphael was sent to heal them both: to remove the white scales from Tobit's eyes, so that he might again see with his own eyes God's light; and to give Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, as a wife to Tobiah, the son of Tobit, and to rid her of the wicked demon Asmodeus."  ‭‭Tobit‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬a

The power of God within His word.  As we read scripture both the new and the Old Testament, He speaks to us.  The God of the living is within the word of God and He is revealed.  As I read the readings for Tobit this morning, it was Tobit's faith in a living God that gives him life.  It is the faith of Sarah in a living God that breathes life within her.  It is our own faith to turn the page and read.  

Jesus speaks to the Sadducees and speaks truth to the resurrection, to the saving power of God.  He is the God of the living, the ones who turn to Him in their time of need in faith and know that their supplication is heard.  Life can deal us a heavy hand but within those troubled times lies God waiting to hear our prayer.  He hears and responds, it is our faith in Him, knowing that all will be well that brings about the saving power of God.  Have a blessed day living out your faith story. 

Dear Father God, You continue to reveal Yourself each day within scripture, I read and listen to what You are saying.  You are living within Your temple, sitting upon the throne and allowing Your servant to hear and see.  Nothing goes unnoticed when we are walking together.  Thank You Father for the life that You given, the hope and joy that is revealed within the vocations that each of us has.  Your plan is always perfect, may we recognize You alive within our lives.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Light of Patriarchs, Pray for us. 

St Patrick, Pray for us. 

Jeremy Camp - Same Power (Lyric Video) youtu.be

https://youtu.be/InsifiZxVXU

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known

"They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to him to ensnare him in his speech. 

Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, "Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at." 

So Jesus said to them, "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." They were utterly amazed at him.   ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬, ‭15‬, ‭17‬

Open the eyes of my heart Lord.  Jesus stands before His accuser and demonstrates His true character.  He has no hidden agenda, ill will, anger, or animosity towards them.  He only speaks the truth with what He as been given.  He has accepted this is the path that His Father has Him on.  Each day brings about the opportunity within daily life to bring glory to God.  

We ourselves are given difficult situations to respond to, what character in you comes out?  Is it one of love that does not respond in anger or hatred?  Is it one that speaks truth that brings glory to God the Father.  All good things come from above and even within His permissible will, He is there so we can become more like His intended creation.  

Slow down, take a deep breath and look with the heart, see how Jesus would respond.  Life is a great educator!  Learn the lessons well.   

Dear Father, it is a beautiful morning filled with the joy of the day.   You have blessed us with the choice to chose our path, help us recognize who is manipulating the situations in our day to trip us up causing strive and turmoil.   May we turn to you in our moments of concern and look with the heart of Jesus in how we are to glorify You.  Prayers for a world wandering away from Your grace, awaken our senses to Your reality.   Bless this day and give Your servant Israel wisdom.   I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Christ, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us 

St Patrick, Pray for us.

How Long, O Lord, How Long? youtu.be

https://youtu.be/1FSUNzVymaU

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity



The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

""I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty." Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."  ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  Three in One and One in Three.   To begin and try and understand the Trinity is a great beginning that has no end as long as we have finite wisdom.  It goes beyond our comprehension but it is an endeavor that draws us into a deeper relationship with the Triune God, they are united yet  separate, equal yet different.

The teachings of the early church on the Trinity can be found here.  https://fatima.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/The-Athanasian-Creed.pdf  This was what one understood to be Christian and was taught to each and everyone.   As we contemplate the Christian journey let's not forget that He is Love, He is Peace and He Unites.  The evil ones works at being the opposite, he is division, he is turmoil and he is chaos.

Look at our culture and as Jesus instructed Nicodemus in John 3:16, it is our belief thru our Christian actions and values that brings about the change necessary in our world.   Nicodemus put it all on the line when he assisted in burying the Christ.  How are you demonstrating your fundamental Christian beliefs?  Does it include Love, Peace and Unity at its core?

Dear Father, I thank You for the Joy that is given within the Sacrament of Your Holy Eucharist, I thank You for the unity that You are calling each of us as we live out our purpose in life, to get to Heaven.  We will always fall short but thru our faith, & belief and Your mercy We will accomplish Your will for each of us.   Keep us safe this week, watch over Your children and may we recognize the gift that You freely give within Your Word, Amen.   

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Diligent Protector of Christ, Pray for us. 

St Patrick, Pray for us.  

O Trinity Of Blessed Light youtu.be

https://youtu.be/z2r2GERc6Zo

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known.  

"and said to him, "By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?" ‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬

"He saved me from every evil and preserved me in time of trouble. For this reason I thank and praise him; I bless the name of the Lord. When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom. She came to me in her beauty, and until the end I will cultivate her. As the blossoms yielded to ripening grapes, the heart's joy, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. Since in this way I have profited, I will give my Teacher grateful praise."  Ben Sira‬ ‭51‬:‭12‬-‭17‬

I sought the Lord.  By whose authority do you operate within and give praise to?  Let's face it, it isn't easy giving up our own authority to another.  Jesus was faced with the same challenge as Son of Man.  He being true God and true man, He could have done as he liked but he submitted himself to the authority His Father in Heaven placed him under.  We as well face the same challenge and the right order of things is to follow His example.  

Within scripture is the words of ever lasting life, it is the living word that will penetrate the soul and provide what the heart desires.  For the heart becomes united to God just as Jesus is united with Mary and Joesph along with the disciples upon His earthly journey. 

As you journey thru life, when we go to God with a contrite heart and ask in prayer, He will answer.  But as in life one does not advance without being obedient to your current situation.

Dear Father, You have allowed an interesting week, filled with many things.  I am thankful that You are there to listen and guide as well as correct my actions.  May each of us recognize our position and like Your Son Jesus be obedient to Your will.  Thankful for continued prayers being answered, thankful for a trusting heart and thankful for all the help that You provide.  The answer is always there in front of us.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Light of Patriarchs, Pray for us.  

St Patrick, Pray for us.  

I Sought the Lord youtu.be

https://youtu.be/A537lnptDF4

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known

"They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. Then he taught them saying, "Is it not written: 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples'? But you have made it a den of thieves.""  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭15‬-‭17‬

I chose you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last says the Lord.  John 15:16

Our time in the temple, when we go to worship and spend time with God, have we contemplated why?  The money changers and those in charge were serving self, those that went,  paid for the sacrifice so they could get, Jesus seen this as self serving and not of God.  

His time in the temple was not to serve self but to worship His Father in Heaven.  He knew as a man that it was His Father that would share with the son of man, the gift of everlasting life.  He went to honor God the Father, to bow before Him as His Father so we could go and bear the fruit that brings back an offering of everlasting hope.  He choses you to go and bear fruit not to go and rob from the temple and bring nothing back. 

When Jesus hung on the cross He ushered the words "I thirst.", what He thirsted for was the fruit of the tree, the tree that took away salvation was to bring salvation back into humanity when He died upon it.  What is that fruit that He thirsted for?  Souls.  That is the only fruit that satisfies our Triune God.  

Consider your motivations when you go into the temple, and remember Jesus struck down the fig tree that produced no fruit.  When we go we are to spend time adoring Him, not to get but to give what has been given.

Dear Jesus, it has been a fruitful morning, I thank You for sending us the Advocate so we may become more like you.  I thank You for what is being brought about thru Your divine plan.  In our finite wisdom, help us see our infirmities and help us become more like You, as we are bring united.  I ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.  

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

St Patrick, Pray for us. 

O Sacrament Most Holy - Lyric Video youtu.be

https://youtu.be/Pc_xttqZsfg

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

Daily Thoughts - Make God Known



Daily Thoughts - Make God Known

"On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you." Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way."  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭47‬-‭49‬, ‭51‬-‭52‬

Spiritual blindness.  You are not blind, you can see physically what about spiritually?  What could Bartimaeous perceive through his senses as he sat by the side of the road.  He heard the hustle and bushel, the whispers of Jesus's presence.  He perceived the excitement and the anticipation of all that were present to God.  His heart stirred and he called out for Him, he was drawn to God.  

We can be blind to our environment, not really seeing what is at hand.  God sees what is going on, what is motivating the situation and our blindness to its reality can draw us in.  Adam and Eve were blind to what was happening to them until it was too late.  As you sit within prayer ask for sight, ask for Jesus to remove Your blindness.  Just like Bartimaeous, it opens up a whole new world.  Be conscious of all situations within your day and be on the way otherwise we are being lead away from God not towards Him.  Have a blessed day on your walk.  

Dear Father, it is another beautiful morning filled with anticipation and hope.  You awaken our senses to the freshness of this day.  Help us always walk in Your way, help us see what drives situations and like You may we not get in a hurry, slow down our reactions and respond as You would respond.  Thank You for the blessing of vision and the opportunity to always being present to You and Your needs.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

St Patrick, Pray for us. 

Walk With You | Michael Bethany | Official Lyric Video youtu.be

https://youtu.be/7dMpE7rfapc

Wisdom from St Justin Martyr 100-165AD

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