SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES

 We’ve got to straighten up some things about God. Who He is and what He wants for our life. What is our picture of God? It’s not surprising to know that most of us think that God doesn’t want us to have fun. It’s like all the things that we want to do with our friends that are interesting and exciting when we were young was against God’s commandments. It may seem like we have to settle for less. What’s worse is that all the faithful Catholics get less out of life. This is part of the propaganda way back in the Garden of Eden. God gave us a magnificent paradise wherein there is perfect intimacy and no shame with each other. In the Garden they have everything they need but gave just one limit, not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This is very interesting because God said, “Don’t do this because you will die.” The reason why God commands us something is because He is a loving Father who cares for us. He wants us to have the best. But then came the serpent, he did...

   Whenever something bad happens to us whether it is caused by our own doing, of others or for no known reason, it is always for our good to go to God. He is our true friend and He will always put our cause into His hands all we have to do is completely trust Him and know that He will always uphold justice for the downtrodden, outcasts and right our wrongs if we repent and turn away from sin. We should pity those people who do evil or no good instead of being angry and despising them. We are supposed to feel sorry for them. There is very little difference between succumbing to evil and failing to do good. Both becomes a trap that we fall into and is so difficult to get away with. It brings dishonor, disgrace and takes away our dignity that we become full of shame and could not even lift our heads high. Evil is like a wolf disguised in sheep's skin. We should be wise and vigilant at all times so as not to fall for the schemes and tactics of the enemy who wants us to fall into...

    We may all have experienced getting sick and undergone a lot of pain at the same time, one way or another. We must realize that going through difficult and painful times could serve as a testimony to the love and power of God. Our God is the Divine Healer but if we have never been sick and healed how can we attest to this truth. What's most important is that we focus on God's goodness rather on our pains and sicknesses and we could find meaning in all of these. Today's 1st reading tells us of this wonderful story of Hezekiah's repentance and God's response to him. No matter what we did in the past if we are to mend our ways and really turn away from our sins then God will surely hear our prayers, forgive us and make things right for us. When He acts on our behalf, He assures us constantly of His unfailing love by making it known to us in so many marvelous and mysterious ways. God speaks to us in a variety of ways, as the bible says: God’s ways are not man’s ways...

   It is in the dark hours of our life that we encounter so much fear, anxiety and confusion. When we are experiencing these things it is best to just stay calm and know that we can count on God. Let us not lose hope nor be discouraged whenever we go through a time like this. We can always hold on to God's words in the scriptures as in today's 1st reading which instructs us what to do. Amen. Hallelujah! Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 ...My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you; when your judgment dawns upon the earth, the world’s inhabitants learn justice. 12 O LORD, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done... I could never forget this talk from the Lenten Retreat which was about prayer. The speaker started the talk by stating that life is a mystery. Faith is a mystery. I. The Church professes the mystery of our faith repeatedly in the CREED. I believe in God... In these repetitions, we hope to eventually...

    Anger is a very strong feeling that can get out of control. We may have been a victim of this because we are easily carried away by our emotions. Although we may still be susceptible to getting angry, we should be more aware of this emotion and how it operates. Another strategy before we succumb to it, we should immediately think of how Jesus would react to our outburst. Our constant pondering of the scriptures could improve our attitude especially because it gives us a better perspective of how to handle anger. Everything is grace from God. Nothing in this world continues to be without God's Almighty power holding it in place. Sometimes we forget who we really are, where we came from, what we're created and called for and why we are here in this world and still exist up to this very moment. Today's 1st reading is a wake up call for the chosen people of God as spoken by the prophet Isaiah. When we are not in touch with this reality then we might end up exhausting all ou...

    It is faith that makes us confident and firm in our belief no matter what our situation. We must have the conviction to say that we are where we are, doing what we are doing right now and holding on to the promises of God without a shadow of doubt that everything will come to pass and press on to fulfillment. We have an Almighty and Powerful God. His power knows no limits and we can be assured that we are always safe in His hands. There is no reason to fear nor be discouraged if we are firmly anchored in our faith in God. We are standing on a steady and firm foundation, we shall not be moved. Our hope rests in God who never fails. Amen. Hallelujah! Isaiah 7:1-9 ...Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear; let not your courage fail...Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm! We may all come to a point in our Christian walk of faith when we are no longer sure if what we are doing is the right thing. It is so hard at times when we are confronted with people and si...