It is I

August 10, 2014 10:29 am

“At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” (Mt 14: 27)

God revealed His name as “I am who I am.” The only One who just IS; always and everywhere as a true God. Today Our Lord reminds us to take courage: “it is I”—literally, I am. Today, like everyday, He will take care of us, He will be with us and He will protect us. Why? Because He IS Our Lord.

“Look to your covenant, O Lord, and forget not the life of your poor ones for ever. Arise, O God, and defend your cause, and forget not the cries of those who seek you.” (Entrance Antiphon)

The one who is coming into the world

July 29, 2014 10:06 am

“I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (J 11: 27)

The world seen from a different perspective: not mine but His. Media inform us about the presence of evil: acts of terror, crime, violence, wars and danger. The Bible, even if it speaks about our weakness, always proclaims the Good News about Our Lord “who is coming into the world.” When “I have come to believe” that He is the Christ, the son of God, nothing is the same, everything changes: I am never alone, I am loved, protected and guided by His Angels and Saints.

“I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Yeast and wheat flour

July 28, 2014 9:49 am

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” (Mt 13:33)

“Think globally act locally.” We are invited to work in the Kingdom of Heaven in so many places. What we can do is small in scale but it can change whole world, as it’s work for the Kingdom of Him who gives growth.

“God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he himself gives might and strength to his people.” (Entrance Antiphon)

The source of living waters

July 24, 2014 1:24 pm

“Two evils have my people done: they have forsaken me, the source of living waters; They have dug themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that hold no water.” (Jer 2: 13)

The Holy Communion answers all our needs. Brings life to our life, brings food for our soul and keeps us on track to Heaven. The same happens with God’s words.

“Those who keep God’s word with a good and perfect heart, patiently bring forth fruit.” (Communion Antiphon)

Let them grow until harvest

July 20, 2014 1:44 am

“‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” (Mt 13: 28-30)

One of my favorite stories: Our Lord takes care of even the smallest part of the wheat. The wheat could be in danger—“you might uproot the wheat along with” the weed. His patience help us to grow, so that we experience how important we are for Him.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.” (Gospel Antiphon)

I desire mercy

July 18, 2014 5:52 am

“If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Mt 12: 7).

The true name of God is mercy and He has always reveled this name to us. His only expectation is that we would follow His example.

“Greater love has no one, than to lay down his life for his friends” (Communion Antiphon).

A cup of water

July 14, 2014 10:49 am

“And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward”. (Mt 10:42)

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Polish martyr of WW2, when his apostolic mission was totally unsuccessful, asked at the end of the visit for “a cup of cold water,” knowing that this person “will surely not lose his reward.” A gesture of kindness means so much to our Lord. Our smiles, a simple “thank you”, a glass of water can protect not only our relationships but also our salvation.

“Blessed are they who are persecuted for sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven” (Gospel Acclamation).

Seraphim

July 12, 2014 11:54 am

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” (Is 6:3)

When we celebrate the Holy Mass, we use Seraphim’s prayer. This prayer moves us close to “a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple,” just in front of the Holy One.

Everyday we are surrounded by Angels. All those beautiful creatures, created by God to His glory, support us to help us fulfill our vocation. With their presence, Heaven and Earth intertwine. When we pray together with our Guardian Angel and Our Lady, our prayer goes directly to the Heaven.

“Hail Holy Mother, who gave birth to the King who rules heaven and earth for ever” (Entrance Antiphon).

His peace

July 10, 2014 10:27 am

“As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you” (Mt 10: 12-13).

We think about peace as something emotional, individual and internal; and at the same moment, we can wish it, let it come upon a house or just let it return to us. We receive peace which is not ours but His. And we are responsible for what we do with it. “The peace of the Lord be with you always.”

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed the man who seeks refuge in him” (Communion Antiphon).

Gave them authority

July 9, 2014 10:41 am

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness” (Mt 10: 1).

We should always remember that “authority over unclean spirits and to cure every disease and every illness” comes from Our Lord. Whoever is invited for the ministry “to cure” should remember that cures come from Him and respect His love for the ill.

“The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel” (Gospel Acclamation)