The Bush

Day's Saints
Martyrs of VietNam
Chrysogonus, Martyr

Gospel Lk 20:27-40

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,
"Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
his brother must take the wife
and raise up descendants for his brother.
Now there were seven brothers;
the first married a woman but died childless.
Then the second and the third married her,
and likewise all the seven died childless.
Finally the woman also died.
Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?
For all seven had been married to her."
Jesus said to them,
"The children of this age marry and remarry;
but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
and to the resurrection of the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage.
They can no longer die,
for they are like angels;
and they are the children of God
because they are the ones who will rise.
That the dead will rise
even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
when he called 'Lord'
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
for to him all are alive."
Some of the scribes said in reply,
"Teacher, you have answered well."
And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

+

The bush was not consumed but
burned brightly.

We see from Scripture, that things happen differently for the just, because they are like God. Likewise, they are recognized as different than the rest of men, because of their similitude to God. And yet, all that can be said is that they loved the Lord, but uncommonly well.

The just can fast and make sacrifices and endure all sorts of anguish and agony because they love the Lord and He loves them uncommonly well in return. We see, likewise that the just cannot die for they are like angels. And many other things can be said to be true of the just. They live because it pleases God, and it should be noted, that sinners may live to be very old before they die, so that they might have time enough to repent and be saved by God.

Some Christians believe that sinners should be cut off and not live, but they misunderstand the Lord if they do so, because He wishes life to be abundant and not death. Likewise, conquerors and emperors rise and build empires because they are brilliant of mind, yet all pass from the world into death where they are no longer seen and are forgotten, and the dust settles over their kingdoms to be forgotten.

But the just shall be remembered because  their valor in sacrificing themselves for their brothers and sisters was uncommon. The kindness and the gentleness of the man of God is noteworthy and he is remembered. If they are remembered by the Lord, perhaps we should take a cue from God. 

How is it the gentleness, love and intelligence of the children is lost and forgotten? Perhaps, with the grace of the Lord, it may be preserved and recalled to benefit the children of God so they may live?

It is necessary that a man grow up first, and live like Jesus lived, so that the same gentleness and intelligence might be abundant amongst the children of God. Those who seek to crush and eradicate the gentleness and love of the children, themselves will be crushed.

Remember that Jesus did not die a common death, nor was his passion common at all, for those who loved Him, remained with Him until they could take Him down and place Him in the sepulcher, administering the customary services to the dead. He rose again, and causes His passion to be recalled so that we may have the courage to recount His life and live accordingly. He did not come with a conquering army, nor did He sweep over the land like a storm, crushing everyone. He spoke with firmness and truth and gentleness and healing so that we might approach Him and live.

Some live as if they were Jesus, removed from the cross but bearing the wounds of a crucified man, blessing and healing and revealing salvation to everyone. It is earthly men who exact a price, but Jesus came giving everything for free, for the price of believing. Shall we do differently, or shall we not better do as He did as an example to us? This is the calling of the just man, and his means of being saved, for salvation is without price except for the price of a life.

The Bush

Day's Saints
Martyrs of VietNam
Chrysogonus, Martyr

Gospel Lk 20:27-40

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,
"Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
his brother must take the wife
and raise up descendants for his brother.
Now there were seven brothers;
the first married a woman but died childless.
Then the second and the third married her,
and likewise all the seven died childless.
Finally the woman also died.
Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?
For all seven had been married to her."
Jesus said to them,
"The children of this age marry and remarry;
but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
and to the resurrection of the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage.
They can no longer die,
for they are like angels;
and they are the children of God
because they are the ones who will rise.
That the dead will rise
even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
when he called 'Lord'
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
for to him all are alive."
Some of the scribes said in reply,
"Teacher, you have answered well."
And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

+

The bush was not consumed but
burned brightly.

We see from Scripture, that things happen differently for the just, because they are like God. Likewise, they are recognized as different than the rest of men, because of their similitude to God. And yet, all that can be said is that they loved the Lord, but uncommonly well.

The just can fast and make sacrifices and endure all sorts of anguish and agony because they love the Lord and He loves them uncommonly well in return. We see, likewise that the just cannot die for they are like angels. And many other things can be said to be true of the just. They live because it pleases God, and it should be noted, that sinners may live to be very old before they die, so that they might have time enough to repent and be saved by God.

Some Christians believe that sinners should be cut off and not live, but they misunderstand the Lord if they do so, because He wishes life to be abundant and not death. Likewise, conquerors and emperors rise and build empires because they are brilliant of mind, yet all pass from the world into death where they are no longer seen and are forgotten, and the dust settles over their kingdoms to be forgotten.

But the just shall be remembered because  their valor in sacrificing themselves for their brothers and sisters was uncommon. The kindness and the gentleness of the man of God is noteworthy and he is remembered. If they are remembered by the Lord, perhaps we should take a cue from God. 

How is it the gentleness, love and intelligence of the children is lost and forgotten? Perhaps, with the grace of the Lord, it may be preserved and recalled to benefit the children of God so they may live?

It is necessary that a man grow up first, and live like Jesus lived, so that the same gentleness and intelligence might be abundant amongst the children of God. Those who seek to crush and eradicate the gentleness and love of the children, themselves will be crushed.

Remember that Jesus did not die a common death, nor was his passion common at all, for those who loved Him, remained with Him until they could take Him down and place Him in the sepulcher, administering the customary services to the dead. He rose again, and causes His passion to be recalled so that we may have the courage to recount His life and live accordingly. He did not come with a conquering army, nor did He sweep over the land like a storm, crushing everyone. He spoke with firmness and truth and gentleness and healing so that we might approach Him and live.

Some live as if they were Jesus, removed from the cross but bearing the wounds of a crucified man, blessing and healing and revealing salvation to everyone. It is earthly men who exact a price, but Jesus came giving everything for free, for the price of believing. Shall we do differently, or shall we not better do as He did as an example to us? This is the calling of the just man, and his means of being saved, for salvation is without price except for the price of a life.

Glory

 

Do not cry to be shorn of earthly glory;

the Lord's glory is yours to share.

Friday's gift is a a sore back that won't let me stand up straight. Nevertheless, I have been shown how necessary it is to have something to offer the Lord who has given so much without cost to us.

Some people think freedom is a flaw that police and jack boots can solve. People do take advantage of freedom to do what is contrary to the Law of God, and they invite crack-downs in the political arena. But soon enough, the excesses that arise from the permissive attitude toward oppression will have exceeded the people's tolerance, and the people will return to God who is gentler and kinder than anyone can know.

Imprisoning children won't stop the waves of crime that are washing over the people of God. Attempts to imprison the children of God particularly, will fail, and the people will continue worshipping Him, loving Him and serving Him.

Anyone who hates oppression knows the solace in the Heart of the Lord, and the first step toward a conversion of a sinner into a saint, is the recognition of the gaping wound in His Heart in particular, and in His hands and feet as well. In fact, it may well happen that someone who loves Him enough, will manage the total surrender that invites a crucifixion that ensures there is some love to offer the Lord as He hangs crucified on the cross.

One sure sign that a person is a true Christian is the unwavering love for other people; it is not confined to one group or one individual, but extends like the light of dawn over a dark, cold world to gladden the hearts of the children of God.

They are commissioned to convert the world by their love and the sacrificial spirit that binds them inseparably to Jesus, on the cross, or risen into the air ascending into Heaven.

Have we not feasted on His grace? Have we not been more than sated in His Blood and love? Then we must continue offering everything we can to Christ who is Lord.

The more we can offer, the more we can be assured of our reunification with the Lord forever. There is no going back, and anyone who entertains going back is no Christian, because a Christian is one who is fastened to the cross by the Lord and who wants nothing else.

The Lord is aware of the accusations and temptations and lying treachery of evil that cannot wear the guise of good, any more than a child of Jesus can wear the guise of evil - he is utterly incapable. Secure your place in His Heart with your love, your sacrifices, your penances and sheer love of the Lord above all things. Love Jesus and love His cross, for it is not necessary for a true Christian to see in advance what has so certainly been founded by the Lord. The day is coming when evil will be suppressed unable to rise again, and on that day, Christians will love the Lord freely and openly without inhibition or fear of oppression for those ways the human race will forget.

So let the forces of evil and oppression mourn now, the day of their confinement in grief and despair, for the possibility of their salvation was rejected by them, not removed by the Lord while they had the chance to choose to serve the Lord. You must choose to serve the Lord; let your affirmations ring out loud and clear for the whole world to see, in the face of the most daunting challenges, for people are about to be challenged in ways no one has foreseen. Knowledge will be despised as truth rises to the fore like the light of dawn on the dark earth. God is light, and all those who serve Him love the light and sacrifice everything to see it and be near it. Stand beside the Lord and let your love sing out to Him.

Glory

 

Do not cry to be shorn of earthly glory;

the Lord's glory is yours to share.

Friday's gift is a a sore back that won't let me stand up straight. Nevertheless, I have been shown how necessary it is to have something to offer the Lord who has given so much without cost to us.

Some people think freedom is a flaw that police and jack boots can solve. People do take advantage of freedom to do what is contrary to the Law of God, and they invite crack-downs in the political arena. But soon enough, the excesses that arise from the permissive attitude toward oppression will have exceeded the people's tolerance, and the people will return to God who is gentler and kinder than anyone can know.

Imprisoning children won't stop the waves of crime that are washing over the people of God. Attempts to imprison the children of God particularly, will fail, and the people will continue worshipping Him, loving Him and serving Him.

Anyone who hates oppression knows the solace in the Heart of the Lord, and the first step toward a conversion of a sinner into a saint, is the recognition of the gaping wound in His Heart in particular, and in His hands and feet as well. In fact, it may well happen that someone who loves Him enough, will manage the total surrender that invites a crucifixion that ensures there is some love to offer the Lord as He hangs crucified on the cross.

One sure sign that a person is a true Christian is the unwavering love for other people; it is not confined to one group or one individual, but extends like the light of dawn over a dark, cold world to gladden the hearts of the children of God.

They are commissioned to convert the world by their love and the sacrificial spirit that binds them inseparably to Jesus, on the cross, or risen into the air ascending into Heaven.

Have we not feasted on His grace? Have we not been more than sated in His Blood and love? Then we must continue offering everything we can to Christ who is Lord.

The more we can offer, the more we can be assured of our reunification with the Lord forever. There is no going back, and anyone who entertains going back is no Christian, because a Christian is one who is fastened to the cross by the Lord and who wants nothing else.

The Lord is aware of the accusations and temptations and lying treachery of evil that cannot wear the guise of good, any more than a child of Jesus can wear the guise of evil - he is utterly incapable. Secure your place in His Heart with your love, your sacrifices, your penances and sheer love of the Lord above all things. Love Jesus and love His cross, for it is not necessary for a true Christian to see in advance what has so certainly been founded by the Lord. The day is coming when evil will be suppressed unable to rise again, and on that day, Christians will love the Lord freely and openly without inhibition or fear of oppression for those ways the human race will forget.

So let the forces of evil and oppression mourn now, the day of their confinement in grief and despair, for the possibility of their salvation was rejected by them, not removed by the Lord while they had the chance to choose to serve the Lord. You must choose to serve the Lord; let your affirmations ring out loud and clear for the whole world to see, in the face of the most daunting challenges, for people are about to be challenged in ways no one has foreseen. Knowledge will be despised as truth rises to the fore like the light of dawn on the dark earth. God is light, and all those who serve Him love the light and sacrifice everything to see it and be near it. Stand beside the Lord and let your love sing out to Him.

Imagine

Day's Saints

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Columbanus the Younger, Martyr

Gospel Lk 19:1-10
At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
Now a man there named Zacchaeus,
who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,
was seeking to see who Jesus was;
but he could not see him because of the crowd,
for he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house."
And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying,
"He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner."
But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,
"Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone
I shall repay it four times over."
And Jesus said to him,
"Today salvation has come to this house
because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.
For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save what was lost."

+

Feast with the Lord and give thanks.

Imagine if the richest politician in Congress did what Zacchaeus did; what a stir there would be. But that is not what people do. If they can press any advantage, they press it until it bleeds and then press it some more.

Rather than sit down in the halls of Congress and decide the important matters of the people, they plot to defraud the people, hiding the evil they have perpetrated against those they trusted, and send away orphans and the poverty stricken and elderly and homeless as if they were criminals. Anyone who does so will not be eastly received into Heaven.

The people of ages past, during the time of great empires were done in by tiny fleas who spread deadly plague across Asia and Europe until at least a quarter of the population was dead. Scientific research says that a sudden cold spell was responsible for the spread of the plague. The fleas that gorge themselves on blood starve to death with a full gut because their meal blocks their internal anatomy, but not before biting human beings and spreading the pathogens far and wide.

The same pathogen exists today in many places in the world, but the circumstances that allowed the sudden outbreak of the horrors that was the black death.

For all our advantages we ought to thank God and praise His Name if we live with plenty and can go our own way without some military oppression casting a pall over everyone.

For all those suffering, do not ask why as if you were to blame, for many who entered eternal happiness thought themselves surely doomed but were embraced in affectionate love by the Lord. Those who perceive faults and blame but who avoid sinning and displeasing the Lord are not by any means doomed, but beloved of the Lord, resting in the Garden of His love.

The enemy seeks to agitate and fill our hearts with fear, and those who spread these evils lose sight of the day of their confinement whence they will never escape. Those who love the Lord, instead praise His Name for they know His goodness and give thanks for His bounty. Listen, and if you hear songs and praise rising up in gloomy darkness, seek out those who rejoice and join then, adding your gratitude to theirs, for the kingdom they approach they will enter without sorrows.

Imagine

Day's Saints

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Columbanus the Younger, Martyr

Gospel Lk 19:1-10
At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
Now a man there named Zacchaeus,
who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,
was seeking to see who Jesus was;
but he could not see him because of the crowd,
for he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house."
And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying,
"He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner."
But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,
"Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone
I shall repay it four times over."
And Jesus said to him,
"Today salvation has come to this house
because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.
For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save what was lost."

+

Feast with the Lord and give thanks.

Imagine if the richest politician in Congress did what Zacchaeus did; what a stir there would be. But that is not what people do. If they can press any advantage, they press it until it bleeds and then press it some more.

Rather than sit down in the halls of Congress and decide the important matters of the people, they plot to defraud the people, hiding the evil they have perpetrated against those they trusted, and send away orphans and the poverty stricken and elderly and homeless as if they were criminals. Anyone who does so will not be eastly received into Heaven.

The people of ages past, during the time of great empires were done in by tiny fleas who spread deadly plague across Asia and Europe until at least a quarter of the population was dead. Scientific research says that a sudden cold spell was responsible for the spread of the plague. The fleas that gorge themselves on blood starve to death with a full gut because their meal blocks their internal anatomy, but not before biting human beings and spreading the pathogens far and wide.

The same pathogen exists today in many places in the world, but the circumstances that allowed the sudden outbreak of the horrors that was the black death.

For all our advantages we ought to thank God and praise His Name if we live with plenty and can go our own way without some military oppression casting a pall over everyone.

For all those suffering, do not ask why as if you were to blame, for many who entered eternal happiness thought themselves surely doomed but were embraced in affectionate love by the Lord. Those who perceive faults and blame but who avoid sinning and displeasing the Lord are not by any means doomed, but beloved of the Lord, resting in the Garden of His love.

The enemy seeks to agitate and fill our hearts with fear, and those who spread these evils lose sight of the day of their confinement whence they will never escape. Those who love the Lord, instead praise His Name for they know His goodness and give thanks for His bounty. Listen, and if you hear songs and praise rising up in gloomy darkness, seek out those who rejoice and join then, adding your gratitude to theirs, for the kingdom they approach they will enter without sorrows.

Glory

Day's Saints
Mechtilda of Helfta
Blessed James of Benefatti, Dominican & doctor of Theology

Gospel Mt 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master's money.
"After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
'Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"

+

Behold the glory of the Lord; let it match your longing for Him.

If the Master of Heaven and earth entrusts you with talents, invest them wisely in your brothers and sisters, where it will be obvious to the world, that you belong to the Lord.

What evidence might be obvious of the Lord's servants at work? His brothers and sisters gather together to pray, rather than attend a feast, and they likewise see that everyone has something to eat, clothing to wear and good cheer of brothers who love one another the way God loves them.

Listen to the Lord and hear what will save you. There is enough of men opening their mouths to terrify and intimidate; God has control over the lives of men and can protect His beloved so that no harm comes to them. Of those who cannot shut their mouths I can say only that clods of earth will fill their mouths and God will not be mocked. In Heaven there is no war and killing, nor is anyone overbearing or dominating, because they feel naked without humility.

If you recognize merit in your brother, commend him and see to it the blessings in his words edify the children of God. Let no one ascribe denigrations to him. Invite the worthy to the communion of souls who love the Lord that they may enter into Heaven with you on the day set aside for that. Associate with one another as children of God. Strength lies in unity, and a bundle of rods cannot be broken; neither can the evil in the world for all its trying, separate what belongs to God from His friendship and reverence. If the earth shakes and the mountains explode, give thanks to the Lord for your life and praise Him that He desired you should be with Him where He is, for He is everywhere so that He might receive your praise. God is worthy of praise, and glory is His, and honor radiates in brilliance from Him. If the heavens are shaken, bless His Name the same as if it had not, so that at all times there might be reverence toward Him. Address Him when you go to bed, and when you rise in morning bless His Name, so that from dawn to dusk and day to day praise bubbles forth from you as His child so He will embrace you in affection. If you hear Him call you, come to the garden to be alone with Him that He may be happy for your sake. Thus you will be filled with the Lord and His glory day to day and abide in His happiness.