News - February 2019

“Such a one is like a tree planted near streams; it bears fruit in season and its leaves never wither, and every project succeeds.” Psalm 1:3

The Word of God is a running stream, bringing the graces and blessings of God in whatever land it flows. The tree planted by the side of this river of blessings is one who meditates daily on the Word and makes it his delight. Such a person will bear the fruit of the Spirit in due time. His leaves of faith, through which he draws in the abundance of God’s grace never wither, and the blessing of God is upon His every undertaking.

What I mean is this: Does any man believe in God the Creator? He cannot do so unless he first believe that the things written of God's Saints are true.

“Let Your face shine on Your servant, save me in Your faithful love.” Psalm 31:16

(Grace and Peace) Just as we need the light of the sun to help us see our way in this world, we need the light of Christ to guide us on our path to our Heavenly Homeland. Without this Heavenly Light radiating from the Face of Christ, we will not be able to see our way and we are overcome by darkness. Therefore, let us look ever more closely at the Face of Jesus Crucified, and allow Him to light up the darkness of our lives! (Praise God)

Nothing would be done at all if one waited until one could do it so well that no one could find fault with it.

“But the Lord said to him, ‘You Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness.’” Luke 11:39

Grace and Peace The Lord could not tolerate the hypocrisy of those who claimed to be close to God, but in fact were quite far away from Him. He cautions us to be on guard against the vice of hypocrisy, which can easily blind us unless we are careful to keep a clear conscience at all times towards God and toward men. Praise God!

Actions speak louder than words; yet we are full of words but empty of actions. Therefore we are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. 

“When all these things were made by me and all belong to me? - declares the Lord. But my eyes are drawn to the person of humbled and contrite spirit, who trembles at my Word.” Isaiah 66:2

Whose prayer does God listen to? What are the fundamental virtues we need when we approach His Word? The prophet reveals that the Lord is drawn to the person with these virtues: true humility, deep repentance and reverent fear of God. Let us approach our Lord this way so that He will draw near and reveal Himself to us.

Look for Christ Our Lord in everyone and you will then have respect and reverence for all.

“Do not lose your fearlessness now, then, since the reward is so great.” Hebrews 10:35

Fearlessness characterises a genuine disciple, who courageously follows the Crucified Christ, mostly all alone, being deserted by family and friends. But he walks the royal road of the Cross like a prince behind his King, and his joy and peace do not falter. But as struggles press on, it could happen that his resolve become weary. The Apostle encourages us, as true disciples of Christ, never to lose our fearlessness, reminding us that if we succeed in resolutely overcoming trials, persecutions and slander with the help of our faith, the reward which is kept for us in Heaven is something very great indeed. How happy we are if we are deserted by all, and yet fearlessly able to follow the Crucified Christ!

Be on your guard. Do not let the devil rob you of that peace of mind and purity of soul which makes you God’s friends!

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15

These were the first instructions that Jesus gave to the world. He reveals that faith comes through repentance. True repentance is not momentary, but it is a grace that should remain with us throughout our life. May our Lord grant us the grace to start each day with fresh repentance and renewed faith.

Suffering is a great favour. Remember that everything soon comes to an end, and take courage. Think of how our gain is eternal.

Then Simon Peter spoke up and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Matthew 16:16

Who was Jesus? Was he a prophet, miracle-worker, teacher, or a new religious leader? For Simon Peter, Jesus could not fit into any of the descriptions that the people gave. From the depths of his soul, he answered the question of Jesus from what he knew to be the greatest truth, “You are the Son of the living God.”

If there is anyone who is not enlightened by this sublime magnificence of created things, he is blind. If there is anyone who, seeing all these works of God, does not praise Him, he is dumb.

On him will rest the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and insight, the spirit of counsel and power, the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2

The Spirit of the Lord is sometimes a broad term. Prophet Isaiah, the greatest among the Prophets, describes the gifts of the Spirit of the Lord - wisdom, insight, counsel, power, knowledge, fear of the Lord and devotion to the Lord. Let us pray for the seven-fold Spirit, the same Spirit which was in Jesus Christ.

On him will rest the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and insight, the spirit of counsel and power, the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2

The Spirit of the Lord is sometimes a broad term. Prophet Isaiah, the greatest among the Prophets, describes the gifts of the Spirit of the Lord - wisdom, insight, counsel, power, knowledge, fear of the Lord and devotion to the Lord. Let us pray for the seven-fold Spirit, the same Spirit which was in Jesus Christ.

Whether, therefore, we receive what we ask for, or do not receive it, let us still continue steadfast in prayer. For to fail in obtaining the desires of our heart, when God so wills it, is not worse than to receive it; for we know not as He does, what is profitable to us.

“The crowds got even bigger and he addressed them, ‘This is an evil generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah.’” Luke 11:29

(Grace and Peace) God gave a very great sign indeed for all generations that all might believe in the Message of His Son, and that sign was of the Prophet Jonah. Like this prophet, Jesus was buried in the earth for three days before rising again. The Resurrection of Jesus, attested to by the Apostles, proves beyond doubt that Jesus was indeed the One whom He claimed to be - the Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father.

“The crowds got even bigger and he addressed them, ‘This is an evil generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah.’” Luke 11:29

(Grace and Peace) God gave a very great sign indeed for all generations that all might believe in the Message of His Son, and that sign was of the Prophet Jonah. Like this prophet, Jesus was buried in the earth for three days before rising again. The Resurrection of Jesus, attested to by the Apostles, proves beyond doubt that Jesus was indeed the One whom He claimed to be - the Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father.

God who alone is good, knows perfectly what is good for man, and by virtue of his very love proposes this good to man in the commandments.