Category: Bible Study

SUFFER IN SILENCE

“Do not grumble against one another, my brothers, lest you be condemned.” –James 5:9 When we’re suffering, we feel compelled to grumble, complain, blame, or swear (Jas 5:12). However, we should suffer in silence. Jesus is our Model. Did He ever grumble against the apostles? Did He complain at the agony in the garden? Did He throw the first stone (Jn 8:7) or swear in court to His innocence? (Mt 27:12) Jesus suffered in silence. After suffering much, Job came to the same conclusion: “I put my hand over my mouth. Though I have spoken once, I will not do...

LIVING IN THE PRESENT

“You have no idea what kind of life will be yours tomorrow.” –James 4:14 We think we know what we’re doing today or will do tomorrow or even next year. However, the truth is: “You have no idea what kind of life will be yours tomorrow.” We think we’re in control of our lives but, if we’re not in control of our deaths, how can we be in control of our lives? We “are a vapor that appears briefly and vanishes” (Jas 4:14). It is unrealistic, ignorant, and arrogant to think that we can do what we want, when we...

A CLEAN WEEP

“Begin to lament, to mourn, and to weep.” –James 4:9 “There is an appointed time for everything” (Eccl 3:1), including a “time to weep” (Eccl 3:4). Because of pandemic, unrepented sin, now is the time to weep. Let our “laughter be turned into mourning” (Jas 4:9). The Lord through His Church will command us again: “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to Me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning” (Jl 2:12). There can be hope in tears, for “sorrow for God’s sake produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow brings death”...

WANTING STRONGER FAITH?

“I do believe! Help my lack of faith!” –Mark 9:24, our transl. Mass Readings: May 21 First: James 3:13-18; Resp: Psalm 19:8-10,15; Gospel: Mark 9:14-29 Listen to the Mass Readings Jesus expected His disciples and the crowd to have faith so as to expel demons (see Mk 9:19). Jesus invited the father of a possessed son to have greater faith (see Mk 9:23). Jesus connects faith with prayer (Mk 9:29). Will you pray to have a greater faith? (see Lk 17:5) How much will you pray for greater faith? Will you pray a Holy Hour for nine days to obtain...

ONE SPIRIT (EPH 4:4)

“Receive the Holy Spirit.” –John 20:22 Happy Pentecost! Happy birthday of the Church! Come, Holy Spirit! On this “last and greatest day of the festival,” Jesus continues to cry out: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me; let him drink who believes in Me. Scripture has it: ‘From within Him rivers of living water shall flow.’ (Here He was referring to the Spirit)” (Jn 7:37-39). The Holy Spirit will come to us and through us renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). The Spirit will make us witnesses for the risen Christ (see Acts 2:32). He will give...