Tagged: Daily Reflections

“That should be the proof they need.” –Matthew 8:4 St. Paul was once a “leper” to Christians, a vicious persecutor of those who followed Jesus. He was converted but the community didn’t believe it, and wouldn’t allow Paul into the family of Christians. Barnabas was convinced of Paul’s genuine, authentic conversion and persuaded the community (Acts 9:26-27). The best way Paul could give evidence of his healing from “leprosy” was to produce good fruit and so glorify God (see Jn 15:8). St. Mark was a “leper” in that he deserted the first Christian missionary journey (Acts 13:13; 15:38). Barnabas gave...

“Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? Have we not exorcised demons by its power? Did we not do many miracles in Your name as well?” —Matthew 7:22 Jesus clearly states that we won’t get to heaven by using our spiritual gifts, but by doing the will of our heavenly Father (Mt 7:21). Some who have prophesied, driven out demons, and worked miracles may hear the dreadful words from Jesus: “I never knew you. Out of My sight, you evildoers!” (Mt 7:23) Some people wrongly conclude from this that the gifts of the Spirit are not important. However,...

“I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals on His feet.” —Acts 13:25 The meaning of St. John the Baptizer’s life is like the meaning of the lives of Mary, the canonized saints, and ourselves. Their lives are related to the life and mission of Jesus. Therefore, everything about John points to Jesus. John was conceived in relation to Jesus’ conception (see Lk 1:36). John was filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb of Elizabeth (Lk 1:15) because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary (Lk 1:35). John’s birthday points to Jesus’ birthday. John was like Elijah...

“The gate that leads to damnation is wide, the road is clear, and many choose to travel it.” –Matthew 7:13 If you could look into the faces and the hearts of people who were traveling in danger of damnation, what would you do? Some of them could even be your family members, friends, and co-workers. Do you love these people? Do you love them enough to expose yourself to rejection and persecution from them? If you saw someone driving on a road which abruptly ended at a cliff, if you saw car after car go over the cliff, if you...

“They did not listen…they rejected [God’s] statutes…and the warnings which He had given them.” –2 Kings 17:14-15 The Israelites experienced the consequences of rejecting God thousands of years ago, and modern society is following the same path. If the causes are similar, the results may be as well. • Persist in sin, and receive the wages of sin: death (Rm 6:23). • Condemn others, even silently, and be condemned (Mt 7:2). • Fail to give alms, and cause others to suffer (Sir 14:4-9). • Fail to evangelize, and reap a godless society. • Put your trust in contraception and reap...