CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY

When I heard the story of Fr. Manuel Julian Zapanta from Cartago, Columbia I was so amazed. Every Sunday this priest goes out to the streets and gives out a written catechesis for his parishioners especially to those who seldom go to church. A lady approached him and asked if he had seen or recognized the devil who he handed out the catechesis. The priest said that he didn't see anybody that looked like the devil nor had he ever seen one before. Once he was asking who might be able to help him because he was looking for someone who could provide a ride for him to fetch a fellow priest. A little boy approached him and asked if he would like the devil to take him. There he was and saw the devil for the first time. Their conversation during the trip turned into an interview. The devil said that he couldn't remember anymore why he was called the devil. The priest invited him to attend holy mass but he said not now maybe someday. He further said that he had his reasons. Before the priest got off the car he left a scapular of the Blessed Mother in his car. One day a boy came to him in the Church and said that a very sick person is in need of a priest. When he reached the place he found out that the gravely ill person is Ramon, the one whom they call the devil. Ramon asked him if the priest remembers him. He said that he is the one whom they call the devil but he doesn't give his soul to the devil because it belongs to God. He asked the priest to hear his confession so he heard the devil's confession and saw that he was holding in his hand the scapular of the Blessed Mother that he had left in his car. Before he left the house he also caught sight at his bedside the written catechesis he has been giving out every Sunday. He said in conclusion, “How great and mysterious is our God. He works in silence and simplicity but in addition he lets us share the gift He has given us.” Amen. Hallelujah!

Acts 11:19-26

...The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord...

It is just overwhelming whenever people meet as one family of God during occasions like prayer gatherings. It feels good to be always reminded of how God looks after the needs of each member of a community and how each one should commit and encourage one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. He is indeed, God with us. Fr. Joseph Mary said in one of his homilies  that he was given a Peanuts calendar by a friend which has this funny cartoon story. Linus and Charlie Brown were having a conversation. Linus said that when he grows up he would like to study about people because it interests him. Charlie Brown in reply said," I see, you want to study about them because with your knowledge you will be equipped to help them." But Linus said, "No, I am just nosy." Knowledge can be puffed up in such a way that is only limited to self advancement and tends to leave out the most important thing. It is important to advance in knowledge and works to our advantage but our knowledge especially of the Lord should be shared to others for all the nations to know. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: All you nations, praise the Lord.

1 His foundation upon the holy mountains 2 the LORD loves: The gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! (R) 4 I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those that know the LORD; Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia “This man was born there.” 5 And of Zion they shall say “One and all were born in her; and he who has established her is the Most High LORD.” (R) 6 They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.” 7 And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.” (R)

Sometimes we hear so many voices from all around telling us what to do.  We need to concentrate or focus which voice to listen so we do not end up distracted. We may have experienced getting two different opinions at the same time and become lost. There's nothing to worry about if we've accustomed ourselves to God's voice. We will surely distinguish it from the nuisances. Especially when God's heart and our hearts have become hearts beating as one. No one can snatch us away from God's strong and caring hands.  We need to have faith and believe. It is not enough that we simply accept His propositions but in general we have to accept Jesus as the Good Shepherd. We have to do the right thing in order to go to heaven. We hear the word of God speaking to us in the gospel. We listen to the words of Jesus but also have a private time with Jesus in order to think, look, feel, love and act like Jesus. We shape our heart like His heart. Just like in Matthew 7 when He said those who hear my word and act on them is the kind of knowledge that Jesus expects from us. We have to do an examination of conscience. If we are confident in this truth and really believe this then there is no more room for us to fret and be anxious for we are under His care, safe and secure. We better put our act together and make a stand for it. We follow Him which entails following the commandments and let Him guide us through life. We put everything in perspective and that will bring us to eternal life that no one can't take away. Amen. Hallelujah!

John 10:22-30

...“I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand...