The Testimony of the Works of God

March 31, 2022 Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent Readings for Today

Video “The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”  John 5:36 The works performed by Jesus offer testimony to His mission given Him by the Father in Heaven.  Understanding this will help us to embrace our own mission in life. First of all, let’s look at the fact that Jesus’ works offered testimony.  In other words, His works spoke a message to others about who He was.  The witness of His actions revealed His very essence and His union with the will of the Father. So this begs the question, “Which works offered this testimony?”  One might immediately conclude that the works Jesus was speaking of were His miracles.  When people witnessed the miracles He performed they would have been convinced that He was sent from the Father in Heaven.  Right? Not really.  The fact of the matter is that there were many who saw Jesus perform miracles and remained stubborn, refusing to accept His miracles as proof of His divinity.  Though His miracles were extraordinary and were signs to those who were willing to believe, the most profound “work” that He performed was that of His humble and genuine love.  Jesus was genuine, honest and pure of heart.  He exuded every virtue one could have.  Therefore, the testimony that His ordinary actions of love, care, concern and teaching gave were what would have won over many hearts first and foremost.  In fact, for those who were open, His miracles were, in a sense, only icing on the cake.  The “cake” was His genuine presence revealing the mercy of the Father. You cannot perform miracles from God (unless you were given an extraordinary charism to do so), but you can act as a witness to the Truth and share the Heart of the Father in Heaven if you humbly seek to be pure of heart and allow the Heart of the Father in Heaven to shine through you in your daily actions.  Even the smallest action of genuine love speaks volumes to others.  Reflect, today, upon your call to give testimony to the Father in Heaven.  You are called to share the love of the Father with everyone you meet.  If you embrace this mission, in great and small ways, the Gospel will be made manifest to others through you, and the will of the Father will be more fully accomplished in our world. My genuine and holy Lord, I pray that I act as a witness to the love flowing from Your Heart.  Give me the grace to be real, genuine and sincere.  Help me to become a pure instrument of Your merciful Heart so that all my works will give testimony to Your mercy.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Unity with God

March 30, 2022 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Readings for Today

Video Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”  For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.  John 5:17–18 Jesus was clearly guilty of grave sins in the opinion of those who sought to put Him to death.  He did not follow their Sabbath laws in the way they thought He should and He revealed that He was equal to the Father.  This would be a serious sin on Jesus’ part if He was wrong, but obviously He wasn’t. At the heart of this passage is the unity of the Father and the Son.  The verses following this passage reveal even more clearly that the Father and the Son are one and that Jesus’ whole life is caught up in the fulfillment of the will of the Father.  It is precisely this oneness of will that brings about their unity. This reveals much to us about the relationship of the Father and the Son, and it also reveals much to us about our own relationship with the Father and the Son.  First of all, the Father and the Son are distinct Persons, each possessing a perfect intellect and will.  However, their oneness came about through the fact that their minds were in perfect harmony, knowing all things equally, and perfectly believing what they know.  As a result of their perfect shared knowledge, they both embraced every detail of the plan of the Father as it was laid out from the foundation of the world.  As for us, we can take from this understanding of the unity of the Father and the Son, the glorious lesson on how we enter into unity with God.  This happens first by seeking the mind of God.  We must probe the glorious mysteries contained therein and must make them our own knowledge.  Second, we must believe what we come to know through an act of our will.  As we discover the truth, we must choose it for our lives.  The challenge is that there are numerous competing voices vying for our attention.  As we sort through them, choosing only that which God reveals, we naturally become attracted to the mind and will of God and make them our own.  In this act, we also become one with God. Reflect, today, upon the unity you are called to live with the Father and the Son.  It is this unity that brings fulfillment to your life.  It’s what you were made for.  Seeking, believing and embracing anything else is simply living by a lie.  Seek the mind and will of God in all things and your whole being will be drawn into greater unity with God. Father in Heaven, I thank You for the gift of Jesus Your Son and I thank You for the unity that you both share.  Draw me into that glorious unity established by Your minds and wills.  Make me one with You so that You also are my Father.  Father in Heaven, Jesus the Son, I trust in You.

Paralyzed by Sin

March 29, 2022 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Readings for Today

Video Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.”  Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.  John 5:8–9 Let’s look at one of the clear symbolic meanings of this passage above.  The man Jesus healed was paralyzed, being unable to walk and take care of himself.  Others neglected him as he sat there by the pool, hoping for kindness and attention.  Jesus sees him and gives him His full attention.  After a short dialogue, Jesus cures him and tells him to rise and walk.  One clear symbolic message is that his physical paralysis is an image of the result of sin in our lives.  When we sin we “paralyze” ourselves.  Sin has grave consequences on our lives and the clearest consequence is that we are left unable to rise and then walk in the ways of God.  Grave sin, especially, renders us powerless to love and live in true freedom.  It leaves us trapped and unable to care for our own spiritual lives or for others in any way.  It’s important to see the consequences of sin.  Even minor sins hinder our abilities, strip us of energy, and leave us spiritually crippled to one extent or another.  Hopefully you know this and it is not a new revelation to you.  But what must be new to you is the honest admission of your current guilt.  You must see yourself in this story.  Jesus did not heal this man only for the good of this one man.  He healed him, in part, to tell you that He sees you in your broken state as you experience the consequences of your sin.  He sees you in need, looks at you and calls you to rise and walk.  Do not underestimate the importance of allowing Him to perform a healing in your life.  Do not neglect to identify even the smallest sin which imposes its consequences upon you.  Look at your sin, allow Jesus to see it, and listen to Him speak words of healing and freedom. Reflect, today, upon this powerful encounter this crippled man had with Jesus.  Put yourself into the scene and know that this healing is also done for you.  If you have not done so already this Lent, go to Confession and discover Jesus’ healing in that Sacrament.  Confession is the answer to the freedom that awaits you, especially when it is entered into honestly and thoroughly. Most merciful Lord, please forgive me for my sins.  I desire to see them and to acknowledge the consequences they impose upon me.  I know that You desire to free me from these burdens and to heal them at the source.  Lord, give me courage to confess my sins to You, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Jesus, I trust in You.

An Interesting Miracle

March 28, 2022 Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent Readings for Today

Video Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”  The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”  Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.”  John 4:48–50 Indeed the child does live and the royal official is overjoyed when he returns home to find that his child was healed.  This healing took place at the same time that Jesus said he would be healed.  One interesting thing to note about this passage is the contrast of Jesus’ words.  At first, it almost sounds as if Jesus is angry when He says, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”  But then He immediately heals the boy telling the man, “Your son will live.”  Why this apparent contrast in Jesus’ words and action? We should note that Jesus’ initial words are not so much a criticism; rather, they are simply words of truth.  He is aware of the fact that many people lack faith, or are at least weak in faith.  He is also aware of the fact that “signs and wonders” are beneficial for people at times so as to help them come to believe.  Though this need to see “signs and wonders” is far from ideal, Jesus works with it.  He uses this desire for a miracle as a way of offering faith. What’s important to understand is that the ultimate goal of Jesus was not the physical healing, even though this was an act of great love; rather, His ultimate goal was to increase the faith of this father by offering him the gift of his son’s healing.  This is important to understand because everything we experience in life from our Lord will have as its goal a deepening of our faith.  Sometimes that takes on the form of “signs and wonders” while at other times it may be His sustaining presence in the midst of a trial without any visible sign or wonder.  The goal we must strive for is faith by allowing whatever our Lord does in our lives to become the source of our faith’s increase. Reflect, today, upon your own level of faith and trust.  And work to discern the actions of God in your life so that those actions produce greater faith.  Cling to Him, believe He loves you, know that He holds the answer you need and seek Him in all things.  He will never let you down. My loving Lord, please increase my faith.  Help me to see You acting in my life and to discover Your perfect love in all things.  As I see You at work in my life, help me to know, with greater certainty, Your perfect love.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Why is Belgian Dutch called Flemish when it is not a different language?

Because in this context, Flemish is a so-called pars pro toto. Linguistically spoken, not every Belgian Dutch speaker speaks Flemish. In Antwerp, for instance, people are talking a Brabantian variant of Dutch, not a Flemish one. Flemish variants you might hear in Ghent, and even more in Bruges. A third variant, Limburgish, is spoken in the east, near the Dutch border. Adjacent dialects are quite well mutually intelligible, while someone from Limburg will hardly understand a West-Fleming (unless they are talking Standard Dutch, of course).

In short, most Belgian Dutch speakers do not speak a Flemish dialect. But the term Flemish is used as a pars pro toto.

Belgium is divided in 10 provinces: I live in Vlaams-Brabant (Flemish-Brabant) which is, linguistically and historically spoken, a contradictio in terminis. Since Flemish serves as pars pro toto - to denote all Dutch speaking Belgians - the common meaning of Vlaams-Brabant is actually Dutch-speaking part of Brabant. The French speaking part of Brabant is called Brabant-Wallon (Walloon-Brabant).

The actual provinces of Brabant-Wallon, Vlaams-Brabant and Antwerpen form, together with the Dutch province Noord-Brabant the former Duchy of Brabant. And the Dutch dialects of the former Duchy are Brabantian, not Flemish.

The actual provinces of West-Vlaanderen and Oost-Vlaanderen form, together with the Dutch province Zeeland and with French-Flanders (Artois) the former County of Flanders, and its Dutch dialects are Flemish.

And both, Belgian-Limburg and Dutch-Limburg form together the former County of Loon, and its Dutch dialects are Limburgish.

Actually, same happens in the Netherlands. In many languages, Dutch is called Hollandic. My Spanish friends for instance, they are calling my native language olandès, although the official Spanish term is neerlandès. Same in France, where my language is often called hollandais instead of the official term néerlandais. This is a pars pro toto as well since Hollandic variants of Dutch are spoken only in the north-western parts of the Dutch speaking zone: the Randstad. In north-east they speak Saxon variants, in center south they speak Brabantian (as in Belgium), in south-east they speak Limburgian (as in Belgium as well) en in south-west they speak Zeeuws which is actually a Flemish variant.

A reporter asked Cristiano Ronaldo: Why does your mother still live with you? Why not build her a house?

Cristiano Ronaldo: "My mother raised me by sacrificing her life for me. She slept hungry so I could eat at night. We had no money at all. She worked 7 days a week and evenings as a cleaner to buy my first football equipment so that I could become a player, my complete success is dedicated to her. And as long as I live, she will always be by my side and have everything I can give her. She is my refuge and my greatest gift.'

Money does not make people wealthy. In fact, some people are so poor all they have is money.

True wealth is found in gratitude for the gifts and blessings in life. 

Don't promise anything if you can't keep your promise.

On a cold night, a billionaire met an old poor man outside.

He asked him, "Aren't you feeling cold outside, and you're not even wearing a coat!" The old man replied, "I don't have a coat but I'm used to it.

The billionaire replied, "wait for me. I'll just go home and get you a coat."

The poor man was so happy and said he will wait for him.

The billionaire got to his house and got busy there and forgot about the poor man.

The following morning, he remembered the poor old man and went out to find him but found him dead due to the cold.

The poor old man left a letter saying, "when I had no warm clothes, I had the mental strength to fight the cold, but when you promised to help me, I clinged to your promise and it killed my mental power."

Don't promise anything if you can't keep your promise. It may not be necessary to you, but it could be everything to someone else.

credit: Mohammad Hajat

What has surprised you most about The Batman's Penguin actor Colin Farrell?

The late Elizabeth Taylor was infamous for her many husbands, boyfriends, and even some much younger lovers. Enter Colin Farrell.

Farrell, an Irishman, became a huge star very quickly in 2000 when he made his American debut in Tigerland. He was Hollywood’s It Boy for years. While he nabbed many roles in the early 2000s, Farrell has often told the story that many of those early years are a blur. He doesn’t remember them well because of substance abuse.

After getting sober in 2005, he was starting to get his life and career back together. In 2009, he was at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for the birth of his second son.

While there, he heard that the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor was nearby in the hospital, having a stent placed in her heart. He told her manager to send his regards.

A few days later, Farrell was home with his newborn son. He was thinking of Taylor and called his publicist, wondering if she could send Taylor some “Get Well” flowers. Oddly enough, his publicist mentioned that she was looking at some flowers and a card sent to him from Taylor.

This later led him to be invited to her house.

After arriving, he was invited in. Taylor was late. Very late.

He told reporters at a Los Angeles benefit honoring Taylor's legacy:

“I had less anxiety waiting for the results of a home pregnancy test. And that’s the truth, that’s not just a cheap joke. That’s the truth.”

“[Her manager] was there, he opened the door, he said, ‘Come on in. She should be down in a minute.’ And seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned back to seconds. I was very, very nervous, and I waited for an hour, but Dame Elizabeth only she could be socially late at her own house. An hour passed and she came out, and we sat and we spoke and I laughed and I had the most bewitching hour of my life, and I left on a cloud.”

This led to a two-year relationship that Farrell cheekily says was romantic without the consummation of the relationship. They were both somewhat insomniacs of sorts. He would call her at two in the morning and ask her nurse if she was up. Then they would talk on the phone at length.

They became very, very close friends until her death in 2011. At Taylor's funeral in 2011, Farrell read Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo.

The actors were 75 and 34 when they met.

There’s a story that Farrell has told where, when he was 28, he tried to talk 69-year-old actress Eileen Atkins into bed. They had met on a film. She turned him down. Atkins later said, "It helped me step quite lightly into my seventies."

Farrell often refers to Taylor as the last romantic relationship he had — that wasn’t consummated. He’s particular about saying that. LOL.

It’s a surprising, and sweet, story.

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Coming to Your Senses

March 27, 2022 Fourth Sunday of Lent (Year C) (Note: When the Scrutinies are used at Mass, the reflection for Year A may be used in place of this one.) Readings for Today

Video Coming to his senses he thought, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.  I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.’”  Luke 15:17–19  Why do we cling to our sins?  This passage comes from the story of the Prodigal Son.  We should know that story well.  The son decided to leave his father and take his future inheritance, spending it on a life of sin.  When the money he had ran out, he was in desperate need.  So what did he do?  He came to his senses! This line alone is worth our meditation.  First, it reveals what happens to a person who falls into a life of sin.  In this case, the son eventually reaped the fruit of his sin.  He found that his sin left him destitute and alone.  He didn’t know where to turn.  And though our sins may not be to the extent of this son, we will all experience the empty effects of the sins we commit, just as this son did. The profound insight we can gain from this son is that he did come around.  Specifically, by “coming to his senses” he recognized two important things.  First, he realized that he is worth more than a life of destitution.  No one should have to live an impoverished and empty life.  Therefore, by seeing his own dignity he came to realize that he was made for more. Secondly, he knew he could turn to his father.  What a blessing it was for him to know this.  The reason he knew he could turn to his father was that his father clearly loved him with unconditional love.  The mercy in the heart of the father was so strong that the son was aware of it and this awareness gave him confidence to turn to him.  Reflect, today, upon this twofold action.  The son sees his misery and also sees his father as the person to whom he can confidently turn.  We must strive to do the same in our own lives.  The Father in Heaven will never reject us.  No matter what we have done or how far we have turned away, the Father’s love is perfect, relentless, unconditional and always inviting.  He is ready and willing to dismiss every wrong we have done if we only turn to Him in confidence.  Come to your senses in regard to your sins!  Let go of them, repent and trust in the mercy of God. Lord of perfect love, my sins do leave me dry and empty inside.  I see the misery and pain that result from the sinful choices I have made.  Help me, dear Lord, to come to my senses and to turn from every sin I commit.  Help me to see that Your mercy is far greater than anything I have done.  I thank You for Your perfect love and turn to You in my need.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Letting Go of Pride

March 26, 2022 Saturday of the Third Week of Lent Readings for Today

Video “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.  The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.’”  Luke 18:10–11 Pride and self-righteousness are quite ugly.  This Gospel contrasts the Pharisee and his self-righteousness with the humility of the tax collector.  The Pharisee looks righteous on the outside and is even proud enough to speak about how good he is in his prayer to God when he says that he is grateful he is not like the rest of humanity.  That poor Pharisee.  Little does he know that he is quite blind to the truth. The tax collector, however, is truthful, humble and sincere.  He cried out, “Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner.”  Jesus makes it clear that the tax collector, with this humble prayer, went home justified but the Pharisee did not. When we witness the sincerity and humility of another it touches us.  It’s an inspiring sight to see.  It’s hard to criticize anyone who expresses their sinfulness and asks for forgiveness.  Humility of this sort can win over even the most hardened of hearts. So what about you?  Is this parable addressed to you?  Do you carry the heavy burden of self-righteousness?  All of us do at least to some extent.  It’s hard to sincerely arrive at the level of humility that this tax collector had.  And it’s so very easy to fall into the trap of justifying our own sin and, as a result, becoming defensive and self-absorbed.  But this is all pride.  Pride disappears when we do two things well. First, we have to understand God’s mercy.  Understanding the mercy of God frees us to take our eyes off ourselves and set aside self-righteousness and self-justification.  It frees us from being defensive and enables us to see ourselves in the light of the truth.  Why?  Because when we recognize God’s mercy for what it is, we also realize that even our sins cannot keep us from God.  In fact, the greater the sinner, the more that sinner is deserving of God’s mercy!  So understanding God’s mercy actually enables us to acknowledge our sin. Acknowledging our sin is the second important step we must take if we want our pride to disappear.  We have to know that it’s OK to admit our sin.  No, we do not have to stand on the street corner and tell everyone about the details of our sin.  But we have to acknowledge it to ourselves and to God, especially in the confessional.  And, at times, it will be necessary to acknowledge our sins to others so that we can ask for their forgiveness and mercy.  This depth of humility is attractive and easily wins the hearts of others.  It inspires and produces the good fruits of peace and joy in our hearts.   So do not be afraid to follow the example of this tax collector.  Try to take his prayer today and say it over and over.  Let it become your prayer and you will see the good fruits of this prayer in your life! Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner. Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner. Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner.  Jesus, I trust in You.

God Becomes Man — Nine Months Before Christmas

Friday, March 25, 2022 Solemnity of the Annunciation Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Readings for Today

Video Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”  Luke 1:30–33 Happy Solemnity!  We celebrate today one of the most glorious feast days of the year.  Today is nine months before Christmas and is the day we celebrate the fact that God the Son took on our human nature in the womb of the Blessed Virgin.  It’s the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord. There are many things to celebrate today and many things for which we should be eternally grateful.  First and foremost we celebrate the profound fact that God loves us so much that He became one of us.  The fact that God took on our human nature is worthy of unlimited rejoicing and celebration!  If we only understood what this meant.  If we could only understand the effects of this incredible event in history.  The fact that God became a human being in the womb of the Blessed Virgin is a gift beyond our comprehension.  It’s a gift that elevates humanity to the realm of the divine.  God and man are united in this glorious event and we should be forever grateful. We also see in this event the glorious act of perfect submission to the will of God.  We see this in the Blessed Mother herself.  It’s interesting to note that our Blessed Mother was told that “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son...”  She wasn’t asked by the angel if she was willing, rather, she was told what was to happen.  Why is that the case? It happened this way because the Blessed Virgin said yes to God throughout her life.  Never was there a moment that she said no to God.  Therefore, her perpetual yes to God enabled the angel Gabriel to tell her that she “will conceive.”  In other words, the angel was able to tell her what she had already said yes to in her life. What a glorious example this is.  Our Blessed Mother’s “Yes” is an incredible witness to us.  We are called to daily say yes to God.  And we are called to say yes to Him even before we know what He asks of us.  This solemnity affords us the opportunity to once again say “Yes” to the will of God.  No matter what He is asking of you, the right answer is “Yes.” Reflect, today, upon your own invitation from God to say “Yes” to Him in all things.  You, like our Blessed Mother, are invited to bring our Lord into the world.  Not in the literal way she did, but you are called to be an instrument of His continual Incarnation in our world.  Reflect upon how fully you answer this call and get on your knees today and say “Yes” to the plan our Lord has for your life. Lord, the answer is “Yes!”  Yes, I choose your divine will.  Yes, You may do with me whatever You will.  May my “Yes” be as pure and holy as our Blessed Mother’s.  Let it be done to me according to Your will.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Speaking the Word of God, Freely

March 24, 2022 Thursday of the Third Week of Lent Readings for Today

Video Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed.  Luke 11:14 What hinders you from speaking the Word of God openly, honestly and clearly?  There are so many people who are in dire need of the Gospel.  There are so many people who are confused in life and find themselves walking down the wrong road, a road leading to greater confusion and destruction.  And we remain silent as they travel this road.  Why? The Gospel above speaks of a man who was mute as a result of a demon.  When this demon was driven out by Jesus, the mute man spoke and many were amazed.  Most likely this man was fully possessed by this demon and the oppression he experienced disabled his ability to even speak.  Upon his release from this demonic influence, he spoke freely. Though we may not experience demonic influence to the same degree, we are often hindered and oppressed by similar mute spirits.  The evil one often tries to influence us in such a way that we are fearful of proclaiming the Gospel freely, sincerely and immediately to those who are in most need of the message God wants communicated to them.  “Mute spirits” can often hinder us, confuse us or fill us with a certain fear when the opportunity arises to share our faith with another.  Though it may be rare to fall completely into their power, we are often left influenced and hindered by them nonetheless. Reflect, today, upon the reality of these vile spirits and their attempts to silence us, keeping us from speaking the message of truth that so many people need to hear.  We ought not fear their influence.  Jesus has complete power over all such spirits and will not hesitate to silence their influence over us if we let Him.  He wants to free us to speak His message of love without reserve so that others will come to know Him and His perfect love.  Let Him use you as one such instrument of truth and love. Eternal Word of God, at times I am given over to fear when You call me to speak Your words of love to those in need.  I feel as though I am muted in my speech, confused about what to say.  Please free me, dear Lord, to be a holy instrument of Your Word and to confidently proclaim Your truth to those who are in much need.  Jesus, I trust in You.