PROGRESS

Anyone who is so “progressive” as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ 

does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.

2 JOHN 9

It is not the actual physical exertion that counts toward a man's progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.  -- St Francis Xavier

Being "progressive" in all walks of life can only be attained by way of remaining in the teaching of Christ who is in you, together with the Father.

As God's steward, look to yourself that you do not lose what you worked for but may receive a full recompense.

There is no greater joy or reward than being with the Lord and experiencing the power of His Word over your life today, tomorrow, and all of eternity.



Lord Jesus, I rejoice greatly because of your love. Love that binds our entire family to walk in truth for the praise and glory of the Father.
 
In your mighty Name, I humbly ask for the awesome powers of your love. Love that will bring me to walk in accordance with the Father's will and commands. I ask for your protection against all deceivers and evil doers who does not acknowledge you as Lord and Savior. Keep me from anything that would lead me to loosing what you have given me and what I have worked for. May I continue to receive full recompense in the glorious riches of your kingdom.

Thank you so much for embracing me with your love that moves me to remain in your teaching. I love you so much…

Published: 11/16/12 - 7:06AM

MORE WILL BE GIVEN

"Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, 

and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."

Luke 8:18

The Infinite Mass causes the whole heavenly court to rejoice. It alleviates the pain of the souls in purgatory. It draws down all types of blessings upon earth, and gives more glory to God than all the sufferings of all the martyrs together, more glory than the penances of all the saints, than all the tears shed by them since the beginning of the world and all that they may do till the end of time. -- St. John Vianney

Reflection:

It was the first time that I heard Mass with the new Parish Priest Msgr. Boy Villaruz as the Priest Presider. I have personally witnessed the changes that I have been hearing about. He is now using a new sound system and his homily is aided by a powerpoint presentation. The type of his homily is more like a gospel teaching and reflection.

I do admit that up until now, I am less attracted in hearing Mass as compared to attending a community praise and worship. There are times when I still feel that as a Catholic, hearing Mass is just a holy obligation. I still need to fully understand its importance and the Lord was quick to correct my frame of mind and heart.

Hearing Mass is a form of sevice to the Lord born out of love for God. It is the highest form of praise and worship, understanding the gospel truth, and culminating in receiving the Lord's body in the Eucharist. No other service is greater than this.

Tonight, I will again be hearing Mass and will read the prayer of the faithful for the first novena in honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz. I was also invited to attend the Liturgy Fellowship of the Feast since we will already start to have Mass by October.

I could sense the Lord's purpose on why He brought out this topic today. Unless I fully learn and understood the meaning and essence of the Mass, I can never experience the joy of serving Him. In everything I say and do for Him, He expects no less than excellence from me.

Prayer

Father in heaven, unworthy as I am, you never cease to enhance the gift of wisdom that you have given me. Thank you so much for revealing to me the right path that I must take in life that would give you greater honor and praise. Your love and generosity has brought me to where I am today, and none that I do could ever compensate for all the good works that you have done for me except my love for you. In honor and thanksgiving I offer you myself. Use me in this service that gives you the greatest glory. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Advancement of Spiritual Life

In the spiritual life he who does not advance goes backward. It happens as with a boat which always must go ahead. If it stands still the wind blows it back. Fix the time, the length of your meditation, and do not rise from your place until you have finished even at the cost of being crucified. -- Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (Luke 6:38).

"Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." -- Matthew 6:2-4

We thy people, the flock of thy pasture, give thanks to thee for ever; from generation to generation we will recount thy praise (Psalm 79:13).

Progress in all Spiritual Things

Let each one remember that he will make progress in all spiritual things only insofar as he rids himself of self-love, self-will, and self-interest. -- St. Ignatius of Loyola

Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31-32).

"If you turn back your foot from the sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken" (Isaiah 58:13-14).

Incline thy ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save thy servant who trusts in thee. Thou art my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to thee do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, O Lord, art good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on thee. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; hearken to my cry of supplication (Psalms 86:1-6).