222. Offer Jesus
God hears what is said by some people:
“You have defied me in word, says the Lord, yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God, and what do we profit by keeping his command, and going about in penitential dress in awe of the Lord of hosts?’” Malachi, chapter 3, verses 13 to 14
It may be difficult for us to conceive of people thinking that about the Lord, but there are people who have let down by refusing God’s presence in their lives.
There’s nothing simpler than to get away from the Lord and there’s nothing more difficult thereafter than to return to him. Not because God would not welcome us if we come back, but because there are so many elements that get in the way of our march back. The reality should be the opposite; easy to approach Jesus and difficult to get away from him.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Normandt' Bible reflexions
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
223. A thousand and one
There are thoughts, money, hatred, fear, lack of faith that, among other things, barricades that are difficult to overcome and even bypass. There are a thousand and one impediments, but only one way to lead us to God’s Heart. When we decide to walk the road toward God, he himself removes impediments, blockages, barricades, rocks.
We have just shared the importance of taking the right path with God, but it is just as important to follow the road of fraternity with our contemporaries. Jesus tells us:
“What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?” Luke, chapter 11, verse 11
Who among us would want to offer something other than Jesus and his message to people?
We can continually sow the Love we receive from God. And if we gave ourselves the challenge of bringing only one new person to the Church in the next year, we would contribute to that person’s faith. Even by praying for him, and without his knowledge. We will have increased the prayer in our city and in our life. Let’s pray for a person who isn’t going to Mass. Whatever the result, don’t seek to know the result, but rest assured that Jesus will have visited him.
Every person has God in them, since God created them. Often the person is ready to hear that God is in his life. He’s waiting for someone to tell him. Said in a wise, fair and simple way, often a person cannot resist the invitation to recognize the presence of God in him. It’s easy to reveal to him the joy that he has from God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
There are thoughts, money, hatred, fear, lack of faith that, among other things, barricades that are difficult to overcome and even bypass. There are a thousand and one impediments, but only one way to lead us to God’s Heart. When we decide to walk the road toward God, he himself removes impediments, blockages, barricades, rocks.
We have just shared the importance of taking the right path with God, but it is just as important to follow the road of fraternity with our contemporaries. Jesus tells us:
“What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?” Luke, chapter 11, verse 11
Who among us would want to offer something other than Jesus and his message to people?
We can continually sow the Love we receive from God. And if we gave ourselves the challenge of bringing only one new person to the Church in the next year, we would contribute to that person’s faith. Even by praying for him, and without his knowledge. We will have increased the prayer in our city and in our life. Let’s pray for a person who isn’t going to Mass. Whatever the result, don’t seek to know the result, but rest assured that Jesus will have visited him.
Every person has God in them, since God created them. Often the person is ready to hear that God is in his life. He’s waiting for someone to tell him. Said in a wise, fair and simple way, often a person cannot resist the invitation to recognize the presence of God in him. It’s easy to reveal to him the joy that he has from God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
224. Welcome him as he is
Let’s ask ourselves, “Who would be on the point of wanting to come back or go to church?” Let’s go slowly, invite him, but leave him free. Whether he says yes or no, we’ll welcome his answer. We’ll continue to welcome him as he is. Either we’ll continue to pray for him, or we’ll pray for another person, since he will have accepted.
One day a person says that he has no connection with God even though he’s doing good. The answer was simple: “Yet you do what Jesus asks of you to watch every day on your two parents who are living their last passage to eternity.” He understood. Children do what God asks for when they take care of their parents. Parents do what God asks for when they take care of their children too.
Then remains to celebrate what God offers us for free by living Mass, listening to the Word and receiving the Eucharist. Everything we receive from God is perfect. When we share the good, beautiful, real and true, it comes from God. Why not thank him by confessing our faults and receiving everything from him through the Eucharist and the Word?
Announce the Good News:
“Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.” Acts, chapter 8, verse 40
He evangelizes.
A christian is someone who carries Jesus wherever he goes. All opportunities are good to witness, to know Jesus, to evangelize and to be in the mission.
Everywhere, in all places, we can pray for the people who are present, on the road, in the shops, in our meetings. The humble prayer of the heart is powerful.
Praying in our hearts for people we meet is very effective. And we leave it to Jesus to touch their hearts.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Let’s ask ourselves, “Who would be on the point of wanting to come back or go to church?” Let’s go slowly, invite him, but leave him free. Whether he says yes or no, we’ll welcome his answer. We’ll continue to welcome him as he is. Either we’ll continue to pray for him, or we’ll pray for another person, since he will have accepted.
One day a person says that he has no connection with God even though he’s doing good. The answer was simple: “Yet you do what Jesus asks of you to watch every day on your two parents who are living their last passage to eternity.” He understood. Children do what God asks for when they take care of their parents. Parents do what God asks for when they take care of their children too.
Then remains to celebrate what God offers us for free by living Mass, listening to the Word and receiving the Eucharist. Everything we receive from God is perfect. When we share the good, beautiful, real and true, it comes from God. Why not thank him by confessing our faults and receiving everything from him through the Eucharist and the Word?
Announce the Good News:
“Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.” Acts, chapter 8, verse 40
He evangelizes.
A christian is someone who carries Jesus wherever he goes. All opportunities are good to witness, to know Jesus, to evangelize and to be in the mission.
Everywhere, in all places, we can pray for the people who are present, on the road, in the shops, in our meetings. The humble prayer of the heart is powerful.
Praying in our hearts for people we meet is very effective. And we leave it to Jesus to touch their hearts.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
225. Eat!
The Lord said to Ezekiel:
“Son of man, eat what is before you; eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat. Son of man, he then said to me, feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.” Ezekiel, chapter 3, verses 1 to 3
Let’s ask Jesus to increase the grace of his Word in us.
Ezekiel finds that the scroll tastes the golden honey of God. It’s the light that lights the way, that instructs, the Love that enters his heart. There’s all the sweetness and tenderness of God. This contrasts with the sometimes bitter taste of all that the world does wrong under the sun; sin, injustice, pride, greed, and all that leads to evil. Why is it bitter? Because the prophet now has his eyes open to the world. He now sees what’s wrong and that’s bitter.
It is the difficulty of evangelization: the more we walk, the more we observe that there’s hatred, evil. Our eyes are opening. It twists our guts, makes our hearts bleed, but we’re confident that the world can improve. We’re also favored by the sweet honey of God’s tenderness. We’re called to give to Jesus the difficult situations that people experience, so that he may free them from the pain that makes them suffer.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
The Lord said to Ezekiel:
“Son of man, eat what is before you; eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat. Son of man, he then said to me, feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.” Ezekiel, chapter 3, verses 1 to 3
Let’s ask Jesus to increase the grace of his Word in us.
Ezekiel finds that the scroll tastes the golden honey of God. It’s the light that lights the way, that instructs, the Love that enters his heart. There’s all the sweetness and tenderness of God. This contrasts with the sometimes bitter taste of all that the world does wrong under the sun; sin, injustice, pride, greed, and all that leads to evil. Why is it bitter? Because the prophet now has his eyes open to the world. He now sees what’s wrong and that’s bitter.
It is the difficulty of evangelization: the more we walk, the more we observe that there’s hatred, evil. Our eyes are opening. It twists our guts, makes our hearts bleed, but we’re confident that the world can improve. We’re also favored by the sweet honey of God’s tenderness. We’re called to give to Jesus the difficult situations that people experience, so that he may free them from the pain that makes them suffer.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
226. What is asked of him
God said to Ezekiel,
“Son of man, go now to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them. Not to a people with difficult speech and barbarous language am I sending you.” Ezekiel, chapter 3, verses 4 to 5
Ezekiel receives from God the Word and at the same time Love. And what is asked of him is to go and bring the Word and the Love of God to the house of Israel: “Go now!”
By accepting God’s request, Ezekiel can help improve the lives of people in Israel. He can transmit the Word of God aware of the epoch in which he is and to the society to which he is sent. He will adapt to their language and their customs to pass the messages that God wants for the people.
Of course, he will not speak of Jesus, since this text is before the birth of Jesus. But in the Word that he will have to proclaim in the name of God, Jesus is there. The Word is whole, but the revealing of the revelation isn’t complete for Ezekiel.
Therefore, through the evolution in which he lives and to his personal limits, he shares what he can receive from the Word. He will join to his words what he needs to reach the people of his time, especially to the people of Israel.
Ezekiel is between the people and God. He will need to understand what God is telling him and to make himself understood by the people to whom he is sent.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
God said to Ezekiel,
“Son of man, go now to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them. Not to a people with difficult speech and barbarous language am I sending you.” Ezekiel, chapter 3, verses 4 to 5
Ezekiel receives from God the Word and at the same time Love. And what is asked of him is to go and bring the Word and the Love of God to the house of Israel: “Go now!”
By accepting God’s request, Ezekiel can help improve the lives of people in Israel. He can transmit the Word of God aware of the epoch in which he is and to the society to which he is sent. He will adapt to their language and their customs to pass the messages that God wants for the people.
Of course, he will not speak of Jesus, since this text is before the birth of Jesus. But in the Word that he will have to proclaim in the name of God, Jesus is there. The Word is whole, but the revealing of the revelation isn’t complete for Ezekiel.
Therefore, through the evolution in which he lives and to his personal limits, he shares what he can receive from the Word. He will join to his words what he needs to reach the people of his time, especially to the people of Israel.
Ezekiel is between the people and God. He will need to understand what God is telling him and to make himself understood by the people to whom he is sent.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
227. Receive the Book to swallow
Jesus is the Word. At the time Jesus lived on earth, the people also had to understand it. He says all he has to say and the Word will only be understood by the opening of people’s hearts. Jesus’ Word is complete. We understand it imperfectly, by the way, because of the evolution of our time and because of the evolution of our thoughts and our heart. We must go beyond what limits us, return to the foundation to understand it.
Many prophets receive the Book to swallow. Now it’s John’s turn:
“I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. He said to me, ‘Take and swallow it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.’” Revelation, chapter 10, verse 9
A prophet is one who swallows the Word of God, it’s sweet and tastes honey, but in the stomach it’s bitter.
The bitterness of being unable to do anything, of feeling useless in the face of a world that is struggling and suffering. But in the mouth, the honey of the one who offered his life to Christ and the one who receives everything from him. John feels the interior sweetness of God’s Love. He witnessed what Jesus did in hearts.
We observe the grace in John shared through his writing, the sweet honey of his life with Jesus and the sweet honey of the life and message of Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Jesus is the Word. At the time Jesus lived on earth, the people also had to understand it. He says all he has to say and the Word will only be understood by the opening of people’s hearts. Jesus’ Word is complete. We understand it imperfectly, by the way, because of the evolution of our time and because of the evolution of our thoughts and our heart. We must go beyond what limits us, return to the foundation to understand it.
Many prophets receive the Book to swallow. Now it’s John’s turn:
“I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. He said to me, ‘Take and swallow it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.’” Revelation, chapter 10, verse 9
A prophet is one who swallows the Word of God, it’s sweet and tastes honey, but in the stomach it’s bitter.
The bitterness of being unable to do anything, of feeling useless in the face of a world that is struggling and suffering. But in the mouth, the honey of the one who offered his life to Christ and the one who receives everything from him. John feels the interior sweetness of God’s Love. He witnessed what Jesus did in hearts.
We observe the grace in John shared through his writing, the sweet honey of his life with Jesus and the sweet honey of the life and message of Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
228. It will be given to you
When we realize that there’s evil in the world, it is because we’re in the grace of the prophet. Our eyes open, our stomach shudder. We’re the people sent who can introduce the goodness. We must continue to carry God’s Love to others. We are prophets thanks to our Baptism.
The Gospel of John allows us to know God more deeply. By his writings he enables us to become disciples of Jesus. It opens wide the doors to the mysteries that surround the life of Christ, as the other three evangelists did also.
If Father Marie-Eugene of the Infant-Jesus is able to become blessed, only by being a witness of the faith of Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of the Infant-Jesus, meditating their lives in the light of Christ, let’s imagine what the writings of John the Evangelist and the texts of the Bible can achieve in our life, through the light of Christ!
John’s mission, the mission of the prophet is to open a path, so that we can meet Jesus, our Lord, the Love of the Holy Spirit and know the Father.
We have a lot to ask to the Holy Spirit. We remember this Word of Jesus:
“Ask and it will be given to you.” Matthew, chapter 7, verse 7
We mostly need to be with the Spirit. May the Holy Spirit increase our faith, our life of prayer, the impulse of our heart to fully share what we receive from the Trinity, to transmit to the world that seeks, sometimes through difficult trials, the meaning of life, the meaning of love. May they know that they can only find Love in God.
May the Lord keep us close to his Heart as John rested his head on Jesus’ Heart. Let’s listen to the message of his Heart. May he comfort us so that we may be free to embark on the road with him for the salvation of the world, the Word of God in hand and in heart.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
When we realize that there’s evil in the world, it is because we’re in the grace of the prophet. Our eyes open, our stomach shudder. We’re the people sent who can introduce the goodness. We must continue to carry God’s Love to others. We are prophets thanks to our Baptism.
The Gospel of John allows us to know God more deeply. By his writings he enables us to become disciples of Jesus. It opens wide the doors to the mysteries that surround the life of Christ, as the other three evangelists did also.
If Father Marie-Eugene of the Infant-Jesus is able to become blessed, only by being a witness of the faith of Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of the Infant-Jesus, meditating their lives in the light of Christ, let’s imagine what the writings of John the Evangelist and the texts of the Bible can achieve in our life, through the light of Christ!
John’s mission, the mission of the prophet is to open a path, so that we can meet Jesus, our Lord, the Love of the Holy Spirit and know the Father.
We have a lot to ask to the Holy Spirit. We remember this Word of Jesus:
“Ask and it will be given to you.” Matthew, chapter 7, verse 7
We mostly need to be with the Spirit. May the Holy Spirit increase our faith, our life of prayer, the impulse of our heart to fully share what we receive from the Trinity, to transmit to the world that seeks, sometimes through difficult trials, the meaning of life, the meaning of love. May they know that they can only find Love in God.
May the Lord keep us close to his Heart as John rested his head on Jesus’ Heart. Let’s listen to the message of his Heart. May he comfort us so that we may be free to embark on the road with him for the salvation of the world, the Word of God in hand and in heart.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s evangelize, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
229. More joy
“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Luke, chapter 15, verse 7
To dare to testify is to give thanks to God for the wonders he accomplishes in our life. His wonders are always in us, but we have a tendency to be embarrassed, to stay away from them, to let ourselves go astray, to search everywhere without finding an answer or without others offering us one.
God Loves his wonder, the treasure that we are, since he creates us with his Love. He can do nothing else but Love us.
Personally, I thank those who are around me, witnesses of faith. They transmitted to me the taste of God and the desire to follow Jesus.
Many other people have been role models for me. To name one would be injustice to others. Those who read these lines and feel concerned about having participated in my life of faith, consider that you are among those who helped me to know and follow Jesus. May we be united in prayer.
And what can we say about Mary and Joseph, of all the saints who have set off with joy and enthusiasm in my pursuit to help me each day through conversion, the only path that leads to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May the Trinity be praised!
Is it not our only mission to discover Jesus through evangelizing thoughts, words and gestures? So many graces we receive to testify! It sends us on the move with Jesus for the world. It transforms something in us and in other people.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Luke, chapter 15, verse 7
To dare to testify is to give thanks to God for the wonders he accomplishes in our life. His wonders are always in us, but we have a tendency to be embarrassed, to stay away from them, to let ourselves go astray, to search everywhere without finding an answer or without others offering us one.
God Loves his wonder, the treasure that we are, since he creates us with his Love. He can do nothing else but Love us.
Personally, I thank those who are around me, witnesses of faith. They transmitted to me the taste of God and the desire to follow Jesus.
Many other people have been role models for me. To name one would be injustice to others. Those who read these lines and feel concerned about having participated in my life of faith, consider that you are among those who helped me to know and follow Jesus. May we be united in prayer.
And what can we say about Mary and Joseph, of all the saints who have set off with joy and enthusiasm in my pursuit to help me each day through conversion, the only path that leads to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May the Trinity be praised!
Is it not our only mission to discover Jesus through evangelizing thoughts, words and gestures? So many graces we receive to testify! It sends us on the move with Jesus for the world. It transforms something in us and in other people.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
230. Living right
Solomon is the son of David and he becomes king of Israel. He is at a stage in his life where he understands the need to become one of God’s friends.
He wants to follow a straight path and become more anchored in the truth. He wishes to do well as a child who knows he’s loved. Solomon has a special relationship with God.
King Solomon gives us a very good idea of a person who lives a conversion. He leaped faithfully. He asks God:
“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 1 Kings, chapter 3, verse 9
Judgment is not a method of judging recklessly the negative experience of the lives of others. Instead, it’s a way of being awake to what others are living, praying for them and guiding them to God when necessary.
We could say, “Give us a heart of judgment to love our neighbour, to discern between good and evil. To help in the good and to deliver evil to God. Who could love without you, God?”
Discerning between good and evil is an open door to conversion because it helps us, with good judgment, to better turn away from evil, move toward Love, to God and to give him a place in our lives.
King Solomon asks for something just, basic and at the same time major to God for the foundation of his faith, to watch over the people of God. Let’s imagine the graces for employees when the boss asks God to govern rightfully!
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Solomon is the son of David and he becomes king of Israel. He is at a stage in his life where he understands the need to become one of God’s friends.
He wants to follow a straight path and become more anchored in the truth. He wishes to do well as a child who knows he’s loved. Solomon has a special relationship with God.
King Solomon gives us a very good idea of a person who lives a conversion. He leaped faithfully. He asks God:
“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 1 Kings, chapter 3, verse 9
Judgment is not a method of judging recklessly the negative experience of the lives of others. Instead, it’s a way of being awake to what others are living, praying for them and guiding them to God when necessary.
We could say, “Give us a heart of judgment to love our neighbour, to discern between good and evil. To help in the good and to deliver evil to God. Who could love without you, God?”
Discerning between good and evil is an open door to conversion because it helps us, with good judgment, to better turn away from evil, move toward Love, to God and to give him a place in our lives.
King Solomon asks for something just, basic and at the same time major to God for the foundation of his faith, to watch over the people of God. Let’s imagine the graces for employees when the boss asks God to govern rightfully!
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
231. God offers all
This relationship between Solomon and God is quite unique in the Old Testament. Solomon asks neither wealth nor the death of his enemies (which God cannot give him anyway, since he is Love), but Solomon wishes to receive an “understanding heart” from God.
This request of Solomon pleases the Lord, who says to him:
“Because you have asked for this - not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right - I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.” 1 Kings, chapter 3, verses 10 to 12
We can learn from Solomon’s wisdom. He doesn’t seek power, nor wealth.
Solomon actually asks for what God is already offering him. His intentions are pure and his life is blessed. God gives him wisdom.
God offers us all that is best for our existence. Let’s ask him for what is right. For my part (the author), my prayer for conscious awareness is: “Lord, give me the grace to receive, to accept your graces.”
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
This relationship between Solomon and God is quite unique in the Old Testament. Solomon asks neither wealth nor the death of his enemies (which God cannot give him anyway, since he is Love), but Solomon wishes to receive an “understanding heart” from God.
This request of Solomon pleases the Lord, who says to him:
“Because you have asked for this - not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right - I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.” 1 Kings, chapter 3, verses 10 to 12
We can learn from Solomon’s wisdom. He doesn’t seek power, nor wealth.
Solomon actually asks for what God is already offering him. His intentions are pure and his life is blessed. God gives him wisdom.
God offers us all that is best for our existence. Let’s ask him for what is right. For my part (the author), my prayer for conscious awareness is: “Lord, give me the grace to receive, to accept your graces.”
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
232. A gift from God
Solomon’s wisdom is a gift from God. God gives him his presence, what he needs most, a wise and intelligent, understanding heart.
God also always grants us his graces and a wise and intelligent heart, but he wants us to ask him as Solomon, just so we can be more aware of it.
Let’s ask God for what’s best. In any case, he cannot offer us something that isn’t good, that isn’t wise, that isn’t Love. It isn’t to please God that we must ask him, but it’s to allow us a holy experience through a personal approach.
We have the desire to remain in God. In short, God already gives what’s necessary, but asking him unites us to his will. Without asking him, we don’t become aware of his Love for us.
On earth, as humans, we move forward when we want something. We should do this regularly with God, in order to keep us in accordance with what he proposes to us.
Solomon leads us to a good exercise to achieve. Who would’ve believed that someone who lived nearly three thousand years ago would be the one who would give us the idea to ask what is best from God!
When we get closer to the will of God, everything improves. The weight of past resentments, tomorrow’s anxiety, the fear of the future are letting go of our lives. Adjusting to God’s will allows light to enter, joy to settle in, and peace to become a constant experience.
King Solomon is at a moment in his life where he understands the need to become more of God’s friend. He wants to live right and in the truth. He fears God, but as a child who wants to do better, since he knows he is Loved. Solomon lives in the grace of God.
On the other hand, if a person is looking for glory and popularity, it will most likely come to him, but it will not be a gift of God, rather a departure from God, by human pride. While not seeking the good, the beautiful, the real and the truth, people get trapped in evil.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Solomon’s wisdom is a gift from God. God gives him his presence, what he needs most, a wise and intelligent, understanding heart.
God also always grants us his graces and a wise and intelligent heart, but he wants us to ask him as Solomon, just so we can be more aware of it.
Let’s ask God for what’s best. In any case, he cannot offer us something that isn’t good, that isn’t wise, that isn’t Love. It isn’t to please God that we must ask him, but it’s to allow us a holy experience through a personal approach.
We have the desire to remain in God. In short, God already gives what’s necessary, but asking him unites us to his will. Without asking him, we don’t become aware of his Love for us.
On earth, as humans, we move forward when we want something. We should do this regularly with God, in order to keep us in accordance with what he proposes to us.
Solomon leads us to a good exercise to achieve. Who would’ve believed that someone who lived nearly three thousand years ago would be the one who would give us the idea to ask what is best from God!
When we get closer to the will of God, everything improves. The weight of past resentments, tomorrow’s anxiety, the fear of the future are letting go of our lives. Adjusting to God’s will allows light to enter, joy to settle in, and peace to become a constant experience.
King Solomon is at a moment in his life where he understands the need to become more of God’s friend. He wants to live right and in the truth. He fears God, but as a child who wants to do better, since he knows he is Loved. Solomon lives in the grace of God.
On the other hand, if a person is looking for glory and popularity, it will most likely come to him, but it will not be a gift of God, rather a departure from God, by human pride. While not seeking the good, the beautiful, the real and the truth, people get trapped in evil.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
233. The Holy Spirit ignites
Jesus’s wisdom is greater, higher, deeper than that of Solomon, since Jesus is Wisdom himself. Let’s continue to ask Jesus for wisdom, to share what God has already bestowed on us, in all circumstances and for the good of each person:
“There is no greater freedom than that of allowing oneself to be guided by the Holy Spirit, renouncing the attempt to plan and control everything to the last detail, and instead letting him enlighten, guide and direct us, leading us wherever he wills.
The Holy Spirit knows well what is needed in every time and place. This is what it means to be mysteriously fruitful!” The joy of the gospel, number 280, Pope Francis.
The Holy Spirit helps us to live with people. We don’t give ourselves charisms, it’s the Holy Spirit who gives them to us. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit for his graces, to transmit them to the world. Let’s open the gift he offers us and receive its content.
Let’s open the doors, open the windows, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Up and away! The more we share what the Holy Spirit offers us, the more we discover his action among us. Whenever we perceive it in a person, we also observe it in ourselves.
If we’re under the governance of the Holy Spirit, his evangelical values, his fruits, his gifts and charisms will appear in our lives. The fruit that dwells in us and transforms within comes from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit isn’t limited to a single spark of a fireworks show. The Holy Spirit is the immense fireworks to which we want to pray and discover, to rejoice and dance around its many diverse lights.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Jesus’s wisdom is greater, higher, deeper than that of Solomon, since Jesus is Wisdom himself. Let’s continue to ask Jesus for wisdom, to share what God has already bestowed on us, in all circumstances and for the good of each person:
“There is no greater freedom than that of allowing oneself to be guided by the Holy Spirit, renouncing the attempt to plan and control everything to the last detail, and instead letting him enlighten, guide and direct us, leading us wherever he wills.
The Holy Spirit knows well what is needed in every time and place. This is what it means to be mysteriously fruitful!” The joy of the gospel, number 280, Pope Francis.
The Holy Spirit helps us to live with people. We don’t give ourselves charisms, it’s the Holy Spirit who gives them to us. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit for his graces, to transmit them to the world. Let’s open the gift he offers us and receive its content.
Let’s open the doors, open the windows, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Up and away! The more we share what the Holy Spirit offers us, the more we discover his action among us. Whenever we perceive it in a person, we also observe it in ourselves.
If we’re under the governance of the Holy Spirit, his evangelical values, his fruits, his gifts and charisms will appear in our lives. The fruit that dwells in us and transforms within comes from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit isn’t limited to a single spark of a fireworks show. The Holy Spirit is the immense fireworks to which we want to pray and discover, to rejoice and dance around its many diverse lights.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
234. Can we even imagine
Let’s embark with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and receive the fruits of the Spirit. Let’s welcome everything from the Trinity.
The person who doesn’t maintain the quality of their vehicle for a very long journey may discover that the destination might get longer and demand more time. The transmission chain of our life is the Holy Spirit and we need to make sure he’s constantly with us. May our hearts be in order to receive the Holy Spirit, to continue on the path of salvation and for the salvation of our neighbour.
Let’s not limit the Holy Spirit. We would take one reality and close ourselves to the other graces of the Holy Spirit? Let’s not do that. We cannot limit the Holy Spirit without limiting ourselves.
We have not finished discovering him and he will surprise us. Let’s dare to let the Holy Spirit ignite and illuminate us with all his fires.
Jesus proposes to evangelize:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew, chapter 28, verses 19 to 20a
Can we even imagine all the graces we receive to go on a mission, if we listen to him?
It is the Spirit of Jesus and the Father who guides his Church, who guides us in our journey, which is our guarantee of the presence of Jesus in us. We have the special grace of being in the Catholic Church with a marked dimension of the Holy Spirit. This is the Blessing for the Church. It’s a privilege for us.
The Holy Spirit is in perfect communion with the Father and the Son. When we pray to the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible to be removed from the Father and the Son. Mary is present too. All the saints are united with us.
In praying the Holy Spirit, we don’t exclude the Father or the Son. The three are eternally one. We don’t favour. We are in God when we walk with the Holy Spirit. We don’t further favour the Holy Spirit.
We know what the Holy Spirit of Jesus and the Father has done so far in our lives. We know what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives right now. We will then discover what he will achieve by passing through our soul, our heart, our spirit, in the future. We would not believe the extent and possibilities if the Spirit told us all that he’s able to do in us and through us.
Let’s not block the Holy Spirit to one reality. May we not dictate to him what we want. But let him decide what he wants for every person in the Church, to give us strength, justice, temperance, prudence, theological virtues, charisms, gifts, fruits, etc.
Let’s keep the courage and the determination to want the Holy Spirit in our life and to walk together, despite our differences which are so many beauties for each other.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Let’s embark with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and receive the fruits of the Spirit. Let’s welcome everything from the Trinity.
The person who doesn’t maintain the quality of their vehicle for a very long journey may discover that the destination might get longer and demand more time. The transmission chain of our life is the Holy Spirit and we need to make sure he’s constantly with us. May our hearts be in order to receive the Holy Spirit, to continue on the path of salvation and for the salvation of our neighbour.
Let’s not limit the Holy Spirit. We would take one reality and close ourselves to the other graces of the Holy Spirit? Let’s not do that. We cannot limit the Holy Spirit without limiting ourselves.
We have not finished discovering him and he will surprise us. Let’s dare to let the Holy Spirit ignite and illuminate us with all his fires.
Jesus proposes to evangelize:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew, chapter 28, verses 19 to 20a
Can we even imagine all the graces we receive to go on a mission, if we listen to him?
It is the Spirit of Jesus and the Father who guides his Church, who guides us in our journey, which is our guarantee of the presence of Jesus in us. We have the special grace of being in the Catholic Church with a marked dimension of the Holy Spirit. This is the Blessing for the Church. It’s a privilege for us.
The Holy Spirit is in perfect communion with the Father and the Son. When we pray to the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible to be removed from the Father and the Son. Mary is present too. All the saints are united with us.
In praying the Holy Spirit, we don’t exclude the Father or the Son. The three are eternally one. We don’t favour. We are in God when we walk with the Holy Spirit. We don’t further favour the Holy Spirit.
We know what the Holy Spirit of Jesus and the Father has done so far in our lives. We know what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives right now. We will then discover what he will achieve by passing through our soul, our heart, our spirit, in the future. We would not believe the extent and possibilities if the Spirit told us all that he’s able to do in us and through us.
Let’s not block the Holy Spirit to one reality. May we not dictate to him what we want. But let him decide what he wants for every person in the Church, to give us strength, justice, temperance, prudence, theological virtues, charisms, gifts, fruits, etc.
Let’s keep the courage and the determination to want the Holy Spirit in our life and to walk together, despite our differences which are so many beauties for each other.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
235. The wind is blowing
We need different aspirations of the Holy Spirit depending on who we are. Every person is different, but totally wanted of God for a holy and continuous evangelization.
We all need different graces depending on who we are, how we are, where we are, and where we’re going to while following a Holy Spirit who doesn’t tell us where he’s going.
“The wind blows where it wills.” John, chapter 3, verse 8a
He is free, totally, sovereignly free! He isn’t confined to a single expression, to a single idea.
Jesus tells Nicodemus the meaning of the movement of the Spirit:
“The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John, chapter 3, verse 8
It is so with us, born of the breath of the Spirit. We don’t know where the Spirit leads us. We must trust him, day by day, to be free, to be responsible in the mission to which he prepares us and sends us. It’s the heart’s mission.
Let’s not limit the Holy Spirit or the evangelical values that are multiple:
““Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth” (LG 8 # 2) are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” (UR 3 # 2, see LG 15).
Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him (see UR 3) and are in themselves calls to “Catholic unity.”” (LG 8). Catechism of the Catholic Church number 819,
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
We will have to be watchful in order to discover these graces in people. They’re not only for ourselves. We can also lose them if we don’t take a jealous care of them:
“‘Christ, sent by the Father, is the source of the Church’s whole apostolate’; thus the fruitfulness of apostolate for ordained ministers as well as for lay people clearly depends on their vital union with Christ. (AA 4; cf. ⇒ Jn 15:5.) In keeping with their vocations, the demands of the times and the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, the apostolate assumes the most varied forms. But charity, drawn from the Eucharist above all, is always ‘as it were, the soul of the whole apostolate’.” (AA 3). Catechism of the Catholic Church number 864,
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
We receive the different gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit, but we don’t develop them all in the same way, according to the life we lead, the blockages or openness, according to the possibilities that we obtain to share them.
Let’s engage with the Holy Spirit. Let’s be aware and take some time to receive all that he offers:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” 2 Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 13
Union with Christ is vital: “Charity is drawn mainly from the Eucharist.” The grace of God must always remain with us and bear fruit beyond the Eucharistic celebration:
The Church therefore asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit to make the lives of the faithful a living sacrifice to God by their spiritual transformation into the image of Christ, by concern for the Church’s unity, and by taking part in her mission through the witness and service of charity. Catechism of the Catholic Church number 1109, Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
This is not our own mission. It is the participation in Jesus’s Mission, in the Shepherd’s Mission.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
We need different aspirations of the Holy Spirit depending on who we are. Every person is different, but totally wanted of God for a holy and continuous evangelization.
We all need different graces depending on who we are, how we are, where we are, and where we’re going to while following a Holy Spirit who doesn’t tell us where he’s going.
“The wind blows where it wills.” John, chapter 3, verse 8a
He is free, totally, sovereignly free! He isn’t confined to a single expression, to a single idea.
Jesus tells Nicodemus the meaning of the movement of the Spirit:
“The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John, chapter 3, verse 8
It is so with us, born of the breath of the Spirit. We don’t know where the Spirit leads us. We must trust him, day by day, to be free, to be responsible in the mission to which he prepares us and sends us. It’s the heart’s mission.
Let’s not limit the Holy Spirit or the evangelical values that are multiple:
““Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth” (LG 8 # 2) are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” (UR 3 # 2, see LG 15).
Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him (see UR 3) and are in themselves calls to “Catholic unity.”” (LG 8). Catechism of the Catholic Church number 819,
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
We will have to be watchful in order to discover these graces in people. They’re not only for ourselves. We can also lose them if we don’t take a jealous care of them:
“‘Christ, sent by the Father, is the source of the Church’s whole apostolate’; thus the fruitfulness of apostolate for ordained ministers as well as for lay people clearly depends on their vital union with Christ. (AA 4; cf. ⇒ Jn 15:5.) In keeping with their vocations, the demands of the times and the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, the apostolate assumes the most varied forms. But charity, drawn from the Eucharist above all, is always ‘as it were, the soul of the whole apostolate’.” (AA 3). Catechism of the Catholic Church number 864,
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
We receive the different gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit, but we don’t develop them all in the same way, according to the life we lead, the blockages or openness, according to the possibilities that we obtain to share them.
Let’s engage with the Holy Spirit. Let’s be aware and take some time to receive all that he offers:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” 2 Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 13
Union with Christ is vital: “Charity is drawn mainly from the Eucharist.” The grace of God must always remain with us and bear fruit beyond the Eucharistic celebration:
The Church therefore asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit to make the lives of the faithful a living sacrifice to God by their spiritual transformation into the image of Christ, by concern for the Church’s unity, and by taking part in her mission through the witness and service of charity. Catechism of the Catholic Church number 1109, Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
This is not our own mission. It is the participation in Jesus’s Mission, in the Shepherd’s Mission.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
236. Infinite number of graces
The mission varies depending of the epoch in which we are. “Through witnessing” in the world of what the Spirit realizes in our person, whether we’re old or young, we’re called to offer the way of salvation in God, to give thanks to him in this way, always and in all places. Whatever our poverty, whoever we are, we’re bearing fruit in the world, but we must also let them pick them. We must not keep them for ourselves.
And “service of charity”. Charity doesn’t come from a single ray of the sun, but from all the rays of the sun that are multiple and varied.
It means, in all situations, all possibilities, as soon as we’re in contact with a person, we can live the meeting of the resurrected, whatever the reality, whether we like the reality of this person or not. This requires all possible graces. We must ask everything to the Holy Spirit and use them with caution, but use them with him in abundance. To be fair and just to people is an excellent charity. That is evangelizing.
We received the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of our baptism. The gift that we still receive today, renewed, in the reality of the Holy Spirit, includes all the holiness that it implies. By holiness, it means the infinite number of graces that come to us with this unique gift:
The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification:
- enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues;
- giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
- allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.
Thus the whole organism of the Christian’s supernatural life has its roots in Baptism. Catechism of the Catholic Church number 1266 https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3N.HTM
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
The mission varies depending of the epoch in which we are. “Through witnessing” in the world of what the Spirit realizes in our person, whether we’re old or young, we’re called to offer the way of salvation in God, to give thanks to him in this way, always and in all places. Whatever our poverty, whoever we are, we’re bearing fruit in the world, but we must also let them pick them. We must not keep them for ourselves.
And “service of charity”. Charity doesn’t come from a single ray of the sun, but from all the rays of the sun that are multiple and varied.
It means, in all situations, all possibilities, as soon as we’re in contact with a person, we can live the meeting of the resurrected, whatever the reality, whether we like the reality of this person or not. This requires all possible graces. We must ask everything to the Holy Spirit and use them with caution, but use them with him in abundance. To be fair and just to people is an excellent charity. That is evangelizing.
We received the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of our baptism. The gift that we still receive today, renewed, in the reality of the Holy Spirit, includes all the holiness that it implies. By holiness, it means the infinite number of graces that come to us with this unique gift:
The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification:
- enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues;
- giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
- allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.
Thus the whole organism of the Christian’s supernatural life has its roots in Baptism. Catechism of the Catholic Church number 1266 https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3N.HTM
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
37. Two by two
Jesus wants us to receive the baptism, the life and the light of God. He sends the disciples two by two to evangelize and he tells them:
“As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it.” Matthew, chapter 10, verses 12 to 13a
Is our house welcoming to receive Jesus? Is our heart ready to welcome him? Let’s stay awake to welcome Jesus, so that he may lead us to his home.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Jesus wants us to receive the baptism, the life and the light of God. He sends the disciples two by two to evangelize and he tells them:
“As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it.” Matthew, chapter 10, verses 12 to 13a
Is our house welcoming to receive Jesus? Is our heart ready to welcome him? Let’s stay awake to welcome Jesus, so that he may lead us to his home.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
238. We are lights
Jesus tells us:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew, chapter 5, verses 14 to 16
Our light shines when we’re good, when we live truly, we recognize what is beautiful, and we observe the reality. The light that shines in us is the Lord. With him, joy is shown.
To be responsible for the faith and the light that dwells in us, giving glory to God, we live the mission that is proposed to us. God does not ask for more than what we can achieve, but he asks us to trust him. By giving glory to God by our agreement to his will, we also glorify him in the world.
During the Pascal meal, the Wedding of the Lamb, the Eucharist, let’s ask Jesus to help us to clear and polish our light, so that it shines for the glory of God and for the salvation of the world.
Let’s continue to nourish ourselves with the Word of God, to come to Mass, to live the sacraments in the Light of the Holy Spirit, to shine like the baptized believing that they are saved, to radiate the light of Jesus and to forgive. Forgiveness is the key to truth and peace in God.
We know God’s will well. He wishes us to share his graces. All good deeds and charisms we freely receive, we’re invited to share them for free. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit in abundance so that he overflows in the meetings, in the visits, on all the people we meet.
As the sun gains strength in the spring, we will see the Holy Spirit shine around us, thanks to our decision to open up.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Jesus tells us:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew, chapter 5, verses 14 to 16
Our light shines when we’re good, when we live truly, we recognize what is beautiful, and we observe the reality. The light that shines in us is the Lord. With him, joy is shown.
To be responsible for the faith and the light that dwells in us, giving glory to God, we live the mission that is proposed to us. God does not ask for more than what we can achieve, but he asks us to trust him. By giving glory to God by our agreement to his will, we also glorify him in the world.
During the Pascal meal, the Wedding of the Lamb, the Eucharist, let’s ask Jesus to help us to clear and polish our light, so that it shines for the glory of God and for the salvation of the world.
Let’s continue to nourish ourselves with the Word of God, to come to Mass, to live the sacraments in the Light of the Holy Spirit, to shine like the baptized believing that they are saved, to radiate the light of Jesus and to forgive. Forgiveness is the key to truth and peace in God.
We know God’s will well. He wishes us to share his graces. All good deeds and charisms we freely receive, we’re invited to share them for free. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit in abundance so that he overflows in the meetings, in the visits, on all the people we meet.
As the sun gains strength in the spring, we will see the Holy Spirit shine around us, thanks to our decision to open up.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
239. The sign of the will
Jesus helps people to stand up. Evil and suffering are the cause of soreness. He challenges the paralyzed and says to him:
“Come up and stand before us.” Luke, chapter 6, verse 8
Getting up is the sign of the will. But let’s not think that a paralytic isn’t a fighter and that he has no will. On the contrary! We can associate it with someone who has cancer and decides to fight to stay alive. Often his decision to stay alive will prolong his life. He becomes a fighting and a living witness for all. The paralyzed has finished struggling as he lets Jesus lift him up.
Whatever the path, and each path is unique, we’re invited to stand in the faith with a good attitude.
“Praise the Lord, my soul; I shall praise the Lord all my life, sing praise to my God while I live.” Psalm 146, verse 2
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Jesus helps people to stand up. Evil and suffering are the cause of soreness. He challenges the paralyzed and says to him:
“Come up and stand before us.” Luke, chapter 6, verse 8
Getting up is the sign of the will. But let’s not think that a paralytic isn’t a fighter and that he has no will. On the contrary! We can associate it with someone who has cancer and decides to fight to stay alive. Often his decision to stay alive will prolong his life. He becomes a fighting and a living witness for all. The paralyzed has finished struggling as he lets Jesus lift him up.
Whatever the path, and each path is unique, we’re invited to stand in the faith with a good attitude.
“Praise the Lord, my soul; I shall praise the Lord all my life, sing praise to my God while I live.” Psalm 146, verse 2
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
240. The world needs to hear
Let’s ask God, it’s as simple as that:
“O Lord of hosts, restore us; Let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Psalm 80, verse 4
The world needs to hear that. Come Jesus, deliver us! Let’s believe that he saves us, that he can save our children and the multitude of people who need to experience eternal salvation.
Let’s continue our journey toward Jesus, even if sometimes we think we’re not progressing and we also think that the world isn’t moving forward. All the reasons are good for putting one foot in front of the other. With confidence in Jesus, let’s continue for the salvation of the world and for the glory of God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Let’s ask God, it’s as simple as that:
“O Lord of hosts, restore us; Let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Psalm 80, verse 4
The world needs to hear that. Come Jesus, deliver us! Let’s believe that he saves us, that he can save our children and the multitude of people who need to experience eternal salvation.
Let’s continue our journey toward Jesus, even if sometimes we think we’re not progressing and we also think that the world isn’t moving forward. All the reasons are good for putting one foot in front of the other. With confidence in Jesus, let’s continue for the salvation of the world and for the glory of God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
241. Peter loves Jesus
At the beginning of the christian era, just after Jesus’s death, it was very difficult to testify about faith, because it was a novelty for most of the disciples and Apostles.
Jesus verifies Peter’s faith and invites him to continue the mission. Peter had denied him when he was questioned before the crucifixion. Then, during the events surrounding his resurrection, Jesus will help Peter find him in his heart by asking him the same question three times:
“Do you love me?” (See John chapter 21, verses 15 to 17)
And Peter answers him with heart:
“Lord, you, you know everything: you know that I love you.” John, chapter 21, verse 17
Then Jesus said to him:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” John, chapter 21, verse 18
We need to develop acceptance as Peter, to love Jesus. We also need to let ourselves be Loved by Jesus. Then, we need Peter’s determination to carry out the mission. The mission of evangelizing for us will be different from him, but we will need the same determination to lead people to the faith.
To receive the Holy Spirit for our mission will enable us to see God working in the hearts of people and in life situations close to us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
At the beginning of the christian era, just after Jesus’s death, it was very difficult to testify about faith, because it was a novelty for most of the disciples and Apostles.
Jesus verifies Peter’s faith and invites him to continue the mission. Peter had denied him when he was questioned before the crucifixion. Then, during the events surrounding his resurrection, Jesus will help Peter find him in his heart by asking him the same question three times:
“Do you love me?” (See John chapter 21, verses 15 to 17)
And Peter answers him with heart:
“Lord, you, you know everything: you know that I love you.” John, chapter 21, verse 17
Then Jesus said to him:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” John, chapter 21, verse 18
We need to develop acceptance as Peter, to love Jesus. We also need to let ourselves be Loved by Jesus. Then, we need Peter’s determination to carry out the mission. The mission of evangelizing for us will be different from him, but we will need the same determination to lead people to the faith.
To receive the Holy Spirit for our mission will enable us to see God working in the hearts of people and in life situations close to us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas