242. Promise to Abraham
God is included in our life. He is present at 100%. We have the grace to receive God, but we aren’t always well disposed. In the Bible, there are many testimonies of people who dare to let God come into contact with them. This is what we discover in Genesis when God enters into a covenant, in a relationship with Abraham.
God promises to Abraham (Abram) many descendants:
The word of the Lord came to him: ‘No, that one shall not be your heir; your own issue shall be your heir.’ He took him outside and said: ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,’ he added, ‘shall your descendants be’. Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. Genesis, chapter 15, verses 4 to 6
God does everything perfectly. He promises many descendants to Abraham and he will do so. This offspring, at first sight, seems to be of human nature, but God sees well beyond that, since the descendants of Abraham are ultimately “the offspring” of faith in God.
God, through Abraham, gives himself an offspring that will please his heart. It is God who accomplishes the descendants of faith in the hearts of practising believers. These believers celebrate with their God. They thank him for his presence among them. This is the very meaning of the Eucharist, a thank you, a Thanksgiving.
This descent is the people who accept God in their lives, who live by faith, who thanks God and who transmit the received graces to their neighbour.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Normandt' Bible reflexions
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
243. The faith
This promise of the Lord is also for us. We are the people who will see many descendants. In the Catechism, we read:
“The people descended from Abraham would be the trustee of the promise made to the patriarchs, the chosen people, called to prepare for that day when God would gather all his children into the unity of the Church. (cf Rom 11:28; ⇒ Jn 11:52; ⇒ 10:16.) They would be the root on to which the Gentiles would be grafted, once they came to believe.” (cf Rom 11, 17-18, 24).
Catechism of the Catholic Church, number 60, website:
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
This gathering is also ours. And the people who will see even more converted people to the Lord are us and our descendants. Then God will continue his work of salvation from generation to generation.
We are in the mission with Jesus, he who continues to join the world, all without exclusion. And it takes only a tiny spark to light the fire of the Holy Spirit, the fire of God’s Love in the hearts. In faith, with God, we are on a mission.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
This promise of the Lord is also for us. We are the people who will see many descendants. In the Catechism, we read:
“The people descended from Abraham would be the trustee of the promise made to the patriarchs, the chosen people, called to prepare for that day when God would gather all his children into the unity of the Church. (cf Rom 11:28; ⇒ Jn 11:52; ⇒ 10:16.) They would be the root on to which the Gentiles would be grafted, once they came to believe.” (cf Rom 11, 17-18, 24).
Catechism of the Catholic Church, number 60, website:
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
This gathering is also ours. And the people who will see even more converted people to the Lord are us and our descendants. Then God will continue his work of salvation from generation to generation.
We are in the mission with Jesus, he who continues to join the world, all without exclusion. And it takes only a tiny spark to light the fire of the Holy Spirit, the fire of God’s Love in the hearts. In faith, with God, we are on a mission.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
244. Fishers of men
With the audacity and effort of a continuous conversion, every moment, Jesus will tell us:
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew, chapter 4, verse 19
Let’s walk with Jesus, follow him … on his way. Let’s continue walking behind Jesus and just because we dare to, others will want to follow him. The important thing is that we are developing a way of walking with Jesus.
United around Jesus, united in the Spirit, let’s say with faith this beautiful prayer to the Father:
Our father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our bread today.
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil. Amen.
Let’s slip under his grace, come under his roof and give thanks to Jesus for sending us on the roads in search of exhausted sheep that fight alone.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
With the audacity and effort of a continuous conversion, every moment, Jesus will tell us:
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew, chapter 4, verse 19
Let’s walk with Jesus, follow him … on his way. Let’s continue walking behind Jesus and just because we dare to, others will want to follow him. The important thing is that we are developing a way of walking with Jesus.
United around Jesus, united in the Spirit, let’s say with faith this beautiful prayer to the Father:
Our father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our bread today.
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil. Amen.
Let’s slip under his grace, come under his roof and give thanks to Jesus for sending us on the roads in search of exhausted sheep that fight alone.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
245. Thanks to God
This is not written in all books:
“There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” John, chapter 21, verse 25
We don’t see everything we do from day to day. We don’t see everything that others do with their daily mission. But as the field is full of oats, together, we are, by the presence of God, a presence of Love in and for the world.
Any story of faith is a sacred story with God and could be added to the Bible. That would not change the nature of God and it would be to give him glory.
The field lives its transformations. What is produced there is usually of quality. It’s a moment for us to give thanks to God for all that we receive.
It’s also time to appreciate each other’s work, especially the decision to walk with Jesus and to offer others what we receive from him.
Let’s give thanks to God for the trust he gives us and all that he offers us to share with others. Let’s thank God for allowing us to participate and then produce, with his grace, grain and fruit a hundredfold. Let’s continue with Jesus. We are following in his mission.
What Jesus asks of us is to welcome him into our vineyard and our field, to invite him with us wherever we go. May we let him convert us and convert the hearts of people. Instead of asking Jesus to help us, since he already does it without even asking, let’s help Jesus in his mission:
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew, chapter 20, verse 28
Note that in this last passage, Jesus doesn’t ask us to serve him. He came to serve people. He invites us to serve others. Let’s receive what is necessary from God and serve others as Jesus wants, as he serves.
With Therese of Lisieux, we ask:
“Oh divine Blood of Jesus, water our mission; make it bring forth chosen souls!”
- Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. Website: The Story of a Family: The Home of St. Therese of Lisieux, Rev. Fr. Stephane-Joseph Piat, O.F.M.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
This is not written in all books:
“There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” John, chapter 21, verse 25
We don’t see everything we do from day to day. We don’t see everything that others do with their daily mission. But as the field is full of oats, together, we are, by the presence of God, a presence of Love in and for the world.
Any story of faith is a sacred story with God and could be added to the Bible. That would not change the nature of God and it would be to give him glory.
The field lives its transformations. What is produced there is usually of quality. It’s a moment for us to give thanks to God for all that we receive.
It’s also time to appreciate each other’s work, especially the decision to walk with Jesus and to offer others what we receive from him.
Let’s give thanks to God for the trust he gives us and all that he offers us to share with others. Let’s thank God for allowing us to participate and then produce, with his grace, grain and fruit a hundredfold. Let’s continue with Jesus. We are following in his mission.
What Jesus asks of us is to welcome him into our vineyard and our field, to invite him with us wherever we go. May we let him convert us and convert the hearts of people. Instead of asking Jesus to help us, since he already does it without even asking, let’s help Jesus in his mission:
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew, chapter 20, verse 28
Note that in this last passage, Jesus doesn’t ask us to serve him. He came to serve people. He invites us to serve others. Let’s receive what is necessary from God and serve others as Jesus wants, as he serves.
With Therese of Lisieux, we ask:
“Oh divine Blood of Jesus, water our mission; make it bring forth chosen souls!”
- Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. Website: The Story of a Family: The Home of St. Therese of Lisieux, Rev. Fr. Stephane-Joseph Piat, O.F.M.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
246. Near Jesus
Paul is rejoicing in Thanksgiving. He’s cheerful and overwhelmed by the Presence of Jesus made visible in the people who are with him. He received this news from a good companion, Epaphras. He says:
“Epaphras our beloved fellow slave, who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.” Colossians, chapter 1, verses 7 to 8
We see this Love of the Holy Spirit in every person who devotes himself to the salvation of his neighbour. The Pope, cardinals, priests, spouses, children, religious, sisters, brothers, deacons, pastoral workers, committed laity, people who have at heart the believers of a community, the leaders of faith groups, mature faith in hearts of children in Jesus Christ, the children who live it fully,
people awakening God in hearts, let’s name them all, as soon as we carry Christ internally, we become faithful to the mission of Jesus for our contemporaries. Let’s receive the anointing of graces that feeds our spiritual life and that of others.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Paul is rejoicing in Thanksgiving. He’s cheerful and overwhelmed by the Presence of Jesus made visible in the people who are with him. He received this news from a good companion, Epaphras. He says:
“Epaphras our beloved fellow slave, who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.” Colossians, chapter 1, verses 7 to 8
We see this Love of the Holy Spirit in every person who devotes himself to the salvation of his neighbour. The Pope, cardinals, priests, spouses, children, religious, sisters, brothers, deacons, pastoral workers, committed laity, people who have at heart the believers of a community, the leaders of faith groups, mature faith in hearts of children in Jesus Christ, the children who live it fully,
people awakening God in hearts, let’s name them all, as soon as we carry Christ internally, we become faithful to the mission of Jesus for our contemporaries. Let’s receive the anointing of graces that feeds our spiritual life and that of others.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
Everything OK Norman? We've missed a few days. 
Thank you for your patience as I build the board. I have about 1/16 to go.
*All opinions expressed on this board are those of the person posting, including mine.*
*All opinions expressed on this board are those of the person posting, including mine.*
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
247. No reason to wait
Every day, there’s no reason to wait, let’s go and find Jesus. This is what is lived here. Jesus is so well known that he has trouble keeping up the pace:
“At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.’” Luke, chapter 4, verses 42 to 43
There are some who have evangelized, in addition to Jesus, that’s why there are so many people around him. His fame spreads.
May we seek to prevent Jesus from leaving us, may we retain his presence in us, so that the world may observe and believe that Jesus is Lord of our lives. In reality, we do not need to hold him back, but to welcome him into us, since he is already here.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Every day, there’s no reason to wait, let’s go and find Jesus. This is what is lived here. Jesus is so well known that he has trouble keeping up the pace:
“At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.’” Luke, chapter 4, verses 42 to 43
There are some who have evangelized, in addition to Jesus, that’s why there are so many people around him. His fame spreads.
May we seek to prevent Jesus from leaving us, may we retain his presence in us, so that the world may observe and believe that Jesus is Lord of our lives. In reality, we do not need to hold him back, but to welcome him into us, since he is already here.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
248. Keep Jesus
Paul considers himself the last, since he’s aware of his smallness before the greatness of Christ, of the Spirit and of the Father. He says:
“To me, the very least of all the holy ones.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 8
Then he confirms that he receives everything from Christ as we must also expect everything from him:
“To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 8
By the light that he receives from Christ, he can say:
“What is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 9
It’s impressive, striking, how God gives Paul his knowledge for the people. Paul is touched by the grace of God. It is the Lord’s wish for all. If he transmits the content of the mystery of God, it is because there is no more mystery. It’s unveiled!
Like Paul, we are never too small. We accept to be small though, since God is so infinite in every respect. Nothing outclasses him.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Paul considers himself the last, since he’s aware of his smallness before the greatness of Christ, of the Spirit and of the Father. He says:
“To me, the very least of all the holy ones.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 8
Then he confirms that he receives everything from Christ as we must also expect everything from him:
“To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 8
By the light that he receives from Christ, he can say:
“What is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 9
It’s impressive, striking, how God gives Paul his knowledge for the people. Paul is touched by the grace of God. It is the Lord’s wish for all. If he transmits the content of the mystery of God, it is because there is no more mystery. It’s unveiled!
Like Paul, we are never too small. We accept to be small though, since God is so infinite in every respect. Nothing outclasses him.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
249. How precious
Let’s continue to let ourselves be invaded by God, so that we become christians for others. May active holiness be:
“So that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 10
How confusing this passage of Paul. It is “through the Church”, founded by Jesus Christ, that visible and invisible forces, “that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known”.
It is to “fall off our horse” or “fall off our chair” for the more discreet. The Church is the unity between the world and the Kingdom of God, because the Word and the Eucharist lead us into the Kingdom. In reality, it is Christ, who is the Eucharist and the Word, who unites the living of the Kingdom of God and the living of the universe (the earth included), in his Church.
We receive faith from the Trinity. So:
“Our faith in Christ, in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith,” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 12
through Jesus, celebrating Mass. How precious it is to graft ourselves on Jesus. We become little by little like Jesus, by our confidence and our acceptance to let him transform us.
Jesus invites us to watch, to watch constantly, to the light of his grace, which is transmitted to us in the Church, so that we may become vibrant and visible witnesses of his wisdom.
May Jesus come and set us on fire with his Spirit so that we may become true followers of his Love.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Let’s continue to let ourselves be invaded by God, so that we become christians for others. May active holiness be:
“So that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church.” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 10
How confusing this passage of Paul. It is “through the Church”, founded by Jesus Christ, that visible and invisible forces, “that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known”.
It is to “fall off our horse” or “fall off our chair” for the more discreet. The Church is the unity between the world and the Kingdom of God, because the Word and the Eucharist lead us into the Kingdom. In reality, it is Christ, who is the Eucharist and the Word, who unites the living of the Kingdom of God and the living of the universe (the earth included), in his Church.
We receive faith from the Trinity. So:
“Our faith in Christ, in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith,” Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 12
through Jesus, celebrating Mass. How precious it is to graft ourselves on Jesus. We become little by little like Jesus, by our confidence and our acceptance to let him transform us.
Jesus invites us to watch, to watch constantly, to the light of his grace, which is transmitted to us in the Church, so that we may become vibrant and visible witnesses of his wisdom.
May Jesus come and set us on fire with his Spirit so that we may become true followers of his Love.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
250. Possess what we hope for
Faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for every person to believe, to become free and to be saved. To fill the churches is salutary. The more people have faith, baptized, therefore priests, prophets and kings, in Jesus Christ, the better the mission will glide with well-oiled ball bearings.
Our Father, “your will be done”. We are not alone in living the faith, it is lived worldwide. It is the faith of all the Baptized who help this world to live in a blessing of peace and hope.
Take away faith in Jesus Christ and the world is faced with massive humanitarian, scientific, social, planetary and universal crises. Because God is the only one who will always lead us to common sense, to truth.
All that is good and true in the highest understanding of these terms is from God:
“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews, Chapter 11, verse 1
Let’s possess what one hopes for, the Love of God. To believe is to receive forgiveness and the joy of God. And the manifestation of joy is to announce that Jesus is alive, that our life has meaning and that the world is invited to enter the eternal dance. An “‘evidence’ of things not seen” is still knowing them!
Faith develops when we are at Jesus’s school and we enter into the joy of following Him. To believe is to offer our services to Jesus so that we can combine and bear fruit in abundance. To believe is to trust and be faithful to the one who guarantees life.
Let’s ask Jesus to tell us what he wants us to do in faith and we will be ready to receive his Holy Spirit. This will lead us ever closer to the Heart of Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for every person to believe, to become free and to be saved. To fill the churches is salutary. The more people have faith, baptized, therefore priests, prophets and kings, in Jesus Christ, the better the mission will glide with well-oiled ball bearings.
Our Father, “your will be done”. We are not alone in living the faith, it is lived worldwide. It is the faith of all the Baptized who help this world to live in a blessing of peace and hope.
Take away faith in Jesus Christ and the world is faced with massive humanitarian, scientific, social, planetary and universal crises. Because God is the only one who will always lead us to common sense, to truth.
All that is good and true in the highest understanding of these terms is from God:
“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews, Chapter 11, verse 1
Let’s possess what one hopes for, the Love of God. To believe is to receive forgiveness and the joy of God. And the manifestation of joy is to announce that Jesus is alive, that our life has meaning and that the world is invited to enter the eternal dance. An “‘evidence’ of things not seen” is still knowing them!
Faith develops when we are at Jesus’s school and we enter into the joy of following Him. To believe is to offer our services to Jesus so that we can combine and bear fruit in abundance. To believe is to trust and be faithful to the one who guarantees life.
Let’s ask Jesus to tell us what he wants us to do in faith and we will be ready to receive his Holy Spirit. This will lead us ever closer to the Heart of Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
251. Driving to the Kingdom
God’s purpose is to take us all back to his Kingdom, to his resting place. But there are still people who do not realize that they are straying from this rest by all kinds of remoteness from the Presence of God.
Paul then sends us on a mission. He brings us closer to the Lord:
“Let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews, Chapter 4, verse 11
We want to heal of our lack of impetus. We want our heart to regain its boundless spirit on the way to God, here and now. We want sin to be eliminated from our lives, that ball and chain that we drag day after day. And we hope that our heart will resume its enthusiasm of youth, free and fulfilled in the joy and peace of God. Jesus says:
“‘So that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth’ - he said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.’” Mark, chapter 2, verses 10 to 11
May Jesus be the Light of our life. Christ frees the one who places his trust in him.
May we become free by a life fulfilled in God and responsible with the neighbour. Let’s also teach others to become responsible for their faith. As the paralyzed man is newly freed from his stretcher, we are released from evil, and then we sail toward salvation. Let’s go back to our house, to our heart and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, of I Am.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
God’s purpose is to take us all back to his Kingdom, to his resting place. But there are still people who do not realize that they are straying from this rest by all kinds of remoteness from the Presence of God.
Paul then sends us on a mission. He brings us closer to the Lord:
“Let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews, Chapter 4, verse 11
We want to heal of our lack of impetus. We want our heart to regain its boundless spirit on the way to God, here and now. We want sin to be eliminated from our lives, that ball and chain that we drag day after day. And we hope that our heart will resume its enthusiasm of youth, free and fulfilled in the joy and peace of God. Jesus says:
“‘So that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth’ - he said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.’” Mark, chapter 2, verses 10 to 11
May Jesus be the Light of our life. Christ frees the one who places his trust in him.
May we become free by a life fulfilled in God and responsible with the neighbour. Let’s also teach others to become responsible for their faith. As the paralyzed man is newly freed from his stretcher, we are released from evil, and then we sail toward salvation. Let’s go back to our house, to our heart and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, of I Am.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
252. We believe
Jesus leads us to the Father
Paul tells us:
“Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.” Hebrews, Chapter 7, verse 25
The key to christian hope is there. Jesus is still alive and he intercedes for us.
We know that as we approach Jesus, he will lead us to the Father. This is why we are continually at Mass, which is why we pray regularly and demand him to be forgiven, in order to become free in him.
What we want for us, we also wish for the world. Prayer and forgiveness also opens a way for God’s grace to those who need it most.
We believe that Jesus is our Saviour and that he is the one who will keep us in the Love of God until the day we see him face to face.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Jesus leads us to the Father
Paul tells us:
“Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.” Hebrews, Chapter 7, verse 25
The key to christian hope is there. Jesus is still alive and he intercedes for us.
We know that as we approach Jesus, he will lead us to the Father. This is why we are continually at Mass, which is why we pray regularly and demand him to be forgiven, in order to become free in him.
What we want for us, we also wish for the world. Prayer and forgiveness also opens a way for God’s grace to those who need it most.
We believe that Jesus is our Saviour and that he is the one who will keep us in the Love of God until the day we see him face to face.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The Shepherd’s Mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
253. The wall of grace
Here are two other extreme thoughts that come out of the Bible. When we hear a person sowing division, immediately we think that there’ll be a loss. Jesus tells us:
“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Luke, chapter 12, verse 51
If we follow the thread of this book, we’re already aware that Jesus is different, simply because of his infinite Love. In addition, Jesus’ Spirit illuminates the texts of the Bible. But here, Jesus challenges us.
Jesus, who is all Love, tells us that he comes to place division in the world. Is Jesus lying in this sentence? We might ask ourselves if he speaks the same language as us.
When we read a passage from the Bible, we must always keep in mind that God is Love and only Love. This should guide our way of thinking.
Jesus is the Word that divides us, but of what? His Word is a two-edged sword. His Word, like a sword, is the wall of grace before the wall of sin. It separates in us the evil that is against God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Here are two other extreme thoughts that come out of the Bible. When we hear a person sowing division, immediately we think that there’ll be a loss. Jesus tells us:
“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Luke, chapter 12, verse 51
If we follow the thread of this book, we’re already aware that Jesus is different, simply because of his infinite Love. In addition, Jesus’ Spirit illuminates the texts of the Bible. But here, Jesus challenges us.
Jesus, who is all Love, tells us that he comes to place division in the world. Is Jesus lying in this sentence? We might ask ourselves if he speaks the same language as us.
When we read a passage from the Bible, we must always keep in mind that God is Love and only Love. This should guide our way of thinking.
Jesus is the Word that divides us, but of what? His Word is a two-edged sword. His Word, like a sword, is the wall of grace before the wall of sin. It separates in us the evil that is against God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
254. We let Jesus enter our lives
If we see a fight, what is our first intention? Divide the two people so that the fight stops. We want to divide them. Jesus does just that.
Jesus cannot bring peace if we court sin. Now, at the request of the sinner, Jesus divides the brawler who causes the evil in the person to lead him to love. Jesus divides sin in us so that we can live in peace.
If we let Jesus enter our lives, he will create a place of fierce fighting between him and evil. Evil cannot win. These moments of tension will be for our good.
However, let’s be careful, because evil derives, cuts from good and it attracts us away from Love.
The division of which Jesus speaks must be established before peace settles. Let’s place our trust in Jesus, to be free from sin and remain in peace.
Jesus necessarily causes division, and we lose something. We lose our unnecessary ties, our doubts, stress, fear, etc. There is a division between what divides us from God and what unites us to Life in God.
Jesus causes a division between good and evil, to lead us into the truth. Jesus establishes a life of grace and at the same time he illuminates our days with new hope.
Let’s leave it to Jesus to transform us or continue to participate carelessly in places and with tools that lead us far from grace.
Let’s choose eternal life in God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
If we see a fight, what is our first intention? Divide the two people so that the fight stops. We want to divide them. Jesus does just that.
Jesus cannot bring peace if we court sin. Now, at the request of the sinner, Jesus divides the brawler who causes the evil in the person to lead him to love. Jesus divides sin in us so that we can live in peace.
If we let Jesus enter our lives, he will create a place of fierce fighting between him and evil. Evil cannot win. These moments of tension will be for our good.
However, let’s be careful, because evil derives, cuts from good and it attracts us away from Love.
The division of which Jesus speaks must be established before peace settles. Let’s place our trust in Jesus, to be free from sin and remain in peace.
Jesus necessarily causes division, and we lose something. We lose our unnecessary ties, our doubts, stress, fear, etc. There is a division between what divides us from God and what unites us to Life in God.
Jesus causes a division between good and evil, to lead us into the truth. Jesus establishes a life of grace and at the same time he illuminates our days with new hope.
Let’s leave it to Jesus to transform us or continue to participate carelessly in places and with tools that lead us far from grace.
Let’s choose eternal life in God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
255. Paul’s thorn
Paul’s body, his own body, is rebellious to him or perhaps, by his faults, he pushes his body to rebel. He asks God three times to remove the splinter that sinks into his flesh. And God answers him:
“My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 9
In reality, the body does not rebel. It cannot do anything without the intention, the will of the person. The person is responsible for his body and can lead it into rebellion.
God is still with this person. God supports him with his Spirit, with his presence, with his kindness and he wants to be trusted more.
There are also times when we ask God to remove a difficulty. But this inconvenience can remain there to allow us to grow in faith.
It isn’t God who allows this inconvenience. The circumstances of life put us to the test. The splinter, we often keep it with us. We are invited to give it to God, to receive his grace.
To let ourselves be loved by God makes it possible to pass through difficulties like Paul, with the splinter in his flesh.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Paul’s body, his own body, is rebellious to him or perhaps, by his faults, he pushes his body to rebel. He asks God three times to remove the splinter that sinks into his flesh. And God answers him:
“My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 9
In reality, the body does not rebel. It cannot do anything without the intention, the will of the person. The person is responsible for his body and can lead it into rebellion.
God is still with this person. God supports him with his Spirit, with his presence, with his kindness and he wants to be trusted more.
There are also times when we ask God to remove a difficulty. But this inconvenience can remain there to allow us to grow in faith.
It isn’t God who allows this inconvenience. The circumstances of life put us to the test. The splinter, we often keep it with us. We are invited to give it to God, to receive his grace.
To let ourselves be loved by God makes it possible to pass through difficulties like Paul, with the splinter in his flesh.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
256. The Holy Spirit, our guide
The existence on earth isn’t always easy, even for Jesus. And, if it’s not easy for Jesus, we can be in trouble too:
“A prophet is not without honour except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” Mark, chapter 6, verse 4
Whether we are believers or not, we will someday have challenges that will require patience and time to get through it. From childhood to today, the challenges were multiplied.
For Jesus, he will be continually persecuted. Not because of his mistakes because he didn’t sin, but because the people around him don’t understand him. It’s not the thorn that he wears in the manner of Paul, but the insults, the spittle, the thorns. Then the nails and the spear will be revealed when he receives them on the Cross.
We move forward day by day with our sorrows and with our joys too. Let’s ask Jesus to help us persevere in faith and continue to grow in the Love of God, with the Holy Spirit as our guide.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
The existence on earth isn’t always easy, even for Jesus. And, if it’s not easy for Jesus, we can be in trouble too:
“A prophet is not without honour except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” Mark, chapter 6, verse 4
Whether we are believers or not, we will someday have challenges that will require patience and time to get through it. From childhood to today, the challenges were multiplied.
For Jesus, he will be continually persecuted. Not because of his mistakes because he didn’t sin, but because the people around him don’t understand him. It’s not the thorn that he wears in the manner of Paul, but the insults, the spittle, the thorns. Then the nails and the spear will be revealed when he receives them on the Cross.
We move forward day by day with our sorrows and with our joys too. Let’s ask Jesus to help us persevere in faith and continue to grow in the Love of God, with the Holy Spirit as our guide.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
257. Let’s discern
Jonah also thinks that an east wind is God’s intention to punish him:
“When the sun arose, God sent a burning east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah’s head till he became faint.” Jonah, chapter 4, verse 8
It’s impressive, how quickly Jonah deposits his trial on God’s account. He even thinks God sends it against him. “God sent a burning east wind.”
The east wind blows by itself and is part of terrestrial conditions. The heat of the sun is one of these conditions.
Let’s discern. God is not the one who purposely sends sickness to Jonah. And Jonah, did he think of drinking a lot of water or protecting himself by standing in the shade?
God repeats that he is always with us and that he is not the one who causes our misfortunes. God did not want him harm, nor to the city:
“Should I not be concerned over Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot distinguish their right hand from their left?” Jonah, chapter 4, verse 11
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Jonah also thinks that an east wind is God’s intention to punish him:
“When the sun arose, God sent a burning east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah’s head till he became faint.” Jonah, chapter 4, verse 8
It’s impressive, how quickly Jonah deposits his trial on God’s account. He even thinks God sends it against him. “God sent a burning east wind.”
The east wind blows by itself and is part of terrestrial conditions. The heat of the sun is one of these conditions.
Let’s discern. God is not the one who purposely sends sickness to Jonah. And Jonah, did he think of drinking a lot of water or protecting himself by standing in the shade?
God repeats that he is always with us and that he is not the one who causes our misfortunes. God did not want him harm, nor to the city:
“Should I not be concerned over Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot distinguish their right hand from their left?” Jonah, chapter 4, verse 11
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
258. Reign on us
Let’s keep this in mind, God doesn’t harm anyone, or even the most subtle, the least, or the most hidden:
“Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” Luke, chapter 11, verse 2
We are told by Jesus to pray as follows: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” At this request, we want to recognize that God is the one who sanctifies us, who offers us Life and Love in abundance:
“We ask this daily, for we need sanctification daily, so that we who fail daily may cleanse away our sins by being sanctified continually… We pray that this sanctification may remain in us.” (S. Cyprien, Dom. Order 12: PL 4, 526A-527A). Catechism of the Catholic Church, number 2813
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
We need it every day. Being with Jesus helps us to improve.
May holiness abide in us, in order to recognize his Love, which comes from him.
We do not yet know how much God Loves us and how distracted we are. We’re not always united to him. Let’s recognize that evil is caused by our distance from God and not by him.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Let’s keep this in mind, God doesn’t harm anyone, or even the most subtle, the least, or the most hidden:
“Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” Luke, chapter 11, verse 2
We are told by Jesus to pray as follows: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” At this request, we want to recognize that God is the one who sanctifies us, who offers us Life and Love in abundance:
“We ask this daily, for we need sanctification daily, so that we who fail daily may cleanse away our sins by being sanctified continually… We pray that this sanctification may remain in us.” (S. Cyprien, Dom. Order 12: PL 4, 526A-527A). Catechism of the Catholic Church, number 2813
Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText
We need it every day. Being with Jesus helps us to improve.
May holiness abide in us, in order to recognize his Love, which comes from him.
We do not yet know how much God Loves us and how distracted we are. We’re not always united to him. Let’s recognize that evil is caused by our distance from God and not by him.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
259. Clean up our space
Let’s prepare our heart:
“Now, put away the strange gods that are among you and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Joshua, chapter 24, verse 23
This is the key, in order to become free. Day by day, let’s leave the illusions, the automatisms that freeze and imprison without our knowledge, the spiritual disturbances of which we become accustomed to. Let’s deny these “strange gods”.
Destructive thoughts, manipulations, gossiping are all closures of the heart to oneself, to others and to the Trinity.
Let’s go back wholeheartedly to God. Let’s sort out what prevents us from being free. Let’s go to God with a child’s heart, free from all confinement. Jesus invites us:
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew, chapter 19, verse 14
Let’s love God, as the child surrenders to his parent’s heart. Let’s give him our fears, our ties and celebrate with joy and peace.
If we pursue negative conditioning, conditioning of fears or illusions (strange gods) we will reap the bitterness of our plantations.
It’s reassuring to know that there are only two choices. It’s one or the other; God or evil.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Let’s prepare our heart:
“Now, put away the strange gods that are among you and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Joshua, chapter 24, verse 23
This is the key, in order to become free. Day by day, let’s leave the illusions, the automatisms that freeze and imprison without our knowledge, the spiritual disturbances of which we become accustomed to. Let’s deny these “strange gods”.
Destructive thoughts, manipulations, gossiping are all closures of the heart to oneself, to others and to the Trinity.
Let’s go back wholeheartedly to God. Let’s sort out what prevents us from being free. Let’s go to God with a child’s heart, free from all confinement. Jesus invites us:
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew, chapter 19, verse 14
Let’s love God, as the child surrenders to his parent’s heart. Let’s give him our fears, our ties and celebrate with joy and peace.
If we pursue negative conditioning, conditioning of fears or illusions (strange gods) we will reap the bitterness of our plantations.
It’s reassuring to know that there are only two choices. It’s one or the other; God or evil.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
260. God’s heart
Jeremiah seems to say this in the name of God:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in the flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” Jeremiah, chapter 17, verse 5
Jeremiah, like all the prophets of his time, tries to understand what God is giving him and to share it to the people in the most appropriate way.
While giving a teaching or a rule of conduct on the part of God, the prophet sometimes includes inhuman thoughts.
Let’s be certain. All the texts of the Bible are wanted from God. They allow us to discover that humanity doesn’t always succeed in recognizing the Love of God.
God is Love, he does not curse. It is the person who moves away from the Love of God who curses himself.
If we move away from heat in the winter to minus thirty degrees celsius and we don’t wear proper clothing, we will freeze and die. If we refuse the Love of God, we will die. This is what the word “cursed” means by Jeremiah. Cursing here takes on the meaning of death. And God doesn’t want our death.
It’s more of a cry from God’s heart. As the parent says to the child, “Do not touch the fire, you will burn yourself!” God constantly tells us what looks like this: “Do not go away from my Love, you will curse yourself, you will die!” The rock thrown in the air will very possibly fall on our head. God wants us to live!
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas
Jeremiah seems to say this in the name of God:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in the flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” Jeremiah, chapter 17, verse 5
Jeremiah, like all the prophets of his time, tries to understand what God is giving him and to share it to the people in the most appropriate way.
While giving a teaching or a rule of conduct on the part of God, the prophet sometimes includes inhuman thoughts.
Let’s be certain. All the texts of the Bible are wanted from God. They allow us to discover that humanity doesn’t always succeed in recognizing the Love of God.
God is Love, he does not curse. It is the person who moves away from the Love of God who curses himself.
If we move away from heat in the winter to minus thirty degrees celsius and we don’t wear proper clothing, we will freeze and die. If we refuse the Love of God, we will die. This is what the word “cursed” means by Jeremiah. Cursing here takes on the meaning of death. And God doesn’t want our death.
It’s more of a cry from God’s heart. As the parent says to the child, “Do not touch the fire, you will burn yourself!” God constantly tells us what looks like this: “Do not go away from my Love, you will curse yourself, you will die!” The rock thrown in the air will very possibly fall on our head. God wants us to live!
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s reveal God, Normand Thomas