282. Become childlike
Jesus proclaims:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Matthew, chapter 11, verse 25
Adults who are childlike in God know how to spot what is sin in the world from what is not. They also know how to reach people’s hearts, especially through prayer to the Holy Spirit. With him we can reach people’s hearts to improve the world and awaken in them the light that is already there.
The light received from God in some makes it possible to transfer the fire of joy and peace to the hearts of others. For each person who receives the light, its spreading is instantaneous.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Normandt' Bible reflexions
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
283. We tend to be
“Your piety [love] is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away,” Hosea, chapter 6, verse 4
says God to Hosea and his people … to us too. It is true that we tend to be evasive in our thoughts, distracted in our intentions and selective in our achievements. And we become fugitives, even fearing Love.
We have hurt persons, we had pain too. And we come to believe that even negative ambient thinking has become a reality. We gradually sink into an attractive mud. And the more we are seized by this mud, the more we feel surrounded and comfortable.
It’s as if the mud secures us. But it’s the opposite. Our forces diminish, the tension increases, and we gradually freeze in a contentment that numbs us. We come to believe that that’s life.
We go so far as to believe that God is a tyrant, that he doesn’t take care of us, that he has something else more important to do.
It’s necessary to recognize that we are sinners, that we often have the tendency to leave the narrow road that leads to real happiness. When we are tingling with numbness, it’s not time to wait, it’s the red alert that tells us to turn our face to Jesus.
God does not participate to distance us from him. God doesn’t push us to our failings. God doesn’t waste his time wanting to lose us in the fog or sink us in the mud. Just one look at him and we’re out. He is waiting for us. He is waiting for us as the parent waits with love and open arms for his child who is walking his first steps.
Jesus invites us to look into the depths of our hearts to come to the truth about our intentions.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
“Your piety [love] is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away,” Hosea, chapter 6, verse 4
says God to Hosea and his people … to us too. It is true that we tend to be evasive in our thoughts, distracted in our intentions and selective in our achievements. And we become fugitives, even fearing Love.
We have hurt persons, we had pain too. And we come to believe that even negative ambient thinking has become a reality. We gradually sink into an attractive mud. And the more we are seized by this mud, the more we feel surrounded and comfortable.
It’s as if the mud secures us. But it’s the opposite. Our forces diminish, the tension increases, and we gradually freeze in a contentment that numbs us. We come to believe that that’s life.
We go so far as to believe that God is a tyrant, that he doesn’t take care of us, that he has something else more important to do.
It’s necessary to recognize that we are sinners, that we often have the tendency to leave the narrow road that leads to real happiness. When we are tingling with numbness, it’s not time to wait, it’s the red alert that tells us to turn our face to Jesus.
God does not participate to distance us from him. God doesn’t push us to our failings. God doesn’t waste his time wanting to lose us in the fog or sink us in the mud. Just one look at him and we’re out. He is waiting for us. He is waiting for us as the parent waits with love and open arms for his child who is walking his first steps.
Jesus invites us to look into the depths of our hearts to come to the truth about our intentions.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
284. Getting confused
God is clear. There are those who:
“obeyed not, nor did they pay heed. They walked in the hardness of their evil hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me.” Jeremiah, chapter 7, verse 24
These people recede and move away from the clarity of God. They enter a path of darkness. Their life becomes confused, because they extinguish the Light of God. Their path is filled with congestion and obstacles until they sink and lose themselves.
It is the summit of a closing heart and the remoteness of God to the point of not recognizing him. They will then have to make indescribable efforts to simply live.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
God is clear. There are those who:
“obeyed not, nor did they pay heed. They walked in the hardness of their evil hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me.” Jeremiah, chapter 7, verse 24
These people recede and move away from the clarity of God. They enter a path of darkness. Their life becomes confused, because they extinguish the Light of God. Their path is filled with congestion and obstacles until they sink and lose themselves.
It is the summit of a closing heart and the remoteness of God to the point of not recognizing him. They will then have to make indescribable efforts to simply live.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
285. Jesus dispels darkness
Jesus came to dispel the darkness within us and offer us his Light. Jesus wants to free us. God reminds people who are listening:
“Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper.” Jeremiah, chapter 7, verse 23
We will be happy to the extent that God is the Light of our life:
“Now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart.” Joel, chapter 2, verse 12
It’s the only solution and it’s so simple. Too simple, maybe!
Let’s ask Jesus to take his place in us, guide us, teach us, remove darkness and fill us with his Light, joy and peace so that we become like him, the Father and the Holy Spirit.
God created us. He creates us. He knows us and he wants us to be happy. He creates us with the freedom to choose him or even to refuse his presence. It is the summit of freedom.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Jesus came to dispel the darkness within us and offer us his Light. Jesus wants to free us. God reminds people who are listening:
“Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper.” Jeremiah, chapter 7, verse 23
We will be happy to the extent that God is the Light of our life:
“Now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart.” Joel, chapter 2, verse 12
It’s the only solution and it’s so simple. Too simple, maybe!
Let’s ask Jesus to take his place in us, guide us, teach us, remove darkness and fill us with his Light, joy and peace so that we become like him, the Father and the Holy Spirit.
God created us. He creates us. He knows us and he wants us to be happy. He creates us with the freedom to choose him or even to refuse his presence. It is the summit of freedom.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
286. Cutting us off from God
Is there anything more distressful than someone who doesn’t listen or doesn’t want to listen, especially when we want goodness for that person?
Not listening to God is cutting us off from his Love. To cut ourselves off from the Love of God is to cut us off from wisdom, light, tenderness, shelter, strength, joy, peace, from the heart, etc. And to cut us off from these vital signs for our life, we build a wall and prevent ourselves from loving. As a crowning, we become deprived to the point of thinking that God isn’t there for us.
The lack of attention to the Love of God leads to harden ourselves and our heart suffers due to the lack of spiritual vital signs of God in us. This brings us to revolt and close ourselves to what the Lord offers us. We live as if God isn’t there anymore.
God tells us that we can go astray:
“They have always been of erring heart, and they do not know my ways. As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter into my rest.’” Hebrews, chapter 3, verses 10b to 11
The most serious danger for someone who believes is to move away from God. The danger for those who do not believe is to remain with their backs turned against the presence of God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Is there anything more distressful than someone who doesn’t listen or doesn’t want to listen, especially when we want goodness for that person?
Not listening to God is cutting us off from his Love. To cut ourselves off from the Love of God is to cut us off from wisdom, light, tenderness, shelter, strength, joy, peace, from the heart, etc. And to cut us off from these vital signs for our life, we build a wall and prevent ourselves from loving. As a crowning, we become deprived to the point of thinking that God isn’t there for us.
The lack of attention to the Love of God leads to harden ourselves and our heart suffers due to the lack of spiritual vital signs of God in us. This brings us to revolt and close ourselves to what the Lord offers us. We live as if God isn’t there anymore.
God tells us that we can go astray:
“They have always been of erring heart, and they do not know my ways. As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter into my rest.’” Hebrews, chapter 3, verses 10b to 11
The most serious danger for someone who believes is to move away from God. The danger for those who do not believe is to remain with their backs turned against the presence of God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
287. God’s Love
God’s wrath is not like the anger we feel in the world. God’s wrath is nothing but his Love to let us know that we are moving away from him. He only wants to bring us closer to him. We could say without pretense that the “wrath of God” is his kindness for us.
The anger of God does not hurt us, it is benevolent. But it is our distance from his Love that leads us to enter into evil. We cut ourselves off from God’s kindness. We cut ourselves from resting in God, from peace. Then we come to think that God is angry.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
God’s wrath is not like the anger we feel in the world. God’s wrath is nothing but his Love to let us know that we are moving away from him. He only wants to bring us closer to him. We could say without pretense that the “wrath of God” is his kindness for us.
The anger of God does not hurt us, it is benevolent. But it is our distance from his Love that leads us to enter into evil. We cut ourselves off from God’s kindness. We cut ourselves from resting in God, from peace. Then we come to think that God is angry.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
288. Jesus heals us
We can enter the desert of our heart, even if there is noise around us, to hear God. Let’s take time to listen to him and discover, again, the joy he offers us, the kindness he has on us.
May Jesus come to heal us of our doubts, our revolts, our anger and the worst lie to think that God is not with us. Let’s ask as the leper who falls on his knees and begs Jesus:
“‘If you wish, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean.’” Mark, chapter 1, verses 40 to 41
Let’s discover the silence, turn our heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and humbly ask him: “Jesus, cleanse me!”
To let Jesus cleanse us, allows us to become free and to be filled with peace. The more people understand that God is Love and that he is only Love, the more our world will become familiar and united. We will be able to taste and share his Love and live it fully.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
We can enter the desert of our heart, even if there is noise around us, to hear God. Let’s take time to listen to him and discover, again, the joy he offers us, the kindness he has on us.
May Jesus come to heal us of our doubts, our revolts, our anger and the worst lie to think that God is not with us. Let’s ask as the leper who falls on his knees and begs Jesus:
“‘If you wish, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean.’” Mark, chapter 1, verses 40 to 41
Let’s discover the silence, turn our heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and humbly ask him: “Jesus, cleanse me!”
To let Jesus cleanse us, allows us to become free and to be filled with peace. The more people understand that God is Love and that he is only Love, the more our world will become familiar and united. We will be able to taste and share his Love and live it fully.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
289. God’s will
Our Father, “your will be done”. Faith is lived worldwide. It is the faith of all people of good will. With the Church, some people understood that only Love can reign on the earth. It is these people who help this world to live in maximum peace and hope.
On the other hand, take away the faith of the world in Jesus and it is faced with humanitarian, social, biological, planetary and other important crisis. This crisis of faith becomes a real loss for every person who does not know God.
Because God is the only one who will always lead us to common sense. All that is good and true in the sublime understanding of these terms is from God. God can only be Love. Whatever the religion, as long as God of this religion is really Love, there will be a love evolution everywhere.
Jesus guarantees his Love to all those who open their hearts to him. We only have to welcome him:
“My home will be at home, I will be their God and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, the one who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary will be in their midst forever.” Ezekiel, chapter 37, verses 27 to 28
When God will be welcomed in our midst, in the midst of our heart.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Our Father, “your will be done”. Faith is lived worldwide. It is the faith of all people of good will. With the Church, some people understood that only Love can reign on the earth. It is these people who help this world to live in maximum peace and hope.
On the other hand, take away the faith of the world in Jesus and it is faced with humanitarian, social, biological, planetary and other important crisis. This crisis of faith becomes a real loss for every person who does not know God.
Because God is the only one who will always lead us to common sense. All that is good and true in the sublime understanding of these terms is from God. God can only be Love. Whatever the religion, as long as God of this religion is really Love, there will be a love evolution everywhere.
Jesus guarantees his Love to all those who open their hearts to him. We only have to welcome him:
“My home will be at home, I will be their God and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, the one who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary will be in their midst forever.” Ezekiel, chapter 37, verses 27 to 28
When God will be welcomed in our midst, in the midst of our heart.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let’s love God, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
290. To try believers
Some intimidate people to justify that they are not upright, honest. And it’s easy to prove their point because no one is perfect. They also try those who walk after Jesus as others have tried Jesus.
There will be people who will push the righteous onto the wall, rather than check their own heart:
“Let’s see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him.” Wisdom, chapter 2, verse 17
To observe too much the defects of others, people evaluate then devalue themselves. They judge by their criteria, often unfair, about what others say and do. So there are people who will never be satisfied and they will condemn the just.
Why is there a desire to confront the faith of those who follow Jesus? Why not check their own thoughts, words, and gestures, then receive God’s Love again? Perhaps because these people are not on the road and do not live a personal conversion to Jesus Christ. They claim that others convert to be in God, but they are not attentive to their own faith and the responsibility that goes with it.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Some intimidate people to justify that they are not upright, honest. And it’s easy to prove their point because no one is perfect. They also try those who walk after Jesus as others have tried Jesus.
There will be people who will push the righteous onto the wall, rather than check their own heart:
“Let’s see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him.” Wisdom, chapter 2, verse 17
To observe too much the defects of others, people evaluate then devalue themselves. They judge by their criteria, often unfair, about what others say and do. So there are people who will never be satisfied and they will condemn the just.
Why is there a desire to confront the faith of those who follow Jesus? Why not check their own thoughts, words, and gestures, then receive God’s Love again? Perhaps because these people are not on the road and do not live a personal conversion to Jesus Christ. They claim that others convert to be in God, but they are not attentive to their own faith and the responsibility that goes with it.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
291. Simple to say
A word that is often used by people is the word “jealousy”. This word is simple to say, but it is sad to count the number of people hurt by this word.
Then there is the word “judge”. It is better never to say these words, because all too often we do not know the real meaning of them:
“Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” James, chapter 3, verse 16
On the other hand, this evil goes away when we are open to the grace of God:
“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” James, chapter 3, verse 17
Let’s deepen these last wise words and recognize them in the people we meet, since God has placed them in them. Let’s recognize these qualities in others, instead of camping on their faults.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
A word that is often used by people is the word “jealousy”. This word is simple to say, but it is sad to count the number of people hurt by this word.
Then there is the word “judge”. It is better never to say these words, because all too often we do not know the real meaning of them:
“Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” James, chapter 3, verse 16
On the other hand, this evil goes away when we are open to the grace of God:
“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” James, chapter 3, verse 17
Let’s deepen these last wise words and recognize them in the people we meet, since God has placed them in them. Let’s recognize these qualities in others, instead of camping on their faults.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
292. A fulfilling life
Who receives from God and truly lives in his heart wisdom, peace, righteousness, understanding, benevolence, mercy, and is fruitful in benefits?
Without being too deceiving, we all have a little bit of a difficult time working to achieve a fulfilling life of faith.
Let’s discover the qualities that God places in others to encourage and value them.
Flagging people with what we think are their faults only make the relationship worsen between us:
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James, chapter 3, verse 13
James is telling us that. He knows that the grace of God, when it is received and transmitted, shows in our words and by our actions.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Who receives from God and truly lives in his heart wisdom, peace, righteousness, understanding, benevolence, mercy, and is fruitful in benefits?
Without being too deceiving, we all have a little bit of a difficult time working to achieve a fulfilling life of faith.
Let’s discover the qualities that God places in others to encourage and value them.
Flagging people with what we think are their faults only make the relationship worsen between us:
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James, chapter 3, verse 13
James is telling us that. He knows that the grace of God, when it is received and transmitted, shows in our words and by our actions.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
293. The work that pleases
Faith accompanies the works. To love in thought, words and gestures is the work that pleases the Lord.
He continues:
“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace." James, chapter 3, verses 17 to 18
Let’s ask Jesus to change our lives and teach us how to live as he wants. Let’s become more and more humans sharing the Word with inspired gestures as the Lord wants.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Faith accompanies the works. To love in thought, words and gestures is the work that pleases the Lord.
He continues:
“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace." James, chapter 3, verses 17 to 18
Let’s ask Jesus to change our lives and teach us how to live as he wants. Let’s become more and more humans sharing the Word with inspired gestures as the Lord wants.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
294. They just don’t know
Jesus wants to purify us. But he also asks us to enter into a movement of wisdom, words and gestures that will help to insert goodness in hearts. This way, the world will learn to live with the Trinity and move away from evil and sin. Jesus invites us to try to reach people in their hearts in a sober way. Let’s be on the move:
“They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.” Mark, chapter 6, verse 9
He says:
Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them. Mark, chapter 6, verses 10 to 11
If we find hospitality in people’s hearts, let’s get closer to them.
But if we feel that they refuse us, let’s go our way and pray that these people will find Jesus in their hearts. Let’s ask Jesus to touch their hearts with his Love. These people do not refuse us personally. They just don’t know what they’re missing by not daring to let Jesus enter their hearts.
Let’s ask Jesus to touch the hearts of the people we meet. May the Holy Spirit come before us and let the Father’s Heart become their home.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Jesus wants to purify us. But he also asks us to enter into a movement of wisdom, words and gestures that will help to insert goodness in hearts. This way, the world will learn to live with the Trinity and move away from evil and sin. Jesus invites us to try to reach people in their hearts in a sober way. Let’s be on the move:
“They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.” Mark, chapter 6, verse 9
He says:
Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them. Mark, chapter 6, verses 10 to 11
If we find hospitality in people’s hearts, let’s get closer to them.
But if we feel that they refuse us, let’s go our way and pray that these people will find Jesus in their hearts. Let’s ask Jesus to touch their hearts with his Love. These people do not refuse us personally. They just don’t know what they’re missing by not daring to let Jesus enter their hearts.
Let’s ask Jesus to touch the hearts of the people we meet. May the Holy Spirit come before us and let the Father’s Heart become their home.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
295. To love with Jesus
John is so interesting. He tells us:
“Beloved, let us love one another, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” 1 John, chapter 4, verse 7
To love keeps us on the road with God, since God is Love. Love is from him and never from us. God Loves in us and through us our family and our friends. To discover that it is God who Loves is to recognize what we can transmit to our surroundings.
To love is the treasure, the unheard-of riches of the Heart of God. And this treasure, God offers it all to us. He wishes for us to accept and appreciate his gift (giving).
Nothing is easier for God than touching hearts, but there is nothing more difficult for us because we often block Love. Love is on everyone’s lips, but often abused because many of us do not allow Love to Love. We try to love in God’s place.
The degree of love passed from person to person varies. We observe that there is more or less love flowing between us. Well, it is difficult to measure it.
We need Jesus to love. May Jesus be the Love in our life and Love the world through our words, our actions, but also by our silence and our prayers. His Love is always perfect. All opportunities are good to let God Love us.
Let’s find the means that allow us to let the Love of God flow. Only Jesus can Love without measure in us and overflow toward all people.
We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by welcoming Jesus into our lives. He will transform us with respect, slowly and surely.
Let’s dare to receive Jesus in our life. Let’s concede to Jesus his right to Love.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
John is so interesting. He tells us:
“Beloved, let us love one another, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” 1 John, chapter 4, verse 7
To love keeps us on the road with God, since God is Love. Love is from him and never from us. God Loves in us and through us our family and our friends. To discover that it is God who Loves is to recognize what we can transmit to our surroundings.
To love is the treasure, the unheard-of riches of the Heart of God. And this treasure, God offers it all to us. He wishes for us to accept and appreciate his gift (giving).
Nothing is easier for God than touching hearts, but there is nothing more difficult for us because we often block Love. Love is on everyone’s lips, but often abused because many of us do not allow Love to Love. We try to love in God’s place.
The degree of love passed from person to person varies. We observe that there is more or less love flowing between us. Well, it is difficult to measure it.
We need Jesus to love. May Jesus be the Love in our life and Love the world through our words, our actions, but also by our silence and our prayers. His Love is always perfect. All opportunities are good to let God Love us.
Let’s find the means that allow us to let the Love of God flow. Only Jesus can Love without measure in us and overflow toward all people.
We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by welcoming Jesus into our lives. He will transform us with respect, slowly and surely.
Let’s dare to receive Jesus in our life. Let’s concede to Jesus his right to Love.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
296. Our relationship with Christ
Paul tells us:
“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians, chapter 3, verses 4-5
In short, our trust in God comes from God.
It’s nice to know that everything real and good comes from God. This is the best assurance we have, divine assurance. And it doesn’t cost anything.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Paul tells us:
“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians, chapter 3, verses 4-5
In short, our trust in God comes from God.
It’s nice to know that everything real and good comes from God. This is the best assurance we have, divine assurance. And it doesn’t cost anything.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
297. The basis of faith
Ah! Humility:
“My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” Sirach, chapter 3, verse 17
Fulfill all things in humility ... in the humility that God offers us. It is the basis of faith, from its awakening to its fulfillment. To live in humility, we are invited to develop observation.
Being attentive to one’s self enables one to develop listening to the other, to others. To know how to observe Jesus in our heart, to know how to observe Jesus in each person, is to reveal Jesus in their heart.
We decentre on ourselves and turn to our heart, to humbly open it to the one who can heal it, Jesus. To reconnect us to the reality of people is an open path to holiness.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Ah! Humility:
“My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” Sirach, chapter 3, verse 17
Fulfill all things in humility ... in the humility that God offers us. It is the basis of faith, from its awakening to its fulfillment. To live in humility, we are invited to develop observation.
Being attentive to one’s self enables one to develop listening to the other, to others. To know how to observe Jesus in our heart, to know how to observe Jesus in each person, is to reveal Jesus in their heart.
We decentre on ourselves and turn to our heart, to humbly open it to the one who can heal it, Jesus. To reconnect us to the reality of people is an open path to holiness.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
298. Through humility
The healing of the heart is through humility. Humility before others, before ourselves and before our Creator. Ben Sirach continues:
“Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God.” Sirach, chapter 3, verse 18
To humble oneself is not to fall under the others, it’s not to let us fall sharply, it is to recognize that human beings are marvels of God, starting with ourselves. God is the master of these wonders.
When we approach God, we recognize that we are very tiny. Our child’s heart marvels of who we are before the Creator, before the Creation and before the creatures of God. We have the grace to observe God’s beauty in the human being and give the difficulties to Jesus.
All of God is beyond us. To recognize it is to place others where they are in the Heart of God. Let’s become friends of God ourselves. Let’s receive what God gives us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
The healing of the heart is through humility. Humility before others, before ourselves and before our Creator. Ben Sirach continues:
“Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God.” Sirach, chapter 3, verse 18
To humble oneself is not to fall under the others, it’s not to let us fall sharply, it is to recognize that human beings are marvels of God, starting with ourselves. God is the master of these wonders.
When we approach God, we recognize that we are very tiny. Our child’s heart marvels of who we are before the Creator, before the Creation and before the creatures of God. We have the grace to observe God’s beauty in the human being and give the difficulties to Jesus.
All of God is beyond us. To recognize it is to place others where they are in the Heart of God. Let’s become friends of God ourselves. Let’s receive what God gives us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
299. Humbled and exalted
Jesus tells us:
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke, chapter 14, verse 11
Whoever raises himself in the will and wisdom of God humbles himself before the splendour of God’s presence in his neighbour. He enters into a relationship with God and he discovers Jesus in the life and heart of others. Jesus raises us in his Light so that we can see clearly in our life and with the wish that his Light will spring up and be lowered onto others.
To rise and to lower oneself, if it’s God’s will, it’s exactly the same reality. To humble oneself before God is to be lifted up in God. To be lifted up in God is to lower oneself before God.
We lower ourselves before God to recognize his Kingship in our life. Jesus is Lord of our existence and we recognize him as such. Our humiliation before Jesus is a testimony of the humility received from God, a testimony of faith received from God for others. We affirm with all our being that there is no one superior to Jesus.
Then, we are raised in Jesus since his Love lifts us up and leads us into reality and truth.
To humble oneself before Jesus and to be raised in Jesus allows humility to become our sister.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Jesus tells us:
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke, chapter 14, verse 11
Whoever raises himself in the will and wisdom of God humbles himself before the splendour of God’s presence in his neighbour. He enters into a relationship with God and he discovers Jesus in the life and heart of others. Jesus raises us in his Light so that we can see clearly in our life and with the wish that his Light will spring up and be lowered onto others.
To rise and to lower oneself, if it’s God’s will, it’s exactly the same reality. To humble oneself before God is to be lifted up in God. To be lifted up in God is to lower oneself before God.
We lower ourselves before God to recognize his Kingship in our life. Jesus is Lord of our existence and we recognize him as such. Our humiliation before Jesus is a testimony of the humility received from God, a testimony of faith received from God for others. We affirm with all our being that there is no one superior to Jesus.
Then, we are raised in Jesus since his Love lifts us up and leads us into reality and truth.
To humble oneself before Jesus and to be raised in Jesus allows humility to become our sister.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
300. Childlike
There are elements of life that become grand. Life itself is a grace of which it is necessary to be aware and thankful of. We do not see life, it is discreet, but life is much more important, much more to appreciate than it seems to be.
Joy is a reality that we do not see, except when it is manifested through the emotions of a person. Joy is grace and it leaves us much more than just being there.
Peace is a favoured grace, because it leaves us with a sense of heavenly comfort.
Love is the proper of all these graces and it belongs to God. God invites us to live with his Love, to share his graces between us. We discover that there are small gestures and simple words that provoke a lot of good:
“Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Matthew, chapter 11, verse 25
Where the Body and Blood of Jesus is present in small elements of everyday life, we receive infinitely more than we can hope for. We receive everything from the Trinity. Let’s receive the Eucharist and let’s marvel from within.
May Mary and Joseph, who knew how to give little Jesus to the world, teach us to look at the little and humble, in order to discover God in his infinite Love.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
There are elements of life that become grand. Life itself is a grace of which it is necessary to be aware and thankful of. We do not see life, it is discreet, but life is much more important, much more to appreciate than it seems to be.
Joy is a reality that we do not see, except when it is manifested through the emotions of a person. Joy is grace and it leaves us much more than just being there.
Peace is a favoured grace, because it leaves us with a sense of heavenly comfort.
Love is the proper of all these graces and it belongs to God. God invites us to live with his Love, to share his graces between us. We discover that there are small gestures and simple words that provoke a lot of good:
“Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Matthew, chapter 11, verse 25
Where the Body and Blood of Jesus is present in small elements of everyday life, we receive infinitely more than we can hope for. We receive everything from the Trinity. Let’s receive the Eucharist and let’s marvel from within.
May Mary and Joseph, who knew how to give little Jesus to the world, teach us to look at the little and humble, in order to discover God in his infinite Love.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's be Loved, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
301. God’s help
Elijah is a man of faith. He listens to God and prophesies in his name. After announcing a drought to the people of Gallad, Elijah hears out the Lord:
“So he left and did as the Lord had commanded. He went and remained by the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan.” 1 Kings, chapter 17, verse 5
Despite the drought, Elijah does not lack food or water as it is written:
“Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.” 1 Kings, chapter 17, verse 6
If Elijah knew the next passage, he would surely have recited it, since he has so much faith in God:
“I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep. Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps. The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121, verses 1 to 6
The only way to be so deeply rooted in God, as Elijah is living it now, is to adjust our life to his freely given Love. Elijah listened to God.
Jesus gives us other ways, with the Beatitudes, to abide in His Love:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” “the meek,” “they who mourn,” “they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” “the merciful,” “the clean of heart,” “the peacemakers,” “the persecuted for righteousness” (See Matthew, chapter 5, verses 1-12).
Jesus adds to our good will:
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Matthew, chapter 5, verse 12
Let’s enter the promised Bliss of God’s Love and let ourselves be guided to his Heart. Our “reward is great” right now, with Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: … for Love, Normand Thomas
Elijah is a man of faith. He listens to God and prophesies in his name. After announcing a drought to the people of Gallad, Elijah hears out the Lord:
“So he left and did as the Lord had commanded. He went and remained by the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan.” 1 Kings, chapter 17, verse 5
Despite the drought, Elijah does not lack food or water as it is written:
“Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.” 1 Kings, chapter 17, verse 6
If Elijah knew the next passage, he would surely have recited it, since he has so much faith in God:
“I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep. Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps. The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121, verses 1 to 6
The only way to be so deeply rooted in God, as Elijah is living it now, is to adjust our life to his freely given Love. Elijah listened to God.
Jesus gives us other ways, with the Beatitudes, to abide in His Love:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” “the meek,” “they who mourn,” “they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” “the merciful,” “the clean of heart,” “the peacemakers,” “the persecuted for righteousness” (See Matthew, chapter 5, verses 1-12).
Jesus adds to our good will:
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Matthew, chapter 5, verse 12
Let’s enter the promised Bliss of God’s Love and let ourselves be guided to his Heart. Our “reward is great” right now, with Jesus.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: … for Love, Normand Thomas