Designed to keep others in the lighted path via spiritual nourishment. Our other goal is to help promote and prosper Catholic and Christian renewal in the quest for truth in our faith and for a better quality of life that in the guidance of the Holy Spirit we may share God's light and blessings with others in our spirit through His Son, Jesus Christ, living in His love, mercy and grace, learning to enlighten, guide, love and forgive, we may live forever in the glory of His name, Amen.
"Let Go and Let God"
In John 6:40 Jesus declared, "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."Overcome your fears and let God through the Holy Spirit mold you and rule your life. Be happy as you trust in Jesus, follow his teachings and God will bless your life abundantly. And in1 Corinthians 5:16-17, the Holy Spirit in Saint Paul tells us, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
In John 8:12, Jesus spoke again to the people saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Make a difference in this world by helping others know Jesus in you and see the light ... Let your light shine brightly now!
And in Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."Live with true peace, see and feel the blessings and fulfillment that come upon your life when you do what is good for others as compared when you judge and cause pain in others which can bring so much stress, conflict and even illness in your life."
To Our Youth and The Weary, "Hope and Trust in God and Be Generous"
Herewith is a related inspirational message fromthe letter of St. Paul to the young Timothy (1Timothy 6:17-19), which states, “Command those who are rich in the present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
(A fitting image for a spiritual mystery commentary)
The discovery of the Shroud of Turin has made it possible for us to relate this Shroud to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the only Begotten Son of God, which many did not believe.
One expert, Professor Paolo Di Lazzaro, nevertheless, believes that the cloth producing a 'negative' form (as in a picture) showing the whole image on the shroud resulted from Christ's 'resurrection' and the enormous light that helped produce the image.
While researchers were able to reproduce a similar image on a smaller piece of fabric comparable to the shroud material, it would be impossible for now, according to Di Lazzaro, even with our given high-tech laser improvisations, to color the entire image as it would "need 14,000 lasers."
Another expert, on the other hand, Professor Luigi Garlaschelli, known to have been funded by an Italian association of atheists and agnostics, has shown how he was able to reproduce an image similar to the Shroud of Turin. He, however, fell short in explaining how it could be possible for someone in the middle ages produce such an amazing image, unpainted, dyed or stained, so sophisticatedly three dimensional, with such accuracy and subtleties seen on the actual image that was far from the "grotesque" image formed on Garlaschelli's sample.
As you watch the video below, more scientists have participated in the study of the Shroud of Turin and they have seen many amazing findings on the material, with many believing that the amount of light that may have produced the image so enormous that the Shroud image on the material was miraculous formed, a natural phenomenon in itself with no trace of man-made elements as to question the authenticity of the created or produced image from the light.
Experts who believed in its authenticity, have mentioned before of pollens and plant particles present on the shroud which are identified with those around Palestine and Jerusalem or where Jesus was buried; although, there were those seen indigenous of Europe too, perhaps, as a result of "transfer contamination."
While we may have honest scientist around the globe in search of greater truth in God, it is so unfortunate that some scientists have to do what is uncalled for just to support their claims and theories as against the truth. Their being able to do this shows how people can be tempted to do anything just to achieve their goal of discrediting others that their theories may stand better at the expense of the truth, worse if it is for material gain or fame or simply "vanity" (as Al Pacino portraying the devil's role in the movie "The Devil's Advocate" expresses it in the final scene, "Vanity, that's my favorite," lol), for alas, it is so sad how some people, for fame and money, may be tempted to do anything as the expense of truth and love of others.
It may interest you to note that to date, the Vatican has been very careful not to have confirmed as of yet the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin as that of Jesus Christ himself, although it supports further studies on this amazing phenomenon about the Shroud as it leans towards what has been written in the scriptures about Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
In 1 John 5:10-12, St. John proclaims, "Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."
And all related studies are greatly encouraged as we are all for the truth.
Just as the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Manopello veil (believed to be used by Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus) are now under similar scrutiny. And because of all these, more and more converts and believers are seen acknowledging and reconfirming their faith as answered prayers, blessings and miracles come into this life.
The incorruptible bodies of saints as featured in the book "The Incorruptibles" (a study of the incorruption of bodies of various Catholic saints and beati) by Joan Caroll Cruz, are miracles of God's power and love for us.
They were God's chosen people who have lived a life turning their love for Jesus through love of others (neighbors) - a clear manifestation of Jesus' power over life and death and the glorification of God through His only Begotten Son.
Nonetheless, still, many scientists, atheists and agnostics believe in Darwin's theory of evolution as against creation despite of Darwin's own admission that no conclusive links to datecan, however, support his theory that we evolved from the apes and that other animals have evolved from inferior forms into more improved or superior species.
God wants us to be truthful as He has given us the Ten Commandments where you find the 8th commandment as, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor", as He also wants us to avoid selfishness and pride. Jesus made this clear in the 8 Beatitudes during his sermon at the mount with thousands of people gathered to listen to him and who were all miraculously fed out of a few loaves of bread and fish.
He wants us to practice humility as he states, in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth", and to be pure in our intentions as he says, in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God".
Has it not been clear to us that one who becomes selfish and proud of wrong or evil doings without repentance may bring him more stress and trouble in life?
Sooner or later, will these not catch up with him and make his life more miserable and worse, losing his honor and dignity lest he may see enlightenment to repent and renew in his life? Will having a hardened heart with so much pride in oneself not lead to self pity and hopelessness? Will this not make his life void and less meaningful?
In John 3:16, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
What is 80, 90 to 100 years of living compared to eternity? Is it not worth to follow God's commandments and Jesus Christ's teachings where many have seen great miracles of healing in their life because of faith?
Why are there verified accounts of "near death experiences" or NDE's where one recalls his/her spirit getting out of his body and explains later after going back in it what was happening very vividly around the room and adjacent rooms he was in as his body was supposed to be brain dead and/or clinically dead?
This baffles scientists and have no clear explanation for it. And some scientists have accepted the power of prayer. Is this not a clear proof that our conscious spirit lives when our body dies?
Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, as in Ephesians 1:4(echoed from similar messages in Isaiah 49:16 and Jeremiah 1:5). And those who believe and do what God teaches will be blessed.
We should not lose heart but try to win the unbelievers that they may see the light and be healed. As Jesus has said to his apostles(Matthew 13:14-15), “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving; For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”
How true that many miracles happen around us yet we refuse to see. Many more are healed in Jesus' name, yet we close our eyes. As Jesus said to the doubting Thomas, in John 20:29, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
What will then be our reward if we fulfill our given mission? Is it not everlasting life with Him, our Creator, in heaven? Whence, we fail, it would be eternal damnation in hell. And what do we do to succeed in this? Is it not to follow God’s laws and commandments?
Proverbs 15:9-10 puts it, “The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.”
And as in Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
It is only through opening our heart and soul to God, in awe of His wonderful creation from here on earth to the whole universe, that we will fully understand His wisdom, power and love for us. His presence and being is beyond logic and beyond imagination as He is truly everlasting, magnificent, omnipotent and almighty... the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
And it is our constant prayers and communication with Him, in Christ our Lord and Savior, that we are able to connect by His grace through faith, as we may feel His majesty, might and power in everything that we may do.
Some famous billionaires in the US have urged the rich to donate their money to charity with the end in view of, perhaps, creating a bandwagon effect for this worthy cause.
If this would persuade more rich people globally, it could spell the beginning of a realization being one with God and in Christ's teachings of deep concern "for the poor".
We only live a short life here on earth and it is a noble duty for the rich to help our brethren who are in dire need of being rescued from severe poverty. Nobody can bring ones wealth after death anyway.
And death comes like a thief in the night, it comes when we least expect it. In Revelation (a message from Jesus Christ of his second coming made known to gospel writer, St. John, through an angel) 16:15, Christ's message is, "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed." We have to be ready and prepared when our time for reckoning comes.
And it is in Christ's teachings that states in Matthew 19:24, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." And further in the eight beatitudes Jesus tells his disciples, in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
To follow Christ, we have to give up everything, as he told his disciples in Matthew 16:24-28, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
With so many catastrophes happening worldwide in alarming succession causing death, destruction and hunger to many such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, terrorism and suicide bombings, hunger and the BP oil spill that not even man's advance "high-tech" know how can solve to date, it is appaling to see all these in this decade with the threat of global warming. Do these not make us wonder and think that our awesome God must be sending us a message or signs that make us rethink of our very direction in life to veer us from material things that lead us to temptation, greed or lust and focus our efforts instead in promoting peace and love for others especially for the less fortunate in our "short God-given life" here on earth?
Read further on our link and get the details of this new and interesting development.
In the Catholic faith, marriage is "forever," as we become one with God in spirit, even after this life of love in Him.
It is the sacred bonding of man and woman together as one with God, as husband and wife in one flesh.
Marriage is a life long decision and commitment not only to your spouse along with your growing family, but a commitment with God as well and it becomes a great responsibility to keep it in God's guidance.
To help make this decision before the actual marriage vows, the church requires couples to attend a series of seminars to ensure that both parties are ready for a lasting relationship in a sacred covenant with God and in a "community of love for life."
But still, no seminar or the vows can guarantee to a successful marriage.
Temptations, conflict of opinions and directions, pride, lack of forgiveness and misunderstandings may come along the way and it is the test of time, and due adherence to your faith and in Christ Jesus, that will see whose relationship would really last.
And in a recent church event in Washington D.C. which saw almost 600 couples renew their marriage vows, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl has said, "Because of the power of love, it is possible to move from 'me' to 'we'. Love never fails. We may. But Love never fails."
On a related note, let this blogger share with you the following powerful verses from the bible as guide.
'Rules for Christian Households' in Collossians 3:18-21, under the New Testament of the Holy Bible, states:
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."
And in Proverbs ("The book of wisdom"), we pray to be enlightened:
16:5 - "The Lord detests all the proud of heart; Be sure of this; They will not go unpunished."
16:6 - "Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the Lord a man avoids evil."
16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
16:24 - "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
18:13 - "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and shame."
18:16 - "A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great."
18:20 - "From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled, with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied."
19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offense."
21:9 - "Better to live in a corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife."
21:17 - "He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich."
21:19 - "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill tempered wife."
For this blogger, prayers can heal and can lead to guidance under the Holy Spirit. He prays that all may be enlightened of the importance of following the commandments of God as enumerated in the Ten Commandments and in the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Let us be reminded also of what Christ has said in Matthew 6:24, in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money(Mammon)." In our life, the "free will" that God has given us gives us the right to choose between good and evil. The path of light as against the path of darkness.
Homosexuality is a choice as self discipline is a choice (Click here our link on different Christian beliefs and practices on "homosexuality" and on another link for different topics on homosexuality under the Catholic faith). So with temper, pride and attitude. It is us to decide what path to choose. To follow our faith or our (worldly) pleasure. To avoid lust and other related sexual acts or not. To better distinguish our needs from our wants. And to know our boundaries, our limits, when to stop because we are already going against the commandments of God and Christ's teachings of love of God and fellowmen.
In 1 John 3:7-10, St. John writes, under the topic Children of God, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, bacause God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are. Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother."
And may we not forget that the kind of love Jesus teaches us comes with great responsibility. It goes with the question, "what will be the long term effect of this love that I give?" Is it the "truth" and will it lead to true peace and oneness with God, or will it lead to more temptations, sin, evil, wrongdoings, illness or more death and destruction.
And only when our faith, heart and spirit accepts that this life is a gift from God, temporarily lent to us for others, and a stepping stone to the afterlife, shall we be able to truly understand our true purpose in life here on earth. In every action and decision that we do, therefore, let us remind ourselves of our responsibility to love, care, be forgiving and be compassionate of others.
Reflecting on what Christ has said in one of his last words for those who crucified him, in Luke, 23:34, he said in all humility and kindness, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
And pray that our actions and our words further guide us to the "truth and the light of life" in Jesus, and assertively unfaltering in standing up for God's words and commandments in every step of the way, that others, too, may see the light.
As in John 14:6, Jesus said to his disciples, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." And further in John 3:16, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Defending the Pope as the symbol of our faith and Christ's teachings gives us the power to spread God's words especially those who persecute him as in our CNA post link below.
It is the popular notion that there are no atheists on foxholes. When a soldier sees mortality in combat he usually thinks of death and the probability of him being next.
And in these times soldiers are still searching and finding God. It is just like when somebody sees an impending death or in a bind or crisis, wherever one may be, he sees the importance of prayers and forgiveness. Don't you think we always have to thank God everytime we see a bright new day or even when facing a problem, don't you think we have more blessings to share and thank God for than being obnoxious or loud, digging the past (which we cannot change except learn from it as an opportunity for change) and turn to sin? Here are some related inspirational verses from the bible...
In Matthew 6:25 and 34, Christ says, "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ... do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
From the Psalm of David Ps 23:1-4, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."
Read more on our CNA link below and gain some insight, and remember to pray for our soldiers too aside from our love ones, as we also pray for peace, mercy and continued guidance.
"Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is risen to save the world, Hallelujah!". Here is an awesome Resurrection dance made in Budapest, Hungary, sent to Pinoy Blogger via email (many thanks to "Marvelous" Mike Bird). It is meant to share the light of Christ's resurrection around the globe and our site hopes that it can help bring about conversion, world peace, love, humility, forgiveness and understanding to all nations. Amen.
In Matthew 24:35, Jesus firmly stated and made a reassurance of the truth, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." That was when he delivered a strong message of what was to happen and the signs that will come at "the end of the age"(you may read further Matthew 24:1-35 for details).
With the many temptations in various forms in this age of high technology, be strong and take heed to God's words and share the light of the world to everyone, that in Christ's teachings we can be saved. Above is an evangelization tool on Youtube from our CNA(Catholic News Agency ...http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/youtube.php)link, updated everytime, in which you can view and see the many aspects and the many miracles of our faith (see amazing miracle sites to the unexplained phenomenon on the Shroud of Turin and many more, just click forward on frame until you see your chosen video feature). To God be the Glory.
(Enzo on his 5th birthday on left with Santa Claus, Dec. 2010, was blessed with a miracle on his speech during a visit at the Shroud of Turin, Italy, with his family, and with his late Grandma Peth who prayed over him.)
(Above pic shows loveable twins Josh and Jacob with Buzz in 2010 at age 8, find them busy on the computer, prays to Jesus too for love, guidance and protection.)
(On left is happy little fairy princess Rhei Ana Franchesca as she turned 3 in February 2011; loves puzzles, blocks and toy cars; plays at the garden with her pets: chickens, lovebirds and dogs; prays by herself before bedtime under the watchful eye of her angel.)
(On left, taken Feb. 2011 - Welcome the newly christened Nikolai at 1yr and 6 months, enjoying with family and friends in Christ and with Christ.)
(Above 2 pics taken July 2011, show - Noah, age 1 1/2, who loves playing with balls, while his sister in pink shirt, Lilli at age 3, is fond of princesses; and Sarah at 6 in red, also loves princesses)
(Pictures above taken July 2011, show Ian, 6, loves to play with hisWii playstation while on right is Zach, 7, who feels great skateboarding)
(Picture below shows Mia at 6 with her favorite American Doll and she loves to browse on her favorite book, the Family Tree book - picture taken on August 2011.)
In Mark 10:14-15, Jesus said to his disciples who were disturbed by children coming toward Jesus, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Do we not see God's power and goodness just seeing our children play and enjoy this life? Are they not a wonderful gift and a blessing that we ought to thank God for as we spend the rest of our life with them, the more joyful and peaceful our life may become?
Is this not true for those who love children?
That energy from within you may never waver in the presence of little children, especially when one gets older, how you wished more parents may teach their children the best way to approach this life and its challenges, that they may be stronger in their spirit to conquer the world and darkness within it, and that their faith, they may persevere to become truly loving brothers and sisters in Christ.
How wonderful living in this world can be if at an early age children are taught the right moral values and virtues which Jesus wants all our young kids to grow with, as they get to face the many challenges to come as the future of our generation.
What is then 'true faith' that leads all to the lighted path?
Reading on the e-book of same title, as a 'salvation tool,' comes this post under our guidance label, "Jesus is Real in Attestation to The Truth and Divine Logic..," this may lead us to Christ's fullness, allowing us to be more confident of our faith in the many powerful bible verses, all these we may teach to our children.
Loving one another has been His greatest commandment.
Even the Ten Commandments, do they not all bring about the same very inspiring and wonderful message that is "LOVE"?
Is it not the love of God for man the very reason why these commandments were handed to Moses, that all may be guided to obey and stay within the covenant of God and man, to always bear in mind the importance of love for God and love for others, as against selfishness, pride and greed?
And obedience to all the commandments summed up to "true and pure love" for all men, can this not bring true peace and happiness around us? On the other hand, in disobeying them, do we not find more hardships, conflicts and trouble in our life?
In Proverbs 15:33, "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
And in Matthew 5:14, Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law of the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
And he speaks further inMatthew 5:19, “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Like little children with pure intentions and uncorrupted minds, they listen well and are quick to obey their parents, especially when brought up learning and practicing obedience to God’s commandments and to Christ’s teachings.
Basically, teaching our children the fundamentals of our Christian faith, where we may all gradually grow and become strong in spirit by equipping ourselves with God's words from the Holy Bible, taking time to read and attend bible study groups and teachings, and bringing or enrolling our children to catechism class to a nearby school or church, can be the best investment the we may give our children, it is priceless as it is eternal, as we may so choose to live in God's loving mercy and grace,
Encouraging our children to pray to God for praise, worship and thanksgiving is a great step in giving importance to the first three commandments in the Old Testament that they may learn to relate to God in Jesus as a friend and our Shepherd, who is always there for love, care and protection, and to learn to love, to forgive and to share many things that we may have with others out of kindness, as we bear with one another, bearing our own cross along the way growing as we journey together with Christ, believing that the crucified Christ is in us, Jesus himself as our hope, and Jesus himself helping carry all our burden in life as we may learn to trust, learn to believe and learn to abide in him as he is there to protect and guide us in our everyday trials and challenges in life.
Bringing our children to church at least once every weekend further makes them whole as true children of God and one with the Almighty Creator.
Attending church on Sundays or weekends is the best form of worship one can offer to God, giving Him the utmost respect, honor, adoration and praise that He deserves in Christ Jesus.
It is embodied in the first three commandments of the Ten Commandments and it should not be taken lightly in recognition and our way of showing gratitude to our Almighty God and Father, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, from Whom all things are made and without Whom we are nothing, and through His Son, Jesus Christ, He is worshiped and glorified.
Bringing the family together to church, duly and neatly dressed, and at most, prim and proper, is the best week long offering that we can give to God, in Christ Jesus, from whom all good things come, as our true Shepherd, our Savior and true Master, and there is no other. Attentively listening to God's words in the scriptural reading and sharing the good news while living in his grace, we are made whole in Christ, living the joy of his love and mercy for us all, in his lighted path.
The Truth in Catalina Rivas' Visions of the Holy Mass, of Jesus and the Blessed Mother
Why I believe this to be so is not for a Philosophy (and Theology) degree holder of Boston College to question, but the power of the Holy Spirit from within us that makes us so enlightened about the truth in God's words.
Let us not fall into the trap of believing more on human wisdom and on our own intellect rather than God's Divine wisdom through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as He continues to speak from within our spirit, and much beyond our mind.
It is so sad that many theological principles are based on what pastors in the protestant faith may be more inclined to believe, as I see it, a weaker interpretation of what true faith leads us to in the Holy Spirit, again, which is perfectly attuned to God's words. While I may not want any division among Christian believers, I pray that all be one in Christ in our battle against all evil forces in this world, which in God's words we may all at best defeat.
All of Ronald Conte's allegations in his said website are, unfortunately, misleading to the truth in Divine Wisdom as I see and perceive his quoted messages of Catalina Rivas as true and spiritually of meaningful essence as with regards to the need to be strong in spirit, to be strong in God's words, with the power of the Holy Spirit in the Blessed Mother, who cares for us all especially those who may soon learn to renew as they humble themselves to our Lord God in Jesus. And she calls us back to her Son Jesus, back to His flock, with her, through the Holy Spirit, as the most powerful intercessor in Heaven who brings us closer to the Son.
Before the Blessed Mother and our Messiah in Christ Jesus, there was no other powerful intercessor. It was the Holy Spirit, and "I am," whom Jesus revealed to us to be Himself, as in John 8:58, that guided our ancestors before God became man in Jesus.
Now, with the Blessed Mother and the saints, the Holy Rosary has become a very powerful prayer of intercession in the power of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness sins.
Don't you think that one can better love himself as he starts to fear God and obey what God commands and teaches in Jesus what love of neighbors is all about? Is it not that whenever we show our love, care and concern for our neighbors we find more fulfillment, joy, peace and happiness in our hearts?
Letting our children attend the catechism classes every church service or at least once a week would further enhance their faith as they learn to know more about Jesus.
Being one with God especially in the solemn celebration of the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist as the most important part of church service, everyone, including children, participate in the blessing by the priest or the partaking of the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus.
With this we welcome him once again into our body and spirit, to solemnly cleanse us and renew our covenant with God in Jesus, His only Begotten Son as our Lord and Savior, whose passion, death and resurrection has saved us from sin, as we continue to be renewed through confession, and the forgiveness of sins, the blessings during communion after the Eucharistic celebration of the Holy Mass, and to be worthy of God's promise of eternal life.
In John 6:53-58, Jesus said to the crowd while teaching in the synagogue with some grumbling and unbelieving Jews around him:
“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and dies, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.”
[Read on related post with link to the Buenos Aires Eucharistic Miracle: Even in Death our Spirit Lives as we may Die in Christ, by Faith and in God's Will we Live]
Opening Our Spirit to See God in Us
Saint Teresa of Jesus, Teresa of Avila, was baptized as Teresa Sanchez de Cepeda y Ahumada was a prominent Spanish mystic and saint who lived and died in the 16th Century as a Roman Catholic Carmelite nun.
Her reported visions of the spiritual presence of Jesus' body in her, although invisible, lasted uninterrupted for more than two years, and this included a vision of a seraph who, after driving through her heart 'the fiery point of a golden lance repeatedly through her heart,' has caused an ineffable bodily pain.
She was also observed to have levitated during mass (by many sources) in more than one occasion.
I can understand how many visionaries may have become instruments of the truth in God's love for us ever reminding and guiding us to the right path to eternal life with God in Jesus. Even scientists are baffled and cannot explain the miraculous physical transformations that occur in related events.
God is spirit, and we can only understand him through our spirit not with our logical mind or intelligence, and only feel his consuming presence through the Holy Spirit.
May we continue to pray for guidance that we may become strong in passing on this truth of our faith to our children, an eternal investment as we may be empowered living in God's loving mercy and grace in Christ Jesus.
And writing about the ‘Wisdom of the Spirit,’ St. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him… "but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught but the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: "For who has knows the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? "But we have the mind of Christ.”
You can very well identify it if it is from God through prayer and enlightenment in the Holy Spirit and through the message of love that it brings, as our God is a God of love, truth and hope.
Reminding them of the importance of the fourth commandment which is “Honor your father and your mother,” properly and intentionally positioned after the three foremost commandments on honoring God, is just as appropriate with parents being reminded too of their responsibility as true Christian examples to their children.
And so is true with our beloved saints and our Blessed Mother, that with their love for God in Christ, we honor them, and worship only the One True God, Our Almighty Father in Heaven, with and in the Holy Spirit, and through His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ - they are the Holy Trinity, three in One God, whom we worship and glorify, and no one else.
The saints are our heavenly brothers and sisters, as Mama Mary is our heavenly mother divinely chosen and blessed to bear the Son of God, Jesus Christ; All of whom, because of their enormous love for God, have devoted themselves to the love of their others, and to be trusted in our prayers, that in their powerful intercession as instruments and vessels of the love of Jesus, our prayers are greatly heard as they echo in the heavens.
And as many believe that praying for and through holy men onto sainthood as in now Blessed Pope John Paul II, for our petitions, our prayers are best heard by God as He delights and acknowledges the faith, love and the honor bestowed on Him as these men of God have shown selfless love for others, personifying God's great unconditional love for men.
“I and the father are one”. In John 14: 11-14 Jesus added, “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me… I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
There is no substitute to the building of true self esteem in a child than to empower him or her with the faith and love in Jesus.
Do you not find more fulfillment and more confidence in yourself if you learn to realize and accept the truth that everything comes from God and that everything including your talent, your gifts and all material things you have would come to naught if you have not really loved God by loving your family and neighbors?
And that in showing your selfless and unconditional love for your family, neighbors, your country and yes, love for even your adversary or competitor, you show your love for God and love for yourself as you attain more peace and happiness in your life?
And is it not that with Christ and in Christ, you can become more productive and more fruitful as you learn to be strong in your spirit doing what is great and right in the eyes of God and avoiding what is evil, lifting up and surrendering to him all your disappointments, defeat and failures while learning and growing with him in all of your trials and difficulties in life, offering to him everything that is good for God's greater glory as you humble yourself to the obedience of God's commandments and Christ's teachings of faithfulness and love for others?
And with all these duly nurtured in their minds of our children, continually showered with love, care and affection by the parents and their siblings, they can grow spiritually healthy and strong fertilized with God’s words of inspiration, with integrity, humility, patience and charity as strong virtues that can be developed as we guide them along the way.
Let us not be swayed by human wisdom or intelligence, as these can further confuse us from the truth in God, rather, be steadfast in our faith as this will save us from fangs of evil where we will find no rest.
As Jesus explained to the believing Jews in John 8:31-32, “If you hold on to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
In 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, in the Gospel of St. Paul, he writes to the Corinthians, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel – not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’
“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were influential, not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written:
“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
This fourth commandment of “honoring” our parents have usually been taken for granted. Its very importance comes immediately among the commandments after the three most revered ones on loving, honoring and worshiping God.
Going back to our childhood, as our loving God wants us to remember, our parents come next to God in honoring and respecting, and so with our elders or grandparents.
No amount of material compensation can ever match or repay all their hardships and sacrifices for our sake as we were taken cared of from conception until you know when, brought up and reared from infancy to adolescence in this life, with some even until adulthood.
But they never ask for repayment. It is rather the love and understanding aside from the honor and the respect that we ought to give back to them that counts most, as with the love of Christ in us.
Just as the Blessed Virgin Mother, Mama Mary and St. Joseph have brought up our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our parents too deserve the love, accolade and respect due them.
And may we not forget to strengthen further our children psychologically and spiritually with the "Armor of God" in the many challenges, trials and temptations that they may pass in this life, as we too, should wear every second, every minute, every hour in our life, to equip us with the tools to empower us through the Holy Spirit against evil forces in the unseen but real "spiritual warfare" ever present in this world.
By using the mighty name of "Jesus", we will never fail in our quest against the evil one.
The right tools to use are further emphasized in Ephesians 6:13-16, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
In John 8:31-32, to the Jews who have believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
And in Matthew 19:26, Jesus said to his apostles, “With God, all things are possible.” As we believe too that "prayers can move mountains."
On the truth about God’s temple in us and the power of humility with no malice towards anyone as against bickering and hatred brought about by divisiveness, and on the enormous power of the Holy Spirit as against the limited knowledge and wisdom of this world, St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16-23. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
‘Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Caphas or the world or life or death or the present or the future – all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.”
With God to hold on to even in our darkest and most difficult moments of our life, putting our full trust in Him confidently brings us to the light, a light that we can share and spread along with our children.
Only with God do we learn to see defeat as that which makes us stronger, and a stepping stone towards honor and true greatness in God's eyes.
In Matthew 5:19, Jesus said to the crowd, “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
As in James 1:6-8, Saint James reminds us to trust in God through His Son Jesus, "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind, That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."
And Jesus admonishes us to be careful of what comes out of our mouth as he states in Matthew 15:10 while talking to a crowd, “Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.’”
Christ wants us to trust in in him and in his words as he tells us in Matthew 6:27, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” and states further in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble (or evil) of its own.”
May we always instill in the minds of our children the importance of integrity with truth in our words that they too may be the pillars of truth in their generation.
In Proverbs 13:6, “Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."
God has an ever seeing eye as he is omniscient and omnipotent as he is ever powerful. He knows when we are lying and he frowns on those who hide the truth just to escape blame but are fast to blame others.
In 1 John 3:19-20, “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemns us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
Our children are often a reflection of the way we carry ourselves in this life. It is our moral obligation to keep them free from all evil and corruption that the coming generations may learn from them.
And touching on productivity, would we prefer to dwell in the past and blame one another over things that cannot be undone, or rather learn from the past and move forward, that we may become more productive in our work under God’s guidance?
Whilst we often pray for what we may need in this life for material, physical and spiritual health, may we not forget to remind ourselves and our children to give credit to where credit is due, to give thanks and praises to our Lord God in everything that we do, and with the talents and gifts he has and may be bestowing upon us, that His Holy and Mighty Name may be glorified.
Powerful Verses in Proverbs
More related inspiring quotations and words of wisdom that may guide both parents and children from the book of Proverbs (referred to by early Christians as the “Book of Wisdom” based on a firm religious foundation by the principle that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”, as in Prov 1:7 and 9:10) follow.
Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Prov 15:2, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
Prov 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”
Prov 15:4, "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."
Prov 15:5, “A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
Prov 15:6, “The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.”
Prov 15:10, "Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path, he who hates correction will die," (stern here should be tempered with love as discipline for a child is made out of love for the child and the reason for the disciplinary action clearly explained to the child, with that understood the objective of instilling in the child the importance of its not being repeated can be easily accepted; and those who hate correction will "die" in their faith as their spirit falls to the evil one, and with a forgiving God, we can always depend on him for mercy and forgiveness, as we go astray from his flock, and be renewed, that we may be rewarded God's of eternal life).
Prov 15:33, “Fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
Prov 16:5, "The Lord detests all the proud of heart; Be sure of this, they will not go unpunished," (stress in itself is so much punishment for the proud which can lead to danger to his safety and even to his health as time passes).
Prov 16:6, “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the Lord a man avoids evil,” (If there is love, there is forgiveness as God is himself forgiving and merciful; God's words and Christ's teachings, nevertheless, should never be taken for granted; and it is in God's delight that he sees us faithful to his words by good deeds, not by lip service, that we may truly avoid what is evil).
Prov 16:16, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to chose understanding rather than silver,” (in Matthew 19:23, Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." That is why the poor and the downtrodden are so close in Christ's heart especially those who are pure and poor in spirit as well as those who are meek, humble and merciful).
Prov 16:17, “The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.”
Prov 16:20, "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord," (instructions here refer to those that relate to the Ten Commandments and Christ's teachings of love of neighbor)
Prov 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction; a haughty spirit before a fall."
Prov 16:22, "Understanding is a formation of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools."
Prov 16:7, "A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul."
Prov 18:12, "Before his downfall, a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."
Prov 18:13, "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame."
Prov 18:20, "From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied."
Prov 19:11, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”
Prov 19:16, “He who obeys instructions guards his life; but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die,” (instructions here refer to those that relate to the Ten Commandments and Christ's teachings of love of neighbor).
Prov 19:18, “Discipline your son for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.” (refer to Prov 15:10).
Prov 19:20, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise."
Prov 21:7, “The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.”
Prov 22:4, “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.”
Prov 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Prov 22:9, “A generous man will himself be blessed for he shares his food with the poor,” (refer to Prov 16:16 and Prov 25:21).
Prov 22:10, “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
Prov 22:15, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.” (refer to Prov 15:10)
Prov 22:22, “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them,” (refer to Prov 16:16 and 25:21)
Prov 22:24, “Do not make friends with a hot tempered man; do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared,” (do not be influenced by a hot tempered man but rather show him and share with him the light to true peace and love in Christ's teachings).
Prov 23:13-14, “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death,” (refer to Prov 15:10).
Prov 23:22, “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Prov 24:3-4, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
Prove 24:5, “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.”
Prov 25:15, “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
Prov 25:21, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head (cool his temper), and the Lord will reward you,” (the power of Christ's teachings in forgiving and loving your enemy can really make a big difference in one's life; As Christ said in Luke 6:35-36, "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (read further Luke 6:27-36 for a complete message))
Prov 28:13, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper; but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Prov 29:1, “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy.”
Prov 29:15, “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother,” (refer to Prov 15:10)
Proverbs 37:4, “Delight yourself with the Lordand he will give you the desires of your heart.”
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24:35, Jesus firmly stated and made a reassurance of the truth, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." That was when he delivered a strong message of what was to happen and the signs that will come at "the end of the age"(you may 
10:14-15, Jesus said to his disciples who were disturbed by children coming toward Jesus, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
, do they not all bring about the same very inspiring and wonderful message that is "LOVE"?
(referred to by early Christians as the “
of love of neighbor)
comes before honor."
and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” 