Divine Thinking

Divine Thinking We can put up road blocks to keep us from accomplishing goals, mending relationships and increasing our faith. We may also have to deal with others, perhaps our own family members, who have a stinky attitude and whom seem to just spoil everything. Jesus shared with His disciples that he must undergo great suffering and Peter said, “God forbid it, Lord!” Jesus rebuked Peter by saying, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. Perhaps when we have a negative thought, or feel weary or unsure, we can use words that will jolt Satan into taking a back seat, making our stumbling block weak. When we can do this, it gives us power to be in control to be able to do what God would have us do so that what He is doing will be revealed to us in a divine way. Divine things are meant for us. Although our circumstances may not seem so extra-ordinary, God is working on people, circumstances an in ways that man cannot see nor do. It is possible for us to set our minds, thoughts and words on a course toward divine thinking. With practice, we may perhaps one day take sweet delight in even our most troublesome days. Divine thinking is gift only you can accept for yourself. God has blessings on a heavenly tray for you. Speak out and receive what is rightfully and divinely yours.

Much Is Possible Where There Is Hope

Much Is Possible Where There Is Hope For some of us, a simple explanation can tell all. For others, we need more that just words. Then there are others who will just never get it. A beautiful picture can paint a thousand heartfelt words. An exemplary individual can prove living a holy life is possible. A good story can help us see what we ought to see. However, sometimes even though the message seems clear, there may still be confusion, doubt and disbelief. Try to reach those who don’t understand the goodness in their lives. Perhaps sharing a parable might open their eyes in a new enlightening way. Jesus shared with his disciples, “The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” We have all been given many gifts from Heaven. Only a believer in Christ can recognize their gifts already enjoyed. Only a spirit filled practicing believer can expect even more in abundance. Will you be sharing the parable or telling it? If you are sharing, tell your story with holiness in your heart always allowing The Holy Spirit to guide you. If you are the one who will be listening, groom your ears to pay attention, make ready your heart to receive, and train your eyes to take notice of the gift of a true story or parable shared by a person filled with faith. The only way you will lose, is if you just don’t get it. Keep from breeding a hardened heart by allowing hope to always be an option. Matthew 13:10–13 Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.”

Living On Holy Soil

Living On Holy Soil If your life was to be compared to a seed recently planted would your life survive? Could your life be considered one planted in good soil? Does your life lack roots that would keep it from withering away? Viewed from a human perspective, we might believe we will live no matter where we are planted. The quality of our life may be poor, mediocore or even good in our eyes. However, in the spiritual realm how will your life fare? Could you say your life is evident of having been planted on holy soil? Could you say that the fruit you are bearing is a hundredfold, sixty or thirty? We are all living on holy soil. We are all called to be holy. We are all able to bear fruit that is plentiful. Each morning, examine your potential harvest from yesterday. If you are not where you could possibly be when your harvest is ready, take time to add fertilizer to your thoughts, water to your spirit, tender loving care to your tongue, hands and attitude. Each night when you retire, take time to reflect on your day. You will know on what type of ground you’ve rooted yourself in. You’re already off to a great start. God creates only holy things. Man decides what gifts he chooses to receive. Chose to receive the gift of living on holy soil. Matthew 13:1-9 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: 'Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!'

Getting Comfortable In Our New “Norm”

Getting Comfortable In Our New “Norm” “Do not hold on to me.” We can hold on to past grudges, the spirit of our loved ones who have past and the painful memories of yesterday. We may feel the need to grasp at almost anything to keep us feeling as we did before. We could mindlessly let an event, haunting words or a feeling hold us hostage robbing us of our spirit. Our complicated hearts may try to keep us connected to what felt safe, normal, effortless and even a bit crazy. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”” We too, at some time that is right for us, can work toward letting go of feelings or circumstances that hold us back from experiencing the life that God intended for us. However, we may never let the past or our feelings about another leave us completely, and that is normal and okay. Today, we might feel as though we need to hold on, but one day, be encouraged to let go, one day and one step at a time. It is important that we expect that there will be days we will revert back, but don’t lose heart. Your progress may seen slow; so don’t beat yourself up. There will be days you may feel as though you give in barely enough to still live fruitfully allowing life to again resume. God is with us as we get more comfortable with change. God’s hand is on us as our lives miraculously can feel safe again. God is continually blessings us so that we may again feel joyous in our new “norm.” John 20:14–18 When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Respond With Love

Respond With Love We do good and terrible things every day. Are we willing to search our conscious and admit to those things that would bring about God’s wrath? Our lives are not a dress rehearsal. The way we are living, the feelings we are expressing and the thoughts we are keep are the real thing. Believe and do the things that Jesus taught. Make “disobey” a word your heart, brain and spirit never learned. What the public can’t see, God can. Tempt not God’s wrath. God gives the Spirit without measure. Show God you are responding with love to the spirit that lives inside you. John 3:31-36 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

Look Up And Give Thanks

Look Up And Give Thanks When someone has done a charitable act, offered a kindness toward you, went out of their way in making an apology to you look up and give thanks. God gave us his Son so that we may learn, teach and recognize Christ when we see Him. Christ is in the eyes of people who are doing things right! Go through your day, not just accepting good things from others but looking up and giving thank to God that made all good things possible. John 20:11-18 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Join In Praying The Divine Mercy Novena

Join In Praying The Divine Mercy Novena Today join in praying the Divine Mercy Novena. The Catholic Church will pray each day this novena leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday which follows Easter. Let us pray daily that we may receive God’s mercy rather than judgment at the time of our death. (The following information has been copied from http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/ Background of the Divine Mercy Devotion From the diary of a young Polish nun, a special devotion began spreading throughout the world in the 1930s. The message is nothing new, but is a reminder of what the Church has always taught through scripture and tradition: that God is merciful and forgiving and that we, too, must show mercy and forgiveness. But in the Divine Mercy devotion, the message takes on a powerful new focus, calling people to a deeper understanding that God’s love is unlimited and available to everyone — especially the greatest sinners. Living the Message of Mercy The devotional practices revealed through Saint Faustina were given to us as "vessels of mercy" through which God's love can be poured out upon the world, but they are not sufficient unto themselves. It's not enough for us to hang The Divine Mercy image in our homes, pray the Chaplet every day at three o'clock, and receive Holy Communion on the first Sunday after Easter. We also have to show mercy to our neighbors. Putting mercy into action is not an option of the Divine Mercy Devotion; it's a requirement! To learn more visit: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/

Love One Another Through Our Imperfections

Love One Another Through Our Imperfections We may say things that are bigger than we can deliver. “I will never do that again!” “I will never hurt you.” “I will always think of you first.” Jesus told the disciples that where he was going they could not follow immediately. Peter wanted to go with Him so badly that he said, “I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times. Jesus also knows our weaknesses. We may in desperation, in our time of need, or in our time of personal desires make big promises to Jesus. We will never be perfect. But the love of Jesus should be comforting to all human beings, in that He will love us even in through our imperfections. We too can love one another through our imperfections. That is a commandment given to us through God. If Jesus can love all, so can we. John 13:31-38 When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.

Love The Unlikable

Love The Unlikable “I don’t like that guy!” How often have we easily come to the conclusion that we just done like a particular someone. Jesus reminded many, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. Unlikable people may be that way because they were not loved as they could have been. Take the opportunity to the love the unlikable. Invest your precious time on God’s precious people. Loving another can soften even the hardest of hearts. Allow The Holy Spirit inside you guide you to where you are needed. God gave us each a beautiful heart that keeps a body alive, one that can console, one that can heal and one that can love. God is waiting for you to love the unlikable. Perhaps even you may be waiting to be loved. John 8:31-32, 42 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.

Using Your Spiritual Eyes

Using Your Spiritual Eyes It is easy for us to take credit for all that we do. But when you have done something awesome that you never thought possible, it should cause us to once again realize that we do nothing on our own. Jesus told many that “I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me.” He also added, “For I always do what is pleasing to Him.” Realize that God goes through great pains to work through many lives to make a simple safe commute possible. God works through many life choices of other individuals to make your choice one that works for you. God works through the spirits of us all to make us realize that without Him our life, graces and miracles would not be possible. Do what is pleasing to God. For in that good and great task, charitable act and prayer, you have been given spiritual eyes to recognize the work of God in your hands, thoughts and deeds. John 8:28-30 So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

Presence In The Spirit

Presence In The Spirit We may mutter,. “Why should I do it that way? Where is it written that I can’t go against the grain of good.” We may even be so bold as to ask, “Why should I believe in Jesus, when I’ve never seen Him?” The challenge of the human heart is to work toward the truth that we need not go through the mental process of figuring out why good is better and where Jesus comes from. From the faith of our ancestors, from the evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion, from the testimony of the apostles and witnesses, and the from The Holy Spirit inside us we can too believe today that good honors God, and we should honor Jesus, Whom God sent. Spend quiet time regularly to get to know the Jesus that is ever present, all loving and forgiving. Even though you may not see His physical being, Jesus is there in the presence of your spirit. John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, 'Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.' Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, 'You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.' Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

You Have A Voice

You Have A Voice We are satisfied when God answers our prayers for healing and promotion in our lives. But what happens to the soul once we are healed and our promotion is no longer new. People need to see that you still are in awe over God’s mercy in your life. People need to hear that you live a life humbly and gratefully because of God’s grace. People need to see your faith so that they may positively feed off yours and be strengthened. We are the voices for Jesus who is the light of the world. Without our help, the world may miss the light. Not that Jesus needs our voices to confirm his majesty, but our voices that shout and proclaim His goodness and glory can speak volumes to believers and unbelievers. You have a voice. Use it to testify to the truth of Jesus. Perhaps you might spare a person another day of misery. John 5:31-36 ‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s.

A Call To Action

A Call To Action Often we put off doing good, changing a sour attitude or delaying an evaluation of our morals and values. One day, Jesus will come and we will hear His voice. There is no need to be sorry for the things we did not do. We have today to make things right. Those who have done good will enjoy the resurrection of life. Why spend a minute of our precious time working toward the dire alternative. If you listen, you can hear Jesus’ voice speaking to you today. Sssshhh, listen. Now act. John 5:17,25-29 But Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

Stand Up, Take Your Woes, And Walk

Stand Up, Take Your Woes, And Walk Sometimes all it takes is for us to respond, “I want to be made well.” Instead, much of the time our focus is on what’s against us. We may believe we have no one to help to get to the next step. We might feel as though we are an outcast even in our own family. A great part of what we feel is because of how we think. Jesus wants us to be made well. Jesus calls us to call upon Him. Stand Up. Take your woes and walk toward Jesus. Jesus is waiting for you. John5:1-3,5-9 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.

Taking Care of Business

Taking Care of Business It seems to be human nature to assume the worst. We may think someone is trying to harm us when are they working to help. We may view an inquiry as a cause for doubt rather than a starting place for optimism. Jesus felt it necessary to make it clear that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets. He said I have come to fulfill. Take care to work with the others in a positive light. Take time to give another the benefit of the doubt. Take pride in seeing the good in others. Who does these things and teaches them has much to gain. Take care of business. Matthew 5:17-19 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever 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 does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Let It Be With Me

Let It Be With Me It is human nature to immediately fight, deny or be upset over an illness, a bad relationship, or a day gone wrong. If Mary could be told and accept that she was expecting a child, that He would be holy, and will be called the Son of the Most High, what could we possibly do with the news and experiences of our lives that we live every day. We can allow ourselves to be perplexed and ask an obvious question. But when our question cannot be answered with common sense to the mind, we can still accept it and say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.” Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Your Greatest Work May Be Valued More In A Foreign Place

Your Greatest Work May Be Valued More In A Foreign Place Although what you do may not be accepted by your closest friends or family, don’t stop trying to do what is good. Do what you can for those who will accept your charity, sympathy, goodwill and prayers. When it’s only those who are left that reject you, pick up and move on. Jesus was only able to help a few in his home town. He went where he was needed and where his work through the grace of God would be accepted. Pass through the midst of those who reject you. Perhaps you may be of greater value in a place where no one knows you. Your Greatest Work May Be Valued More In A Foreign Place. Luke 4:24-30 And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Sound Advice of Heavenly Things

Sound Advice of Heavenly Things Sometimes we might encourage another person to go and try their hand with another who will not listen to good advice that is being offered. One may even argue that their lost loved one lived the same evil way and probably found heaven. There are even people who think that if the dead would come back and say how we need to live then they would believe. We may go through a lifetime never seeming to reach a stubborn soul. God puts people in our daily lives and weaves others in and out of our paths to open our eyes to good. He even made the greatest sacrifice and put here on earth, Jesus who suffered greatly for our sake and sins. What more do we need to turn our lives around? 'If we do not listen to those who are already touched by The Holy Spirit and who can feel the presence of Jesus in their lives, what good would it be for someone from the dead to come back to say what is already being said. We must comfort those in agony, feed those who have less, pray for those who are blind to their spirit, forgive the unforgiveable, and love the unloved. If we believe and practice what Jesus teaches we will not have to rely on one another or a dead spirit for good sound advice about heavenly things. Luke 16:19-31 Jesus said to the Pharisees, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house -- for I have five brothers -- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

The Core Of The Heart Is Love

The Core Of The Heart Is Love Have you ever woken up after a night of tossing and turning over an unresolved issue with a feeling of direction and peace, and then ignored it? St. Joseph teaches us by his actions that if a guardian angel or God himself comes to you to give you direction, follow your heart. When you wake, do as your heart encourages you to do. Your heart, at its core, is love. Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.

Rejoice Over The Graces of God

Rejoice Over The Graces of God Sometimes we put the emphasis on the wrong things. If we celebrate a birth think about who gave us life. If we are happy about a promotion think about who set all the people at the right place and at the right time to make your promotion possible. If we are excited about getting up in the morning free of pain, this about Who has the power to free you from all pain. Do not rejoice at your own doings, but rejoice over the many graces of God. Luke 10:1-12,17-20 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’

If Only I Ask

If Only I Ask We may rely on each other for tangible things within our reach. But to whom can we ask for those things that deal with the human spirit? Lord may we come to you when a hardened heart has bucked up against us. Lord may we come to you humbly when life is flowing smoothly. Lord may we come to you giving thanks when there is abundance in our lives. How much more will You give me Lord if only I ask? Matthew 7:7-12 ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

Immeasurable Joy Comes From Giving

Immeasurable Joy Comes From Giving The world would be filled with joy if only we realized that by doing for each other we do for Jesus. We may never scratch the surface of or reach the pinnacle of the joy God wishes for us if we don’t see and feel Jesus’ presence in our everyday lives. When we feed someone less fortunate, cloth another who has less, spend time with a widow or orphan, welcome a stranger, and give assistance to the sick, it’s as if we were doing these acts of love directly to Jesus. When you treat the least of your brothers and sisters as if they were Jesus, only then you will feel the joy God intended and hear the call from Jesus sharing, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you." Man can put much energy into making life pleasurable. But only God can provide that holy level of joy that Jesus speaks of. Immeasurable joy comes to us by doing for others. Matthew 25:34-40 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

A Heart That Knows God

A Heart That Knows God This world is not “it!” Today is a mere stepping stone toward the perfection of “Heaven” and “eternity,” a world that God desires for us to inhabit and enjoy. Selflessness, charity, giving, comforting and supporting are just some of the traits that will help us along the way. Concentrate not on saving up riches or self-seeking truths, but rather contemplate, pray and then allow The Holy Spirit inside you to do what it is leading you to do. Follow the heart that knows God. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Luke 9:22-25 Jesus said to his disciples: "The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?

Boasting - Who Needs It

Boasting- Who Needs It It is human nature to want to feel good about ourselves and to be noticed by others. But do we need to focus on our deed rather than the need? When you do for others, tell no one. If you can keep the receiver from knowing who you are - even better. God knows what we all do. If we are looking with our spirit rather than our ego, we will see our feel good moments in our lives every day. God had made it so that our rewards are not only for now, but the joy of gifts of giving will continue for eternity There is no need to boast to Him about what we do from the heart. Matthew 6: 1-6,16-18 ‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 'And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Look Up And Know It’s God

Look Up And Know It’s God You know that happy feeling when your hearts soars over a nice gesture, a great surprise or the winning of something special. Every day the graces of God can make your heart soar. Pay attention to the kindness of others. When something works in your favor look up and know Who’s hands have touched your life. For God all things are possible. Mark 10:23-27 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were greatly astounded and said to one another, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.’

Turning It Around Until It Is Your Custom

Turning It Around Until It Is Your Custom What is your custom? What do you wake up to do each day? What do people say about you? Go through your day and really listen to how others are responding to your words, actions and mannerisms. Then modify, tweak or do a complete turn around until you can be humbly proud of who you are. Mark 10:1-2 He left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them.

Good Is Good

Good Is Good We may be inclined to feel cheated or threatened by someone who does “good” only once in a blue moon. If someone does good only sometimes, it does not mean he will not noticed or rewarded by God. Just as God notes all good things done, so we must too have eyes that see that “good is good” no matter how often or by whom. Mark 9:41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

Evil Has a Problem with Goodness

Evil Has a Problem with Goodness If someone whose daily deeds are evil, but today a deed is done imitating good, do not stop him or doubt God’s grace upon him. For some good comes at a young age for others it may take a life time. God never gives up on anyone, neither should we. Whoever is doing good is doing good for the masses. It may take time for some of us to realize that we have been touched by The Holy Spirit. Soon evil will recognize a follower of Jesus and look elsewhere for its next unsuspecting soul. Evil has a problem with goodness. Mark 9:38-40 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us."

Being Last Is First and Foremost-A Servant is Reward Of All

Being Last Is First and Foremost-A Servant is Reward Of All How difficult it is for us to put ourselves last. We don’t want to receive the last piece of pie, be the last in line or the last to know the latest gossip. According to Jesus’ teaching being last is the greatest! When you offer yourself to a situation or your time to a relationship think not of yourself but in love and service to another. And when you think not of yourself it is easier to see the eyes of Christ in those you greet, associate with and help. Being last is first and foremost. Being a servant is reward of all. Tend to the least of them, for in this state of love, humility and selflessness you may see Christ, Who in reality is God Himself. Mark 9:33-37 Then Jesus and the disciples came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

Only Through Prayer

Only Through Prayer There are many things we can do that might take seemingly little effort. There are others matter that are impossible with our own hands, minds and wills. Do what you can to help yourself and others. Pray for the things you cannot do and believe that with God all things are possible! Mark 9:14-29 When the crowd saw Jesus, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, 'What are you arguing about with them?' Someone from the crowd answered him, 'Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.' He answered them, 'You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.' And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' And he said, 'From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.' Jesus said to him, 'If you are able!-All things can be done for the one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out, 'I believe; help my unbelief!' When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, 'You spirit that keep this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!' After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, 'He is dead.' But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, 'Why could we not cast it out?' He said to them, 'This kind can come out only through prayer.'

An Emancipated Heart

An Emancipated Heart Sometimes we are requested to keep something to ourselves. It is not necessarily for matters of privacy or ego. Sometimes the message is much greater than that. At a point on their journey, Jesus asked the disciples to not tell anyone about Him. Perhaps He thought that if people didn’t know about Him or have any preconceived ideas about who He was, that their state of mind would more open to what God has asked Him to teach. To be boundless in Godly thoughts, limitless in reverent prayer, uninhibited with The Holy Spirit inside you, allows your heart to be emancipated from the grip of man. Mark 8:27-30 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Gift Of The Present

Gift of the Present Why do we sometimes ask the same question twice? Why would we pray the same petitions night after night? Is it because we think another didn’t hear us properly the first time? Do we really think that God doesn’t hear or know of our needs and circumstances? Is it because we think another wasn’t focused on us? When you ask Jesus for something, believe that He will hear you the first time. Our answers may not come as we would desire, but answers do come. Our blessings sometimes come as big and bold as a firework show and as small and gentile as a touch of a hand on your back. Look with holy eyes at the events of your day and simplify your life so that you can see everything clearly. Ask once and then wait and love living today with expectancy and humility. Tomorrow may not come, but the gift of the present is already here for you to enjoy. Mark 8:22-26 They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Can you see anything?’ And the man looked up and said, ‘I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, ‘Do not even go into the village.’

Paying It Forward

Paying It Forward We may be tempted to shun the unlikable. We may be afraid to go against our own family to stand up for one who cannot fight for himself. Imagine if Jesus ignored anything unsavory about you. The most lowly or sick of all humans will not be forgotten by Jesus. Use what he did for those who had diseases, those who were outcasts and those who were unwelcomed or wanted as an example of how you will treat others. Jesus always makes you a priority. The day you realize this wonderful gift, is the day you will pay it forward. Mark 7:24-30 From there Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go--the demon has left your daughter." So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Loving Acts of the Heart

Loving Acts of the Heart “You are all talk.” “Put your money where your mouth is.” Our response to those who put on a front with words may seem harsh.. Our self-serving words may cover up for a while our less than sincere intentions. Bare your heart so that it may speak sincerely to the people it cares about. Train your actions to reveal that others are at the center of your intentions. Adjust your attitude to reflect that which promotes people in need of help, comfort and prayers. Let us not try to move others with words, but rather by acts of the heart that communicate love at its best. Mark 7:1-8 Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?’ He said to them, ‘Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.” You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.’

Accepting Gifts From God

Accepting Gifts From God When there is someone among us who stands out we may be inclined to reject him. Perhaps because he is not like us. We were all born with gifts. The gift of patience, artistry, tolerance, musicality, and forgiveness are just some. Spend your valuable time promoting, welcoming, sharing and loving all those who touch your life lest you hinder the many graces that were designed to lay a hand on your life through their labor, wisdom and presence. Accept with a humble heart those people whose presence and acts of love that are gifts to you from God. Mark 6:1-6 Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching.

Responding to the Grace of God

Responding to the Grace of God Sometimes we want to be where the action is. Our lives are not such that we should always be in the midst of attention, dissention or seeking praise. If someone with a genuine heart says you will do more being of service somewhere else - be joyful. If you heart moves you away from a place and toward another - be delighted. No matter the circumstances, The Holy Spirit will always touch your life. Will you be responding to the grace of God or to your own ego's needs? In your life be like an eager disciple ready and willing to follow directions of good intentions. Go where your spirit guides you and respond appropriately to your gut feelings and intuition. Be willing to look away from your own desires long enough to respond to help, comfort and love others. Where ever the Grace of God sends you, know that The Holy Spirit inside you will guide you. Mark 5:18-20 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, 'Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.' And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

With Peace Lay Your Head To Rest

With Peace Lay Your Head To Rest We must come and do what we came here to do. In your circle of family and friends gently appoint the ones to help, keeping in mind their special gifts. Put yourself in a place where you can be beneficial. Offer comfort to those in need. Give financial aid to those without means. Express compassion to the hurting, and those who feel abandoned, misunderstood or neglected. Use your talents in ways that will be a blessing to many. Then, at the end of the day, with a peaceful heart and spirit, you can lay your head to rest. Mark 3:13-19 Jesus went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Then he went home.

THE GRACE OF SILENCE

THE GRACE OF SILENCE Yikes! This morning I woke with no voice. Barely a squeak would come from my vocal chords. What am I going to do? I start work at 6am and need to talk for 4 hours! I can’t talk and I certainly don’t want to call out! The morning was oddly quiet. No phone calls were coming into my queue. I reported this oddity and was told “The phone are unusually light. Don’t worry, stay available. A CALL WILL COME IN!” I took my break at 8am. “A break from what,” I thought. I hadn’t done anything but do a bunch of customer emails. I almost felt guilty for being paid. (almost) I was thinking perhaps I should be proactive and reach out again (by email of course) to my supervisor to report “I HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY PHONE CALLS!!!” Finally, an IT phone fix it person (female by the way-I don’t know why that was an important detail to include) contacted me. After a bit of “instant chatting” and “this and that” the phone was operable again. “Yikes,” I thought. “Why hadn’t I been taking advantage of the quiet and lubricating my throat!!!!” And then I stopped in my tracks as I ran to get the new bag of Ricola. “This is you Lord. I know it. Your hand is in this!” I had better take advantage of the lack of phone calls and consume as many honey drops as I can!!! This throat needs some healing and soothing! I share this because in the 4 hours that I would have otherwise been required to “yap yap yap,” I only received 3 phone calls. Just 3! I was able to rest my voice and sooth my throat with the elixir of wonderful honey drops. Thank you Lord for sparing my voice and allowing me time to heal. Thank you Lord, this time, for allowing me to RECOGNIZE YOUR GRACE , HEAR THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT INSIDE ME and FEEL THE COMFORT OF YOUR LOVE in the silence.

With The Hand Of God Anything Is Possible

With The Hand Of God Anything Is Possible Have you ever asked God for something and then, with time, forgot all about your request? It’s important that we be mindful, prayerful and thankful for all our requests of God that have yet to produce fruit. We may not agree with the answer we get, nor receive our prayer requests when we want it. But this we can be assured. God is good. God is on time. God wants us to receive a ripe harvest in our lives. He wants us to have good things in abundance. God created a world of beauty, people to love and care for, and food for nourishment. Keep checking in on God. You don’t have to ask the same thing over and over again. God hears you. Every day there are gifts we are missing. Sometimes we just need to step away from the busyness of life to notice them. For the past 2 years my kumquat tree was dead. Its branches were black and it no longer produced any fruit. My husband had considered uprooting the dead tree. I refused . This past summer, over the course of a week, I went outside and placed my hands around the tree’s trunk and spent time in quiet meditation. I asked God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the Angels and Saints to be present with me. And I asked God to bring my tree back to life. With faith I asked Him. I believed. From time to time I have checked on my tree and I saw it blooming little flowers that would one day bear fruit. Today, I walked outside and saw a vibrant fruit-filled kumquat tree full of life and color. The sight was breathtaking. My husband is my witness. He smirked when he first saw what I was doing. But today, he is reaping the benefits of something wonderful touched by God. Today, I would pray, that his faith grew a little deeper rooted. Jesus taught us that with the hand of God anything is possible. Do you believe?

What God Designed For You To Do

What God Designed For You To Do When someone is looking for you how is it that you respond? Are they not looking to you for your talent, wisdom, patience, or kindness. Do what you can to help those seeking your assistance, guidance or comfort. Take a leap of faith and reach out of your comfortable circle of family and friends. There are others in your community and other areas in the world that would also benefit knowing and spending time with you. For that is what God designed you to do. Mark 1:32-39 That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around What God Designed You To You the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Celebrate Birthdays and Baptisms

Celebrate Birthdays and Baptisms Today, on the last day of the Christmas season not only do we celebrate the birth day of Christ but also His baptism. Although Jesus was perfect, He was baptized by John, giving us, at the start of His public ministry a holy model to follow. Jesus was cleansed of His sins and The Holy Spirit descended upon Him making Him known to the world to be the Son and light of God. We too, at our baptism, are cleansed of original sin, The Holy Spirit descends upon us, and gives us holy light and entry into God’s Heavenly Family and Kingdom. Without baptism we have no rights to this beautiful and perfect inheritance. Without celebrating our baptism and without the simple subtle reminders of this blessed gift, we may lose sight of our divine light. When we lack focus or lose sight of good we may weaken what was once virtuous, strong and visible giving way to darkness, indifference, sinfulness, drunkenness, and a life without divine light. Throughout our lives we are encouraged to receive holy sacraments. Baptism soon after birth, first holy communion at the age of reason, confirmation at the onset of adulthood, and marriage when we have committed to a union of love and honor between a man and woman on earth for as long as God wills it. Jesus Christ lived His life following the will of God. We too are asked to live in the same way. Not to live in the way of this world, but rather live our lives in a spiritual and selfless way. Celebrating annually and recalling regularly our baptism allows us to more fully live spiritually loving one another, more readily forgive trespasses, more willingly offer assistance to those in need, and more eagerly place our faith and hope in our daily deeds, thoughts and prayers. God gave us the great gift of life at conception and birth. God has also given us the gift of our light, The Holy Spirit, and entrance into His Holy Family at baptism. Celebrate birthdays and baptisms. They are both a gift from God. Mark your calendar to remember and celebrate your gift of baptism. Every time you make the sign of the cross and mark your forehead with holy water remember your baptism and that you have the gift of the power and love of The Holy Trinity living in you. Baptism is a gift and a choice a person makes for one’s self and one’s child. May there not be an adult or child left out of God’s Holy Family or His Kingdom. Choose to share your light with all those you encounter and encourage those who do not yet know Christ. Do these things and more In the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen. I have marked my calendar and I will celebrate! Will you be celebrating your special day too?

I Am A Little Voice of One Mightier Than All

I Am A Little Voice of One Mightier Than All Someone may ask who you are? What you do believe in? What is important to you? Do you have faith? Do you believe in God? Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior? People will ask because they have questions. People will ask because they are unsure of their own views. People will ask because they want to find fault. People will ask because some need to feel superior. “We must have an answer,” they demand of us in many ways, every day. What answers, realities, or even doubts can we provide to others that holds the truth to our current spirit, seeking or lost soul, scorned or healed heart, and even our ever changing character, for we are human after all. If we speak of these things aloud we may discover things we didn’t know about ourselves. If we take time to seriously meditate in quiet prayer our spirit will be moved toward discovering who we are, what we want to be, and how we’ve already grown. What do you say about yourself? Be a voice for Jesus and be an exemplary example to others. Therefore you might reply, “I am a little voice of one mightier than all. I will do what I can to make straight the way of the Lord! John 1:19-23 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said.