Acts 12:1-11 & 2 Tim 4:6-18 & Matthew 16:13-19

 
St. Peter and St. Paul were both larger than life individuals, each in his own way. Peter was a fisherman, an outdoorsman, a family man with a brusque impetuous nature.  The Apostle Paul on the other hand was a gentleman and a scholar, who preached and wrote prolifically in several languages and produced many theological treatises that we still pore over, delighting in their complexities, letters that Peter would likely have had trouble even reading! Peter’s faith was like him – simple, strong and unswerving. Paul’s faith on the other hand was no less strong and sure, but specialized in complexities and turns of phrase that he pondered and massaged ad infinitum – and held onto through all the traumas and trials he endured on his missionary journeys, when he was at least half of the time running for his life. Both Peter and Paul were living testaments to the holiness and the love of God that have endured through two thousand years of history to still minister to us in this day and age.  Will my faith be as simple as Peter’s and tenacious as Paul’s when push comes to shove and I too (perhaps) am staring death down? Holy Spirit of God, inform me with the simplicity of Peter’s faith and the tenacity of Paul’s.     
                                                                                                                   
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  (Psalm 34:1)
 
Jesus Christ, in his infinite love, has become what we are in order that he may make us entirely what he is.
St. Iranaeus
 
For the inspiring story of a missionary doctor’s  take on trauma see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8SLF9lgVj0
 
 
Soli ad gloriam
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Genesis 18:16-33 & Matthew 8:18-22 

 
Abraham and Jesus had this in common with us today – they lived as we do in an age of great godlessness. Jesus’ response was to tell the crowds, “Do not fear, only believe.” (mark 5:36) rejoined by, “Follow me” – unconditionally. In Genesis we read the story of a man who was doing what Jesus advised 2,000 years before he said it. Abraham remained standing believing, without fear before the Lord and coming near to the Lord in prayer. As for us, facing up to the historic atrocities of our Government, and the godless policies that are not only allowed but promoted by the general public, we too re called to remain standing before the Lord and coming near to him in prayer believing in his love and mercy beyond any kind of fear.  It is not up to us to descend into the pit of godlessness around us in judgment. That is the role of God and his angels, as it was in Abraham’s time, and in Jesus’ day. Rather, my role, and indeed the role of each follower of Jesus is to remain standing before the Lord and interceding without fear by faith for those who love truth and live mercifully. Today will I focus on the godlessness around us, or on the love and mercy of God? Holy Spirit of God, help me remain standing before the Lord.  
                                                                                                                   
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (Psalm 103:1)
 
Come, Holy Spirit,
Burn away my fears,
Wipe away my tears,
Trusting you are here, Holy Spirit.
Mark Mallet, Come Holy Spirit   see   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp0d9e60lNA
 
For the inspiring story of a missionary doctor’s  take on trauma see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8SLF9lgVj0
 
 
Soli ad gloriam
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Feast of St. John the Baptist
      
Luke 1: 67-80

 
Zachariah, the father of St. John the Baptist and a Priest of the temple, served the Lord without fear in holiness and righteousness, and surely knew the prophesies of old. It seems he was also given a special understanding of the role of his son in God’s view of the redemption of humanity. Zechariah seemed to realize that the birth of John, [the Grace of God ] who was the infant son of his and his wife, Elizabeth’s old age, was pivotal because it pointed to the birth of the Messiah, the Christ child. The Benedictus, a song that he sang at the birth of his ‘miracle’ baby, is a summary of the salvation of the human race in general and of my salvation and yours specifically.  Why was God sending John out into the world to herald the Messiah soon to be born into the human condition?  So that, we might serve Him, that is God our Father, without fear of any natural, demonic or human entity, in holiness and righteousness, not worried about plans and projects but trusting in the Lord, all the days of our life. This is the goal of each human being.  This is every individual’s purpose in life.  Will I live into the purpose of my life, to serve God without fear?  Holy Spirit of God, help me serve you without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life.   
                                                                                                                   
Lord, your knowledge of me is too deep, it is beyond my understanding... I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:6,14)
 
Lord, You see me whether I am working or I am resting; you know all my actions… You are around me on every side; you protect me with your power.  
A Psalm by David, #139  (GNT)
                       
Soli ad gloriam
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 Matthew 6:24-34 

It is easy to get carried away with the flow of the river of life without having a moment to check where the currents of a particular day are taking us.  Many agendas and issues can pull us into waters that are headed into the treacherous bays of the kingdoms of materialism or fame, success or boredom, vanity or passionate pursuits. But we are designed to head for home, to the love and truth, righteousness and awesome creativity, the light and life of our heavenly Father. Today will I step into the currents of fame and fortune offered by this life, or will I first seek God and his kingdom?  Holy Spirit of God, help me today first seek your kingdom.  
                                                                                                                   
O Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. (Psalm 105:1)
 
Prayer is the root, the fountain, the mother, of a thousand blessings.
St. John Chrysostom
                       
Soli ad gloriam
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2 Corinthians 9:6-11

 
If we are made by God in his image, then we are designed to share, not just a little, but abundantly in his good works that is his creation in all of its wonderful and varied manifestations. We are to participate both passively and actively in God’s goodness. When I be-hold with my six senses the beauty and balance of the natural world, all that is good in human nature and most of all, all the fruits of the Holy Spirit bringing change around and through me, I let God’s goodness seep into my being. When I actively and generously pass on this richness of Life and Spirit to others, then I am actively sharing in God’s good works, and experience the never ending supply of goodness to which both Old and New Testament holy people and all the saints through the last two millennia have borne witnessed.  Will I continue to largely ignore God’s grace and goodness or will I abundantly receive and share his goodness and his glory? Holy Spirit of God, help me share abundantly in your goodness.  
                                                                                                                   
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. (Psalm 111:1)
 
Prayer is the root, the fountain, the mother of a thousand blessings
St. John Chrysostom
                       
Soli ad gloriam
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