318. God’s work is our joy
It all starts with Jesus. With him, we are walking in the right direction. The path is straighter, simpler, narrower. With Jesus, we are on the move and he leads us through the work he has established. His work will become our joy.
Definitely, we know that his work is for us. His work is already our joy! Paul invites us:
“Live as children of light.” Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 8
To live as “children of light”, we are invited to ask for the Light of the Holy Spirit.
May the light of God extend to those who wish to receive it in them and who dare to let it pass. May we let Jesus pass through our life.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Normandt' Bible reflexions
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
319. Love passing through
Philemon is an example for Paul:
I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon, chapter 1, verse 7
Philemon’s charity is the Love and Mercy of God in action and passing through him. Paul’s joy is that he’s conscientious and charitable toward others. It pleases his heart.
For his part, Jesus has a way of spreading joy:
“The whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.” Luke, chapter 13, verse 17
What is the vivid action Jesus is doing right now in us, on this day, simply offered to us?
Let’s always trust Jesus, let’s continually give him what we are living, so that he purifies our journey, the bridge that connects us to him. We will discover his presence in our life and for a better world.
We will gradually discover our talents throughout the mission. Our talents are different from those of others, but together we will bring to the world faith received from God.
The new American bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Philemon is an example for Paul:
I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon, chapter 1, verse 7
Philemon’s charity is the Love and Mercy of God in action and passing through him. Paul’s joy is that he’s conscientious and charitable toward others. It pleases his heart.
For his part, Jesus has a way of spreading joy:
“The whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.” Luke, chapter 13, verse 17
What is the vivid action Jesus is doing right now in us, on this day, simply offered to us?
Let’s always trust Jesus, let’s continually give him what we are living, so that he purifies our journey, the bridge that connects us to him. We will discover his presence in our life and for a better world.
We will gradually discover our talents throughout the mission. Our talents are different from those of others, but together we will bring to the world faith received from God.
The new American bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
320. Grace and peace
Our first pope Peter wishes us what we also want to wish each other:
“May grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter, chapter 1, verse 2
“May grace and peace be yours!” Grace and peace to all, but also knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ! The more we engage in Jesus’s “knowledge”, the more our faith rises in humility and charity for every person who meets with us on the road.
As for any realization, Peter invites us to the effort of reception, to the effort to be there. We can read it slowly:
“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.” 2 Peter, chapter 1, verses 5 to 7
There is a clear progression of faith in what Peter describes to us. In short, virtue serves and leads to know God. Virtue is the door that opens to conversion and progression through sincere and lived faith.
Knowing God gives us control on our thoughts, our senses, our language, our actions, in order to live humbly and to edify our neighbour.
Self-control brings balance and perseverance, endurance.
Piety and virtue develops shoulder to shoulder with perseverance.
Fraternity is the fruit of piety. Fraternity is intimately linked to Love. It is the mission that God proposes to us.
We embark on a virtuous life to join a Loving meeting in God, Love that forms and ends the loop: virtue - knowledge of God - self-control - perseverance - piety - fraternity - love. May we commit ourselves to repeat it and live it, in a loop, in order to stretch out our heart, to bind it to Love and thus to obtain eternal life. By knowing God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Our first pope Peter wishes us what we also want to wish each other:
“May grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter, chapter 1, verse 2
“May grace and peace be yours!” Grace and peace to all, but also knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ! The more we engage in Jesus’s “knowledge”, the more our faith rises in humility and charity for every person who meets with us on the road.
As for any realization, Peter invites us to the effort of reception, to the effort to be there. We can read it slowly:
“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.” 2 Peter, chapter 1, verses 5 to 7
There is a clear progression of faith in what Peter describes to us. In short, virtue serves and leads to know God. Virtue is the door that opens to conversion and progression through sincere and lived faith.
Knowing God gives us control on our thoughts, our senses, our language, our actions, in order to live humbly and to edify our neighbour.
Self-control brings balance and perseverance, endurance.
Piety and virtue develops shoulder to shoulder with perseverance.
Fraternity is the fruit of piety. Fraternity is intimately linked to Love. It is the mission that God proposes to us.
We embark on a virtuous life to join a Loving meeting in God, Love that forms and ends the loop: virtue - knowledge of God - self-control - perseverance - piety - fraternity - love. May we commit ourselves to repeat it and live it, in a loop, in order to stretch out our heart, to bind it to Love and thus to obtain eternal life. By knowing God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
321. Summit of Hope
This text of Paul is called the Kenosis. It is the descent of God and he passes into our human reality:
“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
“Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians, chapter 2, verses 5 to 11
He came into human nature, through the “yes” of Mary. Mary carries him in her until she gives him back to the world.
God shows us his great mercy and Love by embracing our human condition, in order to transform it for the sole purpose of gathering us together and leading us to the Father’s house.
God could’ve stayed aloof and seem from another world, as we search for answers to our life on earth. But God wears our reality.
Jesus shows us his mercy by taking a body like ours and giving it back its nobility, its beauty. He rectifies and converts through purification our sin-prone fragile body and brings it back to its natural condition.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
This text of Paul is called the Kenosis. It is the descent of God and he passes into our human reality:
“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
“Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians, chapter 2, verses 5 to 11
He came into human nature, through the “yes” of Mary. Mary carries him in her until she gives him back to the world.
God shows us his great mercy and Love by embracing our human condition, in order to transform it for the sole purpose of gathering us together and leading us to the Father’s house.
God could’ve stayed aloof and seem from another world, as we search for answers to our life on earth. But God wears our reality.
Jesus shows us his mercy by taking a body like ours and giving it back its nobility, its beauty. He rectifies and converts through purification our sin-prone fragile body and brings it back to its natural condition.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
322. A jewel
Jesus is the one who draws people to him. He tells us in his parable:
“Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.” Luke, chapter 14, verse 23
We know that freedom is a jewel for those who use it to enter the Heart of God. But freedom becomes camouflaged by a virus, when they don’t use it to enter Jesus and remain in his Heart.
It is written that God wants us to enter by force: “make people come in”. But in the language of God, it’s easy to understand what he really wants to tell us. It might be something like this: “Bring them in with all the strength of my Love that I placed in your heart.” That being said, we understand how delicately, but with what insistence God tries to find us and gather us on his Heart. We are attracted to him.
To welcome Jesus is to give him time so that he may sanctify our life. In our hearts, let’s join the feast of all the saints: “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. Philippians, chapter 2, verses 10 and 11
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Jesus is the one who draws people to him. He tells us in his parable:
“Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.” Luke, chapter 14, verse 23
We know that freedom is a jewel for those who use it to enter the Heart of God. But freedom becomes camouflaged by a virus, when they don’t use it to enter Jesus and remain in his Heart.
It is written that God wants us to enter by force: “make people come in”. But in the language of God, it’s easy to understand what he really wants to tell us. It might be something like this: “Bring them in with all the strength of my Love that I placed in your heart.” That being said, we understand how delicately, but with what insistence God tries to find us and gather us on his Heart. We are attracted to him.
To welcome Jesus is to give him time so that he may sanctify our life. In our hearts, let’s join the feast of all the saints: “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. Philippians, chapter 2, verses 10 and 11
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
323. The wealth we need
During Jesus’s descent into the bread and wine and after communion, let’s remember why we fall to our knees during Mass and adore him. Because Jesus is God, he lowers himself to our height and he saves us. We wish to thank him. He is the reason and faith of our worship.
Jesus lowered himself to us, he took flesh in the body of a Virgin named Mary. He is God and he knows us humans, since he is the Lord of creation. He knows the heart of the human. Jesus is the only wealth we need. No need to look elsewhere.
Everything that sneakily draws us in the worldly is complicit to our distance from God. We are often distracted from other activities in other places. And time flies by if we don’t allow ourselves a moment for a sincere dialogue with Jesus in our heart. That unnecessarily monopolizes our interest, causes a lack of relationship with God and makes us waste precious time.
Jesus tells us that we are called to holiness. We have in us the mark of the children of God and our being is attracted by grace at every moment.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
During Jesus’s descent into the bread and wine and after communion, let’s remember why we fall to our knees during Mass and adore him. Because Jesus is God, he lowers himself to our height and he saves us. We wish to thank him. He is the reason and faith of our worship.
Jesus lowered himself to us, he took flesh in the body of a Virgin named Mary. He is God and he knows us humans, since he is the Lord of creation. He knows the heart of the human. Jesus is the only wealth we need. No need to look elsewhere.
Everything that sneakily draws us in the worldly is complicit to our distance from God. We are often distracted from other activities in other places. And time flies by if we don’t allow ourselves a moment for a sincere dialogue with Jesus in our heart. That unnecessarily monopolizes our interest, causes a lack of relationship with God and makes us waste precious time.
Jesus tells us that we are called to holiness. We have in us the mark of the children of God and our being is attracted by grace at every moment.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
324. Let’s let Jesus find us
Ah! The book of Wisdom. Here we read:
“Love justice, you who judge the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart; Because he is found by those who test him not, and he manifests himself to those who don’t disbelieve him.” Wisdom, chapter 1, verses 1 to 2
Let’s seek Jesus with a simple heart. That is to say, may we let Jesus find us. He will drive us on his way.
“Putting him to the test” is putting us to the test. Over the years, we have developed practices that are sometimes automated. It will be important to return to Jesus and “pray with the heart” as Our Lady of Peace proposes to us in Medjugorje.
Let’s repeat what the Apostles ask of Jesus:
“Increase our faith.” Luke, chapter 17, verse 5
Faith increases to the extent that we want to let go of what falsely secures us and that we want to receive from Jesus everything that leads us to him, all that will help us to free ourselves from our bonds and make us free by the Loving Trinity.
May Mary accompany us, who has been freed and protected from all that can keep away from Jesus. May Mary teach us to stay with him.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Ah! The book of Wisdom. Here we read:
“Love justice, you who judge the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart; Because he is found by those who test him not, and he manifests himself to those who don’t disbelieve him.” Wisdom, chapter 1, verses 1 to 2
Let’s seek Jesus with a simple heart. That is to say, may we let Jesus find us. He will drive us on his way.
“Putting him to the test” is putting us to the test. Over the years, we have developed practices that are sometimes automated. It will be important to return to Jesus and “pray with the heart” as Our Lady of Peace proposes to us in Medjugorje.
Let’s repeat what the Apostles ask of Jesus:
“Increase our faith.” Luke, chapter 17, verse 5
Faith increases to the extent that we want to let go of what falsely secures us and that we want to receive from Jesus everything that leads us to him, all that will help us to free ourselves from our bonds and make us free by the Loving Trinity.
May Mary accompany us, who has been freed and protected from all that can keep away from Jesus. May Mary teach us to stay with him.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
168. Mission school
May we recognize that Jesus is Lord and saves us from evil and sin.
Jesus sends his disciples to learn at the mission school. He sends us there too. He tells us, “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Matthew chapter 9, verse 13
It’s reassuring. We are all called to him. Here and now, he asks us to be merciful. It’s difficult for us to become “righteous”, but it’s to become righteous that we are called to become. We are sinners and yet we are asked to offer to others what God offers us.
God’s justice is what he transmits to us through Love; joy, peace, mercy, hope, etc. Let’s offer them too. In this way, we will always be searching, standing, walking.
The school of life and faith in Jesus is just beginning. Let’s remain in the mission and stay awake to seek the Doctor. Here we’re on the road to follow Jesus and we want to enter salvation, freely.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Watch with faith, Normand Thomas
May we recognize that Jesus is Lord and saves us from evil and sin.
Jesus sends his disciples to learn at the mission school. He sends us there too. He tells us, “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Matthew chapter 9, verse 13
It’s reassuring. We are all called to him. Here and now, he asks us to be merciful. It’s difficult for us to become “righteous”, but it’s to become righteous that we are called to become. We are sinners and yet we are asked to offer to others what God offers us.
God’s justice is what he transmits to us through Love; joy, peace, mercy, hope, etc. Let’s offer them too. In this way, we will always be searching, standing, walking.
The school of life and faith in Jesus is just beginning. Let’s remain in the mission and stay awake to seek the Doctor. Here we’re on the road to follow Jesus and we want to enter salvation, freely.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Watch with faith, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
326. Listening
Publicans and sinners came to listen to Jesus. But some of them don’t listen anymore:
“The Pharisees and scribes began to complain (against him).” Luke, chapter 15, verse 2
It’s very unfortunate that they are bothering him, while Jesus takes care of the people who came to listen to him. Some are listening but others don’t. They’re wasting a lot of time, and only wanting to trap him.
Jesus tells them how joyful he is of being surrounded by people who want to hear him:
“What woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbours and says to them, ’Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’” Luke, chapter 15, verses 8 to 9
Jesus is not compared to a coin. But Jesus shares this scene to offer a teaching to those who don’t realize what they are losing, since they don’t fully realize what Jesus represents; our ultimate wealth.
Some scribes and pharisees lose a lot, while they search for some defect about Jesus and especially, while they seek default catching. They keep people from following God’s mission. They’re pushing souls away.
Jesus came to gather sheep, his family, his people and some people put him to the test. How much easier it is to offer our services, to help and encourage those who work for the glory of God and the salvation of the world, in the name of Jesus, rather than thwarting his plan of salvation.
And when we found Jesus as this woman her lost drachma, there we find the way to become free while being responsible. We enter into joy and peace, an intensely greater joy to find Jesus than a lost coin.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Publicans and sinners came to listen to Jesus. But some of them don’t listen anymore:
“The Pharisees and scribes began to complain (against him).” Luke, chapter 15, verse 2
It’s very unfortunate that they are bothering him, while Jesus takes care of the people who came to listen to him. Some are listening but others don’t. They’re wasting a lot of time, and only wanting to trap him.
Jesus tells them how joyful he is of being surrounded by people who want to hear him:
“What woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbours and says to them, ’Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’” Luke, chapter 15, verses 8 to 9
Jesus is not compared to a coin. But Jesus shares this scene to offer a teaching to those who don’t realize what they are losing, since they don’t fully realize what Jesus represents; our ultimate wealth.
Some scribes and pharisees lose a lot, while they search for some defect about Jesus and especially, while they seek default catching. They keep people from following God’s mission. They’re pushing souls away.
Jesus came to gather sheep, his family, his people and some people put him to the test. How much easier it is to offer our services, to help and encourage those who work for the glory of God and the salvation of the world, in the name of Jesus, rather than thwarting his plan of salvation.
And when we found Jesus as this woman her lost drachma, there we find the way to become free while being responsible. We enter into joy and peace, an intensely greater joy to find Jesus than a lost coin.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
327. Prayer of a multitude
The reality of life becomes clear when we allow the Trinity to settle in us. We can say that we have prayed for many years and that nothing changes, that we pray during Mass regularly and that nothing changes, that we live our faith to the best of our ability and that nothing changes. Yet there is change, even without our knowledge. There is always change!
We cannot see everything, know everything and yet the life of many is improving because of the prayer of a multitude in heaven and in the world. God offers a unique mission and, let’s acknowledge it, extraordinary by its simplicity and humility, by prayer.
What does God do in us? Maybe we don’t see and maybe we’re not totally unaware of it, but God knows what he’s doing with our prayers, our intentions, with faith. We are simply transformed from coming to Mass, listening to the Word and receiving the Eucharist. This is slowly unveiled to us year after year.
God can do wonders before our eyes, in our hearts and in the hearts of others, without our being aware of them. Even though usually we can feel and see some change. Let’s restore our trust in God and let him transform his world, his children, and our poor prayers. He is truly accomplishing Love in hearts. Prayer allows him to go from his Heart to our heart to hearts. It’s all about opening up to him.
Let’s rejoice in the hope and joy of knowing that God’s Love reigns in the universe, for the salvation of all.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
The reality of life becomes clear when we allow the Trinity to settle in us. We can say that we have prayed for many years and that nothing changes, that we pray during Mass regularly and that nothing changes, that we live our faith to the best of our ability and that nothing changes. Yet there is change, even without our knowledge. There is always change!
We cannot see everything, know everything and yet the life of many is improving because of the prayer of a multitude in heaven and in the world. God offers a unique mission and, let’s acknowledge it, extraordinary by its simplicity and humility, by prayer.
What does God do in us? Maybe we don’t see and maybe we’re not totally unaware of it, but God knows what he’s doing with our prayers, our intentions, with faith. We are simply transformed from coming to Mass, listening to the Word and receiving the Eucharist. This is slowly unveiled to us year after year.
God can do wonders before our eyes, in our hearts and in the hearts of others, without our being aware of them. Even though usually we can feel and see some change. Let’s restore our trust in God and let him transform his world, his children, and our poor prayers. He is truly accomplishing Love in hearts. Prayer allows him to go from his Heart to our heart to hearts. It’s all about opening up to him.
Let’s rejoice in the hope and joy of knowing that God’s Love reigns in the universe, for the salvation of all.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
328. Talents
In what follows, let’s notice what Jesus said to him who received his five talents. He did not do anything to receive his talents, but with Jesus, they amount to more:
“The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, ’Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.” Matthew 25, verses 20 to 21
He was already living in his master’s joy. And the Lord confirms to him that joy will remain, since he has submitted to his joy.
Let’s ask Jesus again to reveal our talents to us and enter the joy of the Master right away.
Let’s pray together that the authority of the members of the Catholic Church is always united to the will of the Trinity. May there be many apostles and disciples in the world who live their relationship with God. May they be luminous witnesses for the salvation of all.
Like Mary and Joseph, let’s become more and more saturated people with the Presence of God (mission) for humanity. This saturation is not pressure building on the body, but it’s revealed by a spiritual well-being.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
In what follows, let’s notice what Jesus said to him who received his five talents. He did not do anything to receive his talents, but with Jesus, they amount to more:
“The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, ’Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.” Matthew 25, verses 20 to 21
He was already living in his master’s joy. And the Lord confirms to him that joy will remain, since he has submitted to his joy.
Let’s ask Jesus again to reveal our talents to us and enter the joy of the Master right away.
Let’s pray together that the authority of the members of the Catholic Church is always united to the will of the Trinity. May there be many apostles and disciples in the world who live their relationship with God. May they be luminous witnesses for the salvation of all.
Like Mary and Joseph, let’s become more and more saturated people with the Presence of God (mission) for humanity. This saturation is not pressure building on the body, but it’s revealed by a spiritual well-being.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
329. Let’s stay with Jesus
Our first pope understands what the scriptures say about Jesus. He is ready to lead the mission. He bears witness to Jesus Christ. After all he has seen, all he has lived, heard, touched of Jesus, Peter is on the road to proclaim the Good News.
Peter became Good News in all his being. He can only want to relay it. He knows to what extent Jesus went to teach us eternal life. He knows how Jesus offered well-being to those seeking the Doctor. He knows why Jesus healed sick people and invited them to stand up and walk. He understands that faith is supported by a sincere relationship with Jesus.
Peter knows why Jesus wanted to gather all the sheep in order to bring them to him, then to the Kingdom of Heaven. He knows why Jesus surrounded himself with sinners to become fishermen of souls.
Peter knows that all of God’s Love is contained in Jesus’s life and that his Love will not end:
“Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts, chapter 10, verse 43
God’s Love purifies our being from sins, when we want it, when we don’t seek ways to keep Jesus away from us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Our first pope understands what the scriptures say about Jesus. He is ready to lead the mission. He bears witness to Jesus Christ. After all he has seen, all he has lived, heard, touched of Jesus, Peter is on the road to proclaim the Good News.
Peter became Good News in all his being. He can only want to relay it. He knows to what extent Jesus went to teach us eternal life. He knows how Jesus offered well-being to those seeking the Doctor. He knows why Jesus healed sick people and invited them to stand up and walk. He understands that faith is supported by a sincere relationship with Jesus.
Peter knows why Jesus wanted to gather all the sheep in order to bring them to him, then to the Kingdom of Heaven. He knows why Jesus surrounded himself with sinners to become fishermen of souls.
Peter knows that all of God’s Love is contained in Jesus’s life and that his Love will not end:
“Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts, chapter 10, verse 43
God’s Love purifies our being from sins, when we want it, when we don’t seek ways to keep Jesus away from us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
330. To seek Jesus
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it’s wonderful in our eyes.” Matthew, chapter 21, verse 42
Peter knows how people tried to reject Jesus. But he knows how much better it is to stay united to him and walk with him.
Paul, for his part, was struck down by the Luminous Presence of the Lord. He tells of what is most incomprehensible. Jesus, the one who was crucified, is risen:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Colossians, chapter 3, verses 1 to 2
Paul invites us to seek Jesus, otherwise we will miss out on what we need, ultimately. He invites us to follow the living saints, who follow the living one, Jesus.
We are resurrected in Christ. He invites us to continue to seek the realities from above, since Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. The closer we come to the Love of God, the more our point of view changes, reality becomes clear, our being becomes light. We are called to the same glory as the Trinity:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice in it and be glad.” Psalm 118, verse 24
Hallelujah! Come, let’s praise the Lord!
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it’s wonderful in our eyes.” Matthew, chapter 21, verse 42
Peter knows how people tried to reject Jesus. But he knows how much better it is to stay united to him and walk with him.
Paul, for his part, was struck down by the Luminous Presence of the Lord. He tells of what is most incomprehensible. Jesus, the one who was crucified, is risen:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Colossians, chapter 3, verses 1 to 2
Paul invites us to seek Jesus, otherwise we will miss out on what we need, ultimately. He invites us to follow the living saints, who follow the living one, Jesus.
We are resurrected in Christ. He invites us to continue to seek the realities from above, since Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. The closer we come to the Love of God, the more our point of view changes, reality becomes clear, our being becomes light. We are called to the same glory as the Trinity:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice in it and be glad.” Psalm 118, verse 24
Hallelujah! Come, let’s praise the Lord!
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
331. Preparation
The mission we’re in is the preparation for evangelization:
“One of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it. ‘See, he said, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.’” Isaiah, chapter 6, verses 6 to 7
To become evangelizers, to enter the New Evangelization proposed by pope John Paul II, we must live a personal conversion to receive fully the Love of God, of Christ. We must live a continuous conversion, otherwise we do not experience it and live it.
Isaiah walks in the movement of this conversion. But he must also live the forgiveness of his faults to live well the mission that will be his. A seraph takes care of that: “Your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” This is a major step for faith and for receiving God’s mission.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’ I said; ‘send me!’” Isaiah, chapter 6, verse 8
After experiencing the forgiveness of his sins, Isaiah is ready to listen to God. Let’s think about this, it’s important. God can offer us his mission, but if we do not live the forgiveness of sin, we aren’t ready to be sent.
God sends on a mission the person whose fault is taken away, the sin forgiven. If not, God is waiting and he may wait a long time. The more we are purified in the grace of God, the more we walk in the mission to which God invites us, because we are more open to him. We become responsible for the mission by letting ourselves be Loved by God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
The mission we’re in is the preparation for evangelization:
“One of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it. ‘See, he said, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.’” Isaiah, chapter 6, verses 6 to 7
To become evangelizers, to enter the New Evangelization proposed by pope John Paul II, we must live a personal conversion to receive fully the Love of God, of Christ. We must live a continuous conversion, otherwise we do not experience it and live it.
Isaiah walks in the movement of this conversion. But he must also live the forgiveness of his faults to live well the mission that will be his. A seraph takes care of that: “Your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” This is a major step for faith and for receiving God’s mission.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’ I said; ‘send me!’” Isaiah, chapter 6, verse 8
After experiencing the forgiveness of his sins, Isaiah is ready to listen to God. Let’s think about this, it’s important. God can offer us his mission, but if we do not live the forgiveness of sin, we aren’t ready to be sent.
God sends on a mission the person whose fault is taken away, the sin forgiven. If not, God is waiting and he may wait a long time. The more we are purified in the grace of God, the more we walk in the mission to which God invites us, because we are more open to him. We become responsible for the mission by letting ourselves be Loved by God.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
332. Our personal mission
Paul invites us to deepen our faith, it’s our personal mission:
“I remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 1 to 2
Let’s receive the Gospel, meditate on it, share it. Many of us share on the Word and faith in small groups. Whenever we pray alone or in groups, the Word enters our life and sows new small shoots of faith and hope. To remain attached to the Word and the Eucharist saves us. To move away from it, takes us away from God.
Jesus teaches his Word:
“While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.” Luke, chapter 5, verse 1
The crowd stands near Jesus to hear his teaching. When we come together to share the Word, Jesus teaches the group in particular and he also teaches us personally.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Paul invites us to deepen our faith, it’s our personal mission:
“I remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 1 to 2
Let’s receive the Gospel, meditate on it, share it. Many of us share on the Word and faith in small groups. Whenever we pray alone or in groups, the Word enters our life and sows new small shoots of faith and hope. To remain attached to the Word and the Eucharist saves us. To move away from it, takes us away from God.
Jesus teaches his Word:
“While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.” Luke, chapter 5, verse 1
The crowd stands near Jesus to hear his teaching. When we come together to share the Word, Jesus teaches the group in particular and he also teaches us personally.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
333. In deep water
Jesus says to Simon (Peter):
“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Luke, chapter 5, verse 4
After teaching, he sends the Apostles fishing.
After we have received the teaching of Jesus, we will also be invited to become teachers (fishermen). We become evangelizers of the Good News that is Jesus. We spread his message.
The mission is to find a way to equip people who can evangelize. Let’s just accept the basics of faith, to offer them. We don’t have to worry, the Holy Spirit will inspire us to say what is needed to the people around us. But let’s remain united to the Church’s teaching.
Respect for the person, his situation, a number of factors must be taken into consideration. It’s important to teach through charity and above all to be observant of people’s needs.
If we set out, if we expose the sails, we will discover all that the Lord has sown in us for a joyful evangelization in and for the world. We receive more in ourselves than we can imagine. We become bearers of the presence of Christ with enhanced flavour, just as salt enhances the taste of food.
Let’s learn to keep one foot in the sheepfold and the other in the world, to go to the sheep that are also waiting for the Good News of salvation. Our family and the human family are also the people who are called to holiness, to live through Jesus’s presence.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Jesus says to Simon (Peter):
“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Luke, chapter 5, verse 4
After teaching, he sends the Apostles fishing.
After we have received the teaching of Jesus, we will also be invited to become teachers (fishermen). We become evangelizers of the Good News that is Jesus. We spread his message.
The mission is to find a way to equip people who can evangelize. Let’s just accept the basics of faith, to offer them. We don’t have to worry, the Holy Spirit will inspire us to say what is needed to the people around us. But let’s remain united to the Church’s teaching.
Respect for the person, his situation, a number of factors must be taken into consideration. It’s important to teach through charity and above all to be observant of people’s needs.
If we set out, if we expose the sails, we will discover all that the Lord has sown in us for a joyful evangelization in and for the world. We receive more in ourselves than we can imagine. We become bearers of the presence of Christ with enhanced flavour, just as salt enhances the taste of food.
Let’s learn to keep one foot in the sheepfold and the other in the world, to go to the sheep that are also waiting for the Good News of salvation. Our family and the human family are also the people who are called to holiness, to live through Jesus’s presence.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
334. Learn from the Spirit
Let’s be constantly on a mission to learn from the Holy Spirit, from Jesus and his Church, and the Father, and gradually become the evangelizers of the Love of God. All people are waiting on Jesus’s teaching, without exception, whether they are aware of it or not.
It is written:
“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” Acts, chapter 2, verse 42
Together, in fraternal communion “to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers”. In the early days when we were aware that Mass was important, that the teachings of the Church were necessary for our faith and that participating in prayers helped us understand salvation and then live to move toward salvation, we felt the presence of God in us, just like the first christians following the Apostles, have their hearts turned toward Jesus.
Let’s ask Jesus to bring us back to the grounding of our first conversion, our first loving experience with God, the spiritual honeymoon we were naturally immersed in. If we have not experienced this first conversion of the heart, let’s ask Jesus to take our life in hand and show us how to follow him. Let’s be aware of his movements inside us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Let’s be constantly on a mission to learn from the Holy Spirit, from Jesus and his Church, and the Father, and gradually become the evangelizers of the Love of God. All people are waiting on Jesus’s teaching, without exception, whether they are aware of it or not.
It is written:
“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” Acts, chapter 2, verse 42
Together, in fraternal communion “to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers”. In the early days when we were aware that Mass was important, that the teachings of the Church were necessary for our faith and that participating in prayers helped us understand salvation and then live to move toward salvation, we felt the presence of God in us, just like the first christians following the Apostles, have their hearts turned toward Jesus.
Let’s ask Jesus to bring us back to the grounding of our first conversion, our first loving experience with God, the spiritual honeymoon we were naturally immersed in. If we have not experienced this first conversion of the heart, let’s ask Jesus to take our life in hand and show us how to follow him. Let’s be aware of his movements inside us.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
335. Our concern is to teach
Paul recommends dedication to his beloved son, Titus:
“You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely.” Titus, chapter 2, verse 1
Titus also receives some guidance for the homily. Paul says to him:
“Showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized.” Titus, chapter 2, verses 7 to 8
Paul teaches (evangelizes) his best in the days that is his. What he proposes are good recommendations for everyone:
“Our saviour Jesus Christ, gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.” Titus, chapter 2, verses 13 to 14
Jesus seeks in each person the one who will transmit his message to the world.
The Church has always had the concern to teach in the midst of customs, cultures, people of her time. Let’s adjust to the people of our time. We are with them, now.
With what was raised earlier in the text, we see that there are many beautiful attitudes that we can already include in our lives with healthy, caring gestures and words.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Paul recommends dedication to his beloved son, Titus:
“You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely.” Titus, chapter 2, verse 1
Titus also receives some guidance for the homily. Paul says to him:
“Showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized.” Titus, chapter 2, verses 7 to 8
Paul teaches (evangelizes) his best in the days that is his. What he proposes are good recommendations for everyone:
“Our saviour Jesus Christ, gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.” Titus, chapter 2, verses 13 to 14
Jesus seeks in each person the one who will transmit his message to the world.
The Church has always had the concern to teach in the midst of customs, cultures, people of her time. Let’s adjust to the people of our time. We are with them, now.
With what was raised earlier in the text, we see that there are many beautiful attitudes that we can already include in our lives with healthy, caring gestures and words.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
336. Teaching is necessary
Jesus is with the Apostles and he wants to find a better place to speak to the crowd gathered around him to listen to his Word. He gets into Simon Peter’s boat and asks him to paddle from the shore so that his voice is better heard:
“Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.” Luke, chapter 5, verse 3
Simon’s boat represents the craft of the Church. And Jesus wants to teach Simon Peter that teaching is a necessity to make known the will of God. The Church, in foundation, in becoming, will be invested to teach (to evangelize) the Gospel to numerous crowds.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Jesus is with the Apostles and he wants to find a better place to speak to the crowd gathered around him to listen to his Word. He gets into Simon Peter’s boat and asks him to paddle from the shore so that his voice is better heard:
“Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.” Luke, chapter 5, verse 3
Simon’s boat represents the craft of the Church. And Jesus wants to teach Simon Peter that teaching is a necessity to make known the will of God. The Church, in foundation, in becoming, will be invested to teach (to evangelize) the Gospel to numerous crowds.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
337. Faith unites
The fear of a responsible person is that the disciples begin to scatter when he’s no longer around. We say, “When the cat leaves, the mice dance!” However, the principle that keeps a group together is not only the leader.
The faith of all members weighs in the balance against the temptation to lead away from the Lord. Each member is responsible for staying in the boat.
Moreover, the Church is well organized so that no one is left alone. Jesus wanted Apostles gathered with him to participate in the foundation of the Church and to watch over its functioning, as well as its necessary laws, supporting freedom.
The Apostles also blessed other vocations, in the name of Jesus, who participate and continue the mission. And so on, until now. We need the support of each other’s faith, as in a relay race that leads humanity to the Heart of God.
Paul gives his last recommendations to the Church of Ephesus and at the same time, it’s as if he puts his confidence in their hands. The Church of Ephesus must now find the strength to organize themselves:
I ask you not to lose heart over my afflictions for you; this is your glory. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians, chapter 3, verses 13 to 21
Paul knows he will not always be with the parishioners of Ephesus. He relies on their faith and union to follow Christ with the Spirit, in the Church, supported by the Father’s will.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas
The fear of a responsible person is that the disciples begin to scatter when he’s no longer around. We say, “When the cat leaves, the mice dance!” However, the principle that keeps a group together is not only the leader.
The faith of all members weighs in the balance against the temptation to lead away from the Lord. Each member is responsible for staying in the boat.
Moreover, the Church is well organized so that no one is left alone. Jesus wanted Apostles gathered with him to participate in the foundation of the Church and to watch over its functioning, as well as its necessary laws, supporting freedom.
The Apostles also blessed other vocations, in the name of Jesus, who participate and continue the mission. And so on, until now. We need the support of each other’s faith, as in a relay race that leads humanity to the Heart of God.
Paul gives his last recommendations to the Church of Ephesus and at the same time, it’s as if he puts his confidence in their hands. The Church of Ephesus must now find the strength to organize themselves:
I ask you not to lose heart over my afflictions for you; this is your glory. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians, chapter 3, verses 13 to 21
Paul knows he will not always be with the parishioners of Ephesus. He relies on their faith and union to follow Christ with the Spirit, in the Church, supported by the Father’s will.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: The heart’s mission, Normand Thomas