"Be Holy! For I Am Holy"

The other day, my 6 year old son found an old Talking GI Joe doll in the closet that was mine when I was his age. Talking GI Joe had life-like hair and a beard. In the technology Stone Age of the late 60s, this was an awesome toy for a young boy. GI Joe had a draw string on his back and when you pulled it, there were four different phrases he would say. With age and normal wear-and-tear, GI Joe began to say one phrase over and over. No matter how many times I pulled it, he just kept saying the same thing:

"I have a tough assignment for you!"

What does that have to do with religion? Well, it reminded me of Father Corapi's Immortal Combat series (about our spiritual battle against Satan) and the tough assignment we Christians have on a day-to-day basis. Especially, when I read this command from God in Leviticus 11:44:

"Be holy, for I am holy."

• 1 Peter 1:13-16: Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

This reminded of another phrase Talking GI Joe used to say: "This is going to be rough. Can you handle it?"

• Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Yes, being Holy and like God is a real challenge. Judging from a poll I found on the Internet, many Christians aren't even sure what it means to be Holy.

So what does being Holy mean?

HOLY: Spiritually whole or sound, of unimpaired innocence and virtue, separate from sin, set apart for God, pure in heart, pious, saintly, acceptable to God, dedicated or devoted to the service of God

How does one become more Holy?

Ask this question and you'll get a variety of answers. I wrote a previous blog in June "How to do I become a Better Christian" that can help but remember the importance of being humble. As Father Corapi says, "No Humility, No Holiness. No Holiness, No Heaven."

• Matthew 23:12: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
• Hebrews 12:14: Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Talking GI Joe's third phrase: "We must get there before dark. Follow me!"

Yes, as Christians, we should reach out to those in the world before darkness sets in and be like stars that illuminate the night sky. We accepted this challenge when we chose to follow Christ.

• Job 30:26: Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness.
• Matthew 4:19:"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
  
  

Finally, the fourth phrase Talking GI Joe used to say was: "Mission accomplished. Good work, men!"

This comment reminds me of the scripture below if we fight the good fight in this spiritual battle on earth until the end:

Matthew 25:23:

His master replied,

'Well done, good and faithful servant!

You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things.

Come and share your master's happiness!'

Talking GI Joe, Spiritual Action Figure. Weapons (Bible, Crucifix, Rosary, Holy Water bottle) sold separately.

And if you can't tell, yes, I played Army men with my son. That helps too.

• Matthew 18:3-4: And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Humbly Yours,

© Michael J. Cox

The Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is one of the many reasons why I chose to become Catholic. But what is the scriptural proof that marriage is a sacrament? First, we have to know the definition of what a sacrament is.

What is a Sacrament?

A sacrament is "outward signs of inward grace instituted by Christ for our sanctification."

Another definition of a sacrament is: "a rite, instituted by Christ, that mediates grace, constituting a sacred mystery."

Since the New Testament was originally written in Greek, not Latin, the word for sacrament we find in the Bible is the Greek word mysterion, "mystery." Sacraments are something of a mystery, something we cannot fully understand.

Marriage as a Sacrament

Most Protestants don't view marriage as a sacrament. John Calvin was very influential in this line of thinking. Calvin wrote:

"Lastly, there is matrimony, which all admit was instituted by God, though no one before the time of (Pope) Gregory regarded it as a sacrament. What man in his sober senses could so regard it? God's ordinance is good and holy; so also are agriculture, architecture, shoemaking, hair-cutting legitimate ordinances of God, but they are not sacraments."

This is not true.

More than a eleven hundred years before Pope Gregory and the Council of Trent (1545-1563), Saint Augustine (Augustine of Hippo) stated:

"Among all people and all men the good that is secured by marriage consists in the offspring and in the chastity of married fidelity; but, in the case of God’s people, it consists moreover in the holiness of the sacrament, by reason of which it is forbidden, even after a separation has taken place, to marry another as long as the first partner lives . . ." (Source: St. Augustine, De bono conjugii - chap. xxiv in P.L., XL, 394)

The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) was the first to list marriage in the official list of church's seven sacraments.

As Catholic Encyclopedia explains: "The reason why marriage was not expressly and formally included among the sacraments earlier and the denial of it branded as heresy, is to be found in the historical development of the doctrine regarding the sacraments; but the fact itself may be traced to Apostolic times."

Calvin's Viewpoint

Backing up to Calvin's viewpoint, the difference between marriage versus agriculture, architecture, shoemaking, etc, is that these vocations lack a mysterious bond that unites man and woman.

When a man and a women are married, they are united as One:

• Genesis 2:24: For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
  
• Mark 10:7-9: 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.


• Ephesians 5:31-32: “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall I be one flesh. This mystery is great; but I speak in regard to Christ and the church.

Earlier in Ephesians, what is marriage compared to? Christ’s church.

• Ephesians 5:23: For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
• Ephesians 5:25: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

And what makes marriage higher than any vocation? What is often the result of this union? God willing--Children--more potential members in Christ's Kingdom.

• Malachi 2:15; Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring.

And God won't hate it if you divorce your career as a farmer, architect, shoemaker, etc. God does, however, hate divorcing your spouse.

• Malachi 2:16: "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel

Christ's First Miracle

Is it any surprise where Christ's first miracle was performed and what his first miracle turned out to be? At a wedding at Cana when he turned water into wine. See: John 2:1-11 The covenant of marriage parallels the New Covenant Jesus brought to the world. See: Luke 22:20

Building Your Marriage Around God

The following scripture shows the benefit of marriage and hints at the importance of making God the center of it.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

The three strands in the cord above are husband, wife and God. Simple math: 1 + 1 = 2. Whereas God's math: 1 + 1 + 1 = 1 (Husband + Wife + God = One). God is the steel strand in the cord. If you center your marriage around God, Satan will not be able to unravel it, divide it or break it.

Given the fact the U.S. has the highest divorce rate in the world, it is important to understand the real purpose of marriage. It isn't necessarily to make us happy, it is to make us more Holy. Ultimately, our happiness comes from our Lord.

Just like religious vocations in the priesthood, we are called to devote ourselves to our spouses as priests devote themselves to their flock. More importantly, as Christ gave himself up for us. That is why marriage is compared to Christ's church in Ephesians. Loving and forgiving the one closest to us, is a great day-to-day test of our Faith.

So please remember:

• Colossians 3:13: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
• Ephesians 5:25-28: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
• Ephesians 5:22-24: Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

And also remember, in troubled times in your marriage and everyday life:

• Ephesians 6:12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Don't let Satan ruin your marriage with selfishness, pride and anger.

Pray for humility and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Peace be with you,

© Michael J. Cox

Alcohol, Drugs and Happiness

I am sure that quite a few people have been impacted by alcohol or drug use in their own life or with someone close to them. Nineteen percent of alcoholics are married. One out of thirteen deaths in the U.S. are alcohol related. Since many alcoholics and drug users resort to drinking or doing drugs to escape from the real world or to elevate their mood, this blog will look at the summit and source of real happiness.

Alcohol/Drug Use

Simply stated: drugs and alcohol, if abused, ruin lives and can destroy marriages. Most people who use drugs or abuse alcohol have had trauma in their past and are wounded spirits. They are depressed and are seeking something else to fill void.

As Father John Corapi brilliantly described in his talk on Humility, if we are wounded physically, lets say we get shot with a bullet in our arm, we bleed. But eventually the wound heals up. Yes, sometimes an infection can set in. We have antibiotics for that.

But when our spirit is wounded, Satan is an opportunist and loves to enter these wounds and inflict more damage.

What is our antibiotic spiritually? Jesus Christ.

Instead of using alcohol to fill the void, fill yourself with the third person of the Blessed Trinity--The Holy Spirit.

• Ephesians 5:18: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Since most people who use or abuse alcohol or marijuana suffer from depression, how much sense does it make to put something into your body that is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant? That is the equivalent of throwing gasoline onto a fire.

Alcohol doesn't make you a rational thinker, more peaceful or wise.

• Proverbs 20:1: Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

And being around those who have had problems with alcohol, do not do anything that could cause them to stumble.

• Romans 14:21: It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

Happiness

• "Indeed, man wishes to be happy even when he so lives as to make happiness impossible." -- Saint Augustine

Happiness in today's fallen world can be traced to human psychology and the desire to have everything we want in life now--I called it our Drive-Thru Happiness mentality. There have been studies on humans (and lab mice too) that show we tend to opt for immediate gratification without regard to future consequences. That is, we place more emphasis on current happiness than what is really best for us in the long run.

Blend this with all the wounds that our society receives in early life and what are the outcomes? Drug and alcohol problems, sexual promiscuity, eating disorders, materialism, high divorce rates, spending problems, etc.

This desire for instant happiness is an example of emotional immaturity of lost souls and relates to what Dr. Jerome Murray calls stimulation hunger:

Stimulation Hunger- This includes demanding immediate attention or gratification and being unable to wait for anything. Stimulation hungry people are incapable of deferred gratification, which means to put off present desires in order to gain a future reward. Stimulation hungry people are superficial and live thoughtlessly and impulsively. Their personal loyalty lasts only as long as the usefulness of the relationship. They have superficial values and are too concerned with trivia (their appearance, etc.). Their social and financial lives are chaotic.

It is important to remember that patience and self-control are fruits of the spirit that identifies us as Christians without wearing a crucifix around our neck.

• Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The Ultimate Happy Meal

If you feel empty inside, how about the ultimate Happy Meal? His name is Jesus Christ.

• John 6:35: Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.


• John 6:53: Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

And don't overrate happiness of earthly things or think the purpose of marriage is to bring happiness. Happiness comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ--through His Love, His Forgiveness and the promise of heaven and eternal life. The purpose of marriage is to make us more Holy. The purpose of hardships in our life is to test us and draw us closer to Christ and to make us stronger Christians.

• 2 Corinthians 12:10: That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

French philosopher Joseph Joubert once said: "Happy is the man who can do one thing: in doing it, he fulfills his destiny."

True, but let me expand on that:

Happiest is the man who lives a life for Christ. His destiny is the greatest reward: heaven and eternal life.

• Matthew 13:44: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."
  

Get high on the Holy Spirit and eternal life, not on drugs or alcohol.

And always remember:

"The only real failure in life is the failure to get to heaven at the end of it." -- Father John Corapi

Peace be with you,

© Michael J. Cox

What are Angels?

Angels --they are frequently mentioned in scripture, in Pop songs and are often depicted with wings and robes in movies, cartoons, artwork, etc. But do you really know what they are?

What prompted me to write this was my recent visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackwanna, New York--arguably the most beautiful church in the United States. It is estimated that 1,500 to 2,500 angels can be found in the basilica in the sculptures and artwork as they were a fondness of the church's founder--Father Nelson Baker.

After leaving the Basilica, seems as if everywhere I turned after this visit, I was constantly reminded of Angels and how much more I felt I needed to know about them.

One can write a whole lengthy book on Angels and their role, I will try to keep this blog short.

What is an Angel?

First, it is best to look at what the word angel means. Angel comes from the Hebrew word malak, Latin word angelus, Greek word aggelos; meaning messenger "one going" or "one sent."

So what is an Angel?

This is complicated as the more you delve into the scriptural research of angels at Greek Septuagint level, the more you learn and then you realize that how little we really know about them. And many theologians are confused. Catholic Encyclopedia gives us insight as to why there might be confusion:

The word (angel) is used in Hebrew to denote indifferently either a divine or human messenger. The (Greek) Septuagint renders it by aggelos which also has both significations. The Latin version, however, distinguishes the divine or spirit-messenger from the human, rendering the original in the one case by angelus and in the other by legatus or more generally by nuntius.

Too often I have found in various articles about angels, the tendency for human reasoning to turn angels into a square peg and then fit them into a square hole. I became frustrated trying to do the same thing. It came as a relief to me that I came to the same conclusion as St. Augustine did that it was easier to describe what angels DO than what angels are.

As St. Augustine said:

"'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit', from what they do, 'angel.'"

Overall, here is what I think is the best definition of an angel:

Angel - Spirits that are messengers and servants of God

This scripture gives us the most insight:

Hebrews 1:14: Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

With all the various scriptures that mention angels, you will find that angels come in many different forms and apparently have different roles. There is a belief of an Angelic Heirarchy that consists of nine choirs organized into three spheres:

1) The first sphere of Angels (Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones) are believed to work as heavenly guardians of God's throne.

2) The second sphere of Angels (Dominions, Virtues and Powers) are believed to work as heavenly governors.

3) The third sphere of Angels (Principalities, Archangels and Angels) are believed to function as heavenly messengers and soldiers.

Although this is a general belief of many Early Church Fathers, as Catholic Encyclopedia states: "Though the doctrine it contains regarding the choirs of angels has been received in the Church with extraordinary unanimity, no proposition touching the angelic hierarchies is binding on our faith."

Guardian Angels

Belief in angels is an article of faith but this is not the case with Guardian Angels. We all like to believe that we have a Guardian Angel (I believe I have one). It is a general belief within the Catholic Church that we do. However, as Catholic Encyclopedia states:

"That every individual soul has a guardian angel has never been defined by the Church, and is, consequently, not an article of faith, but it is the "mind of the Church", as St. Jerome expressed it: "how great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it."

The scripture that leads many to believe that we have Guardian Angels is this statement Jesus made:

• Matthew 18:10: "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

If you read the context in which Christ was quoted in the above scripture, Jesus was talking about children being the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Perhaps, since we are all God's children, if we humble ourselves like a little child as Christ recommended, we all will have Guardian Angels into adulthood.

Can Humans be Angels?

You probably remember the television show, Highway to Heaven, starring Michael Landon who plays Jonathan Smith--a probationary angel sent back to Earth to help people. There is confusion about what angels are, pure spirtual beings or if humans can be angels like the Michael Landon character in Highway to Heaven.

We know from scripture that man was made lower than angels:

• Psalm 8:5: You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
  

There are some who believe that angels can reveal themselves as humans. When Peter was freed from prison by an angel in Acts Chapter 12, many people were amazed and thought at first it was Peter's angel.

• Acts 12:15: You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."

I have a strong belief that if a human experiences sudden death and is revived, it is possible that they can come back as an angel--a messenger, not the winged creatures we most associate the word with.

The Mangy Donkey Story

Father Josemaría Escrivá, a Spanish priest who later became canonized a Saint, had an interesting encounter. From Francis Fernandez's book, In Conversation With God:

Once during a time of intense anticlerical persecution in Madrid a would-be aggressor stood menacingly in Josemaria's path with the obvious intention of doing him harm. Someone suddenly stood between them and drove off the assailant. It all happened in an instant. The protector came up after the incident and whispered to him: "Mangy donkey, Mangy donkey," the expression Blessed Josemaria used to refer to himself in the intimacy of his soul. Only his confessor knew about this. Peace and joy filled his heart as he recognized the intervention of his Angel.

I have a similar story, it confirmed my faith. Someday I will be brave enough to write about it.

Anyway, probably the best scripture to conclude with here is:

1. Hebrews 13:2: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Peace be with you,

© Michael J. Cox

The Mystery of The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

This blog probably will seem like a theological debate that you aren't interested in. It may be somewhat controversial to some. But give this a chance as I think you will like the message at the end. I propose to solve a mystery in the bible. Whether it is really right or wrong is probably not as important as the message.

One of the longstanding mysteries of the bible is the unknown disciple ("The Disciple Whom He Loved") who was at the foot of the cross at Jesus's crucifixion:

• John 19:25-27: Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

This "disciple whom he loved" has been a subject to debate amongst biblical scholars for centuries. The general consensus is that it was John The Evangelist. Some believe it was James, others believe it was Mary Magdalene, Mark The Evangelist or Lazarus.

This wording of the "Disciple whom he loved" is found four other times in the bible, curiously enough all in the Gospel of John (John 13:23, John 21:7, John 21:20 and John 20:2). This is why many think it was John and that it was a more neutral way for an author to refer to himself.

Well, yesterday, from completely out of the blue, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. That this disciple whom Jesus loved was worded that way in scripture to be symbolic for all Christians (part of my theory) so that we could identify with being at the foot of the cross with Jesus. I did some research online and found that Martin L. Smith, an Anglican priest and writer, theorized the same idea:

Perhaps the disciple is never named, never individualized, so that we can more easily accept that he bears witness to an intimacy that is meant for each one of us. The closeness that he enjoyed is a sign of the closeness that is mine and yours because we are in Christ and Christ is in us.

This makes sense until you do more research...

What We Know About The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

So here are some things that what we know about this disciple:

1) The disciple was male. In (John 19:27) it states that this disciple took her (Mary) into his home. For conspiracy theorists who think it was Mary Magdalene, both the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus (early manuscripts of the Greek Bible) both confirm that it was a male who took Mary into this disciple's home.

2) He had to been one of the Twelve Apostles. He was at the Last Supper the night of Passover. Although Leonardo Da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper depicts a womanly looking figure next to Jesus, chalk this up to artist interpretation. There are only Thirteen people in Da Vinci's painting (Jesus plus the 12 Apostles). Plus, there is no mention of anybody else (not Mary or Mary Magdalene) being with Jesus at the Last Supper other than the Twelve apostles:

• Matthew 26:20: When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.
• Mark 14:7: When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.
• Luke 22:14: When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.

3) He was a real person, not fictitious. Simon Peter asked him a question ("Ask him which one he means?" John 13:24) and then this disciple asks Jesus who will betray him ("Lord, who is it? John 13:25).

So this couldn't have been a fictitious character to symbolize all Christians if "The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" had dialogue with Peter and Jesus.

Who Was The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved?

So who is this disciple whom Jesus loved? I propose it was Judas Iscariot. You might be saying "Nonsense" and want to quit reading. I know what could be going through your mind right now from an emotional level or biblical scholar standpoint but I will address them all:

1) The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved was the one who betrayed him? You might be insulted because there aren't a lot of positive feelings associated with the name Judas Iscariot. Most view him very negatively as a traitor. Judas was also referred to as a thief (See John 12:4-6). Even Jesus likened him to the devil John 6:70-71: "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!"

2) You might say Judas Iscariot couldn't have been this disciple at the foot of the cross because he hung himself shortly after he helped turn Jesus over to authorities:

• Matthew 27:5: So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Note that this scripture passage does not confirm that Judas was successful in hanging himself. In fact, there is an apparent scriptural contradiction on how he died. Read on.

Controversy About How Judas Died

The following scripture found in Acts suggests that Judas Iscariot did not die from hanging:

• Acts 1:18: With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.

There are good arguments to show that these two scriptures don't really contradict themselves. But I won't go into them because they don't matter with my theory. There are other scriptures that support my belief that Judas could have been the disciple at the foot of the cross and that he lived long enough to see the resurrected Jesus.

Sidebar: One thing I have wondered, this field Judas bought in Acts, could it have been the field where Jesus was crucified (or a symbolic reference) because it was referred to as the "Field of Blood" in Acts 1:19?

Proof that Judas Saw the Resurrected Jesus

To set the stage for my contention that Judas lived to see the Resurrected Jesus, read this passage:

John 21:20-23: Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

Who was the first apostle to die or the closest apostle to death? The overwhelming consensus is Judas Iscariot. But when?

Now here is proof that supports that Judas saw the resurrected Jesus. Luke 24, Matthew 28, Mark 16, and John 20 give accounts of the Resurrected Jesus appearing to the apostles. PLEASE NOTE: that ELEVEN apostles were there in Luke, Mark and Matthew's testimony.

• Luke 24:33-37: They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. Jesus Appears to the Disciples While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
• Matthew 28:16-17: Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
• Mark 16:14: Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

The assumed missing apostle has always been thought to be Judas. But in John 20, Thomas (also affectionately referred to as "The Doubting Thomas") appears to have been the missing apostle:

• John 20:24-25: Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

The real defining truth that Judas did see the Resurrected Jesus comes from Apostle Paul where he says Jesus appeared to the Twelve:

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-5: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

Some will argue that the Twelve disciples here includes Matthias who replaced Judas (See Acts 1:18-26). However, earlier reading in Acts Chapter 1 show that this occurred after Jesus was taken up into Heaven.

Conclusion

Why wouldn't this "Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" have been Judas Iscariot? Doesn't this test you as a Christian about being judgmental? Does it test your faith in Christ since Jesus asked this disciple to take Mary into his home? Could there have been a more perfect and greater example of the depth of Christ's love and forgiveness if this were Judas Iscariot?

Judas was a thief. We have all stolen something at one point in our life, it doesn't have to be property.

"Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft." - St Anthony of Padua

Judas betrayed Jesus. We have all betrayed Jesus at some point in our life. We betray Jesus and His teachings when we don't love our neighbor, when we lack humility, when we allow people to starve, when we fail to forgive and have a hardened vengeful heart, when we treasure worldly things above our Father, etc.

And we betray Jesus's teachings when we fail to love our enemies...

Jesus Still Called Him Friend

Just like us, Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him. Shortly before Jesus was arrested, Judas told the authorities that he would signal who Jesus was by a kiss on the cheek. What did Jesus say to Judas?

• Matthew 26:50: Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."

Judas Repented and Returned The Silver

Judas was a sinner just like us, but most importantly he was remorseful and repented:

• Matthew 27:3-4: When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."

This is why it makes perfect sense that Judas was this unknown disciple who was at the foot of the cross. Jesus's death was something he freely accepted. Judas was merely an instrument in a divine plan. Jesus died on the cross for our salvation, so that sins could be forgiven. And so He could understand the humiliation, pain, agony and suffering we have to go through in life.

Sadly, we have all been somewhat like Judas Iscariot yet...

Jesus still calls us friend

And when we turn our back on Christ, and move away from his open-stretched arms, we all become "The Disciple Whom He Loved"

Join Jesus at the foot of the cross every day.

Repent your sins and feel the power of His Love and His Forgiveness.

Peace be with you,

© Michael J. Cox

How do I become a better Christian?

If you believe in Christ, you have probably asked yourself: How can I become a better Christian? I have asked myself this question many times during my life. I am still seeking everyday how I can become a better servant. I don't claim to have all the answers and I welcome input from others because it is tough being Christlike every minute of the day. But remember, God isn't finished with any of us yet. I will share what has helped me and the simple answer is being Holy. The key to being Holy is cultivating and growing the third person of the Trinity that dwells within us--The Holy Spirit.

So how do I become more Holy you ask?

1) Go to Church - As Americans, we are all getting physically fed quite well, but are you getting spiritually fed? This is important so that you don't drift off into fallen world we live in as it is easy to do when we lose our focus in life. In our Give-Me-Now culture, don't expect to be spoonfed because serving God requires passion, patience and participation on our part.

Remember what Jesus said was the first and greatest commandment?

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37)

Going to church is part of remembering the Sabbath day, loving God and keeping it holy (Exodus 20:8). And also remember...

• Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing." -- St. Clare of Assisi

2) Read the Bible - If you want to be a better Christian, we have a book--the Word of God-- the Holy Bible. It is a book of love. If you want to BE the book, you first have to read and then know the book well. As St. Jerome said "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ." The Bible wasn't intended to gather dust on your shelf, it wasn't intended to be used solely in life's crises and it wasn't supposed to be a Do-It-Yourself manual (See Acts 8:30-31). You need all the help you can get and that is why #1 above is important.

3) Pray More - In our busy lives, we forget to pray. Prayer establishes a friendship with God. And if you really need to get in touch with your Holy Spirit during trying times, try praying the Rosary. The meditation on the Rosary beads will help connect you with your Holy Spirit and the Rosary is praying the Gospel. I was once skeptical about this from Protestant criticism of repetitious prayer but Christ himself prayed the same prayer three times (See: Matthew 26:39-44).

In Revelations 4:8, the Angels in heaven kept saying night and day "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

Which brings up another point about praying, prayer shouldn't always be about our own selfish requests. Pray for others and remember to thank God for the many ways He has blessed your life. And He has when you really take time to think about it.

And when do you know when you are praying enough?

"He prays best who does not know that he is praying." -- Saint Anthony of Padua

4) Be Humble - Humility is something that is generally lacking in American culture. Just turn on the TV and see how athletes carry on after they score. Pride, arrogance and greed are all opposites of humility and are sin. God gives grace and lifts up those who are humble.

• 1 Peter 5:5: ...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."


• James 4:10: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

"Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft." -- St. Anthony of Padua

5) Fellowship with other Christians - It is important to have people around us that will help build us up. You are the company who you keep as the old saying goes. If you are a Christian, you need a circle of friends who are trying to follow the Lord. Otherwise, you may be prone to stumble due to improper influences in the world we live in.

• 1 John 1:7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
  

6) Fill the portals of your soul with Holy things. When you travel, be sure to visit Holy places. I make a point of visiting the most beautiful church wherever I travel. You can also see God in the wilderness. Listen to Christian music (some of my favorites are listed on the Music section of this blog) and watch and read spiritually-based book, movies or documentaries. I recommend new movies like Fireproof, classics like Lilies of the Field, Steve Ray's Footprints of God series documentaries or any of Father John Corapi's talks, especially his series titled Immortal Combat. Which leads me to my next point...

7) Learn the lives of the Saints - We spend a lot of time watching garbage on television and at the movie theatres. Some of us read books on politicians, celebrities and the Bill Gates of the world. They may be interesting stories but why are you really reading them? Do you fantasize about becoming rich, powerful or famous? None of these are important to God. As Father Corapi says, "The only real failure in life is the failure to reach heaven at the end of it."

If you want to become a better Christian, try reading or watching movies about the lives of Saints--even if you are Protestant. The Saints are filled with great wisdom and character. Christ gave us an example to follow on earth but reading about mortal people who sacrificed their lives for the Lord can help us and give us hope.

• Proverbs 24:14: Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

8) Make your home a Domestic Church - The early Christians had to practice their faith underground due to fears of persecution. Many practiced their faith in their homes. So treat your home as a Domestic Church. Start off small if you need to, dedicate a room or two as a pure place free from swear words, arguments and other sin. Fill it with crosses, religious pictures/articles to serve as reminders. Dedicate other rooms over time until your whole house is incorporated.

9) Love Thy Neighbor - I put this last, not because it is the least, because it needs to make a lasting impression. Jesus said Loving Thy Neighbor was the second greatest commandment and like the first (Loving God Matthew 22:37):

• Matthew 22:39: And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
  

"What is the mark of love for your neighbor? Not to seek what is for your own benefit, but what is for the benefit of the one loved, both in body and in soul." -- St. Basil the Great

St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of Mother Theresa, was a Carmelite nun who knew that is was impossible for her to perform heroic acts or great deeds. So she approached life, as she called it, in her "little way" by being committed with love to the tasks and people she met in her everyday life. And having the humbleness and simplicity of a little child, who is trusting and expects all things from its father.

Conclusion

God is Holy (Psalm 99:9) and The Holy Spirit is a gift of God's love (Romans 5:5). In the grand scheme of things, as Christians, we should approach life like that of the Honey Bee. The Honey Bee goes from flower to flower collecting nectar, all the while pollen collects on its body and cross-pollinates other flowers, plants and trees. The end result is beautification of the world. The Honey Bee cross-pollinates cotton used to make clothes, many sweet fruits and vegetables. Of course, the end product of the nectar the Honey Bee collects is sweet.

And in Loving Thy Neighbor, remember this with those who are close to you:

“A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.” -St. Francis de Sales

God is patient with us, so be patient with Thy Neighbor.

"You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working, and just so, you learn to love by loving." - St. Francis de Sales

See with your heart, not your eyes, and may your words be sweeter than honey.

© Michael J. Cox

The Greatest Love Story Ever Written

What is the greatest love story of all-time? If you were to ask this question on the streets, you probably would get a variety of answers like Romeo & Juliet or Gone With The Wind. These are great stories filled with romance but all pale in comparison to the greatest love story of all-time: The Holy Bible.

Why is the Holy Bible the greatest love story ever written? Just read it. God is love (1 John 4:8). Every scripture of the bible, if it were broken down like a molecular structure into atoms, the atoms would all reveal love.

But what makes The Holy Bible the greatest love story is that it is non-fiction and contains the greatest and highest examples of love: philia love (brotherly love, the love between friends as Jesus had with His Apostles) and agape love (the unconditional, selfless type of true love).

And if you like steamy romance novels...

• "My lover thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him."
• “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.”


• “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.”

These quotes didn’t come from Romeo & Juliet or some Harlequin romance novel, they are found in your very own Holy Bible in Song of Songs/Song of Solomon.

• Song of Solomon 1:13: “My lover is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.”


• Song of Solomon 4:5: “Your two breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies.

No, those weren’t references to the Bosom of Abraham. As Pope Benedict XVI states in his 1st Encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (Latin for "God is Love") and something every Christian should read:

“According to the interpretation generally held today, the poems contained in this book were originally love-songs, perhaps intended for a Jewish wedding feast and meant to exalt conjugal love.’

God’s Love For Us

More importantly than romantic love, is God's love for us. God sent his son Jesus Christ into the world to die for our sins and so that he could understand our pain and suffering. As sinners we are not worthy, but this is proof of God's love. grace and mercy:

• 1 John 4:7 : You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• Ephesians 2:4-5: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Love Is A Choice, Be Pro-Love

Whether is it loving our spouses, loving God or loving our neighbor as ourselves, they are all the same in God's eyes and Love is a choice. God gave us free will. We choose to love our spouses as Christ loves us and be committed to them until death do us part or we dishonor God's commands "I hate divorce."

In loving our neighbors, we choose to help our friends and the less fortunate or we ignore Jesus’s teaching and life on earth. In our relationship with God, we choose either good or evil, lightness over darkness, or eternal life vs. death.

I can't help but think of the Pro-Life/Pro-Choice issue here. As Christians, Jesus calls us very clearly to be Pro-Love. Love the unborn by voting in leaders who will end this needless homicide and love those who were troubled and misled into having an abortion.

Jesus said to his disciples John 15:11-19:

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."

Jesus didn't say to love one another only if they think like you, look like you, dress like you, or only if they are a nice person or if you know them well.

In fact, Jesus even tells us to love our enemies:

• Luke 6:27-28: But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.


• Luke 6:32-33: If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that.

Our goal and purpose in Life

God is love and he wants us to have an eyelash-to-eyelash relationship with him. We can only achieve this through faith plus love. We must love & forgive again, and again, and again… as God loves us and as Jesus Christ demonstrated for us.

As Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, “How can you love the one you cannot see, if you don’t love the one you can see?”

If you don’t know what your purpose in life is, it is to love God and all in his Kingdom on earth and to strive for eternal life.

As Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said: “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”

As for those who subscribe to Sola Scriptura, remember that Jesus Christ never wrote a book while on this earth. He taught orally, yet he authored the greatest love story through His actions. We need to read the book, know the book, but most importantly, we need to live the book—the book of love. As the old saying goes, "You may be the only bible someone ever reads or the only Jesus someone sees."

Unlike Clark Gable’s Gone With The Wind character, the line in the script of our life should be “Frankly, my dear, I do give a damn.”

So, it should be quite clear, our challenge—every day—while on this earth... is to author our own great love story.

I love you

© Michael J. Cox

The Real Presence of Christ

Do you believe in the real presence of Christ in Holy Communion (aka The Eucharist)? For most of my adult life, I thought this was hokey midevil nonsense because I couldn't understand it. I just couldn't rationalize how bread and wine got turned into the body and blood of Christ.

As a clinical pharmacist who grew up in the "Show Me" state of Missouri, I feel that am much more skeptical about things than the average person. I have to be skeptical because I am exposed to bogus claims from Over-The-Counter drug and herb manufacturers who put a lot of money into poorly designed drug studies to show that their product is beneficial for specific health issues/diseases for the sole purpose of selling more of their product.

With all of this in mind, I can understand why some Christians don't believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I also realize that nothing I could write here will convince a non-believer because belief comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. However, I will show you how I rationalized my way towards having an open mind on the issue--and what a wonderful and powerful sacramental gift I have received.

Three important scriptures to note beforehand:

1) Remember that as Christians, we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

2) Wherever two or more come together in Christ's name, Christ says he will be there (Matthew 18:20). Having Christ's presence inside of us through the Eucharist is even more spiritually powerful than around us as I will testify about later.

3) The concept of Real Presence should be easier to understand than it is because Jesus tells us that whatever we ask in his name, he will do (John 14:13-14)

"This is my body"-- Jesus Christ

Jesus told us very plainly in three of the four Gospels:

• Matthew 26:26: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
• Mark 14:22: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."Luke 22:19: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

Note: Jesus did not say "This is a symbol of my body"

The Gospel of John is considered by most scholars to be the last of the four Gospels written (completed around 90-100AD) and the ushering in a new covenant of Jesus's body and blood is noticeably absent. It is believed by the time that The Gospel of John was written, the Church was already practicing Holy Communion (proof in Paul's writings below) and John instead chose to write about the humbleness of Jesus washing Peter's feet the night of the Last Supper.

Apostle Paul

Apostle Paul also wrote his testimony of the Last Supper in First Corinthians:

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-25: For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

Holy Communion Purely Symbolic?

Apostle Paul died somewhere around 67AD. Here is Paul's clarification that Holy Communion was not symbolic and proof that Holy Communion was part of the very early Church:

• 1 Corinthians 10:16: “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
• 1 Corinthians 11:27-30: Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.

Would partaking in a symbolic act cast judgment on oneself if it was purely symbolic? Paul says only if we do so without recognizing the body of the Lord and says that is why many of the members of the Corinth Church were weak and sick.

The Church after Christ's Ascension

Many Christians were persecuted for their beliefs until Roman Emperor Constantine's Edict of Milan that legalized Christianity in 313 AD. In the early stages of Christianity, Christians church services were conducted in homes and secret caves. Proof of the celebration of the Eucharist can be found in the book of Acts:

• Acts 2:42: They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.


• Acts 2:46: Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.

Early Church Fathers

Whether you are Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant, these 1st and 2nd Century church fathers below are your church fathers as well. Why? They are key figures in the advancement of Christianity because they had to practice Christianity underground until Roman Emperor Constantine and most were brutally killed for our faith. Some were accused of cannibalism for the belief in Holy Communion and Real Presence.

What They Said

Ignatius of Antioch (ca 35-110 AD) Also known as Theophorus. Third Bishop of Antioch behind St Peter and Evodius. Sentenced to die by Roman Authorities due to his Christian faith. He was sent to the Colosseum where he was eaten by lions.

• "They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes." (Source: Letter to the Smyrnaeans 7:1 [A.D. 110]).

Justin Martyr (ca 100-165 AD) Also known as Justin The Philosopher. A pagan who converted to Christianity. He suffered death by beheading with six of his students due to practicing an illegal religion (Christianity) under Roman Prefect Rusticus.

• "And this food is called among us the Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh." (Source: First Apology 66 [A.D. 151])

Irenaeus of Lyons (ca 115-202 A.D.) A disciple of Polycarp, who was said to be a disciple of John the Evangelist.

• Then, again, how can they say that the flesh, which is nourished with the body of the Lord and with His blood, goes to corruption, and does not partake of life? Let them, therefore, either alter their opinion, or cease from offering the things just mentioned.But our opinion is in accordance with the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn establishes our opinion. For we offer to Him His own, announcing consistently the fellowship and union of the flesh and Spirit. For as the bread, which is produced from the earth, when it receives the invocation of God, is no longer common bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly; so also our bodies, when they receive the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, having the hope of the resurrection to eternity. (Source: Against Heresies Book 4 Chapter 18:5 Circa 180 A.D.)
  

Tracing Real Presence Through History

If you look at the history of Christianity (Click HERE to see chart), the belief of Real Presence followed churches which split off from the Catholic Church.

5th Century Splits

The Assyrian Church's confirmation of the belief in the Real Presence:

"The baptized faithful receive the body and blood of Christ under both species of bread and wine, and the "real presence" of Christ is understood in the elements." Source: Link

The Oriental Orthodox churches belief in the Real Presence:

"I believe, I believe, I believe and profess to the last breath that this is the body and the blood of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, which he took from our Lady, the holy and immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of God." Source: Link

11th Century Schism

The Eastern Orthodox Church, which spilt off from the Catholic Church in 1054 over an issue regarding the Nicene Creed (the Filioque Clause), believes in Real Presence:

"The eucharist is always given to all members of the Church, including infants who are baptized and confirmed. It is always given in both forms -- bread and wine. It is strictly understood as being the real presence of Christ, his true Body and Blood mystically present in the bread and wine which are offered to the Father in his name and consecrated by the divine Spirit of God. Source: Link

16th Century Reformation

Martin Luther, the "Father of Protestantism" and founder of the Lutheran Church was well-known for having his disagreements with the Catholic Church. However, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist wasn't one of them.

In Martin Luther's Small Catechism (1529) Part 6 (English Translation) it states this about Holy Communion:

"It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under bread and wine for us Christians to eat and to drink, established by Christ Himself." Source: Link

My Personal Testimony

Overall, the following research demonstrated to me that there was a preponderance of evidence in the belief of Real Presence and that Holy Communion was something that was a part of the early church. It also convinced me that Jesus was to be taken literally when he said:

• John 6:53-56 "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him."

When Jesus says, "Take and eat, this is my body", it has broader implications than human flesh and especially to Jews at the time. Jesus's body is EVERYTHING: His body, His teachings, His spirit and His soul.

This is why the Eucharist is so powerful. Every time I have taken Holy Communion, I have felt a tingly warm sensation in my body, sometimes across my back, other times in my chest. But this share in divine life is only for true believers. Unfortunately, we as humans have a finite capability of understanding an infinite God.

As Father John Corapi says, the sacraments work so long as we don't put an obstacle in the way. That obstacle for many is faith. Even if you have faith, things are received according to the disposition of the receiver. Overall, I feel blessed that I have finally found my way to the fullness of Christ every Sunday. I hope the Holy Spirit leads you there as well.

Peace be with you

© Michael J. Cox

Vacation

If you are the average American, you are probably thinking about what you are going to do with your vacation time this year. A part of living the American dream is taking the family away somewhere each summer. You work hard, grind it out each year, endure a lot of stress but the carrot-on-the-stick is always the summer vacation. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, the majestic mountains, an ocean cruise, a journey to a beautiful tropical island resort or driving across America with the kids in the backseat (another reason to love the seatbelt law). We all look forward to the vacation.

It is kind of ironic how this parallels life. The purpose of the vacation is to replenish our energy banks for another year, go to some beautiful destination and to have happy times around our family. In life, we are in pursuit of happiness with the hope of eternal life with our family in the real paradise called heaven. How great is heaven?

• Matthew 13:44: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

Jesus Christ is our travel agent & guide in the Big Picture.

You can try to get to navigate to heaven without Christ but you will fail. You may have some good times and see some beautiful scenery. And in our life on this earth, just like in the National Lampoon movie Vacation, you'll see some underwhelming things along the way like the World's Largest Ball of Twine. You'll experience some unfortune like having your hubcaps stolen in East St Louis, sadness and bad timing with Aunt Edna dieing, financial hardship like Cousin Eddie, temptation by the Blonde in the red Ferrari, and the fear and agony of being stranded in the desert like the Griswolds.

• John 1:2-3: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

But in the end, this WallyWorld called heaven won't be closed to believers.

"Good God, Morning!"

If you are in search of happiness, never underestimate the importance of refilling your spiritual bank with the Holy Spirit on a weekly basis by attending church. You should strive to refill it daily.

As Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, do you wake up and say "Good God, Morning!"? Try waking up and saying "Good Morning God" and thanking him for the many ways he has blessed your life--and he has when you take time to think about it. Pray more as praying establishes a friendship with God and Christ.

We can achieve gratification and happiness from things of the world but they are temporary. Why? Ultimately, sustained happiness comes through our Lord.

• Ecclesiastes 2:26: To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Are we there yet?

Are you happy? What is happiness? Being at peace with yourself. Saint Augustine said it best:

"Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord" -- St. Augustine

When we finally arrive at our end destination in this life on earth, we all hope to hear: 'Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!'

Until then...

Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Peace be with you

© Michael J. Cox