Reflections of a beloved son

“I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people.” Psalm 85:9 Today in the United States we celebrate Independence Day, the Fourth of July, celebrating and remembering all those who made freedom and peace and hope possible for a people who were desperate for it. America has been commonly called the land of dreams and a place of opportunities and freedom. However, all this is now at stake. Though we live in a country who boasts of its freedom of religion and speech, we have enslaved ourselves by our indifference and hatred. Some may say, “Well, not me!” Yes, true. But if we are to be truly the “United States of America,” then when one part suffers, we all suffer; when will we stand united and reclaim the name we call ourselves?   The freedom of this country was secured because we boldly proclaimed, “In God we trust.” But this freedom, this peace, and this country is now at risk because we, as a whole, as one, no longer trust or believe in God. True fr...

We hear many different things from different people and sources. Some are similar and some opposing. Who can we trust? Which source should we follow? We must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us in all that we do, think, and say. The primary source must be God and His love and mercy for us. Let us pray for our world leaders and church leaders to be docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  # GodisLove   # BelovedSonMinistry

When the world and sin imprison us, God comes to free us. May we relish, embrace, and live fully the freedom of the children of God. This freedom transcends this hashtag # pandemic quarantine. May our humble gratitude give witness to God's amazing work of love and mercy to all especially during these times. Thank you hashtag # Jesus ! hashtag # gratitude hashtag # divinemercy hashtag # discipleship hashtag # grace

”What about him, Lord?” was the question Peter asked Jesus after Jesus revealed to him how Peter was going to live out the rest of his life - preaching the Good News but being led to places he himself does not want to go with arms outstretched (Peter died a martyr’s death).  Peter’s question was in regards to John.  What do you think Jesus’ answer was?  He said “ What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”    Basically, “Peter we are not talking about John, we are talking about you!  Stay focused and mind your own business!”  In other words Jesus was saying to Peter to focus on what he’s being asked to do and really to focus on the life with which God has gifted to him.  Each person has a unique calling in life, a unique way of communicating and transmitting the message of God’s love and mercy, and we just need to focus on that and do that well and all other things God will take care of.  There are things that we just cannot worry about b...

The Apostles were put into jail for preaching the Good News.  But we are told in the Acts really why they were put into prison: "The High Priest rose up and all his companions... filled with jealousy , laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail" (Acts 5:17-18).  They were jealous - jealous that even though they had seemingly put Jesus to death - for they denied His Resurrection - the people were still interested in this Jesus and what the Apostles had to say about Him.  They couldn't understand why.  The people were interested in the Truth , and it was this Truth  that attracted the crowds. Even though the Apostles were thrown into jail, they did not lose hope and give up preaching.  In fact, an angel led them through the locked doors and encouraged them to go back to the temple area and preach!  "Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life" (Acts 5:20).  Just as the tomb was empty,...

In the Gospel we are presented with the incident where the woman and man were caught in the very act of adultery, and the Pharisees have seized the woman and is about to carry out the consequence that such an act warranted: stoning.  In an attempt to test Jesus, they asked Him what they should should do for the Law of Moses said to stone her.  Jesus' initial response was silence.   I love this silence.  Oftentimes it is the silence that speaks the loudest.  Think about it.  What could the Pharisees have been thinking: "why isn't He saying anything...?"  Then Jesus bends down and begins to write something with his finger on the ground.  Scripture doesn't tell us what He writes.  The people couldn't deal with the silence so they asked the question again and Jesus said, " Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her ."  What a statement.  The people began to gradually disappear one after another....

" I forgive you. " These three words can be freeing and liberating if said with conviction and deep belief.  However these same three words can sometimes be used emptily.  What do these three words really mean? To forgive can mean "I know what you did was wrong.  It hurt me deeply.  But I also know you are not perfect.  You are human. I am human, and I am imperfect.  What you did was wrong, but I have also done things that were wrong.  Perhaps you did not do it with the intention of hurting me.  Maybe there are things unsaid that needs to be said.  Maybe there was miscommunication.  But all I know is that I am hurt.  I am hurt but I can still see the goodness inside of you.  I know you are good because God created you.  Moreover, if God can forgive me, what is holding me back from forgiving you?  I forgive you because I am forever grateful to God for forgiving me and for loving me ." Forgiveness is the acknowled...