DELIVER ME NOT UNTO THE DESIRES OF MY ENEMIES

Psalm 27:1-14. Deliver me not unto the desires of my enemies. False accusers have risen up against me.Many are they that are cruel to me.
I would have failed, yet I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. So ! I am telling you again; “Wait on the Lord, be of good confidence and courage. The Lord will strengthen you in all ways, wait and trust in the Lord God, our Father.”

In life there are many moments when our understanding of events fails us. No matter how much we attempt to gain insight about an event, or a series of circumstances, we just cannot determine the reasons why, or the outcome of them all.
God, our Heavenly Father, comprehends all of these events, though. Our Heavenly Father perceives the entire puzzle of Life. He cares about each individual piece, bit by bit.

An example of this care that our God has for our lives occurred in the late 1600’s.  During those days of ‘Early American Settlement’ there was cruel hostility between the Native Tribes, and the European travelers who were settling here in this *New Found Land*.  One case is documented in the annals of settlers' history. There was a Native Tribe’s male child who was captured by the ‘visitors from Europe,’  was taken to Europe, and displayed in a cage. Many of the "civilized" people of the cities would go and gawk, poke, and laugh, at this *Savage from the Americas*.
The boy during this parade had no understanding of what this was all about.
As time moved forward the Native grew and was able to escape the cruelty of these people.
He escaped to refuge in a monastery filled with non-judgmental, loving, and Christ centered men and women.  The man learned English, began reading, and studying the Scriptures. The man had identified with one major character of the New Testament Gospels. The character was Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph, the Christ. This *Savage from America* had encountered the Love of our Savior, and how He was beaten and nailed to a cross, yet forgave those who did such terrible harm to Him.      After years of being away from his motherland, the Native returned to the North Eastern section of land, today known as the USA.  Upon arriving he heard and observed the troubles that were rampant here among the ‘Settlers’ and ‘Tribal People’. The settlers were having trouble raising crops for food.
Starvation and malnutrition was breaking out and in evidence everywhere.  Among the Natives an anti-settler rage was also growing and resulted in torture, animosity, and all out war became the norm of the time.
Worse could have occurred !!!  If not for this Native. This Indian who had experienced the Grace of God in his life, began to represent the two sides of this human battlefield. Stepping forth with a Confident Boldness that only Faith in God can give. This man spoke to the Tribal Indians and to the Settlers, about how a ‘Man’ named Jesus, forgave, loved, and brought Peace to all. The words of agreement began to draw both sides of the battling peoples together in Peace. The Influence of Christ shone throughout the Land. Sharing of knowledge of how to grow crops became more common and aided the settlers. The knowledge of the colonists was also shared with the Native People. *Peace at last*
There is in this month the celebration of memorial to this Day of Peace.  The date on the calendar is November 22, also known as **Thanksgiving Day**!!

In reading the above we are also brought to remember the Scripture *Romans 8:28* !!!
In Thanksgiving to All University Students, Everywhere !!!!
                                                                                     Br. Phil Bara

THE HARVEST FESTIVAL IN THE COMPANY OF THE HOLY GHOST

Oh !! October, the month of the Harvest celebrations, and Oktoberfest, and of course, Halloween.
Every year at this time people hang webs, bats, bones, and ghosts in there every nook and cranny.  This is good, I guess !!   Yet there is an origin to this eve of separation, or hallowedness if you prefer.
The evening activity actually began during the pre-Christian days with a few groups of people known as the Druids, and the Celts, of North-Western Europe. Most inhabiting the Isles of Great Britain. On this evening, usually around the full Moon, the Druids believed that a lord of Evil and Darkness, Saman would summon all his followers together to cause mayhem in the villages.  To ward off the "attack" of the evil ones, the Druids would light fires, both large and small, get dressed in animal hides with masks, and make music to dance.
This was done to rid the village and its surrounding area of the ghosts, and evil spirits.
The other side of the Island was where a similar, yet different tribe of people, the Celts, would gather in large dancing circles. They believed that the lost souls, the forgotten ones, and the ghosts of people past , would travel around seeking rest in homes, trees, and persons.
The Catholic Church began to tell these clans about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, yet the people
still desired the celebration of the harvest feasts during this  time of year. The Church using Wisdom decided to make November 1st, a feast day.  This harmonized with the celebrations that the villagers of other European societies of the time held, and not only in Great Britain.

The original intent of the practices of the early people has long left the scene in our part of the world.  The transformation into a time of costumes, games, fun, or activities has greatly eliminated the spiritistic element of the occasion.
I prefer to tell of a Ghost, a Spirit, a Person, Who is far greater than all the ghosts, goblins, hauntings, and other specters of this time of "Hallowed Evening" who were feared by our ancestors.  This Ghost has existed since the Beginning, is Now, and always will Be. This Person is known by many Names, all of them pointing to the Divine Purpose.  Some of these Names are: The Reality of God’s Presence, Advocate, Comforter, Guide, Counselor, Protector, Leading Light, the Restoring Breath, Source of Eternal Life, and Holy Ghost. The names, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ, and Ghost of Glory, have also been added as time proceeded.
Throughout the history of the Catholic Christian Church there have been many occurrences when the "Holy Ghost of God’s Glory" (Shekinah) has manifested Himself.
In the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, on the day of Pentecost, there was a  mighty rushing Wind. The "Presence of God" descended upon the believers of Jesus Christ, as they were assembled in prayer.  At that moment He also made them his Temple wherein to dwell.  This monumental moment began the era of bold sharing of the Truth of Jesus Christ, as the Resurrected King. The Hours of the Good News of Salvation, Evangelization of the World, and the Reality of the Kingdom of God had begun.
The once timid now became as bold as ‘Lions,’ filled with Power from God.
Today,  approximately 2012 years later this Holy Comforter, Spirit of Christ, Holy Ghost, is still very active changing lives, healing dis-ease, and giving Life to many who request in prayer.
"He makes holy the souls of the just by His presence. But a Spirit is not present in the sense of taking up space. We say a Spirit is present wherever it causes an effect. In the soul, the Holy Spirit transforms it, making it basically capable of taking in, after death, the infinite streams of knowledge and love that flow within the Holy Trinity. Thus we are really "sharers in the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). This is a dignity so great that any earthly honor is insignificant beside it."
[Rev. William G. Most]
During this month of ghosts, goblins, bats, and other scary things, lets also focus and remind ourselves that there is a Ghost that is Holy.  The One who Comforts, Protects, Guides, and Loves us.
Not only during the month of October, but throughout all the year, even Eternally !!!
                                            “Fear Not, for I am with Thee !!”
                                                                                            Br. Phil Bara
                            “Come Holy Ghost, and Refresh the Hearts of Your People !!”

THE TABERNACLE -- PRISON / SACRAMENT OF FREEDOM

Hebrews, 12;22 - 24

22 But what you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have gathered for the festival,

23 with the whole Church of first-born sons, enrolled as citizens of heaven. You have come to God himself, the supreme Judge, and to the spirits of the upright who have been made perfect;

24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,  to purifying blood which pleads more insistently than Abel's.

Wow !! I have just read this Scripture about the church. Now I realize that the message found in this is about the wholeness of the church (the Catholicity).  I am just taking this a bit closer to home, a little bit more personally.

Every time I enter “St. Christopher’s Catholic Church”. The meaning of these Scriptures comes to come to my mind.

I enter into the **Presence of our King Jesus Christ**, not only in spirit but in physical form also. There is a metal container on the side (my right side as I face Center Stage) where the Host of the Eucharist is . Considering the belief that this Host is the Presence of Jesus Christ, this would mean that I am therefore bathed in the very Presence of God !!

I am not going to elaborate on the many gyrations that others manifest before this metal object, as I have witnessed many doing, throughout my years of Eucharistic Visitation.  I personally behave differently as I reverence the Reality of the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ found at the tabernacle.

The Presence and Face of Jesus Christ is also found at such places as a beautiful sun rise, sun set, a star filled sky, and the smile of a baby. Let’s also see His Face in the many less cheerful settings throughout the Earth. The Lord’s

Presence is also where the hurting, starving victims of political manipulation, and the deceived intellectuals gather.

I am praying that the many that gaze endlessly at the metal container will open their hearts to the fact that Jesus Christ arrived here on Earth, to set the captive free. May I with Love as my motivation, begin to tell others of this need to be set free. The need we all have to see His Presence in the many every day moments of our lives, and the many faces of those who are suffering.

It is through action that we can begin a liberating effect that will cause many others to perceive the Presence and Face of Jesus Christ everywhere. The Scripture states this fact of liberation in the Second Letter to the Corinthians; that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty. [2 Cor. 3;17] Little by little, each of us sharing with each other the Love of Jesus Christ, will finally fill this Earth with the Kingdom of God .

                                                                                                 Br.Phil Bara

AUTUMN THOUGHTS

   How wonderful it is to realize that our Father Creator’s thoughts are about us and for us. We find in the Scriptures that we ought to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.  Now with this in mind, how many times do we focus our thoughts upon His things?

Our thoughts take many forms:

We allow our thoughts to be about such subjects as a better job, a bigger, newer vehicle, a larger house, next week’s entertainment, and even where we will have our vacation two years from now.  Oh !  How many more thoughts clutter our minds throughout the day!!   

Many of us have been taught that our Father in Heaven, will and does provide us with all that we need. Many of us have also awakened to the fact that when we delight ourselves in Him, He calms the nervous desires of our hearts.  

How many times have we prayed in desperation in our lives? How many times did we find that what we had requested had not been granted, or when it was granted, anxiety, worry, and responsibilities were increased.   Why did this happen?  The answer to this is revealed in the Bible, both in the Old Testament, and also in the New Testament.  During the historic days of the Book of Exodus, we read that the Israelites were set free from slavery. The first days of their deliverance were filled with Joy, and Celebration. As the days of travel turned into weeks, and months, the people began to turn their attention to the new requirements of ‘free’ living. Their focus of attention became filled with thoughts of; How? Where? Why? Who ?  The more these questions filled their minds, the more they forgot about the *One* Who had set them free. Complaining about the journey became a daily routine, and Joy became a memory. The anxiety caused by their comforts not being provided for, caused them to travel in circles for years.   

 In the New Testament we can read about a married couple who also placed their material desires ahead of the spiritual needs of the community. The Book known as ‘The Acts’ tells of this husband and wife who thought that it was more important to dishonestly keep a part of their material blessing for themselves. The result of their self centered behavior had a very detrimental effect on their future plans.  

Taking just these few historic events into consideration. We can see the importance of the statement “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Way of doing things...” in our journey here on Earth. The aim of our dedication here is to be focused upon how we devote ourselves to our King Jesus Christ.

As we do this we also need to keep our desires aligned with His purpose for us. When we do this we find that we receive ‘Blessings’ and that these ‘Blessings’ are given so that we may ‘Bless’ others.  We are entering the colorful months, the months of Harvest. These months ahead are filled with many beautiful changes in Nature for us to admire. We receive these many ‘Blessings’, not to horde them only for ourselves, but to share them and allow others to be ‘Blessed’ with us. Together we can remind each other to give Adoration and Dedication to the *One* that ‘Blesses’. 

As this has been said by many of the Saints before us; “It is in Blessing, that we are Blessed.”  So, Let’s be ‘Blessed’ in this month of September!!

                                  Br. Phil Bara

 **May All Students be Blessed, In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Blesser!!** 

LAUREL WREATH OR GOLD MEDAL, A WIN IS A WIN

24 Do you not realise that, though all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, only one of them gets the prize? Run like that -- to win.
25 Every athlete concentrates completely on training, and this is to win a wreath that will wither, whereas ours will never wither.
26 So that is how I run, not without a clear goal; and how I box, not wasting blows on air.
27 I punish my body and bring it under control, to avoid any risk that, having acted as herald for others, I myself may be disqualified.  (1 Corinthians, chapter 9)
              x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x=x
The summer Olympics are presently being played in London, England. Many athletes from around the world are contending for a gold, silver, and bronze medal of Earthly glory. The training and diligent discipline that many have dedicated themselves to in the past years have prepared them for this testing moment.  The glory of triumph fills the hearts of the
many who vicariously celebrate their favorite athletes' accomplishments.  Yet as spectacular as these victories are, in a few years, the names of the winners will be forgotten. The placement of their records will be filed away into annals of history.
The Olympics are exciting to watch, the energy deployed touches our emotions, and we are happy for the many who participate.  This is all good.   Yet there is a contest, a race, a tournament, that we all participate in.  This "Olympiad" is of a far more magnificent
rating. The standard has already been set, the prize already purchased. As I read in 1 Corinthians 9, starting at verse 24,
St. Paul mentions about this race, this tournament of a Heavenly nature. We as team members of the Heavenly Kingdom, must also prepare, exercise, and train ourselves. This, of course, entails denying ourselves the gratification of our pleasures so that we not hinder our chance for victory. We must practice daily  to develop our abilities so that we can  reach the goals that have been set before us. The prize, the level of triumph, the trophy, is waiting for us. The crown of victory is now with our King of Victory, Jesus Christ, who is ready to present it to us. Similar to the athletes of the Olympics, we must not rest on yesterday's winnings. We must focus and set our selves to achieving today's test. We must continue to move forward in progressing to the finish line. The importance of our finishing is also far greater in Glory than the Earthly glory of the present Olympics in London. The ensign of our triumph is eternal, and everlasting in recognition. With this set before us let's remain poised toward perfection in our dedication to this tournament. May we remain enthusiastic in our
endeavors, till finally we joyfully hear our Champion say: “Well done !! Good and Faithful Friend !! Enter in and Rest !!”
Br. Phil Bara

IF YOU CAN, HEAL MY SON -- I DO BELIEVE, HELP MY UNBELIEF

"'If you can?' said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." The father then requested, “I do believe, help my unbelief.”  This is the Scripture that awakened my meditative self this evening.
As I attended the weekly Bible Study at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church.  I was surprised at the depth of the description that was both attention getting, and entertaining.  The awareness of the fact that commitment, obedience with Faith, will cause us to receive the
many things that we request from our Heavenly Father. This was illustrated by the scene when our Lord Jesus healed the epileptic son of a believing, sincere, and requesting dad. The scene also
cast light upon a Faith fact, that even when things seem "dead", our Lord Jesus will reach out, take us by the hand, and raise us up. Whatever the situation may be, Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.
In the many events of our life there are times when we ask with seemingly no results forthcoming, till we do even more like give up certain areas that may be pleasurable. This would be called fasting. There is a Fasting that I do,it can be found in Isaiah 58:6 -12.   Many times I have received that which I have asked in prayer by following this fasting regime.

I also learned two new Latin phrases that amazed me in their meaning; Ex opere operato, which means the sacrament has the quality of effective Grace contained in its specific nature. 
The other was Ex opere operantis, which is the fullness of the expression of the sacrament united to the spiritual depth of the individual imparting the sacrament and to the spiritual depth (faith) of those receiving it. This really was a confirming fact for me because many times when I was ‘prayed up’, the sacrament was much more meaningful. 

In addition to the Scriptural explanation there was a discussion about how through a short span of ecclesiastical years the Bible gained widespread popular importance in the Roman Catholic Church. When we take the many years of the Church’s Life, the time span from Pope Leo XIII, to the present Pope Benedict XVI, is a relatively short period of time. The changes of Vatican I and Vatican II, really assisted in the furtherance of understanding the ‘Set of Books’ known as The Bible among the faithful. 
For many whot get confused in the many sets of Character changing values, and Life transforming statements, be comforted that in the Catholic Faith is found the stability of Tradition, as well as
the Truth of God’s Word.  Put these two Realities together and we have a Fortress that will not be overthrown because “the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”.
I could continue with the many eye opening bits of knowledge that were gained during my night at the ‘Bible Study’ with St. Christopher’s gathering. To really get a ‘Bite Out of the Bible’ come out on Wednesday nights at St. Christopher’s Bible Study gathering .
                                                                                   Br. Phil Bara

WHO WILL GO?

Isaiah 6:8--- Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send ? Who will go for us ?”  I said, “ Here I am. Send me!”

New International Version (NIV)

The question that lingers, and has lingered for many ages is  “ Who will go?”  This question has presently awakened many, yet there are many who still wait on the sidelines for others to take the necessary actions.  We see that the areas of social growth are still based on the many moral half truths, recreational titillations, and the soothing of ‘itching ears’.

The Scripture Isaiah 6:8, was written over a thousand years ago. The Truth of the verse is still very much as effective today as then. When we prepare ourselves with the fullness of the Word of God, we amaze the listeners to a point that the facts are gathered like ripe grapes, and put to productive use.  The amazement is not always positive.  Some take the grapes and  tread angrily on them because the taste is too difficult to savor.

In my answer to the important question concerning going, I refer to the response that Isaiah gave above. The one’s who will go, are the few, who diligently study, discipline themselves to the point of limitation, and prepare their entire selves for the mission. Future society will only listen to the

teachers, guides, and ministers, who are prepared to convey the ‘Truth, Reality, and the Wisdom’ that has been experienced, and proven.  The cost of this evolution with ‘mankind’ still is paid for with the determination, sweat, tears, and blood, of the *True Students and Disciples* of today .

So in ending this I also ask “ Who will go ?”

Br. Phil Bara

FATHERS DAY IN HEAVEN

FATHERS DAY

  Every year in June there is a celebration day set aside for Fathers. Perhaps so that we guys would not feel left out because of the day in May known as Mothers Day.   When we say the word father what comes to mind? For the most of us it is the figure of a strong, brave, supportive, defending, and authoritative male.

      Many of us had fathers who carried these characteristics. To those that had no father or male figure in their lives with these characteristics, be comforted by the fact that there is One Who has these, plus much more. I remember on many an occasion competing with my father in many different ways as I was growing.  I did it while always realizing that my dad was either more experienced in the area, or that I needed to learn more about how to play the game.

     My Father was a strong, supportive, and authoritative gentleman with the ‘old Northern European’ ways.  I can remember some of the quality sayings that he taught me; “That what I have said I will do.” is one that personally I am still attempting to discipline myself with. Another that comes to my mind is “Actions speak louder than words.” Along with this one is the one that put the reverence of Life into me; “Obey, what I say, or you will pay.” This one, and my behavior, resulted in his placing a heavily calloused hand on the section of my body I sit on.

    As I was reflecting about Fathers day a Scripture came to my mind. The verse is found in Romans chapter 8 verse 15, where we read that the Holy Spirit dwelling within our Hearts causes us to be adopted children of God, the Creator, calls out ‘Abba’ Father! This confirms the fact that we have as our Father, the Creator of the Entire Universe!! The prayer found in Mathew chapter 6, taught by our Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples, and also to us who believe in Jesus, also states the important fact that our Father is in Heaven, meaning that God is our Father.

   Our Earthly fathers are limited to the characteristics of strength, courage, support, defending abilities, and authority. Our Heavenly Father is limitless in these characteristics even to the magnitude known as ‘Omni’ which means more than enough, beyond comprehension, and everlasting. Omni also is not measureable, beyond description.

   As we ponder the beauty of creation that surrounds us, let’s look beyond all of this and perceive our Father, the One, Who, because of His Love for us created the many manifestations of all that we see surrounding us. As our earthly fathers have given us directions for us to follow so that we may grow, so Our Heavenly Father has also given us directions so that we may grow into being the sons and daughters of His Family. The scriptures, the teachings of our Apostolic Catholic Church, and the Guidance of the Holy Spirit within our Hearts, are where we find the ‘Directions’ which we are to follow. These ‘Directions’ are the steps that guide us to the Everlasting Loving and Arms of our Heavenly Poppa, Daddy.

   With a contemplative Heart on this ‘Fathers Day’ let’s really reach out to one another as brothers and sisters, and together let’s say: Our Father, we Love You, and we Thank You!!! Happy Fathers Day!!!
Br. Phil Bara

I WAS SICK AND I CALLED YOU and YOU CAME

James 5:14-16 gives very specific instructions about healing: “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” 

This month of May is a month of the freshness of Springtime. The birds are hatching, the animals are growing, and all of Nature is jumping with the newness of the pre-summer season known as *Spring*. Healthy ideas also seem to arrive in the minds of many during this time.

Healthy activities are being done continually throughout the year, diligently by the advocates of Health. Yet, some have areas that are not at a level harmonious to the active lifestyle needed to maintain health. With this in mind I found in Scripture that the Father Creator's Will is that we be in Health, and that we prosper even as our souls (Inner Self, Nóus,) thrives to be in health and prosper. 

The stated facts of James 5:14-16, that when we pray for the sick united with others of Faith our Lord will heal and restore Health to those for whom we pray.  Also with this 'charism' we see that forgiveness of sin is given, as well as healing when reconciliation with our King Jesus Christ and the fellowship with others is actively requested. So as the season of Spring shines with the newness of Life, may we, as trusting disciples of the Way, Truth, and Life, be more aware of the many areas of Life that need our effective intercession.

May is also the month of our Mother Mary, may we imitate her tender care and pray for the Health, of not only people but of all the Father Creator's work.

                                                                                                 SHALOM......nothing missing / nothing broken !!!!

                                                                                                                      Br. Phil Bara                                                                                   

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, ROMAN STYLE

Br. Phil Bara writes:

    Jesus of Nazareth, experienced the most vicious form of torturous execution found during the period of the Roman Empire. This execution had no security walls, no painless injections, or high voltage rapid currents, to ease the suffering.  There were  no ‘mercy codes’ to be followed by the executioners.

Jesus, known to many of that day as Messiah, Christ, Rabbi, Master, and Teacher, was presented before a large crowd of blood thirsty people, excited to witness anguish, and death.

Scripture states that Jesus was tortured, His body ripped apart by the slashing motions of a whip constructed of nine to twelve cords with sharp bones attached to the ends, known as a flagellum. This was followed by the placing of a crown upon His Head made by the twisting of a vine having one to two inch thorns. This coronation of our King was accompanied by the most vile of taunting, ridicule, and mockery that the society could intone in unison. As the procession continued a beam of timber was given to Jesus to carry through the streets, and up a centrally located hill known as ‘The Skull’. This timber, a piece of Creation, was then the device to which Jesus’ wrists, and ankles were attached by the use of nails/spikes that a carpenter would have used.

Upright before the people of the day, Jesus’ breathing exhausted His strength till the ability to live waned and gave way to the eventual finality.

This torture and torment lasted for three hours, till, in willing surrender Jesus gave His Life to the Creator. This was done purposefully so that the misalignment of mankind with the Creator  ould be corrected. This was done so that the Love, the Favor, and the Merciful Forgiveness of an Absolutely Pure God could conquer evil and be experienced by His people.

Following Jesus' crucifixion the body of Jesus was than placed into a cave, then secured with a large rock at its entrance. To add in protecting the society from further rumor and suspicion, a Roman Guard was placed at the cave. For three days a vigil of military might,  depression, and despair continued.

Was this the end of the Person known as: The Son of Man, Messiah, Rabbi, Master, and Christ ?

The answer to this question can be only found by the personal reading of Ancient Writings, known as ‘Gospel’ titled:          Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.

                                                                  The End, or Just The Beginning !!!!

                                                                                 Br. Phil Bara

                

CELEBRATE THE "NOW" MOMENT

Ecclesiastes 1:9, and 3:14-17 

The scriptures that I pondered for this month of March, within this Lenten season.

Time, the man-made measuring system that is supposed to keep everything in order. Gazing at the many events

that are occurring during this measuring system we perceive  that there is a natural rhythm of activity found in all

creation. This I shall call the ‘Triangle of Order’ for the reasons that follow; all creation has (1) Creation...the beginning,

(2) the Preservation... the maturing, sustaining, nurturing stage, and (3) the Destruction...the ending of its form.

This ‘Triangle of Order’ is also rotating in a circular pattern, the ending of one form is the beginning of another, this is known by some as the ‘Circle of Life’.     Concerning mankind, there is a pattern of life that seems not to change.

Disagreeing with the harmony of ‘Natural Order’ is the continual unchanging pattern of the Human Consciousness, or the Behaviour of Mankind. Looking to the Scriptural times of the past we can see that life as a human whole is not that much different now than during those times. Sure we have many technological advances, new ways of doing things that at that time were tedious. Yet the fears, anxieties, pleasures, and basic functions of life are still the same as those of the writings. Terms of survival, health, wealth,and the competitiveness of societies are here found everyday.   This brings to my mind two other very important scriptures which contain an important word known as ‘Now’. Now faith is the substance, and Now is the time of salvation. Many other verses also contain this word ‘Now’ yet for space I only have chosen these two. The meaning of this word ‘Now’ awakens us to the present moment,  not the one before nor the one after. The moment that is now.

Yes, we realize that to capture this moment is almost an impossibility, yet with the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, this impossibility is possible. An example of this, is that during our life when we were excited

about an event to occur time seemed to slow down or even stop.  A great event occurred approximately 2,012 years ago.  Our Lord Jesus Christ nailed to a cross, spoke forth the words “It is Finished.” At that moment the preciousness of ‘Now’ occurred. The B.C. era and the A.D. era of the majority of mankind had begun. The Grace, Mercy, Compassion of our Father Creator, is the ‘Now’ time, known as the Dispensation of Grace. 

In a few days, on March 11th, many will tamper with time. Many will attempt to change the order of events.

Many will move the hands, digitals, and other items that calculate measurements of moment, ahead an hour.

I have a boggling question; “Does this moving forward of ‘time’ really change the Now moment of Natural Harmony?”

This also brings me to ask, “Who is really in command of ‘Time’ ?”  Ahhh !! With this contemplative thought lets

just Trust our Father’s Love, and Enjoy the Present Moment. The Gift that ‘Now’ Is !!!

                                                            

FEBRUARY 14

February *A Day of Love*

February,Ahh!!! The month of hearts,roses,and the expressions of Love.

On the 14th of February, on a day known as ‘Valentines Day’, named after a committed saint, one who spread the message of Love.  Many celebrate by showing to each other an Energy known as ‘Love’.     Now, don’t misunderstand me.   I enjoy candy, the fragrance of flowers, the ‘rush’ of an embrace, and all that !!  Yet, there are 365 days in a year plus 1 more during leap year. More days to express this Energy than just one day in February.  Written in a letter of Paul to the Corinthians is a list of this Energy's attributes that describe this Reality known as Love. This letter is divided into chapters for easier reference.   Chapter 13's verses 4 through 7, contain expressions of Love.   While reading the list I noticed that there are not as many expressions as there are days in a year. So !  With this in mind, we can practice these attributes of Love more than once in a year.  Impossible as some of these qualities may seem to be. The ability to do them is not as challenging as they may seem to be.  Our Creator Father has given us the Power to do them because of the life of His Holy Spirit within us.    As is written in another Scriptural Writing known as ‘Acts of the Apostles’, the Holy Spirit, the 3rd Person of the Holy Trinity has been released to us because of the agreement of The Father, the Son, Jesus, the Christ, and The Spirit of Life. This Spirit of Life is for us who believe in the Birth, Death, and Resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
     Throughout history, humans have witnessed the Reality of Love given to them through the Grace of God. Today many rely on the technology of the ‘modern modems.’  This is good because many are motivated,
encouraged, and taught many things because of all the tools of communication.  Yet, the Life giving Energy of Love is not fully realized unless there is a one to one contact of common unity.  Here is a real life example that I had recently:  I had been in a low moment of my walk of Faith.  I read the Word, prayed, e-mailed, attended services, and went for walks surrounded by the natural beauties, attempting to grasp the enthusiasm emanating from all these activities. Yes !  I am and was blessed by these and felt better.  It wasn’t till I had gone to a restaurant with a loving, alive, and encouraging friend that I realized the importance of one to one contact, the sharing of the Energy, called Love. Wow!!  The touch of another human with the proper motives is still the most wonderful sensation of Life.  Keeping our focus on Love, reaching out to another creature of God, with proper intent, and touching another human is an experience that cannot be limited to just one day in
February. As is sung in a song, “What the World Needs Now is Love,Sweet Love," and as the 1st Letter of John, chapter 4:7,8, states ----- “God is Love”!!!!  With this lets keep our motives unselfish, lets Love, and
REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE !!!
All year around not just on February 14th !!!!
                                                                                         Br.Phil Bara
                                                                                         St. Christopher’s Catholic Church...

LET THERE BE LIGHT -- AND THE LIGHT CAME

Genesis 1:3
 God said “Let there be Light'”. Light was. This Light has been and is placed into every Creature that He has created. Yet mankind throughout the many previous ages, and even now, chosen not to perceive the Light but Darkness instead. This choice of darkness has caused pain, suffering, agony, and destruction of not only mankind but the entire natural order of Creation. The Father Creator with His Wisdom, Knowledge, and infinite Discernment chose to offer a solution to this quagmire of the Cosmos. He became man, shining forth the *Light* so that many would perceive the Light that leads to Freedom. This manifestation of Himself
known as Yeshua, Jesus, is the Light into flesh, The Light of the World. All who trust in Him shall not fall into darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.  The Light with, in, and through our Innermost selves will reveal to us the Darkness, and guide us into the very brightness of His Presence. The many times we are aware of our frailties, imperfections, and areas that need growth, are the many times this Light shines with, in, and through us.
Through our meditations, prayers, obedience in following direction, and our Love of others and nature, causes this Light to Shine more with, in, and through us. We grow in Light also by the meditation, and reading, of the Word of God. Allowing the guidance of the Word to lead us to encourage each other on the road of our Destiny. Yeshua, invites us to enter into the Light as He is the Light. The Omni-Power that dwells with, in, and through us is the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that created the Light at the *Beginning*.  Our encouraging each other to live alive, in, and with, the Light as our Guide, causes the Darkness to dissipate, and the
Light of Christ, to Shine more and more till the Perfect Day of His Presence.

***this message was encouraged by my *Loving Friend* Ms. Deanna.
   hammered out by me......Br. Phil