Normandt' Catholic Meditations

[Normandt]

392. God's Presence


We wish this, as Paul asks:
"We do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Colossians, chapter 1, verse 9b

We want the world to be filled with the holy presence of God. So, continues Paul:
"Live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God." Colossians, chapter 1, verse 10

That's how we become true christians. Always receive from God, to share with the people around us, helps us to become saints.

When we're alone and we don't ask for God's help, we're fishing in the void. This is what happens when the Apostles don't invite God in their boat.
Jesus says to Peter and to us too:
"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Luke, chapter 5, verse 4

They understand the difference between being alone with lost efforts and being with Jesus, he who multiplies the efforts and whose work becomes as efficient as to tear the nets with so much fish. They will need the help of other fishermen to pick up the fish. We need the faith of others to move forward together and achieve good fishing. It's also important to stop looking at the nets, to only gather around the nets, and just throw them out.

To throw out is to go forward with the Trinity, trusting Jesus. Then we'll have as a result:
"When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing." Luke, chapter 5, verse 4

Jesus shows them that with his grace, the quantity of fish is multiplied. Let's trust in Jesus, when he's in our life, for the evangelization of our environment, where our two feet are.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's evangelize, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

393. We announce him!


The mission of evangelization is the summit of what a person can bring to the world. Evangelization is taking the beauty of the Word of God, of his Eucharist and transmitting holiness to each person. John shares his testimony:
"What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us." 1 John, chapter 1, verse 3a

John is precise: "We proclaim now to you." To announce Jesus, to announce the message that he offers us, to announce his presence in the Word and the Eucharist, saves us. The world needs to hear it. This is the ultimate need of the world.

We're privileged people to go to Mass, to receive the word of God and the Eucharist, the Body of Christ. We cannot imagine how much we receive graces on graces in abundance. God fills us up.

We're called as John to announce the Love of God for every person, without exception. John knows what he's talking about:
"It is this disciple (John) who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true." John, chapter 21, verse 24

John had a special relationship with Jesus and he invites us to live the same relationship with the Lord. The way to remain united to Jesus is that we make him known.

The more people around the world believe, the more we'll be able to support each other in faith and stay in Jesus. It's vital for us to announce Jesus to the world. This is the true testimony: for Jesus to be known.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's evangelize, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

394. The foundation is Christ

As soon as we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, that we are baptized, and decide to follow Jesus and allow others to discover the gospel, we progress in faith. We progress in the faith as we live a personal and progressive involvement with Jesus, for the world. Paul supports this idea:
"With Christ Jesus himself as the capstone." Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 20

Everything is built from and on the foundation of Christ:
"Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord" Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 21

More clearly, it is Christ who is the real builder of his Church. But what is exceptional is that he needs us all, without exception. He needed Antony of Padua, the present Pope, Catherine of Siena, Bernard of Clairvaux, and many holy persons whom we may know. Paul confirms it to us:
"In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 22

Let's be assured that Jesus has come for us all, and that we all receive equally. The Trinity gives so much Love to every person who receives it. Let's give thanks to God, who keeps us in his Merciful Love.

We don't know how to ask Jesus to be with us and help us? Let's ask him in our heart and let's be sure he's heard us. Let's prepare to receive him well and let him transform us from the inside. Let's allow some time, before seeing the new shoots. Let's be patient, we will rejoice.
It's 100% sure, as soon as we ask Jesus to help us, to be with us, he's there, since he wasn't elsewhere. Let's welcome Jesus! He is here with us.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's evangelize, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

395. With Jesus


In what Jesus shares with us now, there's a clear contrast between the smallness of the mustard seed and its growth:
"It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants." Matthew, chapter 13, verse 32

To welcome Jesus in our life seems to be nothing at first. Sometimes it can take time, years to develop like mustard seed. While the Lord is preparing our heart, he invites us to patience before discovering the result. It's official that the Lord works in our life. Let's allow time and improve with good values, waiting for the results.

Let's learn to feel the presence of Jesus in us. Let's get small by inner observation. May Jesus grow in us. Then let him touch people's hearts.

We don't think we have a lot of resources in view of the scale of evangelization. Let's take one step at a time. Let's be silent in ourselves for months and years. Let's listen to Jesus. Then we'll be able to better observe and to evangelize the world. We'll only have to discover and understand the issues in the world now. We'll be gradually aware of all the challenges that it entails.

But we cannot do anything alone. On the one hand, we need the community of the Church, to learn the means to evangelize. Then, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will develop various dimensions and goals of evangelization. Even more, for all these stages, we need the Trinity.

The Father creates the seed, the Holy Spirit sprinkles it and gives it nutrients and Jesus carries it to hearts that are hungry and thirsty for Love and all its manifestations; joy, peace, mercy, hope, etc. The seed in us, with the wisdom of God, will give fruit in its time.

We may not see the results, but God sees everything and he knows when we're walking with him for the salvation of people. With Jesus, we'll get there.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's evangelize, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

396. Evangelize with Jesus


Jesus calls for humility
"What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?" Matthew, chapter 16, verse 26

This message is very important if we want to work (evangelize) with Jesus. During his visit, he showed us how difficult it is to move into a world where many people stay away from God. It's in this world that we're sent, because God Loves people, always.

Jesus would like to gather all the sheep:
"How many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings, but you were unwilling!" Matthew, chapter 23, verse 37

That's what Jesus wants us to understand. It is he who saves, it is he who converts. Jesus wants us in his mission, but he doesn't want us to be living the mission alone. He's the one who guides and leads his people, his family, to eternal life.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's evangelize, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

397. Succession


Sometimes, when we have worked on a mission and we don't see a succession on the horizon, we wonder who will continue the work. Jesus has always worked, he has always found witnesses of faith. He will continue to find some. Let's never think that it is our mission, but Jesus who sends us in a mission to evangelize.

A little push toward Jesus and it doesn't take more so that each person feels Loved and becomes transformed, respecting their own pace. Only Jesus can win the world, to the extent that people in the world turn to him:
"I myself will look after and tend my sheep." Ezekiel, chapter 34, verse 11

How difficult it is to leave him his sheep. To take charge of Jesus's sheep is to stand before him, when it's better to let him reach hearts.

Are we disappointed of people who don't seem to be converting to God? The question would be: Do we try and do too much? Do we take Jesus's place? Do we leave him his people? We then become bridges between the world and Jesus as soon as we understand that he's the Evangelizer, he'll convert.

God himself says that it is he who brings back the sheep. Let's be happy to serve as his research instruments. And let the Holy Spirit touch their hearts:
"The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal." Ezekiel, chapter 34, verse 16

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Let's evangelize, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

398. Listen


"Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper." Jeremiah, chapter 7, verse 23

We wish to be happy. We ardently want to be of the family of God. It's good to be told, "Listen to my voice; then, I will be your God and you shall be my people," my family. We're happy.

God invites us to follow the prescribed path. What is the prescribed path? Eliminate what makes us stumble, get away from what leads to evil, keep away from taking something for granted, stop wanting to control, let go of all that is useless, etc., trust, and live in peace and joy.

The resolve to focus on Christ is the only prescribed path. If we embark resolutely on following Jesus, we will want to convert more to him. Do we want to have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and trust in him completely?

To trust in Jesus is essential. That too is our mission. Let's take the path he prescribes. Jesus tells us:
"I am the way, the truth and the life." John, chapter 14, verse 6
He did not say he's the obstacle, the lie and the death. Jesus said he is "the way, the truth and the life".

To get away from the way, the truth and the life in God is to harm us, then to harm others. It's important to ask God for the grace to remain in his joy. Let's ask for the grace to stay with Jesus.

We are created for Jesus, we're created for Love.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

399. My heart is ready


Let's say together with all saints:
"My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and chant praise." Psalm 57, verse 8

It's a testimony to sing, to play hymns to God. We know it, when we're helpful, when we adjust our life to that of God, our heart is in joy and it wants to "sing and play hymns".

Let's add this passage:
"I will praise you among the peoples, Lord; I will chant your praise among the nations." Psalm 57, verse 10

When we love, we want to share the joy of love that we have and especially to mention the person who gives us this love. When we love a person, his name doesn't bother us. The name of Jesus cannot displease us. Love does not displease.

With God, we want to give thanks (thank him) everywhere and at all times, since we know that Love comes from him. We want to share the joy of the Love we receive from God, because it makes us live and transforms us to the point of experiencing joy in abundance! The desire to love the neighbour of the Love of God is the sign that we understand the mission in which Jesus engages us.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

400. God Loves through us


Here is Jesus's command:
"Love one another as I love you." John, chapter 15, verse 12
To love allows Jesus to recognize us as his:
"You are my friends if you do what I command you." John, chapter 15, verse 14

But we should also learn how to convey who Jesus is and that he Loves us forever.

Beloved, we are. We are created by Love and to live his Love between us. Receiving Jesus's love and sharing on whom he really is, allows us to become friends of the Shepherd in the Covenant. And we're fulfilling the same mission that Jesus came to live during his stay at the heart of our reality.

The mission is to receive Jesus, to be happily saturated and evangelization is to allow others to taste his presence that overflows us by thoughts, words and gestures. We're free to evangelize Love. Let's not burden ourselves with evil. Let's give the heaviness to Jesus and continue to radiate Love that circulates in our lives.

Jesus came to Love us and if we love thanks to him, we offer what he has offered us, his Love for humanity. Let's love God and God in one's neighbour so that we may learn to love ourselves too.

Let's love God? Well, it's impossible to love God, since Love comes from him. As it is written in the book Let's be Loved, Paths 34 - 40, God gives us his Love and we cannot give him back his gift. But he asks us if he can go through us so that his gift of Love passes from our heart onto and in the hearts of others. And what great joy to let God Love through us! This is proof that we accept his Love and let him pass to heal and convert the neighbours.

The mission knocks on the door of evangelization when we're like a sponge that's saturated with the Love of God. Evangelization knocks on the door of the heart of the people when we let God Love. The evangelization of Jesus's message is completed by the reception of the message of salvation by the other person.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

401. Graces


Paul discovers the graces, since he lives united with God:
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone." 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, verses 4 to 6

Gifts, services and activities are graces when they are intimately related to God and practised according to his will. The graces are revealed by the good, the beautiful, the real and true in the world. The sharing, health care workers, those who pray, and everything that can help a person is related to the graces and gifts that God gives us.

Assistance to people in poverty, attention to persecuted people, to those who don't live their lives naturally and get bogged down in drugs or lies, among others, that conflict against the deep nature of people, paying them attention is a means of encouraging them and leading them to the graces they receive, but of which, too often, they no longer believe in, since they see them less or lacking in their surroundings.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

402. Grace for all


Paul tells us:
"The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our saviour Jesus Christ." Titus, chapter 2, verses 11 to 13

The grace of God is for all people. Grace is present, it is active, it makes us holy. It teaches us to reject sin and the passions of this world. Being passionate is good in itself. But Paul places certain passions as evil.

What are the passions and sins today that lead to evil? Indifference, rejection, judgment, gluttony, disordered passions, hatred, and so on, what in our life prevents us from fully receiving the grace of God? Let's refuse sin. By asking God to help us free ourselves from everything that hinders our life to be free, we'll discover or rediscover more and more the beauty and power of God's grace.

By doing our part to allow the grace of God to pass through our lives, we offer ourselves the chance to advance in faith and to live in an intimate and deep relationship with him.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

403. Jesus free's us


When we meet Christ, and this may be during our life, we can say to him:
"We have done what we were obliged to do." Luke, chapter 17, verse 10

Our duty, our mission is to let Jesus free us from sin and evil, and let him Love us, to allow his graces to transform our lives and the lives of many thousands of people we'll have no idea he'll be touching their hearts. The purification of our being inspires others to look for him and let themselves be transformed. Let's remain in prayer.

When we pray without waiting in return and letting Jesus choose an intention, prayer can reach people we don't know. Also, it allows us to expect nothing in return. This prayer is free.

May the Lord take our sufferings upon himself, light our way, and lead us ever deeper into his universe of holiness. May the Holy Spirit invade us with his refreshing Presence and bring us together in the Kingdom of the Trinity.
This acclaim reminds us to continue in faith and joy. Praise the Lord:
"All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries. For the Lord, the Most High, inspires awe, the great king overall the earth. (...) God mounts the throne amid shouts of joy; the Lord, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise. God is king over all the earth; sing hymns of praise. God rules over the nations; God sits upon his holy throne." Psalm 47, verses 2 to 3 and 6 to 9

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

404. The testimony of God


John tells us:
"If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater. Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son." 1 John, chapter 5, verse 9

The testimonies are multiple. When a team wins in hockey, we value, in the newspapers, the effort and commitment of the players. When there is a traffic accident, the witnesses say what they saw.

When people go on a visit to a natural environment that is breathtaking, they are in front of something different. Nature raises our spirit, it isn't invented by humans. Nature is there, simply, with its beauties, its colours, its diversity of species.

Another adventure, another testimony comes to disrupt the course of history. That of the Creator to Moses, who calls himself "I am", God. Then the evangelists and many other people testified about Jesus and this continues today. Each person's testimony will reveal one aspect or another of what they have seen and heard. Our testimony of faith reminds us that God is always there, present with us and continues to Love us.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

405. They are One


There is also God's testimony to his Son. The Father recognizes himself in his Son. They are One. Now, what the Father says of the Son is the summit as testimony. John confirms it:
"This is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life." 1 John, chapter 5, verses 11 to 12

The Son is one with us, taking flesh of the Virgin Mary. He pays homage to our human nature, since humanity is his jewel. He wants to bring us back to him.

It's a privilege for humanity to receive Jesus, but sometimes, because of sin, people don't do justice to God. Jesus has come to bring us back to the purity of God.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas

[Normandt]

406. John's testimony


John shares his testimony:
"I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God." 1 John, chapter 5, verse 13

Our testimony helps deepen our faith in Jesus. The purpose of our life is to place our faith in him. This testimony in Jesus is valid for the world. This is the testimony of testimonies. Nothing surpasses this one.

God also receives our testimony to him. It's our way of paying tribute to what we receive. We ask Jesus to purify us more so that our testimony will become through prayer, mass and fasting, the one that Jesus wants to hear.

May our testimony to communion with the Word and the Eucharist reflect our desire to make Jesus known, as the Father testifies:
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Matthew, chapter 3, verse 17

Then Jesus bears testimony to the Father and his Spirit by sending it to us:
"I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you." John, chapter 14, verses 16 to 17

Let's communicate with the Holy Spirit, let's keep him with us. We will see the wonders that the Trinity will realize in our heart and in the world.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Joy in heaven!, Normand Thomas