Continue reading »]]> ⁸ To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; ⁹ not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. ¹⁰For,

   “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS,
MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.
¹¹ “HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD;
HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.
¹² “FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS,
AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER,
BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”

Well St. Peter this might be the hardest of your words yet!  These words are so counter-cultural – so opposite from the desire of human nature!

Sounds like we need a saviour to follow these words…

We need THE SAVIOR Jesus to follow His example – to follow HIM!

I was reminded yesterday of the difference between the “I” in me and the “I AM” of Jesus -

We can only act in the way of Jesus by His grace and His strength — He acting in us.

But when we try to be perfect for ourselves… when we look at the commandments as a measure of how righteous we are… for the sake of being righteous… a good  person…

for ME — For the “I” in me… than we have missed the power of the savior in our lives!

The is no longer an “I” in me… but a “Christ” who lives in me… and He is the great

“I AM” — HE IS!

When I can step out of the way and put all my trust in Him — with my YES -

then I can let His grace give me the strength to repay evil with good — and to not allow evil to pass my lips!

I need saving every day… and I look to Jesus who had the power to fight sin — to fight it daily in me!

Where in your life are  you not following the good?

Where in your life have you not surrendered to Jesus?

God bless -

Continue reading »]]>  ¹ In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, ² as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. ³ Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; ⁴ but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. ⁵ For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; ⁶ just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

 ⁷ You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

St. Peter starts with the words… in the same way… meaning is the same way as the verses we ended with yesterday… in the same way as “THE WAY” CHRIST JESUS!

How beautiful and with a totally truthful perspective we can read these words if we read first about Christ suffering…

these are hard words for our modern day culture….and with all that has happened with women’s so called “liberation”.

When Christ came he liberated women… he raised women and slaves and the poor…

If we read these words about submission and the fact that a woman has the power to win her husband’s soul for Christ if she exemplifies him…

Not with nagging… not with anger or frustrated words… but with love in action…

Silence – not a word would have to be spoken -

This is a high calling we have as women – to be like the savior Jesus!

Not in titles or positions of grandeur … but in action…

Then St. Peter calls men to live with wives “In the same way” as Christ and with understanding…

This might seem amazing to many men and women who read this and think…

Understanding?  We are so different how can I understand this Man or Woman????

But with the grace of Christ – understanding is possible!

And in the Sacrament of Marriage the grace of God is flowing if a wife and husband follow in this SAME WAY!

As St. Peter says… the husband’s prayers will be hindered!

This word “weaker”… this may seem to offend some women…

Weaker does not mean unequal or less than…

Women are receivers… we are to be softer, docile, usually more compassionate,

we are the heart of the family.

Men are the hunters, protectors and they are stronger -

This goes for temptations too I believe… which is why Eve was so easily tempted and taken by Satan when he convinced her to eat the apple in the original sin…

So St. Peter is so wise to exhort the husband to a greater understanding of his wife!

This is good news and beautifully put by St. Peter…

In what ways can we as wives or husbands follow in Christ’s way -

which we read about yesterday — that by His wounds we are healed and by His suffering we have an example in our relationships?

In what way can you offer suffering or any wounds from your spouse in marriage – to our Lord for healing?

God bless-

Continue reading »]]> ²³ and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; ²⁴ and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. ²⁵ For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Oh St. Peter… this is action packed today.  I can just picture him writing this with heart felt thanksgiving to His Savior and King Jesus Christ.

How do we suffer?  Do we follow the example of our Lord?

This is so comforting… but also exhorting… and if you haven’t seen by now,

Peter exhorts!  Our first Pope!

“For by his wounds you are healed”  This never had such meaning to me as it does right now!

If Jesus healed us by His Wounds… how much more then does He call us to offer our wounds?

Think about the people in your life who have hurt you –

Do you want revenge, justice, do you want them to come to you and tell you they are sorry — that they were wrong…

Isn’t that what we want usually?  Don’t we remain in pain over past hurts and think to ourselves… you know if they just came to me and said they were sorry -

Or we are upset because we think… “If they  just said they were wrong and sorry!”

Usually I have forgiven but there is still a pain in my heart over the hurt and so I continue to pray for the person… but I will think to myself in times of temptation…

I wish they knew how much they hurt me…

Recently I prayed and realized that my prayers for this person are greater now after they hurt me than before… it is a greater sacrifice to Our Lord — and the person doesn’t even have to know that I know pray for them from a place of pain — from the wound!

From the Wound I pray for God to bless them and heal them!

Wow — that is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us and for all those people — even His own friends… ESPECIALLY PETER who denied him!

When Jesus was on the cross Peter had left Him… said he didn’t even know Him!

Jesus prayed for Peter anyway — that his faith would be strong – for protection against Satan who Jesus already had seen speaking through Peter!

These are powerful words today from St. Peter…

A beautiful way that he replays and tells the way Our Lord suffered… and an example for us to follow!

Think today about praying from  your wounds and hurts — from that place of pain for those who hurt you…

In heaven you will see the graces and glory of God through this prayer!

God bless -

Continue reading »]]> ¹⁸ Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. ¹⁹ For this finds ^[favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. ²⁰ For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

Christ Is Our Example

 ²¹ For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, ²² WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH

WOW this is even harder than the verses from Day 14!  So here it is… when we do what is right and suffer, and patiently endure it, we follow Jesus example and bring glory to God.

Seems like I spend most of my life suffering the consequences of my sin… and I seem to be better able to endure that then I am when I am called to suffer for what I did not do.

It just doesn’t ever seem fair!

And that’s it! In our world today we don’t like to ever pay for someone else’s sin… we do not like what we think is injustice!

And yet injustice is all around us…

When we suffer for doing the right thing and unite it to Christ it brings glory to God.

What stops us is fear, and St. Peter knows all about this temptation, as he fell three

times and denied Jesus…

Now St. Peter exhorts us here to do the good and be like Jesus in carrying injustices and

exercise patience and endurance.

In what ways do you feel like you suffer for doing good?

Maybe in your own home you are persecuted for your love of Jesus and His Church?

Maybe at work where people might be sinning and you are the one they make fun of for doing good?

How can you suffer patiently today and offer it to Jesus for His Glory!

This is a great time in Lent as we contemplate Jesus death for our sins…

as Peter says… he who did not sin or even speak anything deceitful suffered?

That’s a lot to meditate on today…

God bless -

Continue reading »]]> ¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. ¹⁵ For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. ¹⁶ Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. ¹⁷ Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

This might be hard verses for us in this age to take at times… but God’s word stands true for the test of time!

No matter what is happening around us we must always do what is right and just!

And when things get out of control and there is the temptation to go after evil by committing evil in the name of justice… avoid evil and do what’s right even more!

We should never say… I have no choice… I must do such and such!

That is not freedom!  That is why St. Peter says… act as free men!  Always free to do the good!

When I speak to women who are seeking an abortion… it is always said…

“I must have an abortion… I have no choice… it would be better for this baby if it is not born into this situation…”

That is not freedom… that is slavery… and the same goes for every area of our lives.

If someone who  you are accountable to is not treating you well… respond in love and peace…  it is amazing how doing good truly does silence people — disarms them…

So seeing your good work they will see Jesus — and amazing things happen.

Who in your life are you struggling with… who is in authority over you who is difficult to follow right now?

Maybe its a spouse, a boss, a parent, a government leader?

What can  you do today to show that  you are a free person?

God bless -

Continue reading »]]> ¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. ¹² Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

 Today is a great message on the Feast of St. Joseph!  His purity and his holiness spoke volumes and created great witness to the power of God… and with no written words about him!

St. Peter exhorts here that we keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles… those who are far away from Jesus.

When someone is not with Christ or following in evil ways… the ways of God are crazy – and create anger in the dark soul!

But in the end the dark soul is still watching and observing your good deeds… we have no idea how those good deeds come into play someday and aid in their salvation.

St. Peter reminds us of this… and gives us motivation to follow in the good no matter what anyone thinks!

So stay clear of following the lust and desires of your flesh — ways of the world…

and follow in the ways of the Spirit of God!

The war is for our souls… and sin is death… it really is simple!

This letter is written for those Christians who were scattered in Asia minor –

Maybe there are Catholic Christians today reading this who feel all alone in their faith walk…

Maybe there are people reading this that feel… “What’s the point? Everyone around me is following the ways of the world and putting me down or scandalizing me for following the good in Jesus Christ!  Why bother?”

St. Peter today is telling you that it does matter and to keep fighting against lust and sin –excellence in holiness is our goal -

How might you follow the light today?

God bless

Continue reading »]]>  ⁹ But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

 This is such great news today!  We have been chosen!  This is a great time to be alive in Christ – no matter what things look like in the world!

We must never forget the POWER we have in Christ Jesus through His ministry!

We are called to be a Holy Nation!  No matter what you read or see in the news!

We are the People of God!  And we are to live in His light and bring that light to our nation!

We have to remember where we came from… darkness! 

But thanks be to God we are walking in His light — and if we have fallen we are a people of Mercy — and so we move in His Mercy and we thank God every day for Jesus Christ!

This is a great time during Lent to reclaim our position in Jesus and His royal priesthood – the place we have in His body – the POWER to minister His light and love!

Where might you be still living in darkness?

Have  you been to confession this season – to restore your relationship with Jesus?

Do you know and live like you are in the People of God – or in His Mercy?

God bless

Continue reading »]]>  ¹ Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, ² like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, ³ if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

Oh Wow St. Peter!  It was all sounded great till about now!

These are those things that weigh us down… that keep us from being totally pure… that keep us from loving from a pure heart!

And St. Peter is reminding us here that these are the things that not only keep us from being perfect as our heavenly father is perfect… but they keep us from going deeper in striving for the imperishable life God has planned for us.

What is amazing is that these things St. Peter says to set aside… are things that many of us do and think are not a “big deal”…

for example… we might think… “Well I’m not killing anyone or comitting adultery” so what’s a little hypocrisy… or

I’m talking about someone to you because I’m just stating facts and I’m concerned for them… meanwhile deep down I’m decieving you and me because I really am judging and perhaps envious about a person I’m talking about – and mostlikely speaking slanderous things…

Who knows… only you and God — and maybe not even you know what you are doing…

So we need to call on the Holy Spirit to show us not only where I might be any of these things St. Peter mentions to set aside…

and then we need to ask “how to”set them aside… we know the Sacrament of Confession is the place to go… to be specific about these things…

to receive the graces we need to set them aside and turn away from these things…

and

to become like newborn babies — taking the Word of God… Jesus in the Scriptures and nurish ourselves every day with His Word.

This Lent is the perfect time to get in the habit of praying and reading the Word of God and to live it daily.

How might you take in The Word of God daily in your life?

How do you see this as significant in your being like a newborn baby in your faith journey?

What are the ways that you set aside these things St Peter mentions daily?

Continue reading »]]> ⁴ And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

 In the last verses before these, St. Peter encouraged us to come to the Lord Jesus as newborn babies, if we are to grow in respect to salvation… if we have tasted the KINDNESS of the Lord…

and now he is telling us to come to Him as a living stone… one that is precious to God!

How often do we consider ourselves and precious stones… choice gems…

How often do we usually come to Jesus thinking of ourselves as sinners… and keeping that image of our past lives, or past sins, and forget to see ourselves as renewed or reborn?

St. Peter reminds us — as the Rock and foundation of Christ’s Church that although we might be “rejected” by the world, we are so much more precious to God and play an important part in the building of His Holy Church!

 Here in these words we are to understand that we play a valuable part in Christ’s Church as a living stone, which when joined together with the other living stones makes up the building of the church…

and that each one of us… as a living stone… offers sacrifices, especially the sacrifice of praise and we participate, as the body of Christ in His holy priesthood, by offering God this praise and thanksgiving in our own hearts and by living a sacrificial life in Him.

 And so St. Peter is giving us an image of who we are and what we do when we truly belong to God. 

How we are to turn from evil and to be reborn, to hug to the Word of God and to realize our preciousness in the building of the Spiritual House offering praise and glory to God through Jesus Christ…

Lent is a great time to reflect on the condition of your living stone…

Are you realizing that you are a precious stone of God?

Are you living a life of sacrificial praise to God through Jesus?

Are  you building this life around and together with other living stones… the members of His Church in community?

God bless -

Continue reading »]]> ⁶ For this is contained in Scripture:

   “BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone,
AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”

 ⁷This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,

   “THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,
THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER stone,”

 ⁸and,

   “A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE”;

   for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.

Think of the way you treat or value a precious stone… whether it be diamonds, pearls, rubies, safires, emeralds…

Women understand how precious these are and men appreciate the costly value…

We also understand the value of stones builders use… and we know the difference in using marble verses linoleum…

It never hit me as it is today, that God ingeniously designed the plan for His Spiritual House of praise… and made Jesus the cornerstone – a stone of precious value!

When King Solomon built the temple… a physical house of God, he put precious stones, pearls in the holy of holies…

This imaged the future Spiritual House that God has already planned in Jesus Christ His Son…

And the temple of God is in each and every one of our hearts… so that joined together we make up the Spiritual House  – in the body of Christ.

We are all living stones – valuable and precious as Jesus lives in us!

 We are to believe in the Rock Jesus and to obey His word and we will not be disappointed!

If we do not believe and obey Him we stumble over Him… and the key for us is to get back up if we do!

When I was not following Jesus I can remember taking offense to His commands… when I was disobedient to His word, I seemed to the world like I was victorious but I was stumbling in my spirit and my life was deteriorating…

Lent is a great time to ask ourselves in what ways am I stumbling today?

In what ways are you disobedient to the Word of God?

Oh Lord help me to walk in your ways! Help me to appreciate the value of Jesus Christ the Cornerstone who is more precious than gold or silver.

And help me to know that I am a precious living stone!

God bless -