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9 New Testament Scripture Verses about the Most High God

The Most High God is the same God from the Old Testament and New Testament we worship in our Catholic faith during the celebration of the Mass today. Certainly, God is mentioned many times in both the Old and New Testaments, but the Most High God is mysteriously mentioned just nine times in the entire New Testament.

The more we know about God, the better we can love Him and have a reverence for Him in all that He does for us in our lives and for our families.

Who is the Most High God?

During a recent study of the Wisdom Book of Sirach, I noticed the author, Ben Sira, kept referring to God as “the Most High,” almost forty times, throughout the book.

What does it mean when God is referred to as the Most High God in Sacred Scripture?

And what exactly does the Most High God mean for us as Catholics today?

Example #1

In the Order of the Mass, when we recite the Gloria together during the Liturgy of the Word, at the end, we say the following:

“For you alone are the Holy One. You alone are the Lord. You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”

Example #2

In the Liturgy of the Hours, Volume III, the following petition is said during the solemnity of Corpus Christi in the Sunday Evening Prayers (Vespers) p.622. If you want to experience a greater degree of spiritual protection for your and your family and increase in holiness, I recommend learning how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

Christ, eternal priest of the Most High, you have commanded your priests to offer your sacraments, – may they help them to exemplify in their lives the meaning of the sacred mysteries which they celebrate.

Spiritual Warfare Principles Noted

There are some spiritual warfare principles noted with the topic of the Most High God.

Note: These spiritual warfare principles were learned from a riveting lecture by renowned exorcist, Father Chad Ripperger. Please see my post on Spiritual Protection

Spiritual Warfare Principle #1 – The Divine Economy of Authority

Divine Economy of Authority – God established a Divine hierarchy when He made creation. An example would be that there are nine (9) ranks of angels. There were angels throughout the levels of the hierarchy that rebelled from God and were cast out of heaven and thrust down to hell by St. Michael and his angels (Rev 7:7-9)

These “fallen angels” are better known by the Church as demons. Satan and his demons lost their assigned places by the Most High God in the Divine hierarchy.

We humans have been given the opportunity to take their vacant spots. The demons will do everything God will allow to keep that from happening for each of us.

Spiritual Warfare Principle #2 – Anything but God

Anything but God – Demons, therefore, try to distract us with ordinary temptations and influences from having anything to do with God in our lives.

They don’t care what it is that we choose to do or follow, as long as it does not involve the Most High God. The demons know that their strategy of “anything but God” greatly increases the chances of souls being cast into hell for eternity.

The Most High God

God is the Most High God at the highest level of all creation, both visible and invisible. Nothing surpasses Him. He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. Our very breath of life is graciously given to us by Him (Job 33:4)

If the demons want us to focus on anything but God, the primary focus in our lives should be to focus on God, all things God, and everything else we can possibly do to know, love, and serve the Most High God in heaven. God should be our very all.

Every creature is God’s servant, for it was through Him that every creature came to be. – St. Augustine

I have heard Fr. Ripperger mention in a lecture when you visit a religious order such a Carmelite monastery, you will notice that many of the religious there often have a radiance about them that is noticeable because of their perseverance over the years in receiving the sacraments, in prayer, scripture study, fasting. etc. They have grown a greater love for the Most High God by the way they live their lives.

In the Book of Malachi, God mentions that He never changes (Mal 3:6). The Hebrew Most High God, El Elyon, that was worshipped by Abraham and the priest Melchizedek, is the same God mentioned in the New Testament, and the One we worship today in Catholic churches and chapels throughout the world.

9 New Testament Scripture Verses about the Most High God

Here are the 9 New Testament verses compiled in a table for review.

Spoken by	Theme	Verse
1. a demon	Son of God	Mark 5:7
2. Archangel St. Gabriel	Son of God	Luke 1:32
3. Archangel St. Gabriel	Power of God	Luke 1:35
4. Prophet Zechariah	Plan of God	Luke 1:76
5. Jesus Christ	Children of God	Luke 6:35
6. a demon	Son of God	Luke 8:28
7. St. Stephen (martyr)	Characteristic of God	Acts 7:48
8. a demon	Servants of God	Acts 16:17
9. Possibly St. Paul	Priest of God	Hebrews 7:1

The Greek translation of the Most High God in the New Testament is hypsistos theos.

The Most High God – 9 New Testament Verses

Verse #1 – Jesus, Son of the Most High God

Crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” Mark 5:47

Verse #2 – Jesus, Son of the Most High God

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, Luke 1:32

Verse #3 – Miraculous Power of the Most High God

And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Luke 1:35

Luke 1:35 “Note how Gabriel refers to all three persons of the Holy Trinity: “Holy Spirit,” “Most High,” and “Son of God.” Source: The Didache Bible

Verse #4 – The Plan of the Most High God

And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, Luke 1:76

Verse #5 – Children of the Most High God

But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Luke 6:35

Luke 6:35 sons of the Most High: From a Hebrew perspective, parents reproduce character traits in the children who bear their image (Gen 5:3). Jesus applies this same logic to the family of God: as the Father is forgiving and loving, even toward the unfaithful and undeserving, so His children must imitate His kindness toward all without discrimination. Source: Ignatius New Testament Catholic Study Bible

Verse #6 – Jesus, Son of the Most High God

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him; in a loud voice he shouted, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!” Luke 8:28

Verse #7 – A Characteristic of the Most High God

Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: Acts 7:48

Verse #8 – Servants of the Most High God

She began to follow Paul and us, shouting, “These people are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” Acts 16:17

The irony here is the woman possessed with an oracular spirit ( a demon) is admitting – possibly through the profound holiness of St. Paul – there is a Most High God in heaven whom we Catholics love and serve on earth.

Verse #9 – Priest of the Most High God

This “Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High,” “met Abraham as he returned from his defeat of the kings” and “blessed him.” Hebrews 7:1

Hebrews 7:1-2a the author introduces Melchizedek as “king of Salem and priest of God Most High” and focuses on the two matters of greatest importance to his argument: Melchizedek blessed Abraham as he returned from battle, and Abraham gave to Melchizedek a tithe or “tenth of everything.” Source: New Collegeville Bible Commentary – New Testament

Spiritual Warfare Principle Noted

The last comment above brings to mind a biblical principle that does not get a lot of attention with Catholics, but probably should in the Church today: Tithe.

Make Tithe Offerings to the Most High God in Heaven.

Some might say tithing is external, but the decision to make a tithe to the Most High God starts from the heart, where the spiritual battle is ongoing.

If you help protect the Eucharist (the body, blood, soul, and Divinity of Jesus) with the first fruits of your resources, the Most High God will help protect you +

“The Lord God is not in want; he does not demand recompense but honor. He does not require you to pay back something of yours. He asks the firstfruits and tithes, and do you refuse? Avaricious one, what would you do if he had taken ninetenths for himself and left you the tithes?” + St. Caesarius, Church Father

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, That there may be food in my house. Put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, And see if I do not open the floodgates of heaven for you, and pour down upon you blessing without measure! Malachi 3:10

18 Miracles of the Apostles Peter and Paul

New Testament

The Apostles performed miracles! The grace of God flowed down through them to help build up the Church we know and love today. Who was the greater saint, Peter or Paul? I think they are the twin oaks of the Church, a double spire steeple of grace and truth in Christ.

The primacy is with Peter, our first Pope. Paul was a great missionary. Both gave all.

In this post, we are going to review the miracles they performed in St. Luke’s Acts of the Apostles. Hopefully, we can take time to reflect on living more in tune with the resounding efforts of these two heroic apostles who gave the Church their very blood to help save souls over the centuries from eternal damnation.

Overview of St. Peter and St. Paul

Description	St. Peter	St. Paul
Name	Simon Peter	Saul of Tarsus
Apostle	Apostle of Jesus Christ	Apostle of the Gentiles
From	Bethsaida	Tarsus
Hebrew	Tribe of Judah	Tribe of Benjamin
Residence	Capernaum	Tarsus
Education	not educated	highly educated
Occupation	fisherman	Pharisee / tentmaker
Marital status	married or widower	not married
Achievements	Established a Church in Antioch	Converted to Christianity
Achievements	Fixed his See in Rome	Labored the hardest
Achievements	Presided at the Council of Apostles in Jerusalem 50AD	Wrote numerous Epistles in the New Testament Bible
Achievements	Chief Shepherd of the early Christian Church	Great missionary who carried the Gospel to pagan countries
Martyrdom	Crucified upside down in Rome (around 64 AD)	Beheaded in Rome (around 67 AD)

Sources: Catholic Bible Dictionary, My Catholic Faith a Catechism in Pictures,

I proclaim with St. Peter, St. Paul, and the Church, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Amen!

CCC 442 …Simon Peter when he confesses Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God”, for Jesus responds solemnly: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” Similarly Paul will write, regarding his conversion on the road to Damascus, “When he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles. . .” “And in the synagogues immediately [Paul] proclaimed Jesus, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’” From the beginning this acknowledgment of Christ’s divine sonship will be the center of the apostolic faith, first professed by Peter as the Church’s foundation. Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church

18 Miracles of the Apostles Peter and Paul from the Acts of the Apostles

Miracle	Saint	Place	Passage
1. Crippled man healed	Peter	Jerusalem	Acts 3:1-11
2. Death of Ananias and Sapphira	Peter	Jerusalem	Acts 5:1-10
3. Miraculous deeds	Peter	Jerusalem	Acts 5:12-16
4. Conferred the Holy Spirit	Peter	Samaria	Acts 8:14-17
5. Paul’s Conversion	Paul	Between Jerusalem and Damascus	Acts 9:1-9
6. Aeneas healed of palsy	Peter	Lydda	Acts 9:33-34
7. Tabitha (Dorcas) raised from the dead	Peter	Joppa	Acts 9:36-41
8. Peter rescued from prison by an angel	Peter	Jerusalem	Acts 12:7-17
9. Herod punished with death	Peter	Jerusalem	Acts 12:21-23
10. Elymas the sorcerer is stricken with blindness	Paul	Paphos	Acts 13:6-11
11. A crippled healed	Paul	Lystra	Acts 14:8-10
12. Exorcism of a demon of divination	Paul	Philippi	Acts 16:16-18
13. Doors of prison open by earthquake	Paul	Philippi	Acts 16:25-26
14. Conferred the Holy Spirit	Paul	Corinth	Acts 19:1-6
15. Many persons healed	Paul	Corinth	Acts 19:11-12
16. Eutychus raised from the dead	Paul	Troas	Acts 20:9-12
17. Viper snake rendered harmless	Paul	Malta	Acts 28:3-6
18. Publius’ father and others healed	Paul	Malta	Acts 28:7-9

Source: Douay & Rheims Holy Bible – Rev. Geo. Leo Haydock

My favorite miracle of St. Peter:

Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda.

As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” He got up at once. And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Acts 9:32-35

This miracle performed by St. Peter reminds me of Jesus healing the paralyzed man in Jerusalem at the pool with five porticoes, Bethesda (John 5:1-9).

The man Peter healed has been confined for eight years. The man Jesus healed had been ill for thirty-eight years! I think in some ways, not only does it show the power of God working through Peter, but it also shows the Church authority Jesus had given Peter as His chosen successor to perform miracles of healing in His Holy Name.

Reflecting on St. Peter:

Christ left Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, as its chief pastor and supreme head upon earth; Source: Catechism of the Council of Trent – The Ascension Benefits the Church and the Individual

Just as Peter’s faith in Christ endures, so does Christ’s foundation upon Peter. – St. Leo the Great

My favorite miracle of St. Paul:

Viper rendered harmless in Malta

Once we had reached safety, we learned that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us extraordinary hospitality; they lit a fire and welcomed all of us because it had begun to rain and was cold. Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire when a viper, escaping from the heat, fastened on his hand. When the natives saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man must certainly be a murderer; though he escaped the sea, Justice has not let him remain alive.” But he shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm. They were expecting him to swell up or suddenly to fall down dead but, after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god. Acts 28:1-6

It is a miracle that Paul did not become sick or die from the poisonous snake bite. To me, the miracle is symbolic of spiritual warfare we endure as members of the Church.

Just as Jesus was confronted by the demonic, Legion, when He arrived at the territory of the Gerasenes (Mk 5:1-20), Paul is similarly attacked by a viper in an unevangelized territory. This possible attack of oppression by the demons that inhabited the unevangelized territory is rendered harmless because of Paul’s profound holiness (living devoutly in a state of sanctifying grace with God).

This miracle of blessed protection that happened to St Paul on the island of Malta is similar to a miracle that involved the holy monk St. Benedict from a failed attempt to poison him by those who opposed his Rule and his holy way of life in Christ.

Reflecting on St. Paul:

Q. 440. Was St. Paul an Apostle? A. St. Paul was an Apostle, but as he was not called till after the Ascension of Our Lord. He is not numbered among the twelve. He is called the Apostle of the Gentiles; that is, of all those who were not of the Jewish religion or members of the Church of the Old Law. Source: Baltimore Catechism of 1891

The apostle Paul did not seek what was his but what was Christ’s. – St. Augustine

RECAP:

It is interesting to note the following verse after Paul’s stay on the island of Malta:

After three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. Acts 28:11

The verse reads like a scene from the Lord of the Rings movies. The twin brothers were Castor and Pollux, the sons of the Greek god Zeus and the patrons of the sailors.

But I like to think in God’s eyes, the twin brothers figurehead on the ship were Peter and Paul, both of whom would give their lives in Rome to help establish the Kingdom of God there through the grace of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the angels.

St. Peter and St. Paul, pray for us. Pray for the Church +

7 Wisdom Principles to Apply in Daily Life

Wisdom

It has been said that not much is known about the Holy Family. There is little written about them in the Gospels. Perhaps that is true, but in what few verses there are, volumes of books could be written about how they most likely lived their lives in obedience to God.

We too are called to live our lives in obedience to God and His commandments. Consider this short passage about the Holy Family from Luke’s Gospel:

The Return to Nazareth

people sitting on red chairs inside white concrete building

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:39-40

Learning Point #1 – The Holy Family lived in obedience to the Mosaic Law.

Learning Point #2 – The Holy Family formed Jesus in God’s wisdom.

We are all members of the Holy Family, if we want to be. The Holy Family will accept us. They will, however, expect us to live as they do. Some things come to mind here: love, righteousness, piety, chastity, prudence, strength, obedience, faithfulness, generosity, order, peace, wisdom, and Fear of the Lord.

In this post, we will review seven (7) verses from the seven (7) Wisdom books of the Bible: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, and Sirach. From these verses, there are some basic principles that should help you with your ongoing discipleship formation in Christ, or God willing, even a conversion. Let us begin!

7 Wisdom Principles to Apply in Daily Life

Wisdom Principle #1: Embrace Suffering.

Gird up your loins now, like a man; I will question you, and you tell me the answers! Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Job 38:3-4

Reflecting on the Book of Job in the Old Testament, Job went through horrendous suffering and the highest levels of diabolic oppression, despite being righteous and innocent. Job made a plea to God for an explanation, and we see God responded.

“The restoration of health and riches to Job prefigures the resurrection, which gives health and eternal life to those who believe in Christ.” – St. Zeno of Verona

God is in control – Christ controls all aspects of spiritual warfare in your life. No matter what happens to you, good or bad, God and his angels are very much involved in your life. Have faith in God and have humility in His will for you, in whatever that may be.

If there is suffering, try not to murmur or complain. Rather, offer your suffering in prayer up to Jesus on the cross for the salvation of souls, and with that, your suffering has salvific value in eyes of the God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

CCC 300 God is infinitely greater than all his works: “You have set your glory above the heavens.” Indeed, God’s “greatness is unsearchable”. But because he is the free and sovereign Creator, the first cause of all that exists, God is present to his creatures’ inmost being: “In him we live and move and have our being.” In the words of St. Augustine, God is “higher than my highest and more inward than my innermost self”.

Resolution: Offer up the day’s suffering to Jesus on the cross in prayer.

Wisdom Principle #2: Live a humble and cloistered life for God.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the LORD is his joy; and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalms 1:1-2

The word “cloister” basically means to live a life enclosed from the outside world.

There are levels with this meaning for each of us, both individual and family. The highest level would be the monks and nuns called by God to live a cloistered life of prayer and contemplation in monasteries and convents throughout the world.

The psalmist teaches us that we should all be living a cloistered life in devotion to God on some level each day. How that applies to you is between you and God.

The more you detach from the world we live in, the more you allow your soul communion with God in in prayer, contemplation, the Word, and the sacraments.

A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death. Source: USCCB

Resolution: Find your greatest joy in this life in God and the things of God.

Wisdom Principle #3: A foundation in Christ is centered in Fear of the Lord.

Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:7 is the root proverb and master theme for the entire Book of Proverbs.

If this proverb was a scale, weigh you heart on it and see which side outweighs the other. Know that God is watching. One side will outweigh the other. Consider your foundation in Christ in your own life. At the four corners of the foundation we find:

Humility
Wisdom
Discipline
Order

The very center of the foundation, there should be reverential Fear of the Lord.

An example of order – Being faithful to pray the traditional Angelus Prayer with the Church bells throughout the world at the appointed times every day of the week (6am, noon, 6:00pm) will change your life, especially praying in solidarity with the Church faithful throughout the world at 6:00 am every morning, including weekends.

CCC 1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.

Resolution: Work on the humility, discipline, and order in your day, and steadily increase in knowledge of God and the teachings of His Church.

Wisdom Principle #4: Love God and Neighbor.

The last word, when all is heard: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this concerns all humankind; because God will bring to judgment every work, with all its hidden qualities, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

The book of Ecclesiastes discusses how everything we achieve and do in the life is all “vanity chasing the wind” in comparison to God. The power and glory of God is beyond human comprehension, but we experience glimpses of God’s goodness during holy communion or something as simple as a friendly smile or watching the sunrise.

landscape photography of trees near mountain during orange sunset

“Sunrise marks the hour for men to begin their toil, but in our souls, Lord, prepare a dwelling for the day that will never end.” – St. Ephrem

We would do well in life to live out the wisdom in this verse and keep the Lord’s commandments as best as we can. This is the bottom line in God’s book of life: How did we love God? How did we show mercy and be the light of Christ to others?

Wealth, pleasure, power and fame will provide no benefit at the judgement seat of God. In the words of St. Benedict, the love of Christ must come before all else.

CCC 2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.

Resolution: Have a greater reverence for God in love and devotion, and be active in the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy of the Church.

Wisdom Principle #5: The Church Sanctuary is a Tree of Life.

The beams of our house are cedars, our rafters, cypresses. Song of Songs 1:17

Let this obscure scripture verse from the Song of Songs serve as a perpetual reminder that the house of God is holy and solidly built in Christ. You walk in any Catholic church and what do you find? Beauty and truth. The beauty is in the splendor of the design, whether it be modest or wondrous. The truth is in the tabernacle, where the body of Christ resides and quietly thirsts to see us and be in communion with us.

“The Church, which has spread everywhere, even to the ends of the earth, received the faith from the apostles and their disciples.” – St. Irenaeus

The wisdom here is to make God and His Church the first fruits of your life.

Support the Eucharist and your priests by tithing the first fruits of your income to God. Receive the Eucharist faithfully each week in a state of grace. Spend holy time with Jesus in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Be a tree of life for others by being nourished and blessed in Word, sacrament, and in charitable works of mercy.

Those, therefore, who belong to this holy communion, it is manifest, do now enjoy a certain degree of happiness and can truly say: How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord…. Blessed are they who dwell in thy house, Lord. Catechism of the Council of Trent, Article IX Communion and Other Blessings

Resolution: Spend more sacred time in the Church sanctuary (Mass, Eucharistic adoration, prayer, and the sacrament of reconciliation)

Wisdom Principle #6: Carry your cross with complete faith in God.

Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. Wisdom 3:5-6

Much like the verse mentioned from the Book of Job, we see here again in the Book of Wisdom that we all have our own cross we are expected to carry by God.

We must undergo spiritual purification in this life and suffer as Christ did for us.

If we give up our lives for Jesus, we also hope that we will rise on the last day and be with Him forever in heaven. Thus, no matter what circumstances you are living in, or whatever you are going through, you must know that God is there with you, and there is nothing in comparison to God. Think of St. Michael, “Who is like God?”

In the Bible, God sent his angels St. Gabriel and St. Raphael on missionary assignments. Their total focus was on completing those assignments with angelic precision, and they did. We are called to do the same and have complete faith and confidence in God along the way. Should we fall, get back up, pray, and keep going.

What we do ask is that He may deliver us from sins. This is the interpretation of St. Luke, who, instead of debts, makes use of the word sins, because by their commission we become guilty before God and incur a debt of punishment, which we must pay either by satisfaction or by suffering. Catechism of the Council of Trent – The Fifth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer “Debts”

Resolution: Fulfill the mission God has uniquely entrusted to you.

Wisdom Principle #7: Avoid Sin.

In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin. Sirach 7:36

I remember when I was child seeing a glimpse of the vast, beautiful blue water of the Gulf of Mexico sparkling in the afternoon sun for the first time on our way to Destin, Florida for a family vacation. When we drove over the bridge, I had a better view of the gulf horizon, and I thought to myself, “That is amazing, and I must get to it immediately!” We should have the same childlike expectations about experiencing the glory of God, and that day and moment will soon be in reach for all of us.

Sunset, Beach, Ocean, Water, Sand, Destine, Florida

Similarly, the wisdom from the book of Sirach also teaches us that our lives are just drop in comparison to the infinite span of eternity (Sirach 18:10).

Thus, we would be wise to do all we can to relentlessly avoid all sin in our life along the way. For one day, the drop of our lives will be in the oceans of His grace, where we pray and hope to be deemed worthy to be with Him forever and ever for all of eternity.

7:36 the end of your life: Literally, “your last days”. To avoid sin, Jewish tradition advises people to remember where they came from, where they are going, and to Whom they must give an account of their lives. Source: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible

Resolution: Turn away from sin and open your heart to the Gospel.

A Miracle in the Desert – The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Gospels

In Mark’s Gospel Jesus fed five thousand hungry people in a deserted place during the early evening hour with just five loaves and two fish. All the people ate and were satisfied. There were twelve baskets of fragments leftover from the meal. It is the Miracle of the Loaves, and it is one of the most remarkable events in Jesus’ public ministry.

A Miracle in the Desert

The apostles gathered together with Jesus

and reported all they had done and taught.

He said to them,

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.”

People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.

They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd;

and he began to teach them many things.

By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said,

“This is a deserted place and it is already very late.

Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.”

But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?”

He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.”

So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass.The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties.

Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven,

he said the blessing,

broke the loaves,

and gave them to [his] disciples to set before the people;

he also divided the two fish among them all.

They all ate and were satisfied.

And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish.

Those who ate [of the loaves] were five thousand men.

Mark 6:30-44

Some basic questions to consider about this Sacred Scripture passage:

Who? Jesus, the disciples, and thousands of people.
What? A miracle of Jesus in the multiplication of the five loaves and two fish.
Where? A deserted place, the wilderness near the lakeshore of Galilee.
When? During the first part of Jesus public ministry in Mark’s Gospel.
Why ? Symbolic anticipation of Jesus as the Bread of Life in the Eucharist +

The multiplication of the loaves is one of the nature miracles of Jesus, and it occurs two (2) times in the Gospel of Mark (see 8:1-10).

This miracle of Jesus is profound because it occurs in all four Gospels.

“The multiplication of the loaves is the only New Testament miracle story recorded in multiple versions in all four gospels. In Mark, its existence in two different versions may point to a meaning applied to both Jewish and Gentile settings, thus indicating Jesus’ ministry to both audiences. Source: Little Rock Catholic Study Bible

Contemplate the Word

Some points of contemplation with this Gospel passage are provided below.

The Meal

The meal serves as nourishment for the people who follow Jesus.
The meal provides revelation of Jesus’ identity and messianic mission.

“Ask the Virgin Mary to give you her Son, who in the blessed sacrament of the altar is truly the food of your soul.” – St. Cajetan, priest

Two Banquets

Herodian banquet – sumptuous, ended in death (John the Baptist).
Jesus desert banquet – Nourishes ordinary people, leads to life (Eucharist).

A Conversation with God

This passage contains the longest extended conversation in Mark (35-39).

A Banquet in the Desert

God provides super-abundantly for his people
The entire passage is deeply rooted in the Old Testament.
Gods satisfies both their spiritual and physical hunger.
Jesus fulfills God’s promise to provide a food no money can buy.

“As a grain of wheat slowly multiplies in the ground, so the bread and fishes, by a divinely hastened process, were multiplied until everyone had his fill. If He had given money, no one would have had his fill.” – Blessed Fulton Sheen

Disciples

Disciples fail to understand what Jesus is doing.
Their response of complaint recalls Moses in the desert wilderness.
After feeding, they gather up the leftovers (leaving nothing to waste).
Distribution of bread foreshadows priesthood and the Eucharist.

Jesus’ Response to His Disciples

Awaken disciples’ faith – Jesus is asking His disciples to do something they simply cannot do without the assistance of God.
Challenge – Jesus is calling for the disciples to participate in His own Divine work of providing for the needs of people hungry for God in their lives.

The Daily Wage

Denarius – single daily wage of laborer; over half a year needed for food purchase.

The Good Shepherd

Lord the Good Shepherd of Ezekiel.
Tending his needy flock.
Teaching them at great length.
Reminds Mark’s readers of God’s providence in the past.

“Christ himself, the bread from heaven, is man’s nourishment enabling him to grow in virtue, and it is Christ who quenches his thirst and gladdens him with his teaching.” – St. Procopius of Gaza

Green Grass

Early spring in Galilee during Passover time.
Gives repose.
Jesus sets a table before his people.
God transforms the desert into a place of refreshment and life.

Principles of God

Jesus insists on beginning with what the disciples have to offer.
Jesus wants to multiply what his disciples are able to give Him (apostolic action).
God’s math – There is always a surplus with God.

Authority of God

Jesus instructs the disciples to give the people nourishment.
Jesus instructs the disciples to find out how much food they have available.
Jesus instructs the disciples to have the people sit down in groups.

Messianic Banquet

Jesus hosts a banquet in the desert wilderness.
Recalls the messianic banquet of Isaiah.
Arrangement of the tribes of Israel camped in desert.
Jesus as God feeds his followers with new bread from heaven.

“The food that you receive, that living bread which came down from heaven, supplies the very substance of eternal life, and whoever will eat it will never die, for it is the body of Christ.” – St. Ambrose, Church Father

Miracle of the Loaves

No excitement or amazement and wonder.
People ate and were satisfied.
More than enough to go around.
Abundance and leftovers.
Manifestion of Jesus’ identity as Lord.

“I no longer take pleasure in perishable food or in the delights of this world. I want only God’s bread, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, formed of the seed of David, and for drink I crave his blood, which is love that cannot perish.” – St. Ignatius, Church Father and martyr

Foreshadowing of the Last Supper

Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to [his] disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. Mark 6:41

Jesus – Taking the five loaves and two fish.
Jesus – Looking up to heaven.
Jesus – Said the blessing.
Jesus – Broke the loaves.
Jesus – Gave them to his disciples to set before the people.

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Mark 14:22

Baltimore Catechism 238. Q. What is the Holy Eucharist?

A. The Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament which contains the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.

God’s Will is Done

Past – Numerous Bridges to the Old Testament in this passage.
Present – Those with him, early Christians, us reading today.
Future – for the future generations of the Catholic Church.

CCC 1335 The miracles of the multiplication of the loaves, when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes the loaves through his disciples to feed the multitude, prefigure the superabundance of this unique bread of his Eucharist.

Old Testament Bridges & New Evangelization

Book, Bible, Text, Literature, Christianity, Old, Study

It will not be out of place to consider the ancient tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church, which was revealed by the Lord, proclaimed by the apostles and guarded by the Fathers. – St. Athanasius, Church Father

+ Messianic Banquet of Isaiah +

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. Isaiah 25:6

All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat; Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost! Isaiah 55:1

Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy? Only listen to me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Isaiah 55:2

+ Moses and Israel in the Desert Wilderness +

Then the LORD said to Moses: I am going to rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not. Exodus 16:4

+ Multiplied Loaves Provided by Elisha +

A man came from Baal-shalishah bringing the man of God twenty barley loaves made from the first fruits, and fresh grain in the ear. Elisha said, “Give it to the people to eat.” 2 Kings 4:42

But his servant objected, “How can I set this before a hundred?” Elisha again said, “Give it to the people to eat, for thus says the LORD: You will eat and have some left over.” 2 Kings 4:43

He set it before them, and when they had eaten, they had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. 2 Kings 4:44

+ Moses and the Disciples +

Where can I get meat to give to all this people? For they are crying to me, ‘Give us meat for our food.’ Numbers 11:13

Can enough sheep and cattle be slaughtered for them? If all the fish of the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?” Numbers 11:22

They spoke against God, and said, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness? Psalms 78:19

+ Green Pastures of Old +

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalms 23:1-5

The wilderness and the parched land will exult; the Arabah will rejoice and bloom; Isaiah 35:1

Thus they shall know that I, the LORD, their God, am with them, and that they are my people, the house of Israel—oracle of the Lord GOD. Yes, you are my flock: you people are the flock of my pasture, and I am your God—oracle of the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 34:25-31

+ Old Testament Hospitality +

Then he got some curds and milk, as well as the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them, waiting on them under the tree while they ate. Genesis 18:8

Now you, in turn, please listen to your maidservant. Let me set out a bit of food for you to eat, so that you are strong enough to go on your way.” 1 Samuel 28:22

+ God of Abundance, Past Present and Future +

But when they measured it out by the omer, the one who had gathered a large amount did not have too much, and the one who had gathered a small amount did not have too little. They gathered as much as each needed to eat. Exodus 16:18

I fed you in the wilderness, in the parched land. When I fed them, they were satisfied; when satisfied, they became proud, therefore they forgot me. Hosea 13:5-6

You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalms 145:16

+ Food of the Angels +

God rained manna upon them for food; grain from heaven he gave them. Man ate the bread of the angels; food he sent in abundance. Psalms 78:24-25

They asked and he brought them quail; with bread from heaven he filled them. Psalms 105:40

Instead of this, you nourished your people with food of angels and furnished them bread from heaven, ready to hand, untoiled-for, endowed with all delights and conforming to every taste. For this substance of yours revealed your sweetness toward your children, and serving the desire of the one who received it, was changed to whatever flavor each one wished. Wisdom 16:20-21

Closing Thoughts…

Jesus loves us and He cares for us. The Good Lord provides for our needs both physically and spiritually today just as He did thousands of years ago in both the Old and New Testaments. He gives us His own Body and Precious Blood in the Eucharist.

Jesus also challenges us just as He did His disciples. Our mission is not give up, but to take what little we have and offer it up to Him so that through His blessing He may multiply and distribute it in accordance with Divine Providence.

However you are called to proclaim the Gospels in this era of New Evangelization, take comfort in the Word itself, for if you contemplate it deeply enough you will soon come to realize the Angel of the Lord is with you and watching over you +

For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. Psalms 91:11

Easter, Chapel, Our Lady Of Mount Carmel

Litany of Humility – A Special Deliverance Prayer from Evil

Spiritual Warfare

The Litany of Humility is a special prayer of the Church. Praying the Litany of Humility will help you to be delivered from evil and sinful pride. The Litany of Humility prayer, when prayed with a sincere heart, should allow a greater degree of God’s graces to flow in your life.

Litany of Humility PDF

May God Bless us abundantly with the virtue of humility.

Litany of Humility PDF

Litany of Humility Prayer Meditation PDF

Pray to Your Guardian Angel

I learned from a spiritual warfare expert you can pray to your Guardian Angel to reveal to you what your primary defect is. It is interesting to note, Father also mentioned that in most cases, your primary defect will not be what you might assume it will be!

Pray to your guardian angel to reveal to you your primary defect. Father also humorously mentioned that you will probably get a prompt answer on it as your Guardian Angel has had to watch over you your whole life.

Angels of the Lord, Bless the Lord… Daniel 3:58

Prayers Answered!

I prayed to my Guardian Angel one evening about it. I know the two major defects I confess when I receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Father was right, it turns out my primary defect was not either of them! I was pretty much dumbfounded about it when I woke up. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.

As it turns out, this spiritual warfare expert is also an exorcist. Yikes! Here is my opinion about exorcists – they are on point with their ministry because, well, they have to be. I even heard Fr. say he knows he will get taken to the woodshed if he is negligent with his ministry or with his prayer and sacramental life.

Generational Spirits

Should it be any different for us? Evil is rampant everywhere these days it seems.

No one is exempt from spiritual warfare. This same exorcist said that it has been his experience that 99.99% of all families have a generational spirit, and roughly 25% of all people have a diabolic obsession.

Are we on the spiritual menu? Yes we are. We are all in the battle together.

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

The Exalted Get Humbled

Father mentioned there was one instance where he was making a manifested demon pray the Litany of Humility Prayer. As this was going on, Father said he heard a thought or grace somewhere within him say, “Get out of the way.”

Father said he recognized it was Christ! Even the best of us get humbled by God.

Father went on to say “In your own spiritual warfare, you have to get out of the way, let Christ work from you, work on the humility, and then you will be very powerful in relationship to cleaning up the demons in your own life and the lives of your family.”

“Brothers, we should be humble in mind, putting aside all arrogance, pride and foolish anger.” + St. Clement I

Fr. Chad Ripperger, Exorcist

Watch this video in its entirety and you may never look at life the same way again!

Why would an exorcist make a manifested demon pray the Litany of Humility? Why did Jesus humble Father Ripperger in the process of doing that? The conclusion, I think, is we should all be praying to Jesus for the virtue of humility. I know I should!

Litany of Humility Reactions

Do you want to know what happened to me the first time I prayed the Litany of Humility ? There were parts I didn’t agree with, and I struggled to finish the prayer!

As mentioned, it is not just me, and a priest’s homily here gives testimony here to that.

Cardinal Merry del Val, Prayer Author

Litany of Humility Benefits

After praying the Litany of Humility for a while, I noticed I began to make some gradual improvements in my own spiritual life.

There have been less internal and external conflicts.
Dealing with everything and everyone has been less stressful.
There has been more inner peace.

Praying the Litany of Humility should prove be beneficial for us if we are devout to pray it often, maybe once or twice a week. Pray it on Fridays before a blessed crucifix.

Struggles in the Spiritual Warfare

Weeds grow back. I often struggle with pride, vanity, etc. so I decided I had better try to “double-down” with this prayer. I researched what Sacred Scripture has to say about humility. I took some verses and added them to the Litany of Humility Prayer.

A Benedictine priest , God bless him, reviewed it, and he helped me get the selected verses about humility in context with the litany’s prayer petitions.

“These are the sacrifices most pleasing to God: mercy, humility, praise, peace, charity.” + St. Augustine

The Sacred Scripture verses enable you to meditate on the Word of God and pray to God for humility with the litany. It is my hope this blended approach allows us to have a deeply intimate conversation with God, and one that He is pleased with.

Here is the prayer meditation. Aside from the scripture verses, the Litany of Humility is a special prayer for your journey. May God’s peace and the Holy Spirit be with you!

Litany of Humility Prayer Meditation

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. Matthew 11:29

My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Sirach 3:17

And we have this confidence in Him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,

Hear me.

Those who fear the Lord prepare their hearts and humble themselves before him. Sirach 2:17

From the desire of being esteemed,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12

From the desire of being loved,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. James 1:21

From the desire of being extolled,

Deliver me, Jesus.

He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8

From the desire of being honored,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Good and upright is the LORD, therefore he shows sinners the way, He guides the humble in righteousness, and teaches the humble his way. Psalms 25:8-9

From the desire of being praised,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: “God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

From the desire of being preferred to others,

Deliver me, Jesus.

For humble people you save; haughty eyes you bring low. Psalms 18:28

From the desire of being consulted,

Deliver me, Jesus.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

From the desire of being approved,

Deliver me, Jesus.

My son, with humility have self-esteem; and give yourself the esteem you deserve. Sirach 10:28

From the fear of being humiliated,

Deliver me, Jesus.

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

From the fear of being despised,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, Ephesians 4:1-2

From the fear of suffering rebukes,

Deliver me, Jesus.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

From the fear of being calumniated,

Deliver me, Jesus.

You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

From the fear of being forgotten,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Daniel 3:87

From the fear of being ridiculed,

Deliver me, Jesus.

The fear of the LORD is training for wisdom, and humility goes before honors. Proverbs 15:33

From the fear of being wronged,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who have observed his law; Seek justice, seek humility; Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3

From the fear of being suspected,

Deliver me, Jesus.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, Colossians 3:12

That others may be loved more than I,