I was reading about Emmanuel Swedenborg this week, a scientist and mystic of the 18th century. He wrote books describing the 13 years he spent exploring heaven and hell as directed by Jesus. There are so many mystics who relate their own particular vision of heaven and hell, and their descriptions often contradict each other. So what are we supposed to believe?

I asked God the same question Saturday night and I received his answer Sunday morning at Mass in the first reading about the virtue of humility as quoted in Sirach 3:21-24:

"Neither seek what is too difficult for you,
    nor investigate what is beyond your power.
 Reflect upon what you have been commanded,
    for what is hidden is not your concern.
 Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you,
    for more than you can understand has been shown you.
 For their conceit has led many astray,
  and wrong opinion has impaired their judgment."

Meditation: So God is telling me that some things are beyond our understanding. Some people let their pride get the better of them and they think that they have God all figured out. However, God's ways are so above our ways, as far as the east is from the west. So the lesson God teaches is that we should just do as he asks and all will be made clear one day when we see him face to face. Amen!

"The Lord (God) said to my Lord (Jesus), 'Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.'” Psalm 110:1 (NLT)

David has a vision of God the Father speaking to Jesus, David's descendant and Lord.

Meditation: Jesus is King David's Lord and my Savior who defeats our enemies.

"When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew." Psalm 110:3 (NLT)

Meditation: 
Remember the glory of the Father
Remember your divine splendor
That you left behind when you exiled yourself on earth."^† (Thérèse is speaking to Jesus about his glory in heaven that he gave up when he humbled himself to become one of us. His glory was restored to him after his death and resurrection. He is now our King of kings and Lord of lords and we will willingly follow him into battle against the evil one.)

"But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious." Psalm 110:7 (NLT)

Jesus will be filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit who will ensure his success battle after battle. 

Meditation: Come, Holy Spirit, and refresh my soul so that I can continue the battle against evil.

^†de Lisieux, St. Thérèse. La Bible avec Thérèse de Lisieux. Paris, France: Les Éditions du Cerf et Desclée De Brouwer, 1979. 85. Print. Trans. John P. Gross.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"O God, whom I praise, don’t stand silent and aloof while the wicked slander me and tell lies about me." Psalm 109:1 (NLT)

Meditation: Are you feeling betrayed? Or have you betrayed others? It's time to choose sides. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

"May the Lord never forget the sins of his fathers; may his mother’s sins never be erased from the record. May the Lord always remember these sins, and may his name disappear from human memory." Psalm 109:14-15 (NLT)

David wrote this psalm after he was betrayed by Ahithophel, his counselor, who joined Absolem, David's son, against him. Although he is king and could condemn Ahithopel himself, he is asking God to give him justice. This psalm is also a vision of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

Meditation: We all demand justice when we are wronged. But is justice not to be softened with mercy? How do you wish Jesus to judge you on Judgment Day? Will you beg for God's mercy then? If I had to choose between justice and mercy, I would choose mercy because I hope for the same from others, especially God. Then let us be merciful to others now, so that one day God will be merciful to us. 

"For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them." Psalm 109:31 (NLT)

Meditation: "God will not be absent when his people are on trial; he will stand in court as their advocate, to plead on their behalf. How different is this from the doom of the ungodly who has Satan at his right hand [accusing him]." Charles Haddon Spurgeon, hymnist. Father, from the evil one defend me.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!" Psalm 108:1 (NLT)

Meditation: I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

"With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes." Psalm 108:13 (NLT)

Meditation: All things are possible for those who love God.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies." 
Psalm 107:2 (NLT)

Meditation: The Lord has forgiven my sins, freed me from fear and anxiety, healed my diseases, and renewed my strength. What has he done for you?

"He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death." Psalm 107:20 (NLT)

Meditation: I have overcome sin, sickness and death by the power of the Holy Spirit, the authority of Jesus' word, and the love of God.

"He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!" Psalm 107:29-30 (NLT)

Meditation: Father, thank you for calming my storms and being my safe harbor.

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD." Psalm 107:43 (NLT)

Meditation: Should I be stripped of all lovers, friends, home and wealth, I would still have everything because I have the faithful love of the Lord. 

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me." Psalm 106:4-6 (NLT)

Meditation: Remember me. Lord, when I appear before your judgment seat.

"Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done!" Psalm 106:13 (NLT)

Meditation: I cannot remember or know all that you have done for me, Father, but I will be eternally grateful for them, nonetheless.

"The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them." Psalm 106:24 (NLT)

Meditation: Lord, I believe in your promise to care for me. 

"They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the LORD’s sight." Psalm 106:39 (NLT)

Meditation: Lord, I love you above all creatures and all things.

"Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love." Psalm 106:44-45 (NLT)

Meditation: Thank you, Father, for being so patient with me and for the countless times you have forgiven my sins.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." 
Psalm 105:1 (NLT)

Meditation: Let me tell you what the Lord has done for me...

"Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door." Psalm 105:20 (NLT)

Meditation: I keep the faith waiting for the Ruler of the Universe to open my prison door.

"The LORD blanketed Egypt in darkness, for they had defied his commands to let his people go." Psalm 105:28 (NLT)

Meditation: Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

"So he brought his people out of Egypt with joy, his chosen ones with rejoicing." Psalm 105:43 (NLT)

Meditation: Thank you, Father, for leading me out of the darkness into the light.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"Let all that I am praise the LORD. O LORD my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light." Psalm 104:1-2 (NLT)

Meditation: God is dressed in a robe of light, but he makes sure 

that the universe is appropriately attired as well - all in preparation for the heavenly banquet.

"You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set." Psalm 104:19 (NLT)

Meditation: Who can admire the heavens and not see the creator who lives there?

"May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made!" Psalm 104:31 (NLT)

Meditation: I am God breathed and the Lord rejoices in having created me. 

"The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch." Psalm 104:32 (NLT)

Meditation: "The tracks that Vesuvius left on the ruins of Pompei are frightening. They show the power of God: 'Who looks at the earth and makes it tremble, who touches the mountains and reduces them to smoke.'"^† 

^†de Lisieux, St. Thérèse. La Bible avec Thérèse de Lisieux. Paris, France: Les Éditions du Cerf et Desclée De Brouwer, 1979. 85. Print. Trans. John P. Gross.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!" Psalm 103:3-5 (NLT)

Meditation: Father, some days are diamonds; some days are stones. But I thank you for them all. And if today we suffer, we know that one day we will be with you in your kingdom where you will wipe away every tear, and sickness and death will be no more. Until then, may your kingdom come and your will be done. Amen.

"He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust." Psalm 103:12-14 (NLT)

Meditation: I used to like telling visitors to the Seton Shrine, where I was a tour guide, that God found me very entertaining, but a lot of work. One day someone spoke up and said, "That's not what I heard!" That was funny, but the comment made me think: even if God finds me less than entertaining at times, he is always there in the audience letting me know that he appreciates the effort. 

Meditation: "I ought to be upset over falling asleep for the past seven years during my prayers and acts of thanksgiving; well, I am not upset.... I think that 'The Lord sees our weakness, that he remembers that we are only dust.' That's what I keep reading in my notebook, everything is alright, my soul.... These pages will do a lot of good. People will become more familiar with the sweetness of the Good God."^† 

"Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!" Psalm 103:20-21 (NLT)

Meditation: I, too, praise the Lord, for he loves me with an everlasting love.

^†de Lisieux, St. Thérèse. La Bible avec Thérèse de Lisieux. Paris, France: Les Éditions du Cerf et Desclée De Brouwer, 1979. 84-85. Print. Trans. John P. Gross.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me." Psalm 101:6b (NLT)

Meditation: I must be childlike to serve the children of the Father; I must be godly to help the godly.

"My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass." Psalm 102:11 (NLT)

Meditation: Whatever years I have left I will spend declaring the works of God.

"He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas." Psalm 102:17 (NLT)

Meditation: Lord, I come before you a sinful man. Listen to my prayer. Let my cry come unto thee.

"The children of your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.” Psalm 102:28 (NLT)

Meditation: We now dwell in the presence of the Most High God because 2,000 years ago Jesus suffered and died to save us.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!" Psalm 99:18 (NLT)

Meditation: The Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.

"Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also called on his name. They cried to the LORD for help, and he answered them." Psalm 99:6 (NLT)

Meditation: I cannot count all the favors the Lord has done for me.

"Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:1-3 (NLT)

Meditation: I am one of your lost sheep, Lord. Come and find me.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4 (NLT)

Meditation: Father, your prodigal son wants to come home. I don't want to miss the party!

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad." Psalm 97:1 (NLT)

Meditation: The Lord is King. Yet I rejoice more that the King is also my Father.

"Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right." Psalm 97:11 (NLT)

Meditation: The Lord is a lamp unto my feet.

"Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds." Psalm 98:1 (NLT)

Meditation: My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

"Sing to the LORD ; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves." Psalm 96:2 (NLT)

Meditation: Come, let us sing to the Lord and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us!

"Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD." Psalm 96:11-13 (NLT)

Meditation: It is good to give thanks to the Lord for all that he has done for me.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.