The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 8
1. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 1)
During our times oh Jesus the Roman Catholic Church is still facing persecution both internally, and even externally. Muslim groups such as ISIS are wrecking havoc by killing many Christians for what they believe and for who they believe in that is You oh God. However the greatest persecution that the Roman Catholic Church is facing is being caused by us Roman Catholics. We are not setting a good example of our belief in You and many are being compelled to join other religions such as Islam. Others have made the mistake of viewing the Church from a human material perspective and began considering all from a human perspective and negating the divine nature. Some of us had to renounce their homelands, and even their places of work due to the persecution that they experienced from fellow 'Christians' who made life a living hell for them.
2. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 2 to 3)
During our times oh Jesus Your Church is also facing times of persecution. This terrorist group Isis is ravaging Roman Catholics and is killing many by torturing beheading and even raping Catholics because they believe in You. For more details please click on the following link:-
Isis attacks on Christians
4. Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 4)
The new followers of the apostles or the new community of Christians were, so empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit by which they had been baptised, that not even the threat of being killed as in the case of Stephen was enough to stop them. Although they were scattered far from their homeland this did not discourage them at all. Moreover even during our times we also have the same assignment that of spreading the Word of God, even if this moments or periods of trials and tribulation. Spreading Your Word oh God is not restricted to preaching or writing blogs, but even by the way we live we are also setting a practical example of Your love that is written on every page of Scripture.
5. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7. for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8. So there was great joy in that city.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 5 to 8)
God was with Philip and this was reflected by the positive acts that were done by You oh God in the person of Philip. Today there still exist such burning flames who preach in groups and in Your name perform acts of healing. I pray that more of such people continue to perform such acts even though they be of a protestant church, for even though such people may not be Roman Catholics, they still believe in You oh Jesus, and nobody who has such a spirit can ever say anything against You and Your holy name. God bless such people whom I consider as my friends because all people who are friends of Jesus are my mother, brother, father, sister cousin and other members of God's big family, whatever their race, belief or colour.
9. Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 9)
Throughout the course of history there were many people who projected themselves as being the high and mighty conquerors of the world. People such as Adolf Hitler and many others. However Oh God there was and there never will be anybody like You who since ancient times was backed by prophecy that was either fulfilled, about to be fulfilled or will be fulfilled in the future as in the book of revelations. Oh God even though some may try to disprove Your existence, nobody will ever succeed, not even the wise Charles Darwin who attempted to refute You as the Sole creator by creating the 'Theory of Evolution', which is completely non reliable when compared to scripture, archaeology and other sources such as history.
10. All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 10)
As humans we may be greatly influenced by the power and mystery of magic. Some of us may end up having a go at magic and end up in deep trouble by misusing it by means of the use of negative means such as boards and cards. On witnessing the power of evil as in the case of Simon one may easily make the mistake of attributing spiritual connotations and think that the simple trick is an act which has it s origins from God.
In order to help us understand how magics and trickery can be used to fool us into thinking that a miracle has taken place please click on the following link:-
Tricks faked as a miracle
11. And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 11)
In the case of sin or sinful acts the same thing happens. It is like we have fallen under the effect of a spell by which we are controlled. It is only when somebody intervenes and pops us out of the effect of the spell that we become aware of the consequences of our act. It is as if we have been living in a bubble that somebody bursts to bring us back home and aware of our selves again.
12. But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 12)
Oh Jesus even though we are surrounded by many people who profess to have the good news or some other form of proposed way for salvation, or even a state of absolute atheism, we are to remain faithful to You and to Your Holy Word as found in the Bible and give witness to it, by means of what we say and practise in our every day life.
13. Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 13)
Oh Jesus one can accept to follow You and Your ways, however only under the inspiration of signs and miracles as in the case of Simon, whose intentions may have been not totally sincere. I pray oh Jesus for many Roman Catholics and Christians who are baptised in the Church but in truth are not really and truly convinced of their belief in You, but are there simply because they were baptised by their parents and in order to be socially accepted. I also pray for myself, that I never become a hypocrite in my faith and attitude towards You. Help me please to live according to my faith, for this is a challenge that I cannot live by myself because I am still as weak as a new born baby!
14. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16. (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus).
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 14 to 16)
I can only imagine the joy in heaven that You oh God feels when we really and truly change our sinful ways and give our lives to You. In the case of the Apostles they wanted the new converts to receive baptism in the Holy Spirit and not simply the baptism with water as in the case of John's baptism. With reference to the baptism of the Holy Spirit which I have personally experienced please click on the following link:-
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
I would also like to share a personal experience of a person who also received the baptism of the Holy Spirit:-
Experience of Baptism of the Holy Spirit
17. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19. saying, "Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 17 to 19)
As in the case of many people, there are some who think that with money they can achieve unlimited power that is stronger than that of God, moreover the power of the Holy Spirit is not like that of a magic wand that grants the wishes of the user.
20. But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God's gift with money! 21. You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 20 to 21)
Many things can be purchased but not spiritual graces or means. These gifts are only given by God to those who are chosen by Him and no to anybody. This is why priests are ordained because they have their hearts set on You and are dedicated to walk in Your ways.
22. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 22 to 23)
Verses 22 and 23 make us aware of not only the sinful act but also the intention. At times our intentions for doing an action are not possibly bad or evil, however the outcome may still end up to be negative. Therefore before performing an action we are to stop and think if our initial intentions are based on the will and ways of God or not.
24. Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 24)
Oh God what men say can be reversed but Your Words will remain forever amen.
25. Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 25)
Oh Jesus the role of the apostle is never ending. Even though Peter and John were on their way home, they still continued proclaiming the message of the good news. They did not take a week end break. As Christians we are to be always ready to proclaim Your Word in every circumstance where You call us to go, at work, home or elsewhere.
26. Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.) 27. So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28. and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 26 to 28)
Oh Holy Spirit of God You make now discrimination between the rich and powerful and the poor and lowly. You wish that all believe in You even those who are educated as in the case of the Ethiopian official to whom You sent Philip while in a spirit of prayer meditating on the book of Isaiah. Even though the official was not a baptised Christian he still came to worship You and in turn You did not deny him Your presence. Therefore oh God Your presence is for any body who accepts it regardless of the persons creed or country of origin.
29. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it" 30. So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31. He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 29 to 31)
Oh Jesus this is the role of the Roman Catholic Church and that of all Christians, that of praying on the Gospel, the entire Bible. In a spirit of prayer oh God You explain the message of each verse in the Bible so that I can grow spiritually and even on a holistic level as a human. I thank You Jesus for Your never ending supply of biblical verses that You give me each day when I meditate on different chapters of the Bible.
32. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life was taken away from the earth."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 32 to 33)
Oh Father of humility King of justice how much You love us. You chose to take the cross as the altar on which to redeem my sins. You paid the price in full by permitting us humans to humble You and sentence You to a lowly death which was fit for criminals and murderers and not for the Son of God. When confronted by such a reality you remained silent and for our love and redemption accepted every whip of the soldier, every spit and insult punch and kick and most of all the nails that ripped Your skin apart as they were driven into your body with no mercy or kindness. You accepted all because You love and care for us and our salvation. What great love!
34. The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" 35. Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 34 to 35)
Oh Jesus I thank You oh Jesus for this new vocation that of spreading Your Word as found in the Bible with all the people of the World. I Thank You for the Internet, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of Social Media such as You Tube by which Your Word is proclaimed. I Thank You for linking me with such sources Amen. Although I am not a theologian or a graduate in theology I thank You oh Holy Spirit of God for the insights and reflection that You share with me, so that I can share with others. Amen.
36. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" 38. He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 36 to 40)
Oh God this is a very important question indeed. What is holding us back from being convinced Roman Catholics and or Christians? Maybe we are missing the miracles that Jesus did, the outward physical signs of healing, but what about the inner healing of our spirits. Many people during prayer meetings and healing services and even during adoration to the Holy Eucharist are experiencing inner healing. While going to purchase two cheese cakes from a local retail outlet I met a person whom You saved at the point of death and today is a faithful believer in the Eucharist and who even invited me to attend to a common healing service held in the Church.
I believe that the evil one is making us so proud that we are not accepting You as the one and only Father God of our lives. We proclaim that we are advancing in technology and science however in truth we are blocked because our spirit is in pain and thirsty to communicate with its creator. For some reason we are caring for the material body by means of fitness programs and crash diets, however we are also putting the Holy Spirit of God who dwells in us on a diet. You wish to communicate with us on a personal level however we have blockages such as unbelief and the messages given to us by the media and other sources that are convincing us not to believe in You and place our trust in You. As a consequence some of us are feeling desperate and the only alternative that they consider as being the way out is death.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God I pray both for myself and for all Roman Catholics and Christians, Muslims and for all the world. May You heal us from our hurts and prejudices and bring us to peace. Our world is being harassed by wars and other forms of conflicts. May we all be convinced in what we believe in. May we become one big family and let friendship and love be a priority over all other issues. May we place our issues aside and focus on the value of love for our selves for each other and for those who believe in You such as myself love for God. Amen
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 2 to 3)
During our times oh Jesus Your Church is also facing times of persecution. This terrorist group Isis is ravaging Roman Catholics and is killing many by torturing beheading and even raping Catholics because they believe in You. For more details please click on the following link:-
Isis attacks on Christians
4. Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 4)
The new followers of the apostles or the new community of Christians were, so empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit by which they had been baptised, that not even the threat of being killed as in the case of Stephen was enough to stop them. Although they were scattered far from their homeland this did not discourage them at all. Moreover even during our times we also have the same assignment that of spreading the Word of God, even if this moments or periods of trials and tribulation. Spreading Your Word oh God is not restricted to preaching or writing blogs, but even by the way we live we are also setting a practical example of Your love that is written on every page of Scripture.
5. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7. for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8. So there was great joy in that city.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 5 to 8)
God was with Philip and this was reflected by the positive acts that were done by You oh God in the person of Philip. Today there still exist such burning flames who preach in groups and in Your name perform acts of healing. I pray that more of such people continue to perform such acts even though they be of a protestant church, for even though such people may not be Roman Catholics, they still believe in You oh Jesus, and nobody who has such a spirit can ever say anything against You and Your holy name. God bless such people whom I consider as my friends because all people who are friends of Jesus are my mother, brother, father, sister cousin and other members of God's big family, whatever their race, belief or colour.
9. Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 9)
Throughout the course of history there were many people who projected themselves as being the high and mighty conquerors of the world. People such as Adolf Hitler and many others. However Oh God there was and there never will be anybody like You who since ancient times was backed by prophecy that was either fulfilled, about to be fulfilled or will be fulfilled in the future as in the book of revelations. Oh God even though some may try to disprove Your existence, nobody will ever succeed, not even the wise Charles Darwin who attempted to refute You as the Sole creator by creating the 'Theory of Evolution', which is completely non reliable when compared to scripture, archaeology and other sources such as history.
10. All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 10)
As humans we may be greatly influenced by the power and mystery of magic. Some of us may end up having a go at magic and end up in deep trouble by misusing it by means of the use of negative means such as boards and cards. On witnessing the power of evil as in the case of Simon one may easily make the mistake of attributing spiritual connotations and think that the simple trick is an act which has it s origins from God.
In order to help us understand how magics and trickery can be used to fool us into thinking that a miracle has taken place please click on the following link:-
Tricks faked as a miracle
11. And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 11)
In the case of sin or sinful acts the same thing happens. It is like we have fallen under the effect of a spell by which we are controlled. It is only when somebody intervenes and pops us out of the effect of the spell that we become aware of the consequences of our act. It is as if we have been living in a bubble that somebody bursts to bring us back home and aware of our selves again.
12. But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 12)
Oh Jesus even though we are surrounded by many people who profess to have the good news or some other form of proposed way for salvation, or even a state of absolute atheism, we are to remain faithful to You and to Your Holy Word as found in the Bible and give witness to it, by means of what we say and practise in our every day life.
13. Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 13)
Oh Jesus one can accept to follow You and Your ways, however only under the inspiration of signs and miracles as in the case of Simon, whose intentions may have been not totally sincere. I pray oh Jesus for many Roman Catholics and Christians who are baptised in the Church but in truth are not really and truly convinced of their belief in You, but are there simply because they were baptised by their parents and in order to be socially accepted. I also pray for myself, that I never become a hypocrite in my faith and attitude towards You. Help me please to live according to my faith, for this is a challenge that I cannot live by myself because I am still as weak as a new born baby!
14. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16. (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus).
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 14 to 16)
I can only imagine the joy in heaven that You oh God feels when we really and truly change our sinful ways and give our lives to You. In the case of the Apostles they wanted the new converts to receive baptism in the Holy Spirit and not simply the baptism with water as in the case of John's baptism. With reference to the baptism of the Holy Spirit which I have personally experienced please click on the following link:-
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
I would also like to share a personal experience of a person who also received the baptism of the Holy Spirit:-
Experience of Baptism of the Holy Spirit
17. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19. saying, "Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 17 to 19)
As in the case of many people, there are some who think that with money they can achieve unlimited power that is stronger than that of God, moreover the power of the Holy Spirit is not like that of a magic wand that grants the wishes of the user.
20. But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God's gift with money! 21. You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 20 to 21)
Many things can be purchased but not spiritual graces or means. These gifts are only given by God to those who are chosen by Him and no to anybody. This is why priests are ordained because they have their hearts set on You and are dedicated to walk in Your ways.
22. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 22 to 23)
Verses 22 and 23 make us aware of not only the sinful act but also the intention. At times our intentions for doing an action are not possibly bad or evil, however the outcome may still end up to be negative. Therefore before performing an action we are to stop and think if our initial intentions are based on the will and ways of God or not.
24. Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 24)
Oh God what men say can be reversed but Your Words will remain forever amen.
25. Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verse 25)
Oh Jesus the role of the apostle is never ending. Even though Peter and John were on their way home, they still continued proclaiming the message of the good news. They did not take a week end break. As Christians we are to be always ready to proclaim Your Word in every circumstance where You call us to go, at work, home or elsewhere.
26. Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.) 27. So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28. and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 26 to 28)
Oh Holy Spirit of God You make now discrimination between the rich and powerful and the poor and lowly. You wish that all believe in You even those who are educated as in the case of the Ethiopian official to whom You sent Philip while in a spirit of prayer meditating on the book of Isaiah. Even though the official was not a baptised Christian he still came to worship You and in turn You did not deny him Your presence. Therefore oh God Your presence is for any body who accepts it regardless of the persons creed or country of origin.
29. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it" 30. So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31. He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 29 to 31)
Oh Jesus this is the role of the Roman Catholic Church and that of all Christians, that of praying on the Gospel, the entire Bible. In a spirit of prayer oh God You explain the message of each verse in the Bible so that I can grow spiritually and even on a holistic level as a human. I thank You Jesus for Your never ending supply of biblical verses that You give me each day when I meditate on different chapters of the Bible.
32. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life was taken away from the earth."
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 32 to 33)
Oh Father of humility King of justice how much You love us. You chose to take the cross as the altar on which to redeem my sins. You paid the price in full by permitting us humans to humble You and sentence You to a lowly death which was fit for criminals and murderers and not for the Son of God. When confronted by such a reality you remained silent and for our love and redemption accepted every whip of the soldier, every spit and insult punch and kick and most of all the nails that ripped Your skin apart as they were driven into your body with no mercy or kindness. You accepted all because You love and care for us and our salvation. What great love!
34. The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" 35. Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 34 to 35)
Oh Jesus I thank You oh Jesus for this new vocation that of spreading Your Word as found in the Bible with all the people of the World. I Thank You for the Internet, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of Social Media such as You Tube by which Your Word is proclaimed. I Thank You for linking me with such sources Amen. Although I am not a theologian or a graduate in theology I thank You oh Holy Spirit of God for the insights and reflection that You share with me, so that I can share with others. Amen.
36. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" 38. He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
(The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 verses 36 to 40)
Oh God this is a very important question indeed. What is holding us back from being convinced Roman Catholics and or Christians? Maybe we are missing the miracles that Jesus did, the outward physical signs of healing, but what about the inner healing of our spirits. Many people during prayer meetings and healing services and even during adoration to the Holy Eucharist are experiencing inner healing. While going to purchase two cheese cakes from a local retail outlet I met a person whom You saved at the point of death and today is a faithful believer in the Eucharist and who even invited me to attend to a common healing service held in the Church.
I believe that the evil one is making us so proud that we are not accepting You as the one and only Father God of our lives. We proclaim that we are advancing in technology and science however in truth we are blocked because our spirit is in pain and thirsty to communicate with its creator. For some reason we are caring for the material body by means of fitness programs and crash diets, however we are also putting the Holy Spirit of God who dwells in us on a diet. You wish to communicate with us on a personal level however we have blockages such as unbelief and the messages given to us by the media and other sources that are convincing us not to believe in You and place our trust in You. As a consequence some of us are feeling desperate and the only alternative that they consider as being the way out is death.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God I pray both for myself and for all Roman Catholics and Christians, Muslims and for all the world. May You heal us from our hurts and prejudices and bring us to peace. Our world is being harassed by wars and other forms of conflicts. May we all be convinced in what we believe in. May we become one big family and let friendship and love be a priority over all other issues. May we place our issues aside and focus on the value of love for our selves for each other and for those who believe in You such as myself love for God. Amen
