This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we
My mouth always gets me in trouble. Nonetheless, there are some words that are sacred such as the name of Jesus. I confess that I may have used His name inappropriately at times.
Pope Francis sometimes was misquoted in what he said that all religions lead or seek God. He never denied and his life supported that salvation is only through one person and that is Jesus Christ. We all pray for the soul of Pope Francis who will be buried tomorrow morning. I will record it because I have to work.
The Knights of Columbus donate on a regular basis to the support of young men who are studying to become priests. The idea is that there is financial support and spiritual support from the Catholic community. Not all of these young men will make it to become a priest, but they need our support. Years ago during Covid and the meeting was by Zoom. We authorized the payment to a seminarian. However, one of the members proposed that we ask the seminarian for the money back if he didn’t become a priest. Since this was on the phone, my knee jerk reaction was to say that it was a stupid idea. Had the meeting been in person I probably would have phrased it in a different way.
The result was that I had to publicly apologize to my brother Knight. Words are powerful. Words can build or destroy, but salvation is only through one person’s name and that is Jesus Christ. Words and Names are powerful.
Yesterday, I was reflecting on Mary’s emotions during the wedding feast at Cana. Mary was embarrassed for the young married couple. She didn’t have a solution but told the servants to do whatever He tells you. She had confidence in the fact that the solution was Jesus. He had the answer. The problems of the world can only be solved through the power of the name of Jesus. Kings and Presidents can try but they a useless to the solution that the name of Jesus brings to the table.
Rulers of the people, and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence, today.
As we pray for Francis and as we pray for his successor, know that the only power and solution to the world’s problems is in the name of Jesus.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for the soul of our beloved Pontiff, Pope Francis and for his successor. Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace! The impossible could happen. Never deny God.
