The Promise

by: Bro. Rene Tumang

Many are partners that plan exchanged vow in marriage but not all pursuits end up in wedding bells.  When the bride-to-be asks the man, “What made his mind changed,” the surprising reply would be, “I promised you of a nuptial but my mind changed.”

Bible interpreters of different denominations account the word “promise” in different figures.  Some say it is written in the Scripture 3,000 times. Others claim it 5,000 times.  Still others assert it is mentioned 7,000 times. The discrepancy occurs because of plain text interpretations of the word which poses different contexts within the phrase.

John 14:12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.

There are two things we should understand that we are:

• Human

• Divine

St. Clare of Assisi grew up in an affluent family but gave up her comfortable life in the palace who then turned as the  Foundress of the order of nuns called “Poor Clares.”  She suffered sickness for 29 years but did not allow her pain to trouble her in her undertaking.

Soon, St. Agnes joined the mission with her sister, sharing in indigence and hunger but with joy in their hearts while serving the poor, and claiming God’s saving grace in the midst of trying times.. They embraced the "divinity of mission" of mission than be agitated by "impoverishment of their humanity".  

Three Stages into God’s promise

Come (an invitation)  

Many are called but only few respond and go on with the mission.

Follow (an instruction)

There are blessings that come through unconditional situation, covenanted, begged and prayed by God’s chosen people.

And I will make you fishers of men (with personal touch of God)

God should constantly be our mentor to turn these promises into a reality.

Purpose

After the purpose comes the promise.  The great work of God in man takes place after the service with dedication and compassion.

God promises to bless us if we meet with Him daily. 

Proverbs 8:34 Happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.

True measurement of holiness can be linked with frequent soaking in the Liturgy.

Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word must pay for it, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

God blesses so that we can be a blessing for others (Ezekiel 34:26). 

God promises to bless our life if we study and do His word.

Psalm 1:1-3 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.

Malachi 3:10 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!

Also similar when applied in community development, ministerial affairs could toughly be accomplished because of hearts that withhold generosity through tithing.

The same when appropriated at home, parents basically endure even bigger burden compared to the times when their children are still dependent because of the siblings who are already professionals and earning but do not share on household financial responsibilities.

Do not do anything which you can’t offer to God. - St. John Vianney