The choice of Bibles at this facility are either the King James or the Good News Bible.
The Good News Bible
This Bible differs from a Catholic Bible which has deuterocanonical books like 1 and 2 Esdras. It falls in the category of the Greek Orthodox Bible and is an extension of the Book of Ezra. I use this Bible because it does include all the Catholic books that Martin Luther and the Protestant reformers removed. Both Mario and I were intrigued by 2 Esdra. This book concentrates on eschatology. It was definitely an interesting read.
The Book of Acts
Biola University was my first encounter with the Book of Acts. I had left the Catholic Church for a season (about 15 years). One of my classes was based on reading and interpreting The Book of Acts. I had no idea who these Bible characters were and the entire Book of Acts was one of my biggest challenges. Through the grace of God, I finally began to understand this book’s full meaning. Today this is one of my favorite books in the New Testament.
Third Week of Easter
We are in the third week of Easter. We Catholics celebrate Easter until Pentecost, which will fall on June 8th this year. During this time part of the readings are from the Book of Acts. In Acts 5:34-42 Gamaliel, who is a Pharisee and a leading authority in the Sanhedrin, speaks to the other members and warns them:
Acts 5:36 New American Standard Bible
36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
Gamaliel also mentioned another example of a failed uprising. But when Gamaliel spoke these profound words it changed the destiny of the Apostles.
Acts 5:39 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
39 But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.
Black Lives Matter
I told Mario that this is exactly what happened to Black Lives Matter, because of its corrupt leaders, it was not of God. And just as Gamaliel said it came of nothing. I whispered this to Mario because we were surrounded by many black men, and in no way was he going to disrespect them.
According to an article in the New York Post, May 28, 2023, of the $90 million in donations, only 30% actually helped charitable foundations. Remember all the crazy snowflakes that gave millions of dollars to this organization? How corporate American rallied for this debunked movement? Praise the Lord that the truth will always be revealed and that nothing will be left unturned.
The Word of God is real and powerful, not to be taken lightly. After much studying, being properly catechized with revelations from God, I can finally say I understand this book.
Philippians
We moved on to Philippians, a great example of what one can accomplish while in prison. The apostle Paul wrote this letter to encourage his friends and to continue to spread the Gospel. Imagine that, having the joy of the Lord while in prison. The more I visit Mario, I can see that truly he wants to become the man God created him to be. I see joy on his face, and he loves to study the Bible. Philippians captures the true essence of Christianity in the sense of community.
Philippians 1:27 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
27 Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear news of you, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind struggling together for the faith of the gospel,
St. Paul continues to encourage them by telling them:
Philippians 2:14 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 Do everything without grumbling or questioning
The first thing I do when I wake up is to thank the Lord for another day, but it’s always followed by grumbling about my aches and pains. Mike constantly reminds me, “One day you will wake up and not complain.”
Mario’s Goals
July 15, 2025, is the release date given, so that means that soon Mario will be a free man. He has goals and wants nothing more than to become a productive member of society. I wrote down his goals and tucked them in my back pocket. I didn’t want to cause an uproar by smuggling something out of the facility.
The first thing Mario wants to do is get a job. The second thing on his list is to get his driver’s license. This falls second because he needs to complete DUI classes to get this in order. This matter has been hanging over him for years. He wants to find a good church. Mario wants to complete his AA degree; he lacks only two classes. And he wants to spend time with his family. I am asking, if you read my Blog, please add Mario to your prayers. Pray that God will grant him the desires of his heart.
Our family, Will was working
Early Mother’s Day Celebration
We celebrated Mother’s Day a week early because Mikos and Jenny will be out of town. My family always asks me, “What do you want for Mother’s Day?” My favorite gift is getting together with a shared meal with my family. I praise the Good Lord that most of the time we all get along. This time was extra special because Maddie was home from college. I love my family!
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the work You are doing in Mario’s life. Give Mario special graces to succeed after his release. Help him to find a good-paying job so that he can support himself. Surround him with godly friends, and help him find a church filled with Your Holy Spirit. Jesus, guide his steps and allow him to live without being judged because of his prison background. Amen.
